Jumbo Bucks Lotto: End of an era for Georgia Lottery fans

Heads up, Jumbo Bucks Lotto players. The Georgia Lottery is saying goodbye to this classic game. 

The final drawing will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 p.m. ET. Ticket sales will stop at 10:45 p.m. ET on the same day, so don't miss your chance to play before it's too late.

Here's what you need to know:

• Last day for multi-draw tickets: Get your multi-draw tickets by Monday, August 19, 2024. The maximum number of drawings you can purchase on a multi-draw ticket will decrease as the final sale date approaches.
• Winning ticket claim deadline: You have 180 days from the drawing date to claim your prize if you have a winning Jumbo Bucks Lotto ticket.

About Jumbo Bucks Lotto

Jumbo Bucks Lotto was Georgia's own lotto game, offering players a chance to win big with a $1 bet. This classic game was launched in 2015. It featured two drawings per week, every Monday and Thursday at 11:00 p.m. ET. 

The excitement grew with each drawing as the jackpot started at a tempting $1 million and continued to climb until a lucky winner claimed the prize. For an extra thrill, players could add the Ca$h Match option for an additional $1. This gave them a shot at instant winnings up to $500, adding another layer of excitement to every ticket.

Claiming a prize

For smaller prizes of $600 or less, you can claim your winnings at any Georgia Lottery retailer.

However, keep in mind that some retailers might have limited cash on hand for larger payouts.

If your prize exceeds $600, you'll need to visit a Georgia Lottery claim center or mail in your claim. Claim centers are located at the lottery headquarters, district offices, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. To streamline the process, consider scheduling an appointment online.

Remember to bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number when claiming your prize. These documents are essential for verifying your identity.

Where does the money go?

The Georgia Lottery was established in 1992 with a singular purpose: to enhance education funding within the state. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of Georgia's educational landscape.

Proceeds from lottery ticket sales are dedicated to supporting several key initiatives. These include the HOPE scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to eligible Georgia college students, and the Georgia Pre-K program, ensuring early childhood education for four-year-olds. Additionally, lottery funds have been instrumental in financing technology upgrades and improvements for schools across the state.

The Georgia Lottery offers a variety of instant-win and draw games, including Mega Millions and Powerball.