Boardman Residents Eye Washington Lottery Trends as Local Retailers Weigh In

While the Washington Lottery recently highlighted Vancouver stores with the most winning tickets in 2025, the news has sparked conversations here in Boardman about our own luck and local retail impact. For Columbia River residents, a quick trip across the bridge often includes more than just shopping—it includes the chance at a life-changing jackpot.

“We get a lot of folks heading north who pick up tickets,” shared Maria Sanchez, manager of a Boardman convenience store near the I-84. “Hearing about those big winners in Washington makes people wonder if they should try their luck there, or if our own stores here in Morrow County are just as lucky.”

The data from across the river serves as a reminder of the economic ripple effects of lottery sales. Local retailers in Boardman note that while they may not be topping Washington’s lists, every Powerball or Megabucks ticket sold provides crucial support for Oregon’s state programs, including education and economic development.

For dedicated players in Boardman, the strategy remains a mix of local loyalty and cross-border hope. “I buy my daily tickets right here at home,” said longtime resident Bill Carter. “But when the Powerball gets really big, I might grab one in Washington too. You never know where your lucky store is.” As the region watches where winning tickets are sold, the dream of a local resident hitting it big—on either side of the Columbia—continues to be a popular topic at coffee shops and gas stations throughout town.