Title: Mega Millions Jackpot Won as Grand Prize Approached $1 Billion - A Look at the Significance of This Winning Ticket
The Mega Millions jackpot has been won by a lucky ticket holder in Georgia, with an estimated value of $980 million. The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57 and for the gold Mega Ball, it was 7. This win marks the eighth largest jackpot in the history of this lottery game.
The grand prize had been steadily growing since no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Tuesday night. The jackpot reached an estimated $980 million ahead of Friday's drawing, making it one of the most significant wins to date. It is also worth mentioning that the cash value of this win can be offered as a lump sum payment or an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments with an estimated value of $452.2 million.
This marks the 40th drawing in this run since it was last won on June 27, breaking previous records for consecutive draws without a winner. The odds of winning such a massive jackpot are incredibly low at 1 in 290,472,336 according to Mega Millions officials.
Mega Millions is played across 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S Virgin Islands with tickets costing $5 for one play. The largest jackpot prize ever won was a staggering $1.6 billion on August 8th, 2023. This recent win adds to the excitement surrounding this popular lottery game and highlights its potential life-changing impact on winners like those in Georgia who have claimed their share of fortune.
In conclusion, the winning ticket for the Mega Millions jackpot is not only a testament to luck but also serves as an inspiration for others dreaming big. The significance of this win lies not just in its monetary value but also in the hope it brings to millions who participate in these lotteries every day, believing that they too could be the next lucky winner.
Source: [Original Article](https://abcnews.go.com/US/mega-millions-jackpot-nears-1-billion-ahead-friday/story?id=127518523) #mega
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