A vibrant pile of gold coins and scratch-off tickets next to a classic lottery ticket with the state of South Carolina highlighted, on a desk with a graduation cap and a textbook, bright and clear.
South Carolina Education Lottery: A Comprehensive Overview
The South Carolina Education Lottery has become an integral part of the state's educational funding system since its establishment, providing significant revenue for scholarships, grants, and educational programs while offering residents the chance to win life-changing prizes.
History and Establishment
The South Carolina Education Lottery was authorized by the state legislature in 2001 after voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2000. The first lottery tickets went on sale in January 2002, marking the beginning of a new era for education funding in the Palmetto State. The lottery was created with the specific purpose of supporting educational initiatives across South Carolina.
Games Offered
Draw Games
- Powerball: The multi-state lottery game with jackpots starting at $20 million
- Mega Millions: Another popular multi-state game with massive jackpots
- Palmetto Cash 5: South Carolina's own daily draw game with jackpots starting at $100,000
- Pick 3: Daily numbers game with multiple ways to play and win
- Pick 4: Another daily numbers game with various play options
- $140,000 Palmetto Cash 5 Win: In October 2025, a winning ticket sold at a Food Lion on Heckle Boulevard in Rock Hill matched all five numbers to secure the $140,000 jackpot
- $170,000 Palmetto Cash 5 Win: A player won $170,000 in September 2025 with a ticket purchased at a Circle K gas station in Camden
- $500,000 Scratch-Off Win: In October 2025, a Columbia woman won $500,000 after a clerk mistakenly sold her a "Feeling Lucky?" scratch-off ticket instead of the one she requested
- $200,000 Gamecocks Ticket: A Midlands man won $200,000 in August 2025 from a $5 Carolina Jackpot scratch-off ticket featuring the South Carolina Gamecocks
- College Scholarships: Including the LIFE Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
- K-12 Education: Funding for classroom supplies, technology, and educational programs
- Adult Education: Support for literacy programs and workforce development
- Technical Education: Funding for technical colleges and vocational training
- Age verification requirements (players must be 18 or older)
- Self-exclusion programs for players who want to limit their participation
- Educational materials about gambling addiction
- Retailer training on responsible sales practices
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Other licensed retailers
- Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any lottery retailer
- Prizes between $600 and $99,999 must be claimed at lottery claim centers
- Prizes of $100,000 or more must be claimed at the Columbia headquarters
Scratch-Off Games
The lottery offers numerous scratch-off tickets at various price points, ranging from $1 to $30. These instant-win games feature themes ranging from sports teams (including popular Gamecocks-themed tickets) to holiday specials and classic lottery designs.
Recent Modernization: Debit Card Payments
In a significant modernization move, as of July 1, 2025, South Carolina lottery players can now purchase tickets using debit cards. This change aims to provide more convenient payment options for players while maintaining responsible gaming practices. Retailers have the option to accept debit card payments, though credit card purchases remain prohibited under state law. This update is expected to generate an additional $52 million in revenue for educational programs.
Notable Recent Wins
Major Jackpot Winners
Educational Impact
The South Carolina Education Lottery has made substantial contributions to the state's educational system. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the lottery raised $592 million for education, marking the fourth consecutive year that contributions have exceeded half a billion dollars.
Where the Money Goes
Responsible Gaming
The South Carolina Education Lottery promotes responsible gaming through various initiatives:
Retail Network
Lottery tickets are available at over 3,800 retail locations across South Carolina, including:
Claiming Prizes
Winners can claim prizes through various methods:
Players have 180 days from the draw date to claim most lottery prizes.
Future Outlook
The South Carolina Education Lottery continues to evolve with new games, updated technology, and enhanced player experiences. The recent introduction of debit card payments demonstrates the lottery's commitment to modernization while maintaining its core mission of supporting education in the Palmetto State.
For the latest results, game information, and educational impact reports, players can visit the official South Carolina Education Lottery website or download the official mobile app.
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