Lucky Winner Claims Nearly $1 Billion in Mega Millions Lottery

A lucky winner in Georgia, USA, has claimed $980 million in the Mega Millions lottery drawing on Friday. This was the 40th drawing in a row without a winner since the last win on June 27.

The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with the gold Mega Ball 7. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290.5 million.

The winnings can be paid out either as a lump sum of $452.2 million before taxes or in annual installments. Following the large sum, organizations are warning about the risks of gambling addiction.

There have been four Mega Millions lottery winners this year. In September, two Powerball players won nearly $1.8 billion.

Tickets cost $5 and are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as behavior that harms the individual or their family.