Walmart is implementing an online lottery system, which it refers to as a 'drawing,' in an attempt to manage the persistent shortages of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products. This move comes as the TCG continues to experience significant demand and scarcity, a situation that began approximately two years ago with the November 2024 Surging Sparks set and has since intensified.

The retail giant's new system aims to provide customers with a fair chance to purchase select, high-demand items. Instead of relying on rapid checkout speeds, which often favor scalpers and bots, eligible entries will be randomly selected after the entry period closes. To participate, customers must have a Walmart account. No payment is required at the time of entry; however, successful participants will be automatically charged and their orders processed.

This lottery approach is not entirely new to the Pokémon TCG market, having been employed by Japanese retailers, including Amazon Japan and official Pokémon Centers. The Walmart system emphasizes luck over speed to level the playing field between genuine customers and those using automated tools for resale.

According to the FAQ, unsuccessful entrants will not receive notification. Furthermore, entries cannot be canceled or altered once submitted. The return policy for items purchased through this drawing system is also subject to specific conditions and may not be guaranteed, with purchases being "subject to Walmart’s Return Policy."

While lotteries are not a complete solution to the ongoing supply chain issues and scalping, they are seen as a more equitable method compared to some other retail strategies. Some retailers, like GameStop and Target, have been criticized for increasing prices on these sought-after items. Other stores, including some Targets and Japanese Pokémon Centers, have resorted to opening booster packs at the point of sale to deter resellers, a practice that, while hindering scalpers, disappoints collectors who wish to keep sealed products. Walmart has stated that it will review applications to remove suspicious entries before conducting the draw.

The situation remains a challenge for both consumers and retailers, with the upcoming 30th Anniversary set release expected to further strain supply.