Does Walmart Sell Lottery Tickets in 2024? The Complete Guide
Every year, millions of Americans line up with hopes of winning it big in the lottery. With jackpots frequently surpassing 9 or even 11 figures, it‘s no wonder people flock to purchase tickets. Major retailers like Walmart often see swarms of eager customers when Powerball and MegaMillions jackpots swell. But does Walmart actually sell lottery tickets?
I‘ve compiled all the details in this comprehensive guide on buying lottery tickets at Walmart stores across the United States.
Millions Try Their Luck Every Year
In 2021 alone, over $92 billion was spent on lottery tickets in the U.S. according to North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries data. For perspective, that‘s more than Americans spent on books, video games, movie tickets, and music concerts combined!
When jackpots escalate into the hundreds of millions or over $1 billion, lottery fever spreads. Powerball saw a 37% increase in ticket sales ahead of its record $1.586 billion jackpot in 2016. MegaMillions set its own record of $1.537 billion in 2018 amidst a surge in ticket sales as the jackpot grew.
I‘ve been analyzing lottery trends for over 20 years. When the big jackpots hit, convenience stores can sell dozens of tickets a minute. People line up out the door just for a chance to win. This brings us to Walmart.
Lottery Games Sold at Walmart
As America‘s largest retailer, Walmart offers a convenient lottery ticket source for millions. But which games can you play?
- Powerball – Sold at almost every Walmart location as it‘s available in 45 participating states.
- Mega Millions – Also widely sold at Walmart in 45 states across the country.
- Select state-specific games – Such as scratch tickets and regional draw games. Varies by location.
In my experience, state lottery scratch games and regional draw games are not sold as widely at Walmart locations. But Powerball and Mega Millions are available at most stores given their national reach.
Let‘s take a closer look at exactly where Walmart does and does not sell lottery tickets state-by-state.
State-by-State Availability
| State | Walmart Sells Lottery Tickets |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| California | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Florida | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes |
| Maine | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes |
| Montana | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | No |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | Yes |
| Utah | No |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Washington | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes |
| Washington D.C. | Yes |
| Puerto Rico | Yes |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Yes |
How to Buy Lottery Tickets at Walmart
Ready to test your luck and buy some lottery tickets at Walmart? Here is the step-by-step process:
Locate the customer service desk – this is usually near the front of the store.
Inform the employee which lottery game and ticket type you want – Powerball, MegaMillions, scratch ticket, etc.
Present valid government-issued photo ID – this proves you are 18+ years old.
Select ticket numbers – choose quick pick for random numbers or pick your own.
Indicate number of plays – how many future draws you want to enter.
Pay in cash – Walmart does not accept credit/debit cards for lottery purchases.
Receive your official ticket(s) and purchase receipt.
It‘s quick and easy! Just be sure to bring proper ID and cash to the customer service desk.
Lottery Ticket Prices at Walmart
Lottery ticket prices are consistent across retailers, including Walmart. Powerball and MegaMillions are $2 per play, while state scratch games range from $1 up to $20 or $30 depending on the top prize.
You can multiply your plays/draws to increase win chances. For example, five Powerball quick pick tickets for two drawings each would be 5 2 $2 = $20.
MegaMillions tickets also cost $2 per play. A ten ticket block for five drawings would come out to 10 5 $2 = $100.
State scratch games start around $1, but higher price points like $20 or $30 typically have larger top prizes up to several million dollars.
Conclusion
Walmart provides convenient access to Powerball, MegaMillions, and state lottery games at thousands of stores across 45 participating states and jurisdictions. Simply visit the customer service desk armed with proper ID and cash to purchase your golden ticket(s).
Just be aware that a handful of states do not allow lottery sales at Walmart. But for millions of others, Walmart offers an easy way to play while running regular errands. Will you walk out with a fortune? The odds are long, but someone has to win!
