Everyone dreams of hitting the jackpot, but some locations seem to have a knack for selling more winning lottery tickets than others. Whether it’s a lucky store or a popular region, certain spots have gained a reputation for being home to big winners. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 places where the most lottery tickets are sold, highlighting the stores and regions that have seen the most significant wins. Let’s explore the mystery of these “lucky” locations!
1. California: The Jackpot Capital
Joe’s Service Center, Altadena
California is known for having several stores that regularly sell winning lottery tickets. One of the most famous is Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, which sold a Powerball ticket worth a whopping $2.04 billion in 2022. This is the largest jackpot in U.S. history and has turned this convenience store into a lottery hotspot.
Other Lucky California Spots
Albertsons, Morro Bay: Sold a Powerball ticket worth $699 million.
7-Eleven, Sacramento: Sold a Powerball ticket worth $316 million.
These high-traffic locations have earned California its title as the jackpot capital, with convenience stores and supermarkets regularly appearing in the winning ticket ranks.
2. Illinois: A State of Winners
Illinois has also earned a reputation for producing big winners. Among the standout locations is Casey’s General Store in Cortland, which sold a $344 million Mega Millions ticket in March 2025. This victory marked one of the largest jackpot wins in the state’s history.
3. Texas: A Hotspot for Mega Millions
Texas residents are no strangers to lottery wins, with many lucky players hitting it big at a variety of locations.
Lucky Texas Locations
El Rio Grande Latin Market, Fort Worth: Sold a $3 million Mega Millions ticket in November 2024.
Las Carretas Meat Market, Edinburg: Sold a $2 million Powerball ticket in March 2025.
The variety of retailers, from convenience stores to local markets, makes Texas a diverse lottery landscape with frequent winners.
4. Australia: The Lucky Land Down Under
Australia has its own lottery system, and certain locations in the country have developed a reputation for selling winning tickets. In particular, some stores have consistently sold Division One winning tickets in the country’s most popular lotteries.
Notable Australian Winners
Moonee Newsagency, Moonee Ponds, VIC: Known for selling nine Division One tickets.
Royal Oak Hotel, Rossmoyne, WA: Sold eight Division One tickets.
These locations have become symbols of good fortune, drawing players in with their history of selling big wins.
5. Japan: High-Traffic Locations with Big Wins
In Japan, the Takarakuji lottery is popular, and while many retailers participate in ticket sales, certain areas have a history of big wins. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have higher ticket sales due to their large populations, but regions like Hokkaido have seen surprising wins as well, despite having fewer people.
Key Areas in Japan
Tokyo: High-volume retailers in Tokyo often see bigger wins due to the large number of lottery tickets sold.
Osaka: Known for its bustling retail scene, it also ranks high for ticket sales.
These locations highlight the correlation between high ticket sales and the likelihood of winning, even in countries with many participants.
6. United Kingdom: Supermarkets Lead the Way
In the UK, supermarkets and dedicated lottery retailers are the most common places to purchase winning tickets.
Winning Retailers in the UK
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda: These major chains have been responsible for selling multiple winning tickets, thanks to their widespread presence across the country.
Specialized Lottery Shops: Retailers who focus specifically on lottery sales also see significant wins, as they attract serious players looking for a variety of options.
7. Canada: Grocery Stores and Convenience Shops
In Canada, the lottery is a big business, with grocery chains and convenience stores frequently among the top sellers of winning tickets.
Notable Canadian Locations
Loblaws and Sobeys: These grocery chains regularly sell winning tickets, partly due to their wide reach and high customer volume.
Mac’s and Circle K: These convenience stores also see a higher number of winning tickets sold, making them popular spots for Canadian players.
8. Florida: A Regular Winner in the Sunshine State
Florida has been home to many big lottery wins, and some of the most famous retailers in the state have seen massive ticket sales. Whether it’s Powerball or Mega Millions, Florida’s retailers often find themselves at the center of large-scale victories.
Notable Florida Locations
Publix Super Markets: Known for selling several winning Powerball and Mega Millions tickets.
7-Eleven, Miami: A hotspot for Powerball and scratch-off ticket winners.
With a mix of grocery stores and convenience shops, Florida remains one of the most reliable states for finding big winners.
9. New York: A Hub of Big Wins
New York, as one of the most populous states in the U.S., also sees a large volume of lottery tickets sold, leading to frequent big wins.
Big Winners in New York
Hudson News, Times Square: This store has sold a variety of high-value tickets, drawing attention from both locals and tourists.
Gristede’s, Manhattan: Known for selling a few large jackpot tickets, including a $100 million Mega Millions ticket.
In such a large and diverse state, it’s no surprise that lottery wins occur with regularity in New York.
10. Pennsylvania: A State with Steady Success
Pennsylvania has had its share of lottery successes, especially in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Successful Pennsylvania Locations
Acme Markets: Often at the forefront of selling winning tickets in the state.
Wawa Convenience Stores: Known for offering a range of lottery options and frequently selling large-ticket wins.
These retailers are familiar sights to Pennsylvania players, and they continue to sell substantial winnings year after year.
Conclusion
While certain regions and retailers seem to have a better track record of selling winning lottery tickets, it’s important to remember that winning the lottery is based on chance. Whether you buy your ticket from a renowned retailer or a local shop, your chances of winning are the same. However, it’s always fun to try your luck at a place with a history of big wins. Ultimately, the lottery is all about enjoying the excitement, and who knows—you might be the next big winner!
