October 22, 2025

South Carolina Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $650 Million

Columbia, South Carolina, October 22, 2025

News Summary

A player won $303,000 in the Palmetto Cash 5 drawing, greatly benefiting from a quick pick ticket. The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an impressive $650 million, displaying high lottery activity throughout the state. With over 20,000 winners in various games, South Carolina continues to showcase its vibrant lottery system.

Columbia, South Carolina — October 21, 2025

The South Carolina Education Lottery announced the results of Friday’s drawing, revealing a record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot and several notable winners across the state. The latest lottery results highlight significant lottery activity and provide details on claiming procedures for various prize levels.

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $650 Million

The Mega Millions game saw a massive jackpot of $650 million for the drawing held on October 21, 2025. The winning numbers were 02-18-27-34-59, with 18 as the Mega Ball. The next drawing is scheduled for 11 p.m. tonight. Players interested in participating must purchase a $5 ticket before 10 p.m. to be eligible for the jackpot drawing. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot remain extremely slim at 1 in 290,472,336.

Over $8.5 million in prizes was awarded nationwide during Friday’s Mega Millions drawing, showcasing the game’s widespread popularity and large individual prizes. Although no jackpot winner was confirmed, several smaller prizes were claimed across the country, with significant activity reported in South Carolina.

South Carolina Lottery Results and Winners

In Friday’s drawing, more than 20,000 South Carolina players matched various winning numbers across different lottery games. These include draw games such as Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, and Palmetto Cash 5, indicating active participation among state residents.

Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing Results

Pick 3 Midday: 6-2-5 with Fireball: 0
Pick 3 Evening: 3-3-4 with Fireball: 5
Pick 4 Midday: 5-8-9-0 with Fireball: 0
Pick 4 Evening: 4-4-5-6 with Fireball: 5

Cash Pop and Palmetto Cash 5

Cash Pop Midday: 13
Cash Pop Evening: 14
Palmetto Cash 5 winning numbers: 04-20-30-35-37

Claiming Prizes in South Carolina

The lottery has laid out clear procedures for claiming winnings:

Prizes up to $500 can be redeemed at any authorized retailer with a signed ticket.
Prizes ranging from $501 to $100,000 must be claimed by mailing the signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a valid photo ID to the Lottery’s Claims Center.
For winnings exceeding $100,000, winners are required to make personal claims at the Lottery Headquarters located in Columbia. The necessary documents include the signed ticket, claim form, valid photo ID, and Social Security card.
The Lottery offers an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option for direct deposit of large winnings, providing a more efficient payout process.

All claims must be made within 180 days from the date of the drawing.

Notable Lottery Wins and Retailer Achievements

The lottery recognized a retailer in Columbia, J and S Food Mart, which received a $10,000 commission after selling a $1 million winning ticket in the Million Dollar Mania game. This highlights the vital role retailers play in lottery operations and prize distribution.

Additionally, a fortunate player altered her routine at the last moment, resulting in a $303,000 win in the Palmetto Cash 5 drawing. A clerk’s mistake that provided her with a quick pick ticket was instrumental in her unexpected success.

This combination of large jackpots, active ticket sales, and significant winners continues to demonstrate the vibrant nature of South Carolina’s lottery offerings, encouraging responsible participation across the state.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia Player Wins $1 Million in Lottery Drawing
South Carolina Lottery Results and Prize Claims
South Carolina Lottery Draw Results Announced
Mega Millions Jackpot Surges Past $12 Million
Winning Numbers Announced for South Carolina Lottery Games
Major Wins in South Carolina Lottery
Local Winner Claims $2.5 Million in South Carolina Lottery
Hilton Head Island Named Top Island in the U.S. Again
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $600 Million
South Carolina Lottery Winners Hit Major Jackpots

Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

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