Time’s running out to check Powerball tickets as winning games bought in SC set to expire

Three people bought Powerball tickets in the Palmetto State that each won a jackpot, for a combined total of $200,000, South Carolina Education Lottery officials said in a news release.

But time is running out for the players to cash in their winning games and claim their prizes, according to the release.

If the tickets aren’t redeemed by Sept. 19, winnings will be deposited in the Education Lottery Account to support educational programs in South Carolina, officials said.

Anyone who bought games prior to the March 23 Powerball drawing is asked to check their tickets if they were purchased at the Country Store in Fort Mill ($100,000 prize), Mo’s Convenience and Tobacco Store in Beech Island ($50,000) or a Refuel on U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet ($50,000).

After the drawing, the winner has 180 days to claim the prize.

Lottery officials encourage Powerball players to check their tickets.

The winning numbers in the March 23 drawing were 6, 23, 25, 34, 51 and Powerball: 3.

The winning tickets must be claimed at the Columbia Claims Center before 4 p.m. on Sept. 19, or if mailed, the envelope must be postmarked by that date, according to the release.

For complete information on claiming prizes, go to sceducationlottery.com .

The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous .

There will be another Powerball drawing Wednesday night, and the jackpot will be be $20 million , officials said.

Anyone looking to buy a ticket must make a purchase by 9:59 p.m. for the 10:59 p.m. drawing. Tickets are $2, and could cost more with additional options.

The odds of winning Powerball’s grand prize are 1-in-293 million.