Portal, Ga. hits the $275M Mega Millions lotto

Portal, Ga. man wins $275M Mega Millions jackpot


Portal, Ga. ironworker is the largest single winner in Georgia Lottery history thanks to a lucky combination of his grandchildren's birthdays. Robert Harris, 47, correctly selected the winning numbers in the Feb. 22 Mega Millions drawing and won the $275 million jackpot prize.
Harris claimed his prize at Georgia Lottery headquarters in downtown Atlanta Monday afternoon.

The jackpot amount increased from an advertised $270 million to $275 million as a result of strong sales. Harris selected the cash option, which is an estimated $167,694,000.

Harris discovered his win Saturday morning when his stepdaughter called to tell him someone in Portal won Mega Millions.

"I sat there and cried for a minute," he shared.

Harris and his wife, Tonya, 55, have two daughters and six grandchildren. The family plans to build a new home. Mr. Harris will buy "a big four-wheel drive like I always wanted." And a Mercedes is in Mrs. Harris' future. They also plan to treat their grandchildren to something special.

"They're going to Disney World," Harris said. "My new RV and I are going to take them."

When asked how it feels to win a $275 million jackpot, Mrs. Harris quipped, "Once I start spending it, I'll let you know!"

The winning numbers for Friday's Mega Millions drawing were: 7-12-13-19-22 and the Mega Ball was 10. Georgia Lottery retailer Clyde's Market, Highway 80 and Metter Road in Portal, sold the winning ticket.