In a thrilling culmination to one of the most anticipated Powerball runs in recent memory, the massive $1.8 billion jackpot has finally been claimed—by two lucky winners from Texas and Missouri. But Georgia didn’t walk away empty-handed. Four fortunate players in Georgia won $100,000 each by matching four white-ball numbers plus the Powerball, with the PowerPlay option activated.
Jackpot Claimed, Georgia Still Wins Big
The Powerball $1.8 billion jackpot marked one of the largest prizes in the game’s history. Though Georgia didn’t produce a jackpot winner, it did yield four winners of $100,000 each, thanks to smart number selections and the use of PowerPlay.
Key Details:
- Jackpot Winners: 2 (from Texas and Missouri)
- Georgia’s Winners: 4 players won $100,000 each
- Winning Numbers: 11, 23, 44, 61, 62 and Powerball 17
- PowerPlay Multiplier: 2x (which doubled the standard $50,000 prize)
These Georgia players matched four white balls plus the Powerball, and by selecting the PowerPlay option (an extra $1), their winnings were doubled from $50,000 to $100,000.
How Georgia Players Won $100K Each
Powerball offers several prize tiers aside from the jackpot. These four Georgia players won by:
- Matching 4 white-ball numbers
- Matching the Powerball
- Using the PowerPlay option, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings
Without PowerPlay, each would have taken home $50,000. But thanks to the PowerPlay multiplier of 2x, their winnings jumped to $100,000 each.
It’s a shining example of why selecting the PowerPlay option can significantly increase potential returns, especially for secondary prize tiers.
Powerball Prize Breakdown
Here’s a simplified table showing how Powerball prizes work, including the impact of PowerPlay:
| Match Combination | Base Prize | With PowerPlay (2x) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 numbers + Powerball | Jackpot | Jackpot |
| 5 numbers | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| 4 numbers + Powerball | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| 4 numbers | $100 | $200 |
| 3 numbers + Powerball | $100 | $200 |
| 3 numbers | $7 | $14 |
| 2 numbers + Powerball | $7 | $14 |
| 1 number + Powerball | $4 | $8 |
| Powerball only | $4 | $8 |
Note: PowerPlay multiplies all non-jackpot prizes by the drawn multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x, depending on the draw and whether the jackpot is below $150 million).
Claiming Lottery Prizes in Georgia
Winners in Georgia have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. If the prize isn’t claimed within that period, it is forfeited and redirected toward Georgia’s educational funding.
Claim Options:
- Prizes under $600 can be claimed at any lottery retailer.
- Prizes $600 and above must be claimed at a Georgia Lottery District Office or mailed in.
- Major wins (like $100,000 or more) are typically claimed in person and may require ID, tax forms, and additional documentation.
Georgia Lottery and Education
The Georgia Lottery doesn’t just benefit individual winners. A portion of the proceeds goes toward educational programs, including:
- HOPE Scholarship
- Pre-K programs
- Technical college grants
Every ticket sold contributes to state-funded education initiatives. So even if you don’t win, your play supports learning across Georgia.
PowerPlay: The Game-Changer
PowerPlay is an optional $1 add-on feature that significantly boosts non-jackpot winnings. In the recent drawing, the 2x multiplier turned $50,000 into $100,000 for four Georgia players.
Why PowerPlay Matters:
- Transforms mid-tier wins into life-changing sums
- Adds more excitement to the game
- Offers better value for secondary winners
In high-jackpot drawings, the PowerPlay option becomes even more strategic. While it doesn’t apply to the jackpot itself, the next few tiers see dramatic increases in winnings.
Historical Powerball Wins in Georgia
Georgia has had a number of major lottery wins over the years. While this drawing didn’t produce a jackpot winner from the state, it’s not the first time Georgians have won big:
Notable Past Wins:
- A $478 million Powerball jackpot was claimed in Georgia in late 2024.
- In early 2025, a player from Marietta won $150,000 by matching four white balls and a 3x PowerPlay.
- Several $50K and $100K winners have been recorded monthly across cities like Savannah, Macon, and Augusta.
Georgia remains one of the top states for Powerball activity, due in part to strong participation and accessibility through both physical and online ticket sales.
The Odds of Winning
Understanding the odds helps set realistic expectations and encourages responsible play. Here’s a table showing the odds of winning in each prize tier:
| Prize Tier | Match Requirements | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot | 5 numbers + Powerball | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| $1,000,000 | 5 numbers | 1 in 11,688,053 |
| $50,000 (before PowerPlay) | 4 numbers + Powerball | 1 in 913,129 |
| $100 | 4 numbers | 1 in 36,525 |
| $100 | 3 numbers + Powerball | 1 in 14,494 |
| $7 | 3 numbers | 1 in 579 |
| $7 | 2 numbers + Powerball | 1 in 701 |
| $4 | 1 number + Powerball | 1 in 92 |
| $4 | Powerball only | 1 in 38 |
| Any prize | — | 1 in 24.9 |
Even though the odds of winning the jackpot are slim, millions of players win smaller prizes every week—like the four $100K winners in Georgia.
Georgia’s Powerball Winners: What They Can Expect
Taxes:
- Federal Tax: Winnings over $5,000 are subject to a 24% federal withholding tax.
- State Tax: Georgia withholds 5.75% for state income taxes.
Example:
- Gross Winnings: $100,000
- Federal Withholding: $24,000
- State Withholding: $5,750
- Estimated Take-Home: Around $70,250
Privacy:
Georgia does not offer complete anonymity for winners. Major prize winners may have their name and city released to the public.
Responsible Gaming and Lottery Awareness
While winning is exciting, Georgia Lottery continues to advocate for responsible gaming:
- Set a budget before you play
- Don’t chase losses
- Remember: The lottery is a game of chance
If playing the lottery is no longer fun, or if it becomes a problem, there are local resources available to help. Georgia encourages safe and informed participation.
Recent Drawing Recap
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing Date | Saturday, September 6 |
| Jackpot Amount | $1.8 billion (won in TX & MO) |
| Georgia Winners | 4 players @ $100,000 each |
| Winning Numbers | 11, 23, 44, 61, 62 + PB 17 |
| PowerPlay Multiplier | 2x |
| Other GA Wins | Multiple $50K and $100K winners |
| Claim Deadline | 180 days from drawing date |
Summary and Outlook
The Powerball jackpot may have been claimed out of state, but for Georgia, the story is far from disappointing. With four residents taking home $100,000 each, the Peach State once again proves that secondary prizes are well worth the investment—especially when paired with the PowerPlay option.
Takeaways:
- Always consider PowerPlay—it’s a $1 decision that can double your winnings.
- Claim your prize within 180 days.
- Even if the jackpot eludes you, substantial prizes are still available.
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Final Thoughts
While the spotlight may have shone brightest on the billion-dollar winners in Missouri and Texas, Georgia quietly celebrated four significant victories. With smart play, persistence, and just a bit of luck, Powerball players in Georgia turned hopeful tickets into $100,000 paydays.
In the world of lottery games, that’s a win worth celebrating.
