Multi-State Games
2024 STRATEGIES
Games and Advanced Draws
The main lottery games you can play in South Carolina, click a link for results and more information.
GAME | PRIZE | NUMBER FORMAT | ADVANCED DRAWS |
---|---|---|---|
Cash POP Midday | Fixed | 1 (from 1-15) | up to 6 |
Cash POP Evening | Fixed | 1 (from 1-15) | up to 6 |
Palmetto Cash 5 | Fixed | 5 (from 1-38) | up to 40 |
Pick 3 Midday | Fixed | 3 (from 0-9) | up to 14 |
Pick 3 Evening | Fixed | 3 (from 0-9) | up to 14 |
Pick 4 Midday | Fixed | 4 (from 0-9) | up to 14 |
Pick 4 Evening | Fixed | 4 (from 0-9) | up to 14 |
Lucky for Life | Fixed | 5 (from 1-48) + 1 (from 1-18) | up to 21 |
Mega Millions | Jackpot | 5 (from 1-70) + 1 (from 1-25) | up to 26 |
Powerball | Jackpot | 5 (from 1-69) + 1 (from 1-26) | up to 24 |
Games Overview
Cash POP
Choose a number from 1 to 15 and match your chosen numbers to the drawn numbers. Daily drawings and various ways to play provide quick and easy opportunities to win cash prizes.
Palmetto Cash 5
A draw game where players select five numbers from 1 to 38 offering daily drawings and a progressive jackpot that starts at $100,000.
Pick 3
Select a three-digit number then prizes are awarded for matching the drawn numbers in the correct order or in any order. A quick and exciting game with multiple ways to win.
Pick 4
Similar to Pick 3 but players choose a four-digit number. Again prizes are won by matching the drawn numbers either in the correct order or in any other order.
Lucky for Life
Offering a unique prize structure where you win $1,000 a day for life, payers select five numbers from 1 to 48 and a Lucky Ball number from 1 to 18. Match all numbers and you win.
Mega Millions
A multi-state lottery game that South Carolina participates in where jackpots can grow to enormous amounts. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and an additional Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
Powerball
Known for its record-breaking jackpots Powerball is another multi-state lottery game played in South Carolina. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and a Powerball number from 1 to 26.
Game Schedule Times
Never miss a draw again with all the South Carolina lottery draw times. Shown in local time and Sales Stop in ().
GAME | SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash POP Midday | 12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
|
Cash POP Evening | 6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
Palmetto Cash 5 | 6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
Pick 3 Midday | 12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
|
Pick 3 Evening | 6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
Pick 4 Midday | 12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
12:59 p.m. (12:45 p.m.) |
|
Pick 4 Evening | 6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
6:59 p.m. (6:45 p.m.) |
Lucky for Life | 10:35 p.m. (9:35 p.m.) |
10:35 p.m. (9:35 p.m.) |
|||||
Mega Millions | 11:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m.) |
11:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m.) |
|||||
Powerball | 10:59 p.m. (9:59 p.m.) |
10:59 p.m. (9:59 p.m.) |
10:59 p.m. (9:59 p.m.) |
How to Buy South Carolina Lottery Tickets
With a number of draw games to play at different prices there is something to suit everyone. Here are the current ticket prices for all SC Lottery games:
GAME | COST TO PLAY |
---|---|
Cash POP | $1, $2, $5, or $10 |
Palmetto Cash 5 | $1 |
Pick 3 | $0.50 or $1 |
Pick 4 | $0.50 or $1 |
Lucky for Life | $2.00 |
Mega Millions | $2 (+$1 optional Megaplier) |
Powerball | $3 |
Note: It is an offense for anyone under the age of 18 years to purchase a lottery ticket in South Carolina. This does not however prevent someone under the age of 18 playing the lottery if they have been gifted a ticket purchased by someone of legal age.
How to Claim South Carolina Lottery Prizes
Claim up to $500 or Free Plays
- Method 1 – Sign your ticket and visit your local authorized retailer. Payouts can be cash, store check, money order or a combination.
- Method 2 – Visit the Columbia claim center with your signed ticket to claim in person.
- Method 3 – Mail your signed ticket and proof of address/phone number to the address shown for processing. You do not need a claim form or ID for prizes under $500.
Claim between $501 and $100,000
- Method 1 – Visit the South Carolina Lottery Headquarters in Columbia along with your signed ticket, a completed claim form and a copy of valid photo identification such as a driving license.
- Method 2 – Send your signed ticket along with a copy of photo ID and a completed claim form to the the claims address.
Claim more than $100,000
- Method 1 – Prizes over $100,000 must be taken to the Columbia Claims Center in person for processing during opening hours. Be sure to bring with you a completed clai form and some photo identification.
Important: If claiming by mail the risk remains with the player. It is recommended that the claim is sent via registered mail and that you photocopy the ticket as backup before sending.
Claim Center & Claim Form
Download a claim form and a copy of a valid ID, then send to or visit:
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
Phone: +1 803-737-2002
Open: Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Web: www.sceducationlottery.com
All South Carolina Claim Centers
Tips and Strategies
Though the lottery is ultimately a game of chance there are a number of tips and strategies that you can implement to make the experience even more enjoyable and maybe even more lucrative. Here are some of our favorite tips to make the most out of the SC Lottery.
