Columbia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A Midlands woman celebrated a life-changing moment after winning a $1 million jackpot from a scratch-off ticket. Initially uncertain about her purchase at J and S Food Mart, she returned to buy a second ticket that turned out to be the grand prize winner. She plans to use the winnings to become debt-free and save for future needs. This win highlights the impact of local lottery games and the excitement surrounding substantial payouts in South Carolina.
Columbia – A Midlands woman recently achieved a life-changing milestone after winning a $1 million jackpot from a scratch-off lottery ticket. The incident took place at J and S Food Mart located on Forest Drive, where the woman grappled with a decision that ultimately led to her newfound wealth.
The woman initially intended to buy two scratch-off tickets for the Million Dollar Mania game, but at the last moment, she opted to put one back. After returning home and checking the ticket she purchased, she discovered it was not a winner. Overcome with regret for leaving the other ticket behind, she decided to return to the food mart, where she ultimately bought the second ticket.
That decision proved fortuitous, as the ticket, which cost $10, turned out to be the game’s grand prize winner, bringing her a whopping $1 million. To ensure she wasn’t misreading the ticket, the woman put on her glasses to confirm her extraordinary win.
This victory comes despite substantial odds of 1 in 1,530,000 in the Million Dollar Mania game, underscoring the rarity of such substantial wins. South Carolina is one of the 11 states that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous, providing the woman with the option to keep her identity private.
In light of her newfound fortune, the woman plans to use the winnings to become debt-free, with intentions to save the remainder for future needs. Before this win, many in South Carolina were already buzzing about recent major lottery results, including substantial payouts from Powerball and Mega Millions draws.
As a result of selling the winning ticket, J and S Food Mart will receive a commission of $10,000. This win highlights the local lottery’s potential for transforming lives and boosting community business, as retailers benefit from selling winning tickets.
Despite this substantial win, it should be noted that two of the four top prizes in the Million Dollar Mania game are still unclaimed, leaving the possibility for more fortunate players in the state. South Carolina’s lottery system has contributed to excitement and hope among players, providing an opportunity for life-altering financial change.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the lottery and the chance factor involved. It reveals how a simple decision at a local store can lead to unprecedented outcomes, showcasing the thrill of scratch-off games and the anticipation that accompanies the lottery experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Resident Wins $1 Million Lottery Prize
Irmo Celebrates Local Lottery Winner
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Lottery Results
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Live 5 News: Multiple Winning Lottery Tickets Sold in SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lucky Number
- WIS TV: 100K Powerball Ticket Sold in Columbia
- Google Search: South Carolina Lottery
- ABC Columbia: Big Lottery Winners in SC
- Google News: South Carolina Lottery News
- The State: South Carolina Lottery Winners Report
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.
