Walmart's lottery system for Pokémon TCG: impact on players and the market

In short

• Walmart has introduced a lottery system for selling Pokémon TCG products to combat scalping.
• The Pokémon TCG has faced ongoing shortages since November 2024, affecting card availability.
• Lotteries for buying Pokémon cards are more common in Japan than in the US, reflecting a cultural shift in sales methods.

GAME-scanner analysis

Walmart's decision to introduce a lottery system is a direct response to the ongoing scalping problems in the Pokémon TCG market. Since November 2024, there have been significant card shortages, leading to frustration among collectors and players. The new system, referred to as a "drawing" because of gambling laws, gives honest buyers a chance to secure cards without the usual rush to the register. This could change market dynamics, especially given the high demand for Pokémon TCG products, which was further boosted by the launch of the TCG Pocket mobile game in October 2024.

What does this mean for players?

For players, this means a better chance of buying Pokémon cards at a fair price, without the pressure of scalpers who often buy up stock. This could improve access to the game and encourage new players to join the Pokémon TCG community. However, the effectiveness of the lottery system in reducing scalping remains to be seen.

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