NEW HAMPSHIRE - While New Hampshire is famous for its "Live Free or Die" motto and lack of income tax, it’s also the birthplace of the modern state lottery in the U.S. In the Granite State, lottery fever is a way of life, especially when the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpots start climbing toward the billions. As we move through early 2026, several retailers have established themselves as "hot spots" where Lady Luck seems to have a permanent residence.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - While New Hampshire is famous for its "Live Free or Die" motto and lack of income tax, it’s also the birthplace of the modern state lottery in the U.S. In the Granite State, lottery fever is a way of life, especially when the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpots start climbing toward the billions. As we move through early 2026, several retailers have established themselves as "hot spots" where Lady Luck seems to have a permanent residence.From the busy streets of Manchester to the quiet markets of Merrimack, here are the 5 luckiest places to buy a lottery ticket in New Hampshire.
Granite State Gold: The 5 Luckiest Places to Buy a Lottery Ticket in New Hampshire
1. Reed’s Ferry Market (Merrimack, NH)
If you’re looking for the undisputed heavyweight champion of New Hampshire lottery spots, Reed’s Ferry Market is it. This neighborhood staple cemented its place in history by selling a staggering $352 million Powerball ticket.
- The Legend: Even years after the big win, this market remains a pilgrimage site for lottery hopefuls. It is widely considered the luckiest retail location in the state for major draw games.
- The Vibe: It’s a classic local market where the "Good Karma" from the 2018 win still seems to linger, making it the top choice for anyone chasing a massive multi-state jackpot.
2. Convenience Plus (Manchester, NH)
Located on Roundstone Drive, Convenience Plus has recently earned a reputation as a "Life-Changer." The store made waves after selling a ticket for the "Lucky For Life" game that awarded a winner $25,000 a year for the rest of their life.
- The Winning Streak: Beyond the "Lucky For Life" win, this Manchester hub consistently appears on the state's weekly winner list for mid-tier scratch-off prizes and daily draw games.
- The Queen City Hotspot: As one of the highest-volume retailers in the state’s largest city, the sheer number of winners coming out of this door makes it a must-stop for regular players.
3. Hannaford Supermarket (Raymond, NH)
Don’t let the grocery carts fool you; this Hannaford location is a powerhouse for lottery payouts. It famously sold a $487 million Powerball ticket (which eventually paid out a $341.7 million cash option), one of the largest in New England history.
- The Big Game Specialist: While small variety stores are great for scratch-offs, this supermarket is where the "monsters" are caught. It remains one of the most profitable lottery agents for the state and a top destination for Powerball players.
- Community Luck: The store has used its various retailer bonuses from big wins to donate back to the local community, adding a "feel-good" layer to its lucky reputation.
4. Common Man Welcome Center (Hooksett, NH)
Located on the southbound side of I-93, this isn't just a place to grab a coffee—it's a massive lottery hub. It recently sold a $1 million Mega Millions ticket, proving that some of the best luck is found right off the highway.
- The Commuter's Choice: Because it serves thousands of travelers daily, the inventory turnover here is incredibly high. For players who believe in "fresh rolls" of scratch-offs, this high-volume turnover is a major draw.
- The Recent Heat: In addition to the million-dollar win, the Hooksett Common Man has seen a flurry of $10,000 and $50,000 payouts in the 2025-2026 cycle.
5. Circle K / Irving (North Hampton, NH)
The Seacoast region has its own beacon of luck at the Circle K on Lafayette Road. This location has become a magnet for "Tri-State Gimme 5" winners, recently clearing a $100,000 top-prize ticket.
- The Scratch-Off Specialist: While the big supermarkets handle the Powerball crowds, this Circle K is a favorite for the high-denomination scratch-off community. It has a consistent track record of $1,000 to $20,000 instant-win payouts.
- Regional Dominance: It frequently ranks as the luckiest spot in Rockingham County for players looking for consistent, smaller-scale wins to fund their next big ticket.
Granite State Lottery Strategy
While New Hampshire doesn't have a "secret formula," veteran players in the state tend to follow these three local rules:
- The Highway Advantage: Large "Welcome Center" style locations (like those in Hooksett or Seabrook) often have the highest sales volume, which statistically leads to more frequent winners being reported.
- iLottery vs. Retail: Many New Hampshire residents now play via the NH iLottery app, which has seen over $390 million in wins in 2025 alone. However, traditionalists still flock to retail locations for "physical luck."
- The "Border Run": Stores near the Massachusetts or Vermont borders often see inflated jackpots and higher ticket turnover, which many believe keeps the "bins hot" for new winners.
