Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Players across South Carolina are gearing up for the Mega Millions drawing with a record-high jackpot of $650 million. With over $8.5 million in prizes awarded in the last drawing, excitement is palpable as residents prepare to buy their tickets before the deadline. The odds of winning remain tough, but hopeful participants are eager for a chance at life-changing wealth. Other lottery drawings have also presented winners, but the spotlight is on the Mega Millions as ticket sales surge.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Mega Millions jackpot has reached a staggering $650 million, causing excitement among players ahead of the next drawing scheduled for tonight at 11 p.m. Players interested in participating must purchase their $5 tickets before 10 p.m., making this an enticing opportunity for those hoping to strike it rich.
In the previous drawing, a total of over $8.5 million in prizes was reportedly awarded nationwide, with more than 20,000 winners in South Carolina alone. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290,472,336, highlighting the challenging nature of landing the grand prize.
Lottery Drawing Results
In addition to the Mega Millions, the recent lottery results for various games have been released:
- 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: 13 (Midday), 14 (Evening)
- Palmetto Cash 5: 04-20-30-35-37
Prize Claiming Information
For players who have won prizes, the claiming process varies depending on the amount won. Prizes up to $500 can be redeemed at any authorized retailer with a signed ticket. For prizes between $501 and $100,000, winners must mail their signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a photo ID to the Claims Center. For prizes exceeding $100,000, players need to claim in person at Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. Required documents for high-value claims include a signed ticket, claim form, photo ID, and Social Security card. Additionally, winners may opt for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for direct deposit of larger winnings. It is crucial for winners to note that all claims must be submitted within 180 days from the draw date.
Highlights from Recent Drawings
In other noteworthy lottery news, J and S Food Mart in Columbia recently earned a $10,000 commission for selling a Million Dollar Mania winning ticket worth $1 million. Additionally, one lucky player won $303,000 in a Palmetto Cash 5 drawing after receiving a quick pick ticket due to a clerk’s error, demonstrating that sometimes luck comes from unexpected situations.
Future Drawings
With the next Mega Millions drawing set for tonight, players are eagerly anticipating the chance to participate in what could be a life-changing event. As ticket sales surge, South Carolina residents are reminded of the potential for substantial winnings that accompany participation in these lottery games.
The popularity of such lottery games continues to grow, creating excitement and anticipation in the community. As always, responsible play is encouraged, and players are reminded of the odds against winning the jackpot when they decide to participate.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Player Wins $1 Million in Lottery Drawing
South Carolina Education Lottery Winning Numbers Announced
South Carolina Lottery Results Announced
Mega Millions Winning Numbers Announced in Columbia
Columbia Player Wins $1 Million in Lottery
Woodruff Resident Wins $2.5 Million in SC Lottery
Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $600 Million
Woodruff and Columbia Players Win Big in South Carolina Lottery
Big Wins Announced in South Carolina Lottery Games
South Carolina Lottery Results Reveal Big Winners
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
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.


