Seeing a Broadway show in New York City can be an exciting and memorable experience. However, Broadway tickets can be very expensive, often costing over $100 per seat for popular shows. One way to get access to more affordable Broadway tickets is through digital lotteries.
Many Broadway shows now offer digital lotteries as a way to distribute a limited number of tickets for each performance at a discounted price, usually $40 or less. Entering a digital lottery is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to enter digital lotteries for Broadway shows in New York City.
What are Digital Lotteries for Broadway Shows?
A digital lottery allows people to enter to win discounted tickets to Broadway shows. Lotteries make a small number of tickets available at low prices for each performance. The lottery entries are done online, instead of the traditional method of physically showing up at the theater on the day of the show to drop your name in a bucket for a drawing.
With digital lotteries, you can enter every day from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection. The lottery is randomized and winners are notified by email and given a short window to claim and purchase the tickets online. It provides an easy and convenient way to access cheap Broadway tickets.
Benefits of Digital Lotteries
- Tickets at big discounts (usually $40 or less)
- Convenience of entering online instead of in-person
- Can enter from anywhere via mobile app or website
- Winners purchase tickets online, no need to physically pick up
How Do Digital Lotteries Work?
Digital lotteries generally follow the same process:
- Sign up for the lottery through the show’s website or mobile app, providing email and payment info
- During the entry period, usually the day before or morning of the performance, users can submit one entry per desired performance
- After the entry period closes, winners are selected at random and notified via email
- Winners have 1-3 hours to claim the tickets online and enter payment information
- If tickets are not claimed in time, another winner is selected
- Limit of 2 tickets per winner for each performance
While each show’s lottery may vary slightly, this is the general system used for Broadway digital lotteries. It provides a quick and convenient way to enter compared to in-person drawings.
Tips for Entering Digital Lotteries
- Enter every day – You can submit a new entry each day so enter regularly to increase your odds
- Be ready to purchase – Provide payment info upfront so you can quickly complete the transaction if you win
- Enter for multiple shows – Don’t limit yourself to just one show, enter various lotteries to maximize chances
- Enter for multiple performances – Increase odds by entering matinee, evening, weekday and weekend shows
- Claim quickly – Make sure to claim within the short window (usually 1-3 hrs) once notified you won
- See the show – Lotteries curb resale of tickets, so make sure you actually use the tickets yourself
How to Sign Up for Digital Lotteries
Signing up for a digital lottery is easy and can be done directly through the Broadway show’s website or mobile app. Here are the steps:
- Search online for the show’s lottery info, usually under tickets or a lottery tab
- Select sign up for lottery and fill out info including name, email, and payment details
- Confirm account via email verification link
- Download the show’s app on your mobile device (if available)
Once registered, you can simply log into the show’s website or app to enter the lottery. The sign up process only needs to be done once ahead of time.
Important Tips When Registering
- Provide accurate info including real name, email, and payment details. This ensures you can purchase the tickets if you win.
- Use an email you check frequently so you don’t miss the winning notification.
- Confirm your account via the email verification link after signing up.
- Download the app for easier lottery entry if available.
- Only sign up once, duplicate accounts may disqualify you.
Entry Periods for Digital Lotteries
The entry period for digital lotteries is when you can submit your entries for a chance to win discounted tickets. This occurs in the day or two leading up to performances.
Entry periods typically follow one of these two models:
Day Before Entries
- Entries open at midnight the day before the performance
- Entry period closes 9 am day of performance
- Winners notified around noon and given 2-3 hours to purchase
Same Day Entries
- Entries open at 7 am day of performance
- Entry period closes 9 am same day
- Winners notified before noon and given 1-2 hours to buy
Check the show’s website for specifics on when entry periods open and close. Be ready to submit entries right when the period opens to maximize your chances.
Tips for Submitting Entries
- Enter as soon as period opens – This increases likelihood of winning
- Submit one entry per performance, per person
- Enter on both website and app if available
- Enter every performance possible – matinees, evenings, weekdays, weekends
How Winners are Notified
Once the entry period closes, lottery winners are selected at random and notified by email. Here is the typical notification process:
- Winners are randomly computer selected from entries
- Email is sent to winner’s provided address with details
- Email has unique code to access online purchase page
- Purchase page shows seats available for winner to select
- Winners have 1-3 hours from email notice to complete purchase
Be sure to regularly check the email you used to enter once the lottery period closes. Add the show’s email to your contacts so the winning notice does not end up in spam or promotions folders.
