Americans love playing the lottery. In fact, U.S. lottery sales totaled over $91 billion in 2019 according to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. For many, picking up a lottery ticket or two has become part of their regular shopping routine at grocery and convenience stores across the country.
As one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S. with nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states, Kroger is a popular spot for customers to try their luck and purchase tickets for lottery drawings like Mega Millions and Powerball. But before you make a special trip, you may be wondering – does Kroger actually sell lottery tickets at all of its locations? How much do they cost? Are there any restrictions or requirements?
Don‘t worry – we‘ve got you covered with everything you need to know about buying lottery tickets on your next Kroger run. Let‘s jump in with the most important question…
Does Kroger Sell Lottery Tickets?
Yes, Kroger does sell lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Powerball entries as well as scratch-off games. However, there are a few caveats:
First, not all Kroger locations sell lottery tickets. Kroger does not offer lottery sales at its stores in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and Mississippi, as those states do not participate in multi-state lottery games. So you‘ll be out of luck if you live in one of those areas.
Additionally, some local municipalities have regulations banning the sale of lottery tickets that may apply to certain Kroger stores. It‘s best to check with your nearby Kroger to confirm they sell tickets before making a special visit.
To find out if a particular Kroger location near you sells lottery tickets, you can use the handy store locator feature on Kroger‘s website. Simply enter your city or zip code, and the locator will display nearby Kroger stores along with the services each offers, including whether that store sells lottery tickets.
What Types of Lottery Tickets Does Kroger Sell?
Kroger customers can purchase tickets for the most popular multi-state lottery games:
Mega Millions – Tickets cost $2 each and drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Jackpots start at $20 million and increase each drawing until won. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.
Powerball – Tickets are $2 and drawings take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and a Powerball number from 1 to 26. Jackpots begin at $40 million and grow until someone wins. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.
In addition to Mega Millions and Powerball, most Kroger stores with lottery sales also offer a variety of state-specific draw games and instant scratch-off tickets at prices ranging from $1 to $30. Scratch-off prizes vary depending on the game and can range from a few dollars to $1 million or more.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Lottery Tickets at Kroger?
To purchase lottery tickets at Kroger or any other authorized retailer, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age requirement for gambling in most states. However, some states have higher minimum ages:
- In Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi, you must be 21 or older.
- In Nebraska, the minimum age is 19.
- Alabama, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah have no lotteries.
When buying lottery tickets at Kroger, be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your age, such as a driver‘s license, state ID card, or passport. Kroger is strict about enforcing minimum age requirements and will refuse sales to anyone under 18 or not able to provide proper identification.
How Much Do Lottery Tickets Cost at Kroger?
There‘s no special Kroger pricing for lottery tickets – the cost is the same as what you‘d pay at any other lottery retailer. Mega Millions and Powerball tickets are always $2 per play. Scratch-off tickets start at $1 and go up to around $30, depending on the game and top prize amount.
Of course, you can choose to spend more to boost your odds and potential winnings. Both Mega Millions and Powerball offer a $1 "Megaplier" or "Powerplay" add-on that multiplies any non-jackpot prizes. You can also buy multiple tickets for the same drawing to increase your chances.
Many Kroger stores have self-service lottery vending machines where you can make your game and number selections, pay, and print out your tickets. Other locations require you to make your purchase at the customer service counter. Either way, you‘ll get your tickets and be on your way in just a few minutes.
Do Kroger Gas Stations Sell Lottery Tickets Too?
Don‘t fret if you can‘t get to a full Kroger grocery store – many Kroger fuel centers and convenience stores also sell lottery tickets. However, whether a particular Kroger gas station sells tickets may depend on local laws, so it‘s a good idea to check in advance using the Kroger store locator or by calling the station directly.
Is It Worth Buying Lottery Tickets at Kroger?
America‘s fascination with lottery games is understandable. The idea of spending just a couple bucks for the chance to become an overnight millionaire is undoubtedly alluring. But is it really worth it to fork over your hard-earned cash for tickets at Kroger or any other retailer?
Well, as you might have guessed from the astronomical odds mentioned earlier, winning Mega Millions, Powerball, or a big scratch-off prize is highly unlikely. Your odds of winning are not affected by where you buy your ticket. Every ticket has an equal chance regardless of whether it came from Kroger or the gas station down the street.
