Columbia, South Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Powerball lottery jackpot has soared to an estimated $1.8 billion ahead of the upcoming drawing. This marks the second-largest jackpot in U.S. history, with over 118,000 South Carolina players winning smaller prizes recently. Local excitement grows as retailers prepare for more ticket sales.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Powerball lottery jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.8 billion ahead of the drawing scheduled for September 6. This figure represents the second-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history, with the prior jackpot winner going without a grand prize since May 31, marking an unprecedented 41 consecutive drawings without a winner.
As excitement builds surrounding the massive jackpot, which offers a cash option of approximately $826.4 million, players across South Carolina are also celebrating smaller victories. In the latest drawing on September 3, more than 118,000 players from the state claimed cash prizes that ranged from $4 to $50,000.
Among those winners, three individuals matched several numbers to each secure $50,000 prizes. One winning ticket was purchased at Publix Super Market on Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill, another at A Plus on Red Bank Road in Goose Creek, and the third ticket was acquired with the Double Play option at Circle K on South Church Street in Greenville. These wins have encouraged many locals to try their luck in hopes of becoming the next jackpot winner.
Powerball tickets are sold for $2 each and must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. on the day of the drawing. A significant change in state regulations now allows retailers across South Carolina to accept debit cards for lottery purchases, expanding options for hopeful players.
Winning the Jackpot
To win the Powerball jackpot, players must match all five white ball numbers along with the red Powerball number—a feat with extremely low odds, estimated at 1 in 293 million. While the jackpot has drawn much attention, lottery officials have emphasized the need for responsible play, advising players to verify their tickets thoroughly and to keep expectations realistic.
The Impact of Lottery in South Carolina
Since its inception over 23 years ago, the South Carolina Education Lottery has disbursed an impressive $22 billion in prize money. The lottery has also provided $2 billion in commissions to stores that sell lottery tickets, contributing to local economies. Additionally, last year, approximately 140,000 students benefited from scholarships funded through lottery proceeds, showcasing the positive effects of lottery revenue on education within the state.
Advising Winners
Lottery officials remind participants that winning comes with financial responsibilities, highlighting the importance of caution. A local financial advisor has advised potential winners to brace for numerous financial requests and to be discerning in selecting trustworthy financial guidance post-win.
Community Excitement
The increasing jackpot has ignited excitement in the community. Residents express hope and dreams of what winning could mean for their lives, with many vowing to take a chance on the substantial prize at stake. The anticipation surrounding the drawing continues to inspire both optimism and excitement among lottery players across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Powerball Jackpot Soars to Nearly $1.8 Billion
Three Players in North Carolina Win $100,000 in Powerball
Fort Mill Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball Lottery
Three Arrested in Dorchester County for Lottery Fraud
South Carolina Powerball Player Wins $150,000 Prize
Myrtle Beach Celebrates $50,000 Powerball Winner
Myrtle Beach Celebrates $50,000 Powerball Win
Columbia-Area Ticket Wins $100,000 Prize in Powerball!
Powerball Winner in Gaffney, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market Sees Revitalization in 2024
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 MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
