Columbia, SC, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A woman from Columbia has become a $1 million lottery winner after reconsidering her ticket selection. Originally hesitant, she later purchased a second scratch-off ticket, which revealed the grand prize. This remarkable decision highlights the unpredictability of lottery games and the importance of second chances.
Columbia Woman Wins $1 Million Lottery Jackpot After Doubting Her Ticket Decision
Columbia, SC — A woman from Columbia has become the latest big winner in South Carolina’s lottery game, after a series of decisions that led to winning a $1 million prize. Her story highlights how a moment of hesitation turned into a life-changing event.
Initial Purchase and Regret
The incident occurred at J and S Food Mart on Forest Drive, where the woman was choosing her lottery tickets. She initially planned to buy two scratch-off tickets. However, after selecting the first one, she decided to put the second ticket back on the counter, feeling unsure about her choice.
Discovery of the Winning Ticket
{The woman} later discovered that her first ticket was not a winner. Noticing her mistake and feeling regretful, she decided to revisit the store to purchase the second ticket she had initially left behind. This decision proved to be a game-changer.
The Big Win
The second ticket was a $10 scratch-off ticket in the Million Dollar Mania game. When she scratched the ticket, she uncovered the game’s grand prize of $1 million. To ensure she wasn’t misreading the ticket, she put on her glasses and double-checked her numbers, confirming her luck.
Odds and Significance
The odds of winning the Million Dollar Mania game’s top prize are approximately 1,530,000-to-1, making her win extraordinarily rare and remarkable. Despite these odds, her persistence led to the top prize.
Privacy and Future Plans
South Carolina permits lottery winners to remain anonymous, and the woman has chosen to keep her identity confidential. She has expressed intentions to use her winnings to clear debts and save the rest for future needs, emphasizing responsible financial planning.
Additional Context and Remaining Prizes
While her prize is monumental, there are still two of the four top prizes remaining unclaimed in the Million Dollar Mania game, indicating opportunities for other players. The store that sold the winning ticket received a commission of $10,000 for its role in the win.
Recent Lottery Activity in South Carolina
The story of this Columbia woman adds to a pattern of recent lottery successes across South Carolina, including large jackpots in Powerball and Mega Millions. Such wins continue to capture public interest and showcase the unpredictability of lottery games.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates how a small decision — choosing to return for a second ticket — resulted in a life-changing amount of money. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement inherent in lottery play.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Timmonsville Resident Close to Winning Nearly $500 Million Powerball Jackpot
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 HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. 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, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
