The Dollar General is a popular discount retailer with over 18,000 stores across the United States. The company sells a variety of household goods, food items, clothing, and more at low prices. One thing customers often wonder is whether Dollar General sells lottery tickets, specifically Texas Lottery tickets.
The short answer is yes, select Dollar General locations do sell Texas Lottery tickets. However, not all Dollar General stores offer lottery sales. So whether you can buy Texas Lottery tickets at your local Dollar General depends on the individual store.
In Texas, lottery tickets are available for purchase at thousands of authorized retailers across the state. These include large chain stores as well as independent outlets. Retailers must apply and be approved to sell lottery products in Texas. So if a specific Dollar General location has been authorized as a lottery retailer by the Texas Lottery Commission, they will sell tickets.
Some key facts about Texas Lottery sales at Dollar General:
Texas Lottery Games Sold at Dollar General
Dollar General stores that are approved lottery retailers sell a range of Texas Lottery games. These include:
– Lotto Texas – The state’s original jackpot game with twice weekly drawings on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Lotto Texas has produced dozens of millionaires since it launched in 1992.
– Mega Millions – The multi-state jackpot game played across most of the U.S. The Texas Lottery joined Mega Millions in 2003.
– Powerball – Texas has participated in the Powerball game since 2010. Powerball also offers massive jackpot prizes.
– Pick 3 – A daily numbers game where players try to match 3 digits. Betting starts at $1 per play.
– Daily 4 – Another numbers game with 4-digit number picks. Also, a $1 minimum bet.
– Texas Two Step – This unique lottery game involves picking 4 numbers from 1 to 35 for the first part, then 1 bonus ball from 1 to 35. Drawings are held on Mondays and Thursdays.
– Cash Five – Pick 5 numbers from 1 to 35 and try to match them all to win the Cash Five jackpot. This game has nightly drawings.
– All or Nothing – Pick 12 numbers from 1 to 24 and try to match either all 12 digits or none of them to win. Drawings daily.
– Lotto Texas Double Play – An add-on game for Lotto Texas where players get a second chance to match their numbers after the main drawing.
So the major Texas Lottery offerings are available at Dollar Generals approved as retailers. The only exception is scratch-off instant tickets, which Dollar General does not sell.
Applying to Sell Lottery at Dollar General
For a Dollar General store to sell Texas Lottery tickets, they must submit an application to the Texas Lottery Commission to become an authorized retailer. The lottery reviews factors such as the store’s financial responsibility, security protocols, accessibility, and anticipated lottery sales volume.
If approved, the store receives a lottery retailer license and can begin selling tickets after setting up the required sales equipment. They must also train staff on lottery policies and procedures. The authorization process to sell lottery products typically takes 1 to 3 months for new retailers in Texas.
Lottery Sales Policies at Dollar General
Dollar General stores that are approved to sell lottery must follow certain rules and procedures set out by the Texas Lottery:
– Lottery sales are restricted to guests 18 years and older. Employees check IDs for any ticket purchases.
– Tickets must be scanned at the register to activate them before sale. The scanners verify winning numbers and prevent sales of expired games.
– Receipts are given for all lottery transactions. Dollar General lottery sales are cash only.
– Stores must pay out prizes up to $599. Winnings above $600 are redeemed at authorized Texas Lottery claim centers.
– Lottery displays should be visible and well-maintained in-store. Signage with odds and problem gambling info is posted.
– Employees receive training on responsible lottery retailing and selling/redeeming winning tickets properly.
– Stores undergo regular lottery inspections and audits to ensure compliance. Violations can lead to penalties or losing lottery authorization.
So Dollar General staff must closely follow all lottery procedures as an approved retailer in Texas. Proper team training on lottery sales is critical.
Finding Dollar General Stores with Lottery Near You
The best way to find a Dollar General that sells Texas Lottery tickets near your location is to use the store locator on the Texas Lottery website. There you can enter a ZIP code or city to pull up all authorized lottery retailers in the area, including Dollar General if available.
The Texas Lottery locator provides details like store addresses, distances, and hours. You can also call the Texas Lottery hotline at 1-800-37-LOTTO and ask which Dollar General locations sell lottery in your city or neighborhood. Some Dollar Generals display signs for lottery ticket sales outside or at the cash registers if they offer it.
Once you confirm a nearby Dollar General is authorized for lottery, you can stop in and try your luck on Texas Lottery favorites like Mega Millions, Lotto Texas, Cash Five, and more. Just remember you must be at least 18 to purchase tickets at Dollar General and have a valid ID ready when checking out.
Now that you know which Dollar General stores can sell you Texas Lottery tickets, you can take a shot at those big jackpots for just $1 or $2 a play. Good luck and remember to play responsibly if you do decide to test your fortune!
History of the Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery has an interesting history spanning almost 30 years since it was first authorized in the state. Here is an overview of key dates and developments with the Texas Lottery over time:
Voter Approval in 1991
– In November 1991, Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the state lottery. This followed years of debate among lawmakers over allowing a legal lottery.
– The amendment was passed with over 66% approval, signaling strong public support for a lottery system in Texas. This paved the way for establishing the Texas Lottery Commission.
Texas Lottery Commission Formed in 1992
– In April 1992, the Texas Lottery Commission was formed as the new state agency to administer lottery games.
– Five lottery commissioners were initially appointed by Governor Ann Richards to lead the organization.
– Lloyd George was selected as the first executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission. He led the startup of operations.
First Texas Lottery Ticket Sales in 1992
– On May 29, 1992, the first ticket sales began for the Texas Lottery’s inaugural game Lotto Texas.
– 22,000 retailers across Texas were approved to sell the initial lottery tickets at launch.
– The starting jackpot for Lotto Texas was set at $5 million. Interest and sales were high from the start.
Introduction of Mega Millions in 2003
– In December 2003, the Texas Lottery expanded to offer the multi-state Mega Millions game. This quickly became one of the lottery’s most popular offerings.
– It gave Texas players a chance to win jackpots starting at $10 million and rapidly growing higher.
– Within a year, Mega Millions helped raise an additional $184 million for Texas public education.
Launch of Texas Two Step in 2004
– A Texas-only lottery game called Texas Two Step was introduced in January 2004.
– The game involved picking 4 main numbers and a Bonus Ball number to win prizes up to $1.5 million.
– Two Step jackpots start at $200,000 and rollover frequently, giving players good odds to win big.
Introduction of Powerball in 2010
– In 2010, Texas joined the multi-state Powerball lottery game that had been growing quickly across the U.S.
– Powerball offered starting jackpots of $20 million and created enormous excitement in Texas.
– By 2017, Powerball was responsible for awarding two of the biggest lottery jackpots in Texas Lottery history at over $150 million each.
Continued Growth and Record Jackpots
– The Texas Lottery has continued thriving, supporting important education programs in the state.
– Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots have set new records in Texas in recent years, including a $227 million Mega Millions prize won in 2019.
– As of 2022, the Texas Lottery has awarded over $75 billion in total prizes since its start in 1992.
So in its 30-year history, the Texas Lottery has continued innovating, setting new records, and earning its place as a model U.S. lottery organization. The excitement and potential to win big keep Texas lottery players engaged year after year.
Texas Lottery Games Available at Dollar General
Dollar General stores authorized as Texas Lottery retailers sell a wide selection of lottery games that can produce big winnings. Here is an overview of the major Texas Lottery games you can play when you buy tickets at Dollar General:
Lotto Texas
– Lotto Texas is the original jackpot game that launched the Texas Lottery back in 1992.
– To play, pick 6 numbers from 1 to 54 or use quick pick. Match all six to win the jackpot starting at $5 million.
– There are also lower tier prizes for matching 3, 4, or 5 winning numbers.
– Twice weekly drawings held Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Mega Millions
– Played in 45 states plus D.C. and the Virgin Islands.
– Pick 5 main numbers from 1 to 70 and 1 Mega Ball number from 1 to 25.
– Match all 5 and the Mega Ball to hit the multimillion dollar jackpot.
– Drawings each Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Powerball
– One of the world’s biggest lottery games, played in 45 states.
– Select 5 numbers from 1 to 69, then 1 Powerball from 1 to 26.
– Jackpots start at $20 million and can grow into the hundreds of millions.
– Drawings held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Pick 3
– Provides a 1 in 1,000 chance to win.
– Simply pick 3 digits, 0 through 9.
– Drawings twice daily – during daytime and nighttime.
– Bet $1 on one set of 3 numbers or multiple combinations.
Daily 4
– Pick any four digits and try to match in exact order.
– 10,000 possible number combinations from 0000 to 9999.
– Making multiple picks increases your chances.
– Two drawings held daily.
Cash Five
– Select 5 numbers from 1 to 35. Match all to win jackpots from $25,000 up to $100,000 or more.
– Jackpots roll over and increase if there’s no winner.
– Drawings seven nights a week.
– Plays cost $1 each.
All or Nothing
– Pick 12 numbers from 1 to 24.
– Match all 12 or none to win. Prizes up to $250,000.
– Overall odds to win any prize are 1 in 4.
– Daily midday and evening drawings.
So at a Texas Dollar General lottery retailer, you get all the most popular and well-known lottery games with chances for big jackpots or lower tier winnings. The games have varying play styles and odds but combine to offer something for every lottery player.
5 Tips for Winning the Texas Lottery
While luck ultimately decides lottery outcomes, there are some tips players can follow to potentially increase their odds and fun when playing the Texas Lottery at Dollar General:
1. Compare Jackpots
– Focus play on games with jackpots that have rolled over to higher amounts. Bigger jackpots equal bigger winnings.
– Powerball and Mega Millions have the biggest jackpots. Lotto Texas rolls over frequently too.
2. Buy Multiple Tickets
– Increase chances by buying more than one quick pick or number combination.
– But only spend what you can comfortably afford on lottery tickets.
3. Join an Office Pool
– Pool money with coworkers or friends to buy more tickets together.
– This spreads the cost while increasing number coverage.
4. Try Lottery Apps
– Use free lottery apps to get reminders of big jackpots and draw times.
– Some apps help select numbers using different systems to attempt to predict winners.
5. Claim Prizes ASAP
– Sign the back of your winning ticket immediately before redeeming.
– Collect winnings right away so no ticket gets lost or misses its expiration.
– Know where to redeem prizes over $600, often a designated Texas Lottery office.
These tips can help maximize your lottery experience. But remember to gamble responsibly within your budget. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions people have about buying Texas Lottery tickets at Dollar General stores:
What hours can I buy lottery from Dollar General?
Most Dollar General locations sell lottery tickets during all store hours – from 8am to 10pm daily at a minimum. Some may have extended hours up to midnight or 24 hours.
What is the minimum age to buy Texas Lottery tickets at Dollar General?
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets in Texas, including at Dollar General. Employees will check IDs for any lottery purchases.
Can I use credit cards for lottery at Dollar General?
No, lottery purchases are cash only at Dollar General and all Texas retailers. Debit cards are also not accepted. Bring cash to buy your lottery tickets.
How late can I buy tickets on draw days?
You can buy Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto Texas, and other online game tickets up until 15 minutes before each drawing at Dollar General retailers.
Where do I claim larger prizes from Dollar General?
Prizes up to $599 can be redeemed right at the Dollar General store. Larger amounts must be collected at authorized Texas Lottery claim centers.
Can I return a losing Texas Lottery ticket?
No, lottery tickets can not be returned or refunded at Dollar General, win or lose. Lottery sales are final. Only winning tickets can be redeemed.
How long do I have to claim a winning Texas Lottery ticket?
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim winnings from a Texas Lottery ticket bought at Dollar General. Prizes expire after this period.
Does Dollar General sell scratch off tickets?
No. Dollar General stores in Texas currently only offer online Texas Lottery ticket sales, not scratch-offs. You can buy those at some other retailers.
I hope these commonly asked questions help explain the details of buying Texas lottery tickets at Dollar General stores in Texas. Please play responsibly and good luck on hitting a jackpot prize!
Conclusion
In summary, select Dollar General retail locations in Texas are authorized to sell lottery tickets from the Texas Lottery Commission. At these approved stores, you can purchase a wide range of popular Texas Lottery games offering the chance to win huge jackpot and lower tier cash prizes. Just remember you must be 18 or older and have valid ID to buy lottery tickets at Dollar General in Texas. Locate a participating store near you through the Texas Lottery website or app and then head in to test your luck! The next big Texas Lottery winner could come from a Dollar General ticket.
