You can play a variety of chance-based games at the West Virginia Lottery, both online and in person.
Since its inception in 1984, the Lottery has grown to feature a selection of draw games, Scratch-Offs, and iNSTANTS. Each offers a unique way to participate, with online Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensuring digital games are fair and unpredictable.
In this guide, we highlight the most popular games available at the West Virginia Lottery, from LOTTO AMERICA© to POWERBALL WV, detailing what makes them stand out and how you can try your chances.
1. POWERBALL©
POWERBALL© is one of the most iconic Lottery games in West Virginia and the entire United States. As a multi-state draw game, POWERBALL© offers you the potential to win large jackpots. Draws take place three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings.
To play, you’ll need to select five numbers from one to 69 and one "POWERBALL©" number from one to 26. You can choose your own numbers or let the system randomly generate them with the "quick pick” option.
The aim is for your numbers to match the randomly drawn numbers. Smaller prizes are also awarded for partial matches, sometimes making it possible to win even if you don’t match every number.
What makes POWERBALL© so popular is its record-breaking jackpots and national draws. You can purchase tickