Columbia, South Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
The recent Mega Millions drawing revealed a staggering jackpot of over $12.1 million, distributed among numerous winning tickets. Notably, tickets in Arizona and Texas secured a second-tier prize of $2 million. With 401,467 winning tickets across various prize tiers, players continue to enjoy exciting opportunities to win. The jackpot has been rolling over since June 2023. South Carolina residents can also try their luck in local draw games, ensuring a vibrant lottery scene.
Columbia, South Carolina — October 17, 2025
Mega Millions Jackpot and Recent Winning Numbers Announced
The latest Mega Millions drawing resulted in a jackpot of over $12.1 million, shared among hundreds of winning tickets, following the October 14, 2025, draw. The winning numbers for this draw were 09-21-27-48-56, with the Mega Ball 10.
In total, 401,467 tickets across the country matched some combination of numbers, earning various prize tiers. Two particularly notable tickets, in Arizona and Texas, matched the five white balls without the Mega Ball, securing a second-tier prize of $2 million each, made possible by a 2X multiplier.
Details of Other Prize Winners and Multipliers
Among the smaller prizes, fifteen tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball, with payouts varying based on their multipliers. Specific contributions included:
- Eight tickets with a 2X multiplier, each earning $20,000.
- Four tickets with a 3X multiplier, earning $30,000.
- Two tickets with a 4X multiplier, earning $40,000.
- One ticket with a 5X multiplier, earning $50,000.
The Mega Millions jackpot has been rolling since June 27, 2023, and has yet to be won since reaching its peak. The largest jackpot in recent history was $1.602 billion, won in Florida on August 8, 2023.
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are now approximately 1 in 292 million, underscoring the difficulty of hitting the top prize.
South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Games
Besides Mega Millions, residents can participate in several other lottery games managed by the South Carolina Education Lottery, including:
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Cash Pop
- Palmetto Cash 5
Recent Results for Local Draw Games
Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL:
- Midday: 1-9-2, FIREBALL: 4
- Evening: 6-6-8, FIREBALL: 2
Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL:
- Midday: 2-3-9-8, FIREBALL: 4
- Evening: 7-1-9-7, FIREBALL: 2
Cash Pop:
- Winning numbers: 01-02-04-31-42
Prize Claim Process and Deadlines
Players claiming their prizes should follow specific procedures based on the amount won:
- Prizes up to $500: Claimable directly at authorized lottery retailers with a signed winning ticket.
- Prizes between $501 and $100,000: Must mail the signed ticket, claim form, and a government-issued ID to the Lottery Claims Center.
- Prizes exceeding $100,000: Require in-person visits to Lottery Headquarters, presenting the signed ticket, claim form, government ID, and Social Security card.
Lottery Claims Center Locations and Deadlines
Large prize claims should be sent or made in person to the following locations:
SC Education LotteryP.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date. Detailed forms and additional claiming information are available on the South Carolina Lottery’s official claim page.
Summary
The recent Mega Millions draw has distributed over $12.1 million in winnings, with significant prizes awarded to tickets in multiple states. South Carolina players participating in local draw games continue to have opportunities for smaller, but rewarding, prizes. The lottery’s claim process ensures that winners can securely and efficiently claim their winnings, provided they do so within the designated period.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lottery Results and Prize Claim Details for Columbia
South Carolina Lottery Results Reveal Big Wins
Major Lottery Wins and Results in South Carolina
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $600 Million
Lottery Winners in South Carolina Claim Major Prizes
Multiple Lottery Winners Emerge in South Carolina
South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Results Announced
Powerball Winner in Columbia Highlights Recent Lottery Success
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Latest Results
Corey Hamilton From Clinton Wins $130,000 Lottery Jackpot
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Lottery Results October 17, 2025
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- WLTX: Evening SC Lottery Results September 27, 2025
- Google Search: South Carolina Lottery results
- CT Post: Winning Numbers Drawn in Thursday’s South
- Google Scholar: Lottery Prizes
- ABC7NY: Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $625 Million
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood 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 Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
