Does Target Sell Lottery Tickets in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
With over half of Americans playing the lottery each year according to Gallup polls, you might be wondering – can I buy Powerball or Mega Millions tickets at my local Target store?
As a retail analyst, I‘ve researched Target‘s lottery ticket sales to help you understand exactly where, when, and how you can participate in the lottery at Target.
Here‘s a Quick Overview:
- Target sells lottery tickets at customer service desks in 44 states
- Tickets cost $2 each for games like Powerball and Mega Millions
- You must be 18+ years old to buy lottery tickets at Target
- Proof of ID is required to verify your age
- Target does NOT sell lottery tickets in AL, HI, MS, AK, UT, and NV
Now, let‘s dive into the details on every aspect of buying lottery tickets at Target stores across the country.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Lottery Tickets at Target
Over 200 million Americans play the lottery each year, so you‘re not alone if you‘re looking to try your luck at Target. Here is exactly how to purchase lottery tickets:
1. Locate the Customer Service Desk
The customer service desk is usually located near the front entrance of Target stores.
Look for signs like "Help Desk" or "Customer Service".
2. Ask About Available Lottery Games
Inquire which state lottery games and national games like Powerball are sold at that Target location.
Games vary based on state lottery participation. Popular options are Mega Millions and Powerball.
3. Select Your Game and Number of Tickets
Pick which lottery game you want to play, and how many tickets you want to buy.
Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are $2 per play.
4. Pay for Your Ticket With Cash or Card
Lottery tickets can be purchased with credit/debit cards, cash, or mobile pay.
You must pay before playing – tickets cannot be purchased on credit.
5. Confirm You‘re 18+ With Valid Photo ID
Customers must be at least 18 years old to buy lottery tickets at Target.
Be ready to show a valid driver‘s license, passport, or other government-issued ID.
And you‘re all set! With your ticket in hand, you‘ll be ready to watch the drawings and hopefully win big.
Why Can‘t I Buy Tickets in These 6 States?
While most states allow lottery ticket sales at retail chains like Target, there are 6 states where lottery tickets cannot be purchased:
| State | Reason |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No state lottery |
| Hawaii | No state lottery |
| Mississippi | No state lottery |
| Alaska | No state lottery |
| Utah | No state lottery |
| Nevada | No state lottery |
These states do not participate in national lottery games and have banned state-level lotteries, so no tickets are issued within their borders.
Your only option would be purchasing tickets online through third-party vendors (see section below).
Can I Buy Tickets if I‘m Visiting Canada?
If you‘re a tourist visiting Canada or live north of the border, you may be wondering about buying lottery tickets at Target stores in Canada.
The availability varies based on province, since lottery participation is determined at the provincial level.
Your best bet is to contact or visit your nearest Target in Canada to ask if they sell lottery tickets onsite.
You can find locations using Target‘s Canadian store locator.
How Do Lottery Games at Target Compare?
Target sells the two biggest national jackpot games – Mega Millions and Powerball – at all participating locations. How do these popular lotteries stack up?
| Game | Jackpot | Odds | Cost Per Play | Drawings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Millions | Starts at $20 million | 1 in 302 million | $2 | Tuesdays & Fridays |
| Powerball | Starts at $20 million | 1 in 292 million | $2 | Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays |
As you can see, both games offer giant jackpots but very slim odds. With the $2 plays and twice weekly drawings, Powerball and Mega Millions are fun, low-cost ways to try your luck.
State-specific games like Cash4Life and Lotto may also be sold at Target if offered in that jurisdiction.
Can I Buy Tickets Online if Target Isn‘t an Option?
If lottery tickets aren‘t sold at Target near you, there are trustworthy websites that sell official state lottery tickets online:
TheLotter – Founded in 2002, TheLotter provides access to 59 international lotteries. Purchase through the site is secure and tickets are scanned/emailed to you.
Jackpocket – Jackpocket is a licensed lottery app in 12 states allowing you to conveniently order lottery tickets online.
Purchasing online is legal as long as the vendor is authorized to sell state lottery tickets over the internet. Be sure to compare sites and read fine print.
The Bottom Line
Millions of Americans play the lottery every year, and Target makes it convenient by offering lottery ticket sales in most states across the U.S. Games like Mega Millions and Powerball can be purchased for $2 a play at Target service desks by adults 18 and over.
Just make sure to check if your state allows lottery participation and bring valid photo ID. With the right preparation, you‘ll be ready to try your luck in the next billion-dollar jackpot at your neighborhood Target store.