From a purely financial perspective, playing the lottery is not a sound investment. The average U.S. resident spends about $219 per year on lottery tickets according to a 2017 survey by LENDedu. The odds of getting a positive return are extremely low.
Of course, for many, playing the lottery is more about the thrill of "what if" than an actual investment strategy. If you have a few spare dollars and get enjoyment from dreaming about hitting it big, a lottery ticket may be worth the cost as an occasional treat or form of entertainment. The key is to only play what you can afford and to view it as a fun diversion, not a serious way to make money.
What to Do If You Win the Lottery with a Ticket from Kroger
On the off chance that you do defy the odds and win a big lottery prize with a ticket purchased at Kroger, you‘ll need to know how to claim your windfall. The claims process varies slightly depending on the size of the prize and the specific game.
For Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots, you‘ll need to contact your state lottery office to begin the claims process. You‘ll be required to provide identification, fill out a claims form and turn in your winning ticket. For tax purposes, any prize over $600 requires a W-2G form, and prizes over $5,000 are subject to automatic withholding. Consult with a tax professional for guidance.
If you win a smaller prize, you may be able to claim it directly from Kroger, depending on the amount. Most Kroger stores can pay out prizes of $600 or less in cash on the spot. For prizes over that amount, you‘ll need to fill out a claims form at Kroger and will receive a check from the state lottery office in a few weeks.
Responsible Gambling Practices for Lottery Players
While playing the lottery is a fun pastime for many, it‘s important to remember to play responsibly. Never spend more than you can afford on tickets, and don‘t fall into the trap of thinking you are "due for a win." The odds reset with each drawing regardless of how many times you play or how much you spend.
If you feel that your lottery habit is becoming a problem, don‘t hesitate to seek help. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700 to provide resources and support.
Interesting Kroger Lottery Winner Stories
Though scoring a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot from a ticket bought at Kroger is a long shot, it has happened! Here are a few of the more memorable times Kroger shoppers got crazy lucky:
In January 2021, a winning Powerball ticket worth $23.2 million was sold at a Kroger store in Novi, Michigan. The lucky winner chose to remain anonymous.
A Kroger shopper in Fremont, Ohio hit the $200,000 top prize on an Ohio Lottery Holiday Lucky Times 10 scratch-off ticket in December 2020. What a way to wrap up the year!
In March 2018, a $457 million Powerball ticket was sold at a Speedway gas station in Pennsylvania. While not specifically a Kroger store, Speedway is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kroger, so the company still got to celebrate the big win.
Kroger‘s Lottery Ticket Business is Big Business
Selling lottery tickets is a lucrative enterprise for Kroger. The company does not disclose specific sales figures, but a 2019 New York Post article estimated that large grocery and convenience store chains can earn anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 per store per week in lottery ticket sales commissions.
With nearly 3,000 stores across the country, that potentially adds up to millions in revenue each year for the Kroger company. So even with the slim odds of winning, Kroger has already hit the jackpot by offering lottery sales to hopeful customers.
Kroger Lottery Tickets Help Support Good Causes
In addition to providing an engaging diversion for customers and boosting Kroger‘s bottom line, lottery ticket sales at Kroger stores also indirectly help support many charitable causes. That‘s because the majority of U.S. state lotteries are obligated to dedicate a portion of ticket sales to public programs and services.
Beneficiaries vary by state but often include educational initiatives like scholarships and grants, parks and environmental protection, senior citizen and veteran services, and housing assistance programs. So even if your ticket turns out to be a dud, you can take heart knowing your purchase helped contribute to some worthy causes.
The Bottom Line on Buying Lottery Tickets at Kroger
Kroger stores can be a convenient place to pick up a lottery ticket or two and dream big on your regular grocery run. Just remember that winning is far from guaranteed, so it‘s important to play responsibly and within your means.
With tickets for the most popular games like Mega Millions and Powerball as well as numerous scratch-off options, Kroger likely has the games you want to play, as long as you live in a state that offers them. And even if you don‘t end up hitting the jackpot, you can feel good knowing that a portion of Kroger‘s lottery sales go toward benefitting charitable causes.
So the next time you‘re feeling lucky, consider grabbing a ticket at your local Kroger and have fun dreaming about what you‘d do with a few extra million dollars. Just don‘t spend your grocery budget under the delusion that a life-changing windfall is a sure thing!
