Broadway Roulette is a nifty way to save a bit of money on theater tickets if you want to experience the magic of Broadway, but aren’t picky about what show you see.
Here’s how it works in simple terms: you choose the date and number of tickets, the website randomly picks the Broadway show and you pay a set affordable ticket price.
Some of our local tour guides see shows often and are happy with whatever show they win.
For tourists who have time for just one show and know which one they want to see, there are other ways to get concessional Broadway tickets that may make more sense.
Below we explain how Broadway Roulette works and offer pros and cons so you can decide if using it is right for you.
How Broadway Roulette Works
As the name implies, using the website is a gamble, like a game of roulette.
You will get tickets for the date you want and pay between $49 and $59 per ticket (+ a $9 per person fee).
You don’t get to choose which show you see. However, every show is available on the website, even the best Broadway shows playing!
If you are willing to gamble and will be happy no matter what show you get, then you may like Broadway Roulette.
If your heart is set on a particular show, Broadway Roulette is not for you.
In this case, check out our post on ways to get concessional Broadway tickets.
In the video below, our local guide Katie explains some of the ways you can save in tickets.
Another thing you do not get to choose when you use Broadway Roulette is your seat.
It could be orchestra, upper mezzanine, or anywhere in between.
But you are guaranteed to be seated together if you are a party of four or less. You will never get an obstructed or partial-view seat.
If you want to be sure to get an orchestra seat, you can play “premium roulette” and pay an extra $30 per ticket.
So what exactly DO you control when you use Broadway Roulette?
1. You choose the date and if you want an evening show or a matinee (available on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
2. The number of tickets you want with a maximum of six (6).
3. You also get to cross off up to three (3) shows you don't want to see and they are removed from the pool of shows you are ‘gambling for’.
For $10 extra per person, you can cross off two (2) more shows.
4. If you are traveling to NYC with kids, there’s a separate family-friendly roulette that only includes a much smaller pool of shows that are appropriate for children aged 10 and up.
How to Use Broadway Roulette
It’s super easy to use the Broadway Roulette website.
On the first screen, you enter your name, email, phone number, and the date you want to see a show.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can choose between an evening show or a matinee. Your choice has no impact on what show will be randomly selected for you.
Mondays will never show as available as many shows do not run on Mondays.
There are some shows that do play, however, so if Monday is the only night you can see a show, find out what is playing here.
Above the dates, you will see the prices which are $49 for weekday shows and $59 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Note that there is a $9 per person fee.
Next, you can cross off up to 3 shows you don’t want to see. Pay $10 more per person for another 2 cross-offs.
You don't have to cross off any if you are open to seeing any show.
Then enter your credit card number and click pay.
You’ll find out what show you’ve won via a text on the morning of the date you selected and an e-ticket with all the information you need.
Pros and Cons
We’ve gathered these pros and cons of using Broadway Roulette from our local NYC guides who have used the service, as well as the roughly 200k members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.
This group consists of New Yorkers, return visitors to NYC, and newbies to the city.
You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
Check out the group when you finish reading this post. A link to the group is at the bottom of the page.
Pros
Unlike Broadway lottery tickets, which have a two (2) ticket limit, Broadway Roulette allows you to purchase up to six (6) tickets.
You will be seeing a show on the date you select. If you play a Broadway lottery, even multiple lotteries, you may end up with no tickets at all.
All Broadway shows are included, even Hamilton! Most deals options, like the TKTS Half Price Ticket Booth, never offer the hottest shows.
With Broadway Roulette, you don't have to wait in line to buy your tickets, saving you valuable time.
Also, you don't have to put much thought into what show you see! If you are open to all shows, let someone else make the decision for you!
You can purchase tickets up to four months in advance. With lotteries, the TKTS booth, and other deals options, only same-day or same-week tickets are sold.
Cons
As mentioned several times, you can’t choose what show you see and you can’t choose your seats.
Importantly, lower prices may be found elsewhere so be sure to always look at other ticket options and prices first.
You may be able to get seats for less than Broadway Roulette’s flat rate.
Check these options before buying with Broadway Roulette:
Tips
First, before crossing off shows, see if they are playing that day. For example, not every show has a matinee on Wednesdays or Sundays.
If you cross off a show that isn’t playing, you’ve wasted your precious elimination choices!
Next, the earlier you purchase your tickets, the better the odds of getting the best seats.
Lastly, once you have made a purchase with Broadway Roulette, you will never be given the same show twice, as long as you use the same account to buy tickets again.
That's it! And don't forget to join our NYC Travel Tips + Hacks Facebook group and get ideas from visitors to NYC.
You can share your thoughts about Broadway Roulette with others!
