Columbia, September 8, 2025

News Summary

The Powerball lottery jackpot has reached an estimated $1.8 billion ahead of the upcoming drawing. This record-breaking amount has been building since May and marks an unprecedented 41 consecutive drawings without a winner. Players have until 9:59 p.m. to purchase tickets and the cash payout is estimated at $826.4 million. While many have won smaller prizes, the excitement over the jackpot continues to grow.

Columbia, SC — Powerball Jackpot Reaches $1.8 Billion Ahead of September 6 Drawing

Record-Breaking Jackpot and Lengthy Play Period

The Powerball lottery jackpot in Columbia and across the United States has soared to an estimated $1.8 billion just before the upcoming drawing scheduled for September 6. This amount ranks as the second-largest in U.S. lottery history, underscoring the significant size of this jackpot jackpot.

This record-setting amount has been accumulating since the last jackpot win on May 31, marking an unprecedented 41 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The lengthy period without a grand prize reflects the odds and rarity of hitting the jackpot, which stand at approximately 1 in 293 million.

Cash Value and Ticket Purchase Details

The current estimated cash payout for the jackpot is approximately $826.4 million, offering a substantial one-time sum for any winning ticket. Lottery tickets for Powerball cost $2 each, and players must purchase their tickets by 9:59 p.m. on the day of the drawing to participate.

Increasing convenience for players, South Carolina retailers now accept debit cards for lottery purchases, a change facilitated by recent state budget provisions. This allows more flexible payment options across the state, including locations in Columbia, Fort Mill, Goose Creek, and Greenville.

Recent Smaller Wins and Notable Tickets

While the jackpot remains unclaimed, many players in South Carolina have enjoyed smaller prizes. On September 3, over 118,000 players won cash prizes ranging from as little as $4 up to $50,000. Of these, three players matched some numbers and each secured a \$50,000 prize.

• One ticket was purchased at the Publix Super Market on Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill.
• Another was bought at A Plus on Red Bank Road in Goose Creek.
• The third ticket, which included the Double Play option, was purchased at Circle K on South Church Street in Greenville.

How to Play and Odds of Winning

Players select five white ball numbers and one red Powerball number. To win the jackpot, they must match all six numbers. Despite the sizable jackpots, the odds of winning the grand prize are quite low—around 1 in 293 million—highlighting the rarity of hitting the jackpot.

South Carolina Lottery Impact and Fund Allocation

Since the South Carolina Education Lottery began operating 23 years ago, it has awarded a total of $22 billion in prizes. The lottery also contributes significantly to the state’s education system, with recent reports indicating that 140,000 students received scholarships funded by lottery proceeds last year alone.

Additionally, $2 billion in commissions have been paid to retail stores for ticket sales. These funds not only support education but also help maintain and expand retail partnerships within the state.

Community Reaction and Expert Advice

Local residents such as Loretta Williams express excitement and hope for their chances of winning, viewing the upcoming jackpot as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, financial experts advise players to exercise caution when playing the lottery, emphasizing responsible participation and prudent financial planning for winners.

Financial advisors recommend that lottery winners prepare for potential requests for money from friends and family, and advise trusting only reputable sources with financial decisions post-win.

Conclusion

With the Powerball jackpot now climbing to near-record levels, excitement and anticipation continue to build among players across Columbia and beyond. While the chances of winning remain slim, the large prize continues to motivate many to participate in the game, hoping for a life-changing moment. As the drawing approaches, players are encouraged to check their tickets carefully and play responsibly.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Powerball Jackpot Reaches $1.8 Billion in South Carolina
Three Players Win $100,000 in North Carolina Powerball
South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 Each Ahead of Powerball Jackpot
Three Arrested for Lottery Fraud Amid Record Powerball Jackpot
FedEx Driver Charged with Lottery Ticket Theft in South Carolina
Rock Hill Players Strike Rich with Lottery Wins
South Carolina Powerball Player Wins $150,000 Prize
Unclaimed $180,000 Palmetto Cash 5 Lottery Ticket in SC
Rock Hill Man Wins $180,000 Lottery Jackpot
Rock Hill Celebrates $100,000 Powerball Win

Additional Resources

• WLTX: South Carolina Powerball Players Win $50K Jackpot
• WYFF: Excitement for South Carolina Powerball Jackpot Grows
• Count On 2: Powerball Jackpot Jumps to $1.8 Billion
• Wikipedia: Powerball
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.