Tips for Claiming Tickets
- Watch email closely including spam folders
- Claim quickly, within the 1-3 hour window
- Have payment details ready to complete purchase
- Double check showtime, date, and seats before final purchase
How to Purchase Lottery Tickets
Once notified you won the lottery, completing the ticket purchase is simple. Follow these steps:
- Go to the unique link in winning email within allotted time
- Enter the provided promo code on the purchase page
- Select exact seats from available tickets for showtime
- Enter payment information used when registering
- Confirm details and complete transaction
- Tickets are instantly sent to account email or app
As long as you have a valid promo code from the winning notice email, enter payment details accurately, and complete the transaction before the deadline, the discounted lottery tickets are yours!
Tips for Buying Lottery Tickets
- Purchase quickly, within 1-3 hours before offer expires
- Accurately enter promo code from winning email
- Double check showtime, date, seat selections before paying
- Use the same payment method used when registering for lottery
- Print out tickets or save on your phone to access at theater
Picking Up or Accessing Lottery Tickets
After purchasing lottery tickets online, you will access them digitally via email or the Broadway show’s app. Here is how it works:
- Tickets are sent to email used to enter lottery
- Can also access tickets in the show’s app if available
- Print tickets at home or pull up on your phone to scan
- Arrive at theater and line up at “Digital Lottery” entrance
- Present tickets on your phone or printed for scanning
- After scanned, attend and enjoy the show!
Digital lottery tickets allow easy access with no need to physically pick up tickets at the theater box office. Have your tickets ready on your phone or print outs when you arrive at the theater on show day.
Tips for Accessing Lottery Tickets
- Save ticket emails or take screenshots as back up
- Test accessing in app and via printouts ahead of time
- Arrive early in case of any ticket issues
- Know theater’s security rules on digital tickets before arriving
- Fully charge phone or print tickets to avoid any access problems
Current Broadway Shows Offering Lotteries
Here are some of the most popular Broadway shows currently offering digital lotteries (as of October 2023):
| Show | Lottery Entry Fee | Ticket Price for Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | $10 | $39 |
| Wicked | Free | $29 |
| The Lion King | Free | $39 |
| Aladdin | Free | $40 |
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Free | $40 |
| MJ The Musical | Free | $55 |
Check each show’s website for the most up-to-date lottery info, as pricing and availability can change. These major shows offer some of the best chances to score discounted Broadway tickets through lotteries.
Tips for Current Broadway Lotteries
- Enter the most in-demand shows for lowest odds like Hamilton
- Check back frequently as offerings can change
- Take advantage of free entry lotteries when available
- See family-friendly shows like Aladdin for easy entry
- Enter daily as rules and promotions may differ day to day
Future Broadway Lotteries
While the shows listed above currently offer lotteries, Broadway is constantly changing. Here are some tips for finding future Broadway lotteries when shows open:
- Search for “Broadway Lotteries” to find updated listings
- Check reviews for new shows, often will note lottery options
- Sign up for Broadway newsletters and follow blogs
- Once a show is announced, check website for lottery details
- Popular shows typically launch lotteries quickly due to demand
With new shows debuting each season, the Broadway lotteries available are constantly changing. Do some research when upcoming show announcements are made to get the scoop on any planned lotteries.
Tips for Future Lotteries
- Research shows before reviews come out if possible
- Sign up early when lotteries are announced
- Enter quickly once lotteries launch to beat demand
- See hot new shows on opening week for low odds
- Try shows with buzz versus established hits
Other Broadway Ticket Discounts
While digital lotteries provide the best discount on Broadway tickets, here are some other ways to save:
- Broadway Rush – In-person only day-of discount tickets
- Broadway for Broke People – Website listing rush/lottery policies
- Student/Senior rush tickets – Discounted tickets for eligible groups
- Times Square Ticket offices – Day-of deeply discounted tickets
- TodayTix App – Lotteries and low-price seat options
- BroadwayBox.com – Discount code and ticket deals
Check each show’s website, sign up for newsletters, and research discount options to maximize your chances at affordable Broadway tickets.
Tips for Other Discounts
- Be flexible on showtimes/dates for better availability
- Aim for weeknights and matinees vs. weekends
- Follow Facebook groups for free ticket giveaways
- See if your employer offers discounted tickets
- Consider standing room only spots for top shows
Conclusion
Digital lotteries provide an easy and convenient way to access discounted Broadway tickets, often $40 or less per seat. Simply sign up for show lotteries online, enter during the specified periods, and be ready to quickly purchase if you are selected as a winner.
With an exciting Broadway show lineup each season, take advantage of lottery opportunities to see shows on a budget. Consistently entering multiple lotteries gives you the best odds at scoring tickets to the most popular shows for a fraction of the price!
