Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $650 Million in South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025

News Summary

As South Carolinians gear up for the Mega Millions drawing with a record jackpot of $650 million, excitement fills the air. Players have until 10 p.m. to purchase tickets, with strong participation being noted in recent draws. In the last drawing, over 20,000 local players won smaller prizes. With the odds of winning the jackpot at 1 in 290 million, many are still hoping for a lucky break.

Columbia, South Carolina – The Mega Millions lottery is capturing the attention of South Carolinians as the jackpot soars to an impressive $650 million. The drawing is scheduled for tonight at 11 p.m., and players have until 10 p.m. to purchase their $5 tickets. This landmark jackpot comes with odds of winning set at 1 in 290,472,336.

In the previous drawing, over 20,000 South Carolina players were among the more than $8.5 million in total prizes awarded nationwide, showcasing that while winning the jackpot is extremely rare, many players are still taking home smaller prizes.

Recent Lottery Results

The midday drawing results for the Pick 3 lottery show winning numbers of 6-2-5 with a Fireball of 0. Evening results indicated 3-3-4 for the Pick 3, coupled with a Fireball of 5. For the Pick 4 midday, the numbers were 5-8-9-0, matching a Fireball of 0, while the evening revealed numbers 4-4-5-6 along with a Fireball of 5.

In addition, the midday Cash Pop result was 13, followed by the evening number 14. Lastly, the winning numbers for the Palmetto Cash 5 were 04-20-30-35-37.

Claiming Lottery Prizes

$500 can be redeemed at any authorized retailer with a signed ticket. For prizes that range from $501 to $100,000, players need to mail their signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a photo ID to the respective Claims Center. Claims that exceed $100,000 must be made in person at Lottery Headquarters located in Columbia.

For large winnings, essential documents include a signed ticket, a claim form, a photo ID, and a Social Security card. To offer additional convenience, a direct deposit option via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is also available for substantial prize winners. All claims must be submitted within 180 days from the draw date.

Notable Winners

J and S Food Mart in Columbia was awarded a commission of $10,000 for selling a winning ticket in the Million Dollar Mania, valued at $1 million. Furthermore, there was a notable story where a player changed her usual purchasing routine and won $303,000 in a Palmetto Cash 5 drawing, courtesy of a quick pick ticket provided by a clerk’s error.

With dreams of winning big in the air, South Carolinians are reminded of the importance of responsible gaming should they choose to participate in tonight’s drawing.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia Player Wins $1 Million in Lottery
South Carolina Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
Mega Millions Draw Results Show High Payouts in South Carolina
Columbia Player Wins Million Dollar Mania Jackpot
Woodruff Winner Claims $2.5 Million in SC Lottery
Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $600 Million
South Carolina Players Claim Lottery Wins
Columbia Player Wins $100,000 in Powerball Drawing
South Carolina Education Lottery Unveils Latest Draw Results

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 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.