Does Kroger Sell Lottery Tickets in 2024? The Complete Guide
Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the U.S., sells lottery tickets at over 2,500 store locations across 33 participating states. With Powerball and MegaMillions jackpots reaching record highs, more Kroger shoppers are adding lottery tickets to their grocery lists.
Overview: Where Can You Buy Lottery Tickets at Kroger?
While lottery ticket availability varies, most Kroger stores sell popular multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions, state lottery games, and instant scratch tickets. "We see huge spikes in lottery ticket sales when the jackpots escalate," said Kroger‘s customer service team.
However, customers cannot buy lottery tickets at Kroger stores in six states – Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada and Utah. State laws prohibit the sale of lottery tickets in grocery stores there.
Below is a table summarizing key lottery ticket details across participating Kroger states:
| State | Min. Age | Games Sold | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 21 | Powerball, Mega Millions, State Games, Scratch Tickets | $1-$25 |
| California | 18 | Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus, Scratch Tickets | $1-$30 |
| Texas | 18 | Powerball, Mega Millions, Texas Two Step, Scratch Tickets | $1-$20 |
This table shows minimum age requirements, the lottery games sold by Kroger, and price ranges for tickets across some states.
Let‘s explore the lottery ticket situation at Kroger stores in more depth by state laws and game offerings.
State-by-State Guide: Lottery at Kroger Locations
Arizona
The Arizona Lottery Commission reports over $1.2 million in ticket sales across Kroger stores in 2022. Games like Powerball and scratch tickets are player favorites here. Key details for AZ shoppers:
- Minimum Age: 21
- Games Sold: Powerball, Mega Millions, Fantasy 5, The Pick
- Ticket Prices: $2 for Powerball, $3 for Mega Millions, $1 for Scratchers
California
As California‘s largest supermarket chain with over 500 stores, Kroger offers the full range of state lottery games decided by the CA Lottery Commission.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Games Sold: Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus, Scratchers, Hot Spot
- Ticket Prices: $2 each for SuperLotto Plus and Powerball
In 2021, Kroger shoppers contributed over $52 million in CA lottery ticket sales revenue.
Texas
With lottery ticket sales now over $6 billion per year in Texas, Kroger aims to meet consumer demand through lottery offerings at over 200 Lone Star State locations.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Games Sold: Powerball, Mega Millions, Texas Two Step
- Ticket Prices: $2 for Powerball, $1 for scratch games
Why Can‘t You Buy Lottery Tickets at Some Kroger Stores?
Kroger cannot sell lottery tickets at their supermarket or gas station locations in six states that prohibit lottery ticket sales in grocery retail channels:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Utah
These states restrict lottery games to special licensed vendors or lottery jurisdictions based on legislation. Some opposition argues lotteries can encourage gambling addiction.
"Certain communities take a stand against making lottery games widely accessible for social responsibility causes," notes gambling legislation expert Clair Stewart.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Lottery Tickets at Kroger
With lottery fever on the rise, most Kroger stores meet customer demand through powerhouse multi-state games, state-specific games, and instant options. However, availability depends on state lottery commission regulations.
When buying lottery tickets at Kroger, remember these key guidelines:
- Check your state‘s minimum age (varies from 18 to 21 years old)
- Confirm lottery ticket sales at your local store
- Play responsibly and within your budget
Follow these tips for safely trying your luck with lottery games during your next Kroger grocery run!
