Every lottery ticket has the same mathematical odds. It doesn’t matter if you buy it at a gas station, a grocery store, or a liquor shop — the probability is identical.
But here’s what’s interesting: some stores keep selling winners. Not once. Not twice. Year after year.
State lotteries actually track this data and publish lists of their “luckiest retailers.” And when you look at the numbers, patterns emerge.
Let’s break down what we know.
🏪 The Data: Stores That Keep Winning
State lotteries publish annual lists of retailers that sold the most winning tickets. Here’s what the 2024 data shows:
Washington State
Fred Meyer in Auburn topped the list with 20 winning tickets worth $1,000+ in 2024. This same location sold a $754.6 million Powerball jackpot in 2023.
Other notable stores:
- Fred Meyer in Renton: 19 wins
- Muckleshoot Casino Resort: 16 wins
- Safeway in Everett: 13 wins (5th year in a row on the list)
New York
Smokes 4 Less in Newburgh sold 17 times more winning tickets than the next closest retailer in 2024. Most of the state’s luckiest retailers were in the five boroughs.
California
Los Angeles County has the most Powerball and Mega Millions wins of any county in the state. Notable recent wins:
- 7-Eleven in Anaheim: $526.5 million Powerball (March 2025)
- Midway Market & Liquor in Palmdale: $1.73 billion jackpot (2023)
- Primm Valley Lotto: 48 winning tickets between 2021-2024
📊 Which Store Types Sell the Most Winners?
According to NBC data analysis of California Lottery results:
| Store Type | Ranking | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gas station convenience stores | #1 | Highest volume of ticket sales |
| Standalone convenience stores | #2 | High traffic, impulse purchases |
| Liquor stores | #3 | Lottery-focused customers |
| Supermarkets | #4 | High foot traffic |
The pattern is clear: stores that sell more tickets produce more winners. It’s volume, not magic.
🔄 Why Do the Same Stores Keep Winning?
There’s no supernatural explanation. Here’s what’s actually happening:
1. High Volume = More Winners
A store that sells 10,000 tickets per week will produce more winners than a store selling 500. Simple math.
2. Location Matters
Stores near highways, casinos, or high-traffic areas sell more tickets. More tickets = more chances for winners.
3. Reputation Feeds Itself
Once a store sells a big winner, people flock there to buy tickets. This increases volume, which increases the chance of another winner. The cycle repeats.
4. Dedicated Lottery Customers
Some stores attract “regulars” who buy tickets consistently. Regular players buying from the same store increases that store’s winner count.
🔍 How to Find Lucky Retailers Near You
Most state lotteries publish this data. Here’s how to find it:
Step 1: Go to your state lottery website
Step 2: Look for “Lucky Retailers,” “Winning Locations,” or “Retailer Statistics”
Step 3: Filter by your region or ZIP code
Step 4: Check which stores have sold the most winners over $600 or $1,000
Step 5: Note stores that appear on the list multiple years in a row
Direct Links by State:
- California: calottery.com → “Lucky Retailers” tool
- New York: nylottery.ny.gov → Retailer search
- Texas: txlottery.org → “Retailers Who Sold Top Prizes”
- Washington: walottery.com → “Luckiest Stores” annual list
- Florida: flalottery.com → Winner search by retailer
Most states publish this information. Just search “[Your State] Lottery Lucky Retailers” or check your lottery’s official website.
📈 Patterns Worth Noting
After analyzing lottery data from multiple states, here are consistent patterns:
| Pattern | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Same stores for 5+ years | Volume is consistent, not random luck |
| Gas stations dominate | Convenience = more impulse buyers |
| Border/highway locations | Cross-state traffic boosts volume |
| Near casinos | Gamblers buy more tickets |
| Urban > Rural | Population density = more buyers |
🎯 What This Means for You
Let’s be clear about what this data does and doesn’t tell us:
✅ What the data DOES show:
- Some stores consistently produce more winners
- High-volume stores = more total wins
- You can find these stores using public lottery data
- The same stores appear year after year
❌ What the data DOESN’T mean:
- Your individual odds change based on where you buy
- These stores have “magic” or special luck
- You’re guaranteed to win at these locations
- The store itself affects the outcome
✅ Quick Checklist: Finding Lucky Stores
☐ Look for stores that appear multiple years in a row
☐ Note high-volume locations (gas stations, convenience stores)
☐ Check stores near highways or high-traffic areas
☐ Remember: YOUR odds don’t change — but volume matters
☐ Play responsibly regardless of location
🏁 Conclusion
Some stores really do sell more winners. The data proves it. But it’s not luck — it’s volume.
High-traffic stores sell more tickets. More tickets mean more winners. Winners attract more buyers. The cycle continues.
If you want to buy your ticket where jackpot winners buy theirs, the data is public. Check your state lottery’s website, find the high-volume retailers, and play where the action is.
Just remember: your odds are exactly the same no matter where you buy. But there’s something to be said for buying your ticket at a store with a track record.
📌 This content is for educational purposes only. All lottery tickets have equal probability of winning regardless of purchase location. “Lucky retailer” statistics reflect historical data based on sales volume, not predictive probability. Please play responsibly.
Sources: Washington’s Lottery, California Lottery, New York Lottery, NBC Los Angeles data analysis, state lottery commission reports 2024-2025.
Andrew Brooks is a qualified writer and researcher with experience producing clear, trustworthy content on topics such as personal finance, lifestyle optimization, consumer insights, productivity, and informed decision-making. With an approachable yet professional tone, he focuses on turning complex information into practical, easy-to-understand guidance that helps readers make smarter choices with confidence.