September 12, 2025

Midlands Woman Wins $1 Million Lottery Jackpot

Columbia, September 12, 2025

News Summary

A Midlands woman became an instant millionaire after purchasing a scratch-off lottery ticket that won her a grand prize of $1 million. Initially considering buying two tickets, the woman ultimately chose one, but after feeling regret over her decision, she returned to the store to buy the second ticket, which turned out to be the jackpot winner. With her newfound wealth, she plans to pay off debts and save for future needs.

Columbia – A Midlands woman became an instant millionaire last week after a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy a scratch-off lottery ticket paid off in a big way. The unidentified woman, who initially hesitated between purchasing one or two tickets, ultimately decided to buy just one before returning later to claim a grand prize of $1 million.

The remarkable turn of events took place at the J and S Food Mart located on Forest Drive. The woman originally intended to purchase two scratch-off tickets for $10 each. However, she opted to put one back before completing her purchase. After her first ticket failed to yield any winnings, she experienced a wave of regret over her decision. Driven by the desire to take another chance, she returned to the store to buy the second ticket.

Upon scratching the new ticket, the woman’s life changed dramatically. Priced at $10, the ticket turned out to be a winner, bringing her the grand prize of $1 million in the Million Dollar Mania lottery game. Surprised by her win, the woman confirmed her fortune by donning her glasses to ensure she read the ticket correctly.

The odds were significantly against her, with a staggering likelihood of winning pegged at 1,530,000-to-1 for the Million Dollar Mania game. Despite these daunting statistics, her decision to return to the convenience store paid off handsomely, making her an unexpected millionaire.

In South Carolina, lottery winners have the option to remain anonymous, and this woman has decided to take advantage of that feature. With her newfound wealth, she expressed intentions to use her winnings to become debt-free and save for future needs.

This win is not only a life-changing event for the woman but also beneficial for the store that sold the winning ticket. J and S Food Mart is set to receive a commission of $10,000 as a result of the sale, highlighting how local businesses can also benefit from lottery draws.

There are still two of the game’s four top prizes remaining unclaimed, which presents a hopeful opportunity for other players in the region. The recent story of this lucky Midlands woman adds to the growing excitement surrounding South Carolina’s lottery outcomes, which have included other major wins in games like Powerball and Mega Millions this year.

The South Carolina Education Lottery continues to excite players and change lives with its array of games including scratch-offs, Powerball, and Mega Millions. The potential for a life-altering windfall remains ever-present for those willing to take the gamble, just as it did for this Midlands woman.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. 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.