Powerball lottery player in southern state hits $478 million jackpot

A lottery player in Georgia had a lucky day Wednesday after a Powerball ticket he purchased won him a $478.2 million jackpot in the evening's drawing.

According to the Georgia Lottery, the winner purchased his ticket in Burford. The winning numbers were 2, 15, 27, 29 and 39. The red Powerball was 20.

According to Powerball, the winner can claim their jackpot either as a pension of $478.2 million or as a lump sum payment of $230.6 million before taxes.

According to Powerball, the winner can claim their jackpot either as a pension of $478.2 million or as a lump sum payment of $230.6 million before taxes. (CatLane/iStock)

In Georgia, people who win more than $250,000 can keep their identity secret when claiming a lottery prize. The deadline for claiming Wednesday's jackpot winner is 180 days.

The $478.2 million top prize was the third largest Powerball has seen so far this year.

Before Wednesday night's win, the jackpot had been growing since August.

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The $478.2 million top prize was the third largest Powerball has seen so far this year. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

More than 616,100 other tickets also won smaller prizes in Wednesday's raffle.

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According to Powerball, two people — one in Pennsylvania and one in Texas — won $1 million in prizes with tickets they purchased in those states.

More than 616,100 other tickets also won smaller prizes in Wednesday's raffle. (iStock / iStock)

The next Powerball drawing will take place on October 26th.

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Meanwhile, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $229 million on Tuesday night after the drawing failed to produce a grand prize winner.

The last time Mega Millions had a jackpot winner was in mid-September.