In the heart of Newburgh, New York, a remarkable story unfolds at a local shop named Smokes 4 Less.
But this isn’t just any modest off-road store.
It’s an attraction for those dreaming of winning big in the lottery.
The winner’s wall of fame shows how popular this small store actually is
Photo: Supplied
This small shop has become a beacon of hope for many players in the district.
And that’s because it has sold an astonishing number of lottery tickets.
In fact, six million-dollar lotto tickets since November last year.
Tony Wright traveled 85 miles from Brooklyn to Newburgh to buy his ticket at Smokes 4 Less
Photo: Supplied
And the town knows too as you walk past Smokes 4 Less and see a line of hopeful people, each waiting for their chance to buy a chance that could change their life forever.
It’s a sight that has become common around the area for locals.
“It’s worth it if you win,” shares Tony Wright about traveling there.
He’s a hopeful customer who journeyed 85 miles from Brooklyn to Newburgh for the prospect of a big win.
The queues are legendary in this small store, as lottery hopefuls line the walls while they wait to buy
Photo: Supplied
And with the Newburgh store having recently sold a $2 million winning Powerball ticket, Tony’s optimism doesn’t seem misplaced.
The store’s winning streak is legendary.
With the sale of two seven-figure tickets in January and two $1 million tickets within a mere three days in November, Smokes 4 Less is setting records.
Small wins still count says customer Oscar Dsouza, who has won amounts ranging from $275 to $500
Photo: Supplied
For regulars like Oscar Dsouza, who has won smaller amounts ranging from $275 to $500, the store is a place of small but consistent victories.
“Five $500,” he listed, before going on to list his wins. “$350, $275, $400 – not bad.”
Smokes 4 Less has a rich history, having sold lottery tickets for 30 years across its 13 locations spread throughout the Hudson Valley.
But of all these, Newburgh stands out as the current hotspot, a place that is becoming more popular each week.
At times sales have been so brisk the store has had to frequently change paper in the ticket machine daily
Photo: Supplied
The store works with Jackpocket, an app that allows users to play the lottery online.
Smokes 4 Less is the physical location where these digital purchases come to life.
RECORD BREAKING WINS FOR LUCKY STORE
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$1 Million Mega Millions Ticket – A winning ticket from the draw on November 17. This is part of a trio of million-dollar wins with tickets sold in New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
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$2 Million Powerball Ticket – Sold for the draw on Monday, October 7, 2023. This is the latest big win associated with the store.
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Two Seven-Figure Lottery Tickets – Sold in January. Specific amounts are not given, but they are described as seven-figure, implying each win was at least $1 million.
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Two $1 Million Tickets – Sold over a three-day span within the month of November.
On a recent Wednesday, the store was buzzing with activity, so much so that they had to replenish the paper for printing lottery tickets due to the high demand.
Joe Torres joins the crowd at Smokes 4 Less hoping that luck will rub off from the popular store
Photo: Supplied
Yet, despite its emerging reputation as a lottery top-seller, the store hasn’t seen a cut of the winnings, as they haven’t sold the top prize–yet.
Customers pile into this popular store
Photo: CBS/YouTube
For those who visit Smokes 4 Less, whether they’re locals or those like Tony Wright who come from afar, the shop represents a chance, a stroke of luck, and the dream of a better life.
And as the lottery numbers are drawn, everyone holds their breath, wondering if the winning ticket might be in their hands.
Newburgh’s Smokes 4 Less is not just selling tickets; they’re selling hope. And for many, that’s worth every mile traveled and every dollar spent.
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