The Luckiest Places to Buy a Lottery Ticket in West Virginia

Whether you're hunting for a multi-million dollar jackpot or just a high-payout scratch-off, here are the "luckiest" places to try your hand at the West Virginia Lottery, based on significant historical wins and recent lucky streaks.

The All-Time Legend: The Market in Hurricane

Location: Hurricane (Putnam County)

This location is home to one of the most famous, albeit cautionary, lottery tales in U.S. history. While the exact store details have changed over time, the town of Hurricane is synonymous with life-altering luck.

• The Luck Factor: In December 2002, the winner of the then-record $314 million Powerball jackpot purchased his quick-pick ticket at a convenience store attached to a supermarket in Hurricane. The massive win instantly placed the small town on the map.
• Best For: Players seeking a ticket from a town with proven, historic, life-changing luck.

The Borderland Magnet: 7-Eleven

Location: Hedgesville (Berkeley County)

Located near the West Virginia-Maryland border, this convenience store is a prime destination for commuters and cross-state travelers, resulting in massive sales volume.

• The Luck Factor: The 7-Eleven on Hedgesville Road is famously responsible for selling a $1 million Powerball ticket in a recent draw. Border stores consistently rank among the top retailers due to the high volume of traffic from players in neighboring states.
• Best For: Serious Powerball and Mega Millions players looking for a consistent high-traffic seller on the eastern side of the state.

The Local Hot Streak: Par Mar / Lynn's Discount

Location: Elkins (Randolph County)

Some stores are lucky, and some are just on fire. This local convenience spot proved that luck can come in rapid-fire bursts, cementing its place in local lore.

• The Luck Factor: During a single week, Lynn's Discount Beer and Tobacco Outlet (now Par Mar #84) in Elkins sold six different winning tickets valued at $1,000 or more, including a $50,000 winner. This kind of concentrated luck makes it a regional favorite.
• Best For: Scratch-off players and Keno enthusiasts who believe in following a store's recent "hot streak."

The Mega Chain Players: Walmart and Sheetz

Location: Statewide (Elkins, Moorefield, etc.)

In West Virginia, the presence of national and regional chains ensures high-volume sales across various communities, leading to consistent winners everywhere they operate.

• The Luck Factor: Walmart Supercenters are relatively new to the lottery scene but, due to their massive daily customer traffic, have quickly become consistent producers of four- and five-figure winners. Similarly, Sheetz stores are often cited in news reports for selling big scratch-off prizes across the state's highways.
• Best For: Players seeking convenience and the statistical reassurance of buying from the state's busiest retailers.

The Unclaimed Lore of Hurricane

Location: Hurricane (Putnam County)

While the Hurricane area is famous for its record-breaking win, it is also home to a legend of missed fortune—highlighting just how much luck passes through its stores.

• The Luck Factor: Not one, but multiple six-figure winning tickets have gone unclaimed in the Hurricane/Teays Valley area, proving that the town is indeed dispensing massive wins, even if not everyone realizes it. This adds an extra layer of mystery and excitement to buying a ticket there.
• Best For: The superstitious player looking for a small-town store with a disproportionately large history of generating giant prizes.

A Note on West Virginia Luck

The West Virginia Lottery is unique in that it offers online ticket purchases, making the state itself the "luckiest" place to buy a ticket if convenience is your goal. However, if you are looking for that specific winning charm, following the border traffic and visiting stores that have proven historical jackpot success is your best bet.