Here is a comprehensive summary of the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL):

  • The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL), launched in 2002, is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association and joined the Mega Millions cross-sell in 2010, offering both Powerball and Mega Millions to players aged 18 and older.
  • Its in-house games include Pick 3, Pick 4, Palmetto Cash 5, and Cash Pop, with the former two gaining a Fireball feature in May 2021 that lets players substitute an extra drawn number to boost their chances.
  • Palmetto Cash 5, originally launched as Carolina 5 in June 2002 and renamed in 2005, underwent a major format change in March 2024, now drawing from 1-42 with a jackpot starting at $100,000 and a built-in multiplier.
  • The newest game, Cash Pop (introduced in January 2022), offers a unique twist where players pick numbers from 1-15 and wager $1 to $10, with instant-win possibilities and drawings held right after the midday Pick 3 and Pick 4 draws.
  • With a variety of play styles, multipliers, and daily draws, the SCEL provides diverse opportunities for players, though the minimum age to purchase tickets remains 18.