I tried the lottery a couple of week ago, and they actually told us that they had only 12 seats, and that they would be spread out around the theatre, NOT in the front row. So I guess it varies.
There were probably only 50 people there when I went, maybe fewer. The odds weren't too bad, but I still lost. They do a very reasonably-priced lotto loser deal for something like $35 I think. I chose not to go for it, only because I know I'll have more opportunities to try the lotto.