What Time Does the South Carolina Lottery Stop Cashing Scratch-Offs?
As an avid lottery player and analyst in South Carolina, this is a question I‘ve researched extensively. In my experience, the cut-off times for cashing in winning scratch tickets varies depending on where you try to claim your prize. So let‘s break it down…
When Do Retailers Stop Cashing SC Scratch-Offs?
If you try to cash out a winning scratcher at local gas stations, convenience stores or other lottery retailers in South Carolina, then the universal deadline is 7:59 PM Eastern Time1.
Retail locations must stop printing tickets and processing claims by this time daily. It applies to all draw and scratch-off games, so I recommend cashing in early if possible. Tuesday nights tend to be busiest right before the 7:59 PM cut-off with people getting last minute Powerball and Mega Millions pools.
Fortunately, SC retailers allow you to scan scratch games first to confirm prizes before handing over tickets. So you‘ll know right away if you have a winner rather than scratching off tickets unnecessarily.
Claim Center Hours for Cashing South Carolina Lottery Prizes
Instead of retail, you can also submit winning SC lottery tickets at dedicated claim centers located throughout the state. The main facility is the Columbia Claims Center open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST on weekdays2.
There are also five regional claims offices that each serves multiple nearby counties3:
| Region | Hours | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester |
| Conway | M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg |
| Greenville | M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg |
| Rock Hill | M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Chester, Lancaster, York |
| Aiken | M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Aiken, Lexington, Richland |
These satellite claims centers offer more flexibility for scratcher prize redemption. You can cash tickets in-person until 5:00 pm weekdays rather than the earlier 7:59 pm cut-off at retailers.
Offices are closed weekends and holidays4, so plan around those to make sure your winning scratch-off doesn‘t expire before you can claim it.
SC Scratch-Off Expiration Timelines
Now let‘s talk about expiration deadlines, because for South Carolina specifically you have up to 180 days after the official end date to claim scratch-off prizes5. This includes entries into any second chance promotions.
That‘s more leeway than some states, but you still can‘t delay too long trying to cash those winning tickets. To estimate last valid dates, look for the scratcher‘s "game end" printed on the tickets. Then count ahead 180 days on the calendar for your deadline.
For example, a game ending March 31, 2023 would expire around September 27, 2023. So if today was October 15, 2023, you‘d unfortunately miss the claims window.
Many players understandably ask if retailers can still cash expired scratch tickets. While they may be able to validate expired tickets, they cannot pay out the prizes. You‘d have to submit directly to the lottery under special circumstances for a chance at payment past the 180 days.
Ready to Cash In? Tips for Smooth Prize Claims
As a fellow scratch ticket enthusiast, I definitely don‘t want you losing out on any potential jackpot wins! Here are my tips for hassle-free prize claims in South Carolina:
- Sign the back of tickets immediately after scratching to have proof you possessed the winner
- Snap pics/videos of any substantial scratch-off wins for claim documentation
- Call to confirm regional office hours before making a long trip
- Bring valid photo ID and SS card to verify identity6
- Double check cash/check options at different locations
- Re-invest some winnings into more scratch ticket fun!
Let me know if this run-down helps or if you have any other SC lottery questions. I‘m always ready to chat game odds and winning strategies with fellow players!
- South Carolina Education Lottery Retailer Regulations: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/Retailers/Regulations
- Claim Center Information: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/ClaimCenter
- Regional Claims Office Listing: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/ClaimCenter/RegionalOffices
- 2023 Lottery Holiday Closures: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/Lottery/Press+Room/2023+Holiday+Closings
- Scratchers Ticket Expiration Timeline: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/games/scratchoffs/TicketExpirationTimeline
- Prize Claim Checklist: https://www.sceducationlottery.com/games/scratchoffs/Checklist
