Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The Mega Millions jackpot has reached an astonishing $650 million, creating excitement among lottery players in Columbia, South Carolina. Players need to purchase tickets by 10 p.m. for the drawing at 11 p.m. Many are hoping to beat the odds of 1 in 290,472,336 to claim the life-changing prize. Additionally, a successful night in small prizes saw over 20,000 winners in South Carolina, with a total prize pool exceeding $8.5 million. The anticipation builds as players ready themselves for a chance at the incredible jackpot.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an impressive $650 million, making it one of the largest prizes in recent history. Players eager to try their luck will need to purchase tickets by 10 p.m. tonight for the next drawing, set for 11 p.m. The winning numbers from Friday’s drawing were 02-18-27-34-59, with a Mega Ball of 18. Many gamblers are hoping to defy the odds, which are currently set at 1 in 290,472,336 for winning the jackpot.
In the previous Mega Millions draw, over 20,000 players in South Carolina won smaller prizes, contributing to a nationwide tally of over $8.5 million in total prizes awarded. As many residents of Columbia and the surrounding areas prepare for the upcoming drawing, anticipation is high for players eyeing the life-changing jackpot.
In addition to Mega Millions, other lottery games also announced results recently. The Pick 3 Midday results were 6-2-5 with a Fireball of 0. For the Evening draw, the numbers were 3-3-4 with a Fireball of 5. The Pick 4 game saw Midday results of 5-8-9-0, also with a Fireball of 0, while the Evening numbers were 4-4-5-6 with a Fireball of 5. The Cash Pop results included 13 for the Midday and 14 for the Evening. Additionally, the Palmetto Cash 5 winners had numbers 04-20-30-35-37.
For residents who believe they may have won a prize, the claiming process varies based on the amount won. Prizes up to $500 can be claimed at any authorized retailer with a signed ticket. For amounts between $501 and $100,000, winners must mail their signed ticket along with a completed claim form and photo ID to the Claims Center. If a prize exceeds $100,000, the winner is required to make their claim in person at Lottery Headquarters in Columbia, carrying necessary documents including a signed ticket, claim form, photo ID, and Social Security card. An Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option is available for direct deposits for large winnings.
The claim deadline for all prizes is 180 days from the draw date, urging winners to act quickly. Local retailers are also benefitting from the lottery excitement; J and S Food Mart in Columbia notably received a $10,000 commission for selling a Million Dollar Mania winning ticket valued at $1 million. Another interesting case involved a player who won $303,000 in a Palmetto Cash 5 drawing due to a clerk’s error, which granted her a quick pick ticket, prompting her to change her usual numbers.
As the clock ticks down to tonight’s drawing, lottery enthusiasts in South Carolina are gearing up for what could potentially change their fortunes. The sheer volume of players engaged highlights the lottery’s ongoing popularity, making any win, big or small, a cause for celebration across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Lottery Reveals Latest Winning Numbers
South Carolina Lottery Draw Results Announced
Latest Mega Millions Results Announced
South Carolina Lottery Reports Multiple Big Wins
Woodruff Player Wins $2.5 Million in South Carolina Lottery
Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $600 Million
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South Carolina Lottery Delivers Major Wins Across the State
Powerball Players Win Big in South Carolina Lottery Draw
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 Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
