Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or an NYC visitor looking to attend your first Broadway show, you’ve likely heard the word “lottery” mentioned somewhere along the way. So, what exactly is a Broadway lottery? Don’t worry, we’re here to answer any questions you might have about lotteries and how they work.
Good luck!
What is a Broadway Lottery?
A Broadway lottery is a system created by select ticket providers that offers entrants the opportunity to receive tickets to a show at a discounted price. Winners are chosen at random.
Lotteries are an excellent option for theatre-goers who are hoping to save some money on tickets, or are flexible on which date(s) they’d like to attend a show. Lotteries are ideal for same or next-day planning, a perfect option to consider for an open afternoon or evening.
How do I enter a Broadway Lottery?
To enter a Broadway Direct Lottery, please visit lottery.broadwaydirect.com and select the show(s) you’d like to enter for.
Which Broadway shows offer a lottery?
Currently, Broadway Direct offers digital lotteries for the following Broadway (New York City) shows:
Note that the majority of Broadway shows do offer digital lotteries, even if they are not listed above. Other platforms, such as TodayTix, Telecharge, and LuckySeat also offer digital lotteries. If you are looking for a lottery that is not included in Broadway Direct’s list of offered shows, you may visit those ticket providers for their most up-to-date list of offered Broadway lotteries.
How are the winners of a lottery chosen?
Broadway Direct Lottery winners are chosen at random, digitally, once a lottery has closed. The winners are then notified and should a winner fail to purchase their tickets within the designated window, the tickets will be released, unable to be reclaimed outside of the purchase window.
Do I have to pay to enter a lottery?
You will never have to pay to enter a Broadway Direct Lottery. Payment for tickets is only required if you are selected as a winner. If you win and do not submit a payment, the lottery tickets will be passed on to a new winner.
What happens if I win a lottery?
If you are selected as a winner for a Broadway Direct Lottery, you will be notified via email minutes after a lottery closes. Once winners are notified, you will have 60 minutes to submit payment and claim your tickets. Winners will find all required information regarding their show in their notification email.
Ticket delivery method may vary from show to show. Please note that in order to claim your tickets at the box office, you must present photo ID. The name on the winner’s provided ID must match the name listed on the lottery entry. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
What happens if I am not selected as a winner?
If you are not selected as a winner for your preferred performance, don’t worry! You are welcome to enter any of our other available lotteries.
Can I choose my own seats if I win a lottery?
Winners are unable to select their own seats. Seat locations are assigned based on availability and at the discretion of the Box Office. Please note, lottery seats may be partial view, behind a pipe and/or in a free standing chair. Entries for 2 or more tickets are not guaranteed to be seated together.
If you are selected as a winner but you or your guest require wheelchair or other accessibility accommodations, please contact our customer service prior to the show. We will reach out to the box office on your behalf to ensure that both you (and your guest) are able to enjoy our shows from accessible seating.
What happens if I win a lottery but cannot attend the show?
In the event that you win a lottery for a show date that you cannot attend, you may simply choose to not submit a payment for the tickets. Not submitting payment will not affect your chances of winning other lotteries in the future.
If you have already submitted payment but cannot attend the show, please note that per our terms and conditions, all sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a different person or performance. In the event of special circumstances or questions, you are always welcome to contact our customer service.
When does the lottery open?
Lottery opening and closure times vary from show to show. For information regarding entry windows, please visit the lottery page of whichever show(s) you’d like to enter for.
How can I check the status of my lottery entries?
Outside of your email, you may check the status of your active lotteries here at any time.
How many times can I enter a lottery?
Every individual is limited to one (1) entry per lottery. Attempts to submit more than one entry (using multiple emails, for example) will result in removal from the lottery.
There is no limit to how many lotteries you can enter. However, please note that while you may enter lotteries for different performances at the same date and time, you can only be selected as the winner of one.
Have another question or looking for more information?
Be sure to check out our full lottery FAQ here.
You can find our full lottery terms and conditions here, and our full ticketing terms and conditions here.
