Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $980 Million with Winning Ticket in Georgia

A winning ticket for the Mega Millions jackpot, totaling an estimated $980 million, was sold in Georgia, leaving players in Southern California disappointed. This substantial jackpot ranks as the 14th-largest in U.S. history, according to the Mega Millions Consortium. The winning numbers drawn on March 15, 2024, were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the Mega Ball numbered 7.

This latest drawing marks the 40th since a ticket last matched all six numbers. Players can choose between receiving the full $980 million in 30 graduated annual payments or a lump-sum payout of $452.2 million, both options subject to federal taxes.

In addition to the Georgia winner, a ticket sold in Michigan matched five numbers but did not hit the Mega Ball, earning its holder $3 million. The odds of matching all five numbers plus the Mega Ball are 1 in 290,472,336, while the overall chance of winning any prize in the game is 1 in 23.

This jackpot is significant in the context of the Mega Millions game, which was launched in 1996 as The Big Game and rebranded as Mega Millions in 2002. It now operates across 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Multi-State Lottery Association has noted that six Powerball jackpots have surpassed this total, but it remains an impressive milestone for Mega Millions.

Looking ahead, the next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for March 19, 2024, with a jackpot of $50 million. The excitement surrounding these games continues to captivate players across the country, as they hope to replicate the life-changing success of the recent Georgia winner.