You've probably felt it. That weird, electric hum in the air when the jackpot starts climbing into the hundreds of millions. It's the kind of money that makes you stare at the ceiling at 2 a.m. wondering if you'd buy a beach house in Hilton Head or just vanish to a private island. If you're looking for Mega Millions SC tonight, you need to know that the landscape has shifted a bit. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the big game isn't actually happening tonight.
I know, it's a buzzkill.
But staying on top of the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) schedule is the difference between having a valid ticket and holding a piece of paper that's essentially a receipt for a dream that didn't happen. The next drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11 p.m. ET. The estimated jackpot is currently sitting at a cool $250 million, with a cash option of roughly $113.5 million.
Why Everyone is Watching the Mega Millions SC Tonight Numbers
People get confused because Powerball draws on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mega Millions keeps a stricter Tuesday and Friday rhythm. If you're checking for "tonight" on a Sunday, you're likely actually looking for the results from the most recent draw on Friday, January 16.
Those winning numbers were: 2, 22, 33, 42, 67, and the Megaball was 1.
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Honestly, the "2, 22" start is the kind of pattern that makes conspiracy theorists lose their minds. But in the world of RNG (Random Number Generators) and gravity-pick machines in Atlanta, it's just another Friday. In South Carolina, we didn't have a jackpot winner on Friday, but over 11,400 people across the Palmetto State did take home some smaller prizes. Specifically, six lucky South Carolinians matched four white balls to win $500 each.
It isn't "quit your job" money, but it definitely covers a few grocery trips.
The "Megaplier" Trap in South Carolina
You've seen the option. It's that extra dollar. In South Carolina, the Megaplier is a massive deal because the state sees a high volume of "Match 5" winners who forget to check that box.
Basically, if you match all five white balls but miss the Megaball, you win $1 million. If the Megaplier drawn is 10X—which is now a possibility thanks to rule changes in early 2025—that $1 million suddenly becomes $10 million.
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Imagine losing out on $9 million because you wanted to save four quarters. It happens more than you'd think.
How to Play Without Being "That Person"
- The Cut-off: Sales in SC stop at 10 p.m. on draw nights. If you’re at a gas station in Rock Hill at 10:01 p.m., the terminal literally won’t let the clerk print the ticket.
- The Age Limit: You must be 18. This isn't a "soft" rule. SCEL is incredibly strict about this, and they will void a winning ticket if the purchase was made by a minor.
- The Signature: Seriously, sign the back of your ticket immediately. In South Carolina, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." That means whoever holds it, owns it. If you drop it in a Piggly Wiggly parking lot and haven't signed it, whoever finds it is technically the winner.
What Happens if You Actually Win in SC?
South Carolina is one of the few "golden" states for lottery winners because you can remain anonymous.
In 2018, when a single person won the $1.5 billion jackpot at a KC Mart in Simpsonville, they stayed anonymous. They used a lawyer and a financial team to claim the prize months later. If you win Mega Millions SC tonight (or whenever the next draw hits), you don't have to go on the local news with a giant cardboard check.
You can just... go back to your life. Except with a much bigger bank account.
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The Tax Hit
Don't get too excited about the $250 million. The IRS is going to take their 24% off the top immediately as a federal withholding. Then, the South Carolina Department of Revenue will take another 7%.
By the time the dust settles on a $113.5 million cash option, you're likely looking at roughly **$78 million** in your pocket. It's still a staggering amount of money, but it's a far cry from the headline number.
Where to Watch the Drawing
If you're the type who needs to see the balls drop live to believe it, South Carolina has several partner stations. The drawing happens in Atlanta at 11 p.m., but you can catch it on:
- WCSC (CBS) in Charleston
- WLTX (CBS) in Columbia
- WHNS (FOX) in Greenville/Spartanburg
- WMBF (NBC) in Myrtle Beach
Most people just check the app or the SC Education Lottery website about ten minutes after the draw. It’s faster, and you don’t have to sit through the local news sports segment.
Actionable Next Steps for Players
If you’re planning to get in on the $250 million draw for Tuesday, don't just buy a random ticket.
- Check for "Overdue" Numbers: While every draw is independent, some players swear by checking the frequency charts on the SCEL website. Numbers like 10 and 14 have been popping up frequently in 2026.
- Pool Your Money: Office pools are common in places like Boeing in North Charleston or the BMW plant in Greer. Just make sure you have a written agreement. Nothing ruins a work friendship faster than a $250 million dispute.
- Keep Your Ticket Safe: Put it in a plastic baggie. If it gets wet or the thermal ink fades, you’re going to have a nightmare of a time at the claims center in Columbia.
The wait for the Tuesday draw starts now. Make sure you play responsibly—it's meant to be a game, not a retirement plan.