Columbia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A Midlands woman has become an instant millionaire after winning a $1 million jackpot from a scratch-off lottery ticket. Initially unsure whether to buy one or two tickets, she returned for the second ticket after a moment of regret and hit the grand prize. Her winning ticket was purchased at J and S Food Mart in Columbia, and she plans to use her winnings to pay off debts and save for the future.
Columbia – A Midlands woman has become an instant millionaire after winning a $1 million jackpot from a scratch-off lottery ticket, a decision which initially caused her some hesitation. The thrilling turn of events occurred at J and S Food Mart on Forest Drive in Columbia when the woman faced a difficult choice between purchasing one or two tickets for the renowned Million Dollar Mania game.
Initially tempted to buy two scratch-off tickets, the woman opted to return one of the tickets to the display. After checking her chosen ticket and discovering it was not a winner, she experienced a moment of regret for leaving the second ticket behind. However, she quickly made her way back to the store to purchase the second ticket she had originally set aside. This decision proved to be fortuitous, as the ticket, priced at $10, turned out to be the grand prize winner.
The odds of winning in the Million Dollar Mania game were 1,530,000-to-1, making her victory particularly remarkable. Upon confirming her win, she donned her glasses to ensure that she was reading the ticket correctly, illustrating both her disbelief and excitement over the life-changing result.
As a result of her windfall, the woman plans to alleviate her financial burden by paying off debts and saving the remaining winnings for future needs. Her victory has captured the attention of the lottery community and the public alike, especially as there are still two of the game’s four top prizes awaiting claim.
J and S Food Mart benefitted from the sale of the winning ticket, earning a $10,000 commission. This large payout is part of a broader trend in South Carolina’s lottery history, which recently witnessed significant wins in both the Powerball and Mega Millions games. The state’s lottery system is one of 11 nationwide that allows winners the option of remaining anonymous, which means the lucky woman is not required to disclose her identity to the public.
The Million Dollar Mania scratch-off game remains popular among lottery players in South Carolina, and this story illustrates the excitement and possibilities that come with lottery games. Despite the staggering odds, the woman’s story stands as a testament to the thrill of gambling and the potential for life-altering wins that can come from a simple decision at a convenience store.
For aspiring lottery players, the takeaway from this incident is the importance of making choices carefully. Whether it is taking a chance on a single ticket or allowing oneself the indulgence of trying for a bigger win with multiple purchases, the outcome can sometimes hinge on an unexpected decision. In this case, a moment of second-guessing led to a million-dollar outcome.
As the South Carolina Lottery continues to grow and attract players with the possibility of significant winnings, stories like this serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that accompany lottery games. For those who dream of winning, this recent jackpot serves not only as inspiration but as a beacon of hope for many lottery players in the Midlands and beyond.
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HERE Resources
Timmonsville Resident Close to Winning Nearly $500 Million Powerball Jackpot
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Lottery Results
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Live 5 News: Multiple Winning Lottery Tickets Sold in SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lucky Number
- WIS TV: 100K Powerball Ticket Sold in Columbia
- Google Search: South Carolina Lottery
- ABC Columbia: Big Lottery Winners in SC
- Google News: South Carolina Lottery News
- The State: South Carolina Lottery Winners Report
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston 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 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


