CALIFORNIA - The California Lottery isn't just known for funding the state's schools; it's known for selling history. Due to a unique state law that often allows prizes to grow larger than in other states, California is home to some of the largest lottery jackpots ever recorded globally.
While the odds are the same everywhere, certain independent shops, mini markets, and liquor stores have become magnets for massive jackpots. Here are the "luckiest" places to buy your ticket in California, based on a track record of life-changing wins and high-volume payouts.
The Record Breaker: Joe's Service Center
Location: Altadena (Los Angeles County)
This unassuming Mobil gas station and service center holds the ultimate title: the seller of the single biggest lottery prize in U.S. history.
- The Luck Factor: In November 2022, Joe's Service Center sold the lone winning ticket for the record-shattering $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot. The store and its owner became instant, international celebrities.
- Best For: Thrill-seekers who want to purchase their ticket at the exact location where a historic billionaire was born.
The Downtown Phenomenon: Las Palmitas Mini Market
Location: Los Angeles (Downtown/Skid Row area)
Just months after the record-breaker, this small, narrow mini-market in downtown Los Angeles secured its own legendary status by selling a second colossal jackpot.
- The Luck Factor: This store sold the single winning ticket for a $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot in July 2023. Its success, especially in a dense urban area, highlights the reality that massive wins often come from the smallest, most unexpected neighborhood shops.
- Best For: Buying a quick pick in a location where the owner and manager have proven that small stores can hold the biggest luck.
The Scratchers Specialists: Bluebird Liquor
Location: Hawthorne (Los Angeles County)
While mega-jackpots grab headlines, consistent smaller wins define "luck." Bluebird Liquor is frequently cited as one of Southern California's luckiest places for producing multiple winners.
- The Luck Factor: Bluebird Liquor has sold several major-prize Scratchers tickets ($1 million or more) and consistently ranks among the top retailers for Scratchers. Their reputation for constant turnover makes them a draw for serious scratch-off players.
- Best For: Enthusiasts of California's state-specific Scratchers games who seek a spot with a high volume of payout activity.
The Regional Hotspot: Lichine's Liquor & Deli
Location: Sacramento (South Land Park area)
Moving north, this liquor and deli combination is a cornerstone of lottery luck in the Sacramento Valley.
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The Luck Factor: Lichine's has a long, documented history of selling major prizes, including Powerball tickets worth over $1 million. When Mega Millions or Powerball reaches a billion dollars, lines often snake out the door because of its reputation as a reliable Northern California hotspot.
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Best For: Players in the Central Valley/Capital Region looking for a retailer with a long, consistent history of rewarding big winners.
The High-Volume Powerhouse: 7-Eleven
Location: Statewide (Anaheim, San Jose, Sacramento)
The 7-Eleven chain is a statistical giant. Due to its massive footprint and 24/7 sales volume, its locations are a constant source of million-dollar wins across the state.
- The Luck Factor: Specific 7-Eleven stores—such as those in Anaheim (which sold a $515 million Powerball ticket) or Sacramento (which sold a $315 million Powerball ticket)—have proven that the classic convenience store is always a strong bet.
- Best For: Any player looking for guaranteed high volume and a location that has sold every type of major jackpot in the past.
The California Advantage
The best strategy for buying a ticket in California is to seek out small, independent liquor stores and mini markets with high foot traffic. These retailers often focus heavily on lottery sales and benefit disproportionately from the state's record-setting jackpots.
Just remember: In California, winners' names must be disclosed. If you win big, the world will know where you got your lucky ticket—likely one of the legendary spots above!