Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Education Lottery revealed that the Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $650 million. The winning numbers for the last draw were 02-18-27-34-59, with a Mega Ball of 18. Players are urged to purchase tickets before the upcoming draw at 11 p.m. tonight. With millions awarded in prizes nationwide, excitement is building as the next drawing approaches.
Columbia, South Carolina — October 21, 2025
The South Carolina Education Lottery announced the results of the latest draw and details about the approaching Mega Millions jackpot, jackpots, and prize claiming procedures. The Mega Millions drawing held Friday night produced a jackpot of $650 million, making it one of the largest in recent history. The winning numbers for the draw were 02-18-27-34-59, with the Mega Ball number being 18. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for tonight at 11 p.m.. Players must purchase tickets before 10 p.m. to be eligible for the upcoming jackpot.
Details of the Draw and Odds
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain extremely low, at approximately 1 in 290,472,336. Despite this, the lottery reported over $8.5 million in prizes awarded nationwide in Friday’s drawing, indicating widespread participation among players. The significant jackpot has attracted considerable interest, with many hoping to hit the big prize.
Recent Lottery Wins in South Carolina
In the previous draw, South Carolina players claimed over 20,000 prizes, demonstrating active engagement in various lottery games across the state. Notable among these were daily games such as Pick 3, Pick 4, and Cash Pop, along with the Palmetto Cash 5 game.
Results of Other Lottery Games
For midday and evening plays, the following results were recorded:
- Pick 3 Midday: 6-2-5, Fireball: 0
- Pick 3 Evening: 3-3-4, Fireball: 5
- Pick 4 Midday: 5-8-9-0, Fireball: 0
- Pick 4 Evening: 4-4-5-6, Fireball: 5
- Cash Pop Midday: 13
- Cash Pop Evening: 14
The Palmetto Cash 5 game results featured the numbers 04-20-30-35-37.
Claiming Prizes and Procedures
Those claiming lottery prizes in South Carolina should follow specific procedures depending on the prize amount:
- For prizes up to $500: winners can redeem their winnings at any authorized retail location by signing the ticket.
- For prizes between $501 and $100,000: winners must mail the signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a valid photo ID to the Lottery Claims Center.
- For winnings exceeding $100,000: claims must be submitted in person at the Lottery Headquarters located in Columbia. Winners need to bring the signed ticket, claim form, photo ID, and their Social Security card.
The lottery offers an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option for direct deposit of large winnings, facilitating quicker and more secure payment processing.
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date to be valid.
Notable Recent Wins and Retailer Bonuses
A retail location in Columbia, J and S Food Mart, received a $10,000 commission after selling a $1 million winning ticket for the Million Dollar Mania game. Additionally, a South Carolina player experienced an unusual win after a clerk’s error provided her with a quick pick ticket, resulting in a $303,000 jackpot in the Palmetto Cash 5 game. This case highlights how routine transactions sometimes lead to unexpected wins.
Important Dates and Final Notes
Players are advised that the deadline to claim winnings is 180 days from the date of the drawing. For larger prizes, claiming in person ensures proper processing and documentation, including necessary identification and claim forms. The South Carolina Education Lottery continues to emphasize responsible gaming and transparent prize distribution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Resident Wins $1 Million in Lottery
Local Player Wins Big in South Carolina Education Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Latest Draw Results
Significant Winnings From Latest Mega Millions Drawing
Columbia Player Wins $1 Million in Lottery
Major Wins Announced for South Carolina Lottery
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $600 Million
Woodruff Lottery Winner Claims Multi-Million Dollar Prize
South Carolina Lottery Results Highlight Big Wins
Asheville Resident Claims $120,000 Lottery Jackpot
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Lottery Results
- WLTX: Mega Millions Jackpot
- WIS TV: Midlands Winner Takes Home $1 Million
- UPI: South Carolina Education Lottery Clerk Mistake
- Live 5 News: Multiple Winning Lottery Tickets Sold
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: South Carolina Lottery
- Google Scholar: Lottery Jackpots
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- Google News: South Carolina Lottery
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