Retailer Spotlight - AJ's Pit Stop

At their third lottery retail location, Jasmine and Rafiq Pirani have ticket sales down to a science. Located just off the interstate in Benton, AJ’s Pit Stop draws in new players with excellent customer service and a win-focused playing environment.

Owners Jasmine and Rafiq opened AJ’s Pit Stop in September 2025, with players lined up at the door asking, “When is the lottery coming?” With the help of their lottery representative, players could buy their favorite tickets within a week. Since then, great customer service has kept players coming back to the retailer—that, along with their fried food and famously low gas prices.

Manager Mickie King serves customers quickly while also getting to know regular players’ favorite games and lucky numbers. She loves encouraging them to play and taking the time to connect with them. The team also makes sure to keep their lottery bins full, knowing that players cannot buy tickets if they are not available.

“We give customers exactly what they want,” Jasmine said. “If they want to play, we don’t want to let them go empty-handed. You never know who will win!”

The potential wins drive a positive atmosphere at the retailer. The team has promoted an early $50,000 winner with signage, and they are eager to tell customers which games have had recent winners when asked.

“We love to see the smiles on their faces when they win; that’s unbeatable,” Jasmine shared. “And we don’t forget the purpose behind it—scholarships.”