How likely are you to get Broadway lottery tickets?

Getting Broadway lottery tickets can seem like an impossible task, with odds stacked highly against you. However, with some knowledge about how the Broadway lottery system works, you can greatly improve your chances of scoring those coveted seats for a fraction of the regular price.

What are Broadway lotteries?

Many popular Broadway shows hold ticket lotteries, also known as rush tickets, where a limited number of tickets are sold on the day of the performance for a discounted price. Typically, lottery tickets are $30-40, compared to regular prices that can soar over $200 per seat for hot shows. Lotteries help make Broadway accessible to those who can’t afford full price tickets.

Each show runs its lottery differently. Some require in-person entries submitted the day of, while others allow online submissions in advance. Rules vary on how many tickets you can request and when winners are announced. However, the basic premise is you enter your name for a chance to buy tickets and hope to get selected.

What are the odds of winning the lottery?

Your odds largely depend on the show, but generally range from around 100-1 for mega-hits like Hamilton to 10-1 or better for less popular shows. According to one study by BroadwayWorld, your odds for popular shows average around:

• Hamilton: 116-1
• Dear Evan Hansen: 79-1
• Book of Mormon: 37-1
• Mean Girls: 13-1

However, those are just averages. Actual odds fluctuate day to day based on demand. Mondays and matinees tend to have better odds over weekends. Your individual odds also depend on how many entries are submitted.

Tips for improving your lottery odds

While the lottery involves lots of luck, you can take actions to tilt the odds in your favor:

• Enter for less popular shows. While big hits like Wicked get all the buzz, you’ll face stiffer competition. Smaller productions often have decent availability through their lotteries at a fraction of the price.
• Aim for off-peak times. Tuesday matinees are less crowded than Friday nights. You’ll face less competition early in a show’s run over when it’s closing.
• Enter the lottery repeatedly. Persistence pays off, so enter every day if you can. The more times you play, the better your chances of eventually getting picked.
• Enlist friends. Most shows allow multiple entries per person. Getting friends to enter boosts your combined odds.
• Be flexible. Have backup shows and dates in mind in case you don’t win for your top choice.
• Check Broadway forums. Sites like BroadwayWorld have forums where users share tips and data on lottery experiences.

Can you game the lottery system?

While entering repeatedly improves your odds, there’s no secret hack or trick to guarantee lottery tickets. Some common lottery myths include:

• Entering early/late: Time of entry within the window does not appear to affect odds.
• Cycling names: Evidence shows repeated similar names do not increase odds.
• Sob stories: Play to sympathy does not appear to influence selection.

The lotteries rely on randomized processes, so there’s no clear advantage to manipulating entries. Your best bet is using sheer volume through repeat entries and enlisting friends.

Are third-party resellers worth it?

Third-party ticket resellers like StubHub sometimes offer lottery tickets at above face value prices. However, there are a few caveats to these:

• No guarantees: Resellers can cancel if they fail to win the tickets from the lottery.
• High fees: Large commissions and fees often get tacked on, inflating the price.
• Scarce options: Few shows and dates may be available.

In most cases, you’re better off entering lotteries yourself as buying resell lottery tickets can cost almost as much as regular tickets once fees get added.

Lottery ticket policies

If you do win the lottery, be aware of some important fine print:

• Photo ID: You will need to provide photo ID matching the name drawn to claim tickets.
• Cash only: Lottery tickets are cash only, no credit cards or checks.
• Arrive early: You must pick up tickets 30-60 min before showtime or risk forfeiting them.
• Limit 2: Most limit winners to 2 tickets max to allow more people to benefit.

Also, lottery tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You can’t return or exchange them if your plans change.

Lottery ticket alternatives

If the lottery doesn’t work out, here are some other ways to find Broadway discounts:

• TKTS booths: Sell same-day discount tickets in Times Square, South Street Seaport, and Brooklyn.
• BroadwayBox: Offers online deals for select shows and dates.
• Broadway Roulette: Website books mystery show tickets at discounts.
• Student/Military rush: In-person rush tickets for students and military members.
• Promo codes: Check sites like BroadwayBox for special discount codes.

Past lottery data trends

Here is some interesting data from BroadwayWorld on past lottery trends for a sample of shows:

This gives you an idea of how competitive different show lotteries can be and the range of odds you might face.

How lotteries impact audiences

Lotteries make Broadway accessible to new audiences by:

• Attracting younger fans on budgets who might not otherwise attend Broadway shows.
• Drawing more diverse crowds in terms of income levels and demographics.
• Cultivating repeat Broadway goers who get introduced through lotteries.
• Generating positive word-of-mouth as lottery winners share their experiences.

While challenging to win, lotteries create an opportunity for exposure to Broadway for budget-conscious consumers. This helps attract new generations of theater fans.

Conclusion

Scoring Broadway lottery tickets involves luck against long odds. On average, expect odds around 100-1 for smash hits down to 10-1 or better for lower-profile shows. Repeatedly entering lotteries for multiple shows and dates gives you the best statistical chance of eventually winning. Persistence and flexibility are key. While not guaranteed, with some dedication Broadway on a budget can become a reality through lotteries.