A New Chapter in Georgia’s Lottery Legacy
In an unforgettable moment for Georgia’s lottery enthusiasts, a single ticket purchased at the Quick Mart on Buford Dam Road in Buford claimed the massive $478.2 million Powerball jackpot. This extraordinary win marks the largest jackpot in Georgia’s history, eclipsing previous state records and positioning the winner among the nation’s major Powerball champions.
The victorious Quick Pick ticket had the winning numbers 2, 15, 27, 29, and 39, with the Powerball number 20. The Power Play multiplier for the night was 2, doubling select non-jackpot prizes for other lucky players across the country.
A Win for Education in Georgia
The Georgia Lottery President and CEO, Gretchen Corbin, expressed pride in the win, highlighting that each Powerball ticket purchase also supports the state’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs. Every ticket sold is a small investment toward educational opportunities across the Peach State.
As a special bonus, Quick Mart, the store that sold the winning ticket, will receive a $50,000 retailer incentive from the Georgia Lottery—a win-win for both the store and its new lucky customer.
Claiming the Prize: Options and Tax Implications
The fortunate winner now faces an exciting decision: claim the full $478.2 million as an annuity over 29 years or take a lump sum cash payout of $230.6 million.
If the annuity option is selected, the winner will receive an immediate payment followed by annual installments. After federal and state taxes, the annuity would amount to $276.27 million over time, while the cash option would net around $132.66 million after taxes, according to estimates by USA Mega’s Jackpot Analysis.
Georgia’s lottery laws allow winners to remain anonymous, a choice many might consider given the life-changing nature of the prize. Winners have up to 180 days from the draw date to claim their winnings, providing ample time to consult with financial advisors and ensure their newfound wealth is wisely managed.
Other Big Winners and Powerball’s Exciting Extras
This Georgia win wasn’t the only high point from last night’s Powerball draw. In Pennsylvania and Texas, two lucky ticket holders matched the five white ball numbers, securing $1 million each. Additionally, 13 tickets across the country matched four white ball numbers and the Powerball, winning $50,000 prizes—four of these opted for the Power Play, doubling their winnings to $100,000.
For players eager to add a twist, the Powerball offers the Power Play option, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by the evening’s Power Play number. While this feature isn’t available in California, it has been a popular add-on in other states, allowing for potentially significant multipliers on smaller wins.
Looking Ahead
With the jackpot reset to $20 million for the next draw on Saturday, October 26, Powerball fever will continue as hopeful players purchase tickets and dream big. Powerball draws occur three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—at 10:59 p.m. Eastern, with results posted on the official Powerball site and USA Mega within minutes.
