: Ranked as one of the best states due to its low tax on winnings (4%) and a strong track record of lucky players. It also allows winners to remain anonymous.
: Both states consistently rank high for total lottery winnings accrued and have robust websites for tracking remaining prizes. Luckiest Retailer Types best places to buy scratch offs
: Offers better odds due to lower competition (lower ticket sales relative to population) and no sales tax on lottery tickets. : Ranked as one of the best states
: Some players prefer these because they may allow for more interaction with clerks who can tell you what people won on recently or if a new roll was just started. Strategies for Picking Your Spot Luckiest Retailer Types : Offers better odds due
: Frequently cited for having some of the best overall scratch-off odds in the country. It is known for high-payout tickets ($30+) that have significantly better jackpot odds compared to states like New York.
While scratch-offs are games of pure chance, you can use state-provided data and retail trends to pick "luckier" spots. As of April 2026, the best strategy involves focusing on high-traffic retailers in states with historically better payouts or lower competition.
Certain states are known for offering higher prize payouts or more favorable jackpot-to-population ratios.