Columbia, SC, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing features a jackpot of $650 million, inviting players from South Carolina to partake by purchasing $5 tickets before the cutoff. Recent draws yielded over $8.5 million in prizes nationally, with 20,000 winners in South Carolina alone. Players are also reminded about the claiming processes for various lottery games, which vary based on win amounts.
Columbia, SC – The Mega Millions lottery has reached a staggering jackpot of $650 million, setting the stage for an exciting drawing tonight at 11 p.m. Individuals wishing to participate must purchase $5 tickets before the 10 p.m. cutoff. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot stand at an astronomical 1 in 290,472,336.
In the last drawing, more than $8.5 million in total prizes were awarded nationally, impacting over 20,000 winners in South Carolina alone. The winning numbers from the recent Mega Millions drawing included 02-18-27-34-59, with a Mega Ball of 18.
In addition to the Mega Millions updates, lottery players also had a chance to claim prizes from other games offered in the state. The results for the Pick 3 game saw winning numbers of 6-2-5 for midday and 3-3-4 for the evening draw, while the Pick 4 game had winning midday numbers of 5-8-9-0 and evening numbers of 4-4-5-6. Both Pick 3 and Pick 4 games included Fireball options, with midday Fireballs of 0 and evening Fireballs of 5.
The Cash Pop results revealed winning numbers of 13 during the midday draw and 14 during the evening. Additionally, the Palmetto Cash 5 winning numbers were 04-20-30-35-37.
For those who may have won, there are specific claiming processes. Winners of up to $500 can redeem their prizes at any authorized retailer with a signed ticket. For prizes between $501 and $100,000, winners must mail their signed ticket along with a completed claim form and photo ID to the Claims Center. For those fortunate enough to win amounts exceeding $100,000, claiming must be done in person at the Lottery Headquarters located in Columbia, requiring the signed ticket, claim form, photo ID, and Social Security card. An Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option is available for direct deposit of large winnings.
It’s crucial for winners to keep in mind that all prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the draw date.
In noteworthy news, J and S Food Mart in Columbia received a $10,000 commission for selling a Million Dollar Mania winning ticket worth $1 million. In an unexpected twist, one player won $303,000 in a Palmetto Cash 5 drawing after receiving a quick pick ticket due to a clerk’s error, prompting her to alter her usual routine.
Upcoming Mega Millions Details
With tonight’s drawing right around the corner, players are reminded to check their tickets and consider their options wisely, as the potential for life-changing sums of money looms large.
Claiming Your Winnings
Understanding how to claim lottery winnings is essential for participants. Here’s a quick overview:
Small Wins ($500 or less)
Redeem at any authorized lottery retailer with a signed ticket.
Medium Wins ($501 to $100,000)
Mail the signed ticket, a completed claim form, and a photo ID to the Claims Center.
Large Wins ($100,000 or more)
Claim in person at Lottery Headquarters in Columbia, bringing essential documents.
Conclusion
The excitement around the Mega Millions and other lotteries in South Carolina is at an all-time high, offering players numerous opportunities for potential winnings as the jackpot rises. Players should ensure they are adhering to claiming protocols to enjoy their prizes appropriately.
FAQ Section
What was the winning number for the Mega Millions drawing on October 21, 2025?
The winning numbers were 02-18-27-34-59, with a Mega Ball of 18.
How much is the current Mega Millions jackpot?
The current jackpot amount is $650 million.
When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
The next drawing will take place at 11 p.m. today.
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.
How can I claim my lottery winnings?
Small winnings can be claimed at any authorized retailer, medium winnings need to be mailed, and large winnings must be claimed in person at Lottery Headquarters.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mega Millions Jackpot | $650 million |
| Next Drawing | 11 p.m. tonight |
| Ticket Price | $5 |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 290,472,336 |
| Total Prizes Nationwide (Last Drawing) | Over $8.5 million |
| South Carolina Winners (Last Drawing) | Over 20,000 |
| Claim Deadline | 180 days from draw date |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Resident Wins $1 Million in Lottery Drawing
South Carolina Lottery Draw Results Announced
South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Games Results
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Mega Millions Results
Columbia Resident Wins $1 Million in Lottery
Major Lottery Wins Announced by South Carolina Education Lottery
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $600 Million
Woodruff Player Wins $2.5 Million in SC Lottery
South Carolina Players Win Big in Latest Lottery Drawings
Powerball and Mega Millions Winners Celebrate Big in Columbia
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 SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. 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.
