Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Players across South Carolina are gearing up for the Mega Millions drawing, which has reached an astounding $650 million. The South Carolina Education Lottery reported winning numbers from the recent drawing and provided details on claiming prizes. A significant number of participants were reported, culminating in over 20,000 winners from various games. This surge in excitement showcases the attraction of lottery games, especially with massive jackpots up for grabs.
Columbia, South Carolina – October 21, 2025
The South Carolina Education Lottery announced the winning numbers and payout details from Friday’s drawing, with excitement building around the upcoming Mega Millions jackpot, now totaling $650 million. The latest results and information on claiming prizes are outlined below.
Major Lottery Results and Jackpot Details
The Mega Millions drawing held on October 20, 2025, produced winning numbers of 02-18-27-34-59, with a Mega Ball of 18. The jackpot for tonight’s drawing has grown significantly to $650 million, making it one of the largest offerings in the country this year. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for 11 p.m. tonight. Players interested in participating must purchase tickets for $5 at authorized retailers before 10 p.m..
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain at approximately 1 in 290,472,336, highlighting the game’s difficulty despite its appealing jackpots. On Friday, nationwide prizes totaling over $8.5 million were awarded across various smaller prize categories.
Lottery Results in South Carolina
In South Carolina, over 20,000 winners were registered in the previous day’s drawing of various games, reflecting widespread participation. Details for other games include:
- 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 Midday: 13
- Cash Pop Evening: 14
- Palmetto Cash 5: 04-20-30-35-37
Prize Claiming Procedures
Players with winnings must follow specific procedures based on their prize amounts:
- Prizes up to $500 can be redeemed at any authorized retailer. Players must sign the ticket and present it at the point of sale or redemption.
- For winnings between $501 and $100,000, winners should mail the signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a photo ID to the Lottery’s Claims Center.
- Winners with prizes exceeding $100,000 are required to claim in person at the South Carolina Lottery Headquarters located in Columbia. Necessary identification includes a signed ticket, claim form, valid photo ID, and Social Security card.
Large prize winners can opt for direct deposit via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). All claim submissions must be made within 180 days from the date of the drawing to ensure eligibility.
Notable Lottery Wins and Retailer Bonuses
A retailer in Columbia, J and S Food Mart, received a $10,000 commission for selling the $1 million winning ticket for the Million Dollar Mania game. Additionally, a player who altered their usual routine and was mistakenly given a quick pick ticket by a clerk ultimately won $303,000 in a Palmetto Cash 5 drawing.
Conclusion
With tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot reaching an extraordinary $650 million, players across South Carolina and the nation are encouraged to participate before the ticket sales cut-off at 10 p.m. The lottery continues to generate significant prizes and incentives for players, with extensive claiming options available for winners of all sizes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Player Wins $1 Million in Columbia Lottery
South Carolina Lottery Results for October 19
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
South Carolina Mega Millions Draw Results Unveiled
Columbia Player Wins Million Dollar Mania Jackpot
Major Lottery Wins Announced in South Carolina
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $600 Million
Woodruff and Columbia Residents Win Big in Lottery
$100,000 Powerball Jackpot Winner Announced
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
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 BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.
