Have you ever had trouble finding a lottery retailer? I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but whenever I’m somewhere outside my usual area, I suddenly get the urge to play the lottery. It’s like I’m inspired to pick the perfect numbers or see some sign telling me to play. But no matter how hard I look, I can’t find a lottery retailer nearby.
Yes, I know plenty of places sell lottery tickets, but at that moment, I just can’t find one – no matter how much I walk around or check the map. When I finally find one, the excitement is gone. I either overthink my numbers, lose interest, or convince myself that the “sign” I saw was nothing special. A total disaster!
Has this ever happened to you? I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.
If it has, don’t worry—I have the perfect solution to ensure you can always find a lottery retailer location near you: the Lottonia App.
Read on, and I’ll tell you why.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets?
In the US we’re lucky that most states allow the sale of lottery tickets. In fact, 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have state-run lotteries. Only five states don’t sell lottery tickets: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
In all other states, you can play popular games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Lucky for Life, and local state lotteries.
There are about 223,000 locations across the country where you can buy lottery tickets. Most are convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets. But many small local stores are part of the official lottery retailer network.
How to Find the Nearest Lottery Retailer in Seconds
All right, let’s cut to the chase – how do you find the nearest lottery retailer location?
With the Lottonia app, you can do much more than save your lottery picks and get smart number suggestions. You can also find the nearest lottery retailers with the Nearby Retailers feature.
When you sign up for Lottonia, you’ll need to enter the state where you live—but don’t worry—you can change it at any time if you’re traveling. That’s all the information you need! Lottonia will then show you all the official lottery retailers in that state.
And the best part? Lottonia only lists official lottery retailers, so you don’t have to worry about scams.
Each location appears on the map with a little pin. Just tap it to see the store’s address. When you tap “Get Directions,” you’ll get step-by-step navigation to get you there.
It’s that easy!
Before You Buy: Two Things to Remember!
Before you head out to buy your ticket, you should keep a few things in mind – especially if you don’t want to waste a trip.
1. Check the store hours.
Make sure the store is open before you go. Some places close earlier than you might expect, and you don’t want to get there and find out they’re already closed. Once you’ve found a nearby lottery retailer with Lottonia, check their website for their opening hours.
2. Bring cash.
While some states allow you to buy lottery tickets with a credit card, not all stores accept them. To be safe, always bring cash when you buy lottery tickets. Plus, paying cash is a smarter choice for your budget.
Play the Lottery Online: Which States Allow It?
Do you have to go to a lottery retailer? I mean… can’t you just play online?
Well, yes – but only in certain states. In the US, eight states, plus Washington, D.C., allow players to buy and play the lottery online. These states are
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
Some other states offer online lottery subscriptions but with different rules. These include
- Maine
- Maryland (subscriptions are handled online, but players must mail in their applications)
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Virginia
If you are outside these states, you cannot buy lottery tickets online. You’ll need to find an authorized lottery retailer.
Lottery Retailers Near Me FAQs
How to Buy a Lottery Ticket in the USA
To buy a ticket, go to your nearest authorized retailer and choose the lottery game you want to play. Some states also allow you to buy tickets online through their official lottery websites.
What if I don’t live in a state with a lottery?
If you live in one of the five states that don’t sell lottery tickets, your only option is to travel to a state that does. Once there, open the Lottonia app and find your nearest lottery retailer.
Keep in mind: Lottery tickets cannot legally be sold by mail, over the phone, or across state lines.
Can foreigners play the US lottery?
Yes! You don’t have to be a US citizen or resident to play. Anyone can buy a ticket and claim a prize if they win. The only requirements are that you be at least 18 years old and physically present in the US when you purchase your ticket.
Can I buy US lottery tickets out of the country?
No, US lottery tickets can only be purchased inside the country at official retailers or through licensed online platforms in certain states. But in both cases, you must be physically present in the country.