- Seasonal Selection: Birthdays, anniversaries or significant events related to that season can add a personal touch to your game.
- Lottery Routines: Whether it's picking tickets on a certain day or at a particular store routines can add structure.
- Check Winning Tickets: Regularly check your old tickets for any forgotten wins.
- Stay Social: Engaging with fellow players can provide insights, inspiration and camaraderie.
- Local Charities: Play with the knowledge that your participation supports your community.
- Public Numbers: Consider using numbers like famous dates or historical events to add a unique twist.
- Combo Play: Combination bets can increase your chances of winning smaller prizes in addition to the jackpot.
- Special Occasions: Play on special occasions like holidays or local events to add a memorable element to your game.
- Quick Pick Surprises: Quick Picks introduce an element of unpredictability.
- Jackpot Awareness: Consider playing when jackpots are particularly enticing.
- Regional Play: If you're traveling within The Palmetto State try purchasing tickets at different locations as you never know where luck might strike.
- Keep a Journal: Consider recording your lottery journey and document your wins, your favorite games and even your strategies.
Remember: The key focus of playing any lottery game is having fun. Be sure to keep to your allocated budget and play responsibly.
Recent South Carolina Lottery Winners' Stories
The Palmetto State has numerous winners across all games so it's easy to find inspiration for your next lottery play. Take a look at just a small selection of recent South Carolina Lottery winners and the amounts they have won.
LOCATION | STORE | GAME | PRIZE AMOUNT |
---|---|---|---|
BEAUFORT | Circle K Stores Inc #2721650 | Pick 4 | $15,000 |
BEAUFORT | Publix Super Markets #473 | Palmetto Cash 5 | $900 |
AIKEN | Todds Convenience Food Store Inc #2 | Pick 4 | $5,600 |
RICHLAND | Corner Pantry #111 | Cash Pop | $1,000 |
KERSHAW | Dusty Bend Discount Beverage | Palmetto Cash 5 | $3,000 |
DORCHESTER | Sonnys Citgo | Cash Pop | $1,250 |
NEWBERRY | Wilson Grocery | Pick 3 | $580 |
OCONEE | High Falls Express | Powerball | $50,000 |
ORANGEBURG | Vance Convenience Store LLC | Pick 3 | $520 |
GEORGETOWN | Exxon | Mega Millions | $2,000 |
CHARLESTON | A Plus #40477H | Powerball | $150,000 |
Lottery Tax Guide
SC Lottery tax rates begin at $501 at which point you will need to pay state tax. At a higher prize level of $5,000 federal tax is also introduced with the amount varying depending on your residency/citizenship status. The table below explains the tax rates withheld in more detail.
PRIZE/RESIDENCY | STATE TAX | FEDERAL TAX | TOTAL TAX |
---|---|---|---|
From $500 to $5,000 U.S. Citizens & Residents |
7% | 0% | 7% |
More than $5,000 U.S. Citizens & Residents |
7% | 24% | 31% |
From $500 to $5,000 Non-U.S. Citizens & Residents |
7% | 0% | 7% |
More than $5,000 Non-U.S. Citizens & Residents |
7% | 30% | 37% |
Please Note: Should you win more than $600 the IRS will be notified by means of a W2-G form automatically by the Lottery Commission.
About South Carolina Lottery
Facts
- The primary purpose of the South Carolina Education Lottery is to raise funds for education in the state.
- The SCEL was established in 2001 making it one of the more recent state lotteries in the United States.
- As a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) residents can participate in games like Powerball and Mega Millions.
- A Powerball jackpot of almost $400 million was won by someone from the state in 2013.
- It has contributed millions of dollars to scholarships, K-12 education, and higher education institutions.
- Offers a wide variety of games to its players like draw games, instant games (scratch-offs) and dynamic games.
- A winning $1.57 billion jackpot ticket was bought int he state in 2018.
History
- 2001: The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) is established.
- January 2002: The South Carolina Lottery launches its first official games including scratch-off tickets.
- February 2002: South Carolina joins the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) and introduces Powerball and Mega Millions.
- April 2002: Introduces daily numbers games "Pick 3" and "Pick 4".
- June 2002: Participation in the Mega Millions multi-state lottery begins.
- July 2002: Keno, a dynamic numbers game is introduced.
- September 2009: The SCEL introduces the "Palmetto Cash 5" game.
- September 2013: Celebrates a historic moment with the state's first Powerball jackpot winner at nearly $400 million.
- October 2018: Mega Millions jackpot worth $1.57 billion is won by a SC resident.
- 2019: The SCEL commemorates its 18th anniversary.
- Present: The South Carolina Education Lottery remains dedicated to its mission of supporting education and community programs.
Location
The South Carolina Education Lottery is deeply rooted in the charming Palmetto State. Located in the southeastern region of the United States, South Carolina boasts a rich history and diverse landscapes. Bordered by North Carolina to the north and Georgia to the south it is a key part of the southern landscape.
With a population of over 5 million residents South Carolina's cities including Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and Myrtle Beach are centers of cultural richness and historical significance.
As one of the southeastern states the South Carolina Education Lottery plays a pivotal role in supporting state programs, enhancing education and contributing to the welfare of its residents.