New Retailer Emerges as Top Lottery Seller in Massachusetts

North Andover, Massachusetts – A small storefront has overtaken a gas station as the top lottery seller in the state. Winners Corner, located in North Andover, has significantly increased its sales since opening just a year ago, surpassing the long-time leader, Ted’s Stateline Mobil in Methuen.

Winners Corner, which offers lottery tickets, board games, and playing cards, has recorded over $49 million in lottery sales by early October this year. This is more than triple what Ted’s achieved, according to state lottery records. Ted’s has seen a 14% drop in sales, leading it to fall to second place.

The shift shows a growing trend where lottery players in Massachusetts are opting for online ticket purchases. Winners Corner utilizes 18 lottery terminals capable of processing tickets sold online through Jackpocket. This digital change mirrors a national trend in how people gamble, and critics say it is hurting traditional retailers.

“It’s crazy the way it’s developing,” said Tony Amico, the former owner of Ted’s. He voiced concerns that online sales are detrimental to small retailers who depend on foot traffic.

Thomas Metzger, CEO of Lotto.com, highlighted the potential for new customer acquisition. “We bring in these new customers who maybe have never played the lottery or haven’t played in a long time,” he said, indicating that digital sales are on the rise.

Massachusetts State Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken noted that most retail lottery players tend to stick with traditional in-store purchases. “When someone’s a retail player, they stick with retail,” Bracken said, trying to quell worries about online competition.

Online companies like Jackpocket and Lotto.com operate as couriers, purchasing tickets from licensed retailers and delivering them to customers. They have seen a national sales increase of approximately 50% annually over the past two years, with Metzger suggesting there is still significant growth ahead.

As Massachusetts prepares to launch its own online lottery ticket sales next year, the landscape may shift further. Bracken expressed confidence that the state can compete by offering new games alongside popular draws like Mega Millions and Powerball.

Amico remains skeptical, discussing how the rise of couriers could impact the foot traffic that benefits local businesses. “They’re just hurting everybody,” he lamented, as concerns mount about the sustainability of conventional lottery selling.

Massachusetts has the highest per capita lottery sales in the U.S., with residents spending an average of over $840 on tickets annually, according to state data.