Does Safeway Sell Lottery Tickets in 2024? Your Full Guide
Every time the Powerball or MegaMillions jackpots reach astronomical levels, convenience stores across the country experience a surge of eager lottery buyers. And for many shoppers, their local supermarket becomes a convenient destination to try their luck. But when it comes to major chains like Safeway, official policies on lottery ticket sales can be unclear.
So does Safeway sell lottery tickets? Which games can you play? Where can you find tickets in the store? This definitive guide has all the insider details you need to know about buying lottery tickets at Safeway locations across North America.
A Brief History of Lottery Sales in Grocery Stores
While lottery tickets today can be purchased everywhere from gas stations to online retailers, this wasn‘t always the case. Up until the 1990s, most lottery sales were restricted to liquor stores and smoke shops. But gradually, states began allowing wider distribution of instant-win scratch tickets and drawing games like Powerball in supermarkets and big box stores.
For retailers, offering lottery represented a new revenue stream and way to drive customer traffic. By 2000, mega-chains like Albertsons and Kroger were reporting tens of millions in annual lottery ticket sales. While some grocers initially hesitated, the overwhelming success led most major chains to introduce lottery programs over the following decades.
Now in 2024, leading grocery brands from Safeway to Whole Foods participate in state lottery programs across the country. With jackpots frequently exceeding $500 million, the supermarket provides a convenient and trusted destination for many players to try their lucky numbers.
Lottery Games Sold at Safeway Locations
Safeway offers a wide selection of lottery games, including the two biggest national jackpots:
Powerball – With drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening, Powerball is the most widely played lottery game in the country. The record jackpot stands at $1.586 billion, won in 2016.
Mega Millions – Drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday for Mega Millions. In January 2021, a single ticket in Michigan won the enormous $1.05 billion jackpot.
In addition to the multi-state games, most Safeway locations carry state-specific lottery tickets. For example:
- California – SuperLotto Plus, Scratchers games
- Florida – Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5
- Texas – Lotto Texas, Texas Two Step
- New York – Cash4Life, Pick 10
The table below summarizes lottery availability reported from Safeway stores across different states:
| State | Games Sold |
|---|---|
| California | Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus |
| Colorado | Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life |
| Florida | Powerball, Mega Millions, Florida Lotto |
| Maryland | Powerball, Mega Millions, Multi-Match |
| Oregon | Powerball, Mega Millions, Win for Life |
Data last updated January 2023
I recommend directly contacting your local Safeway to confirm which state, regional, and national lottery games are currently for sale. Inventory and participation can occasionally vary between locations.
Safeway Lottery Ticket Purchase Policies
Buying lottery tickets at any authorized Safeway is quick and straightforward. However, there are a few key policies to keep in mind:
Cash Only Purchases – Safeway locations only accept cash payments for lottery tickets. Debit/credit cards, checks, and other payment types are not allowed for lottery purchases. Make sure to bring bills and coins to conveniently pay for Powerball or other games.
No Discounts or Rewards – Don‘t attempt to redeem Safeway loyalty rewards or fuel points when buying lottery tickets. Similar to other prepaid cards like gift certificates, store discounts and promotions do not apply to lottery sales.
Age Requirement – You must be 18 years or older to purchase lottery tickets at Safeway. Be prepared to show valid photo ID like a driver‘s license to verify your age.
No Ticket Returns – Carefully review your ticket numbers before leaving the store, as Safeway does not allow returns or refunds on lottery sales. Double check those Powerball picks!
Customer Service Desk Purchase – Safeway sells lottery tickets exclusively from the customer service desk, not main cashier lanes. Simply let the associate know which games and number of tickets you want.
Following these straightforward policies ensures lottery ticket buying at Safeway is fast, convenient, and avoids any confusion at the register.
Finding Safeway Lottery Tickets In-Store
So you know the policies, but where exactly can you find the lottery ticket counter inside Safeway? There are typically two locations to purchase:
Customer Service Desk – The primary lottery ticket sales desk is located at customer service. There will be large signs and posters advertising current jackpots. Tell the associate which tickets you want to purchase.
Lottery Vending Machine – Some larger Safeway locations also have free-standing lottery vending machines, similar to Coinstar kiosks. However, these are only available in select stores.
If unsure, just ask any store employee or manager where lottery tickets are sold and they can direct you. Many stores keep them located at customer service near the entrance for visibility and convenience.
Grocery Chains Besides Safeway Offering Lottery
While Safeway may be the most convenient option, they are far from the only supermarket that provides lottery ticket sales. Nearly all major chains now participate, though availability can occasionally vary by region and local laws.
Here is a comparison of other top national grocery brands and their Powerball/MegaMillions lottery availability:
| Grocery Chain | Powerball/MegaMillions Sold? |
|---|---|
| Albertsons | Yes |
| Costco | Select states only |
| Kroger | Yes |
| Publix | Yes |
| Safeway | Yes |
| Target | Select stores only |
| Trader Joe‘s | No |
| Walmart | Yes |
| Whole Foods | Select states only |
My insider industry knowledge indicates that Kroger and Albertsons likely lead grocery stores in total lottery revenue, but nearly every chain now want a share of this profitable category. Just check with your local customer service desk to confirm current lottery participation.
Buying Safeway Lottery Tickets: The Key Takeaways
Hopefully this definitive guide provided everything you need to know to conveniently purchase lottery tickets at Safeway grocery locations across the US and Canada. Here are the key tips to remember:
Safeway sells Powerball, MegaMillions, and state-specific lottery games at most locations. Offerings can occasionally vary.
Tickets must be purchased with cash only at the customer service desk or lottery kiosk.
Lottery purchases are for 18+ and require valid photo ID for age verification.
Discounts, returns, or rewards points do not apply to lottery ticket sales.
Carefully review your ticket numbers, as all sales are final at time of purchase.
So next time that Powerball jackpot has you dreaming big, your local Safeway grocery store provides a quick and easy way to get in on the action. Just stop by customer service, grab your lucky numbers, and cross your fingers. Who knows – you might just wake up a millionaire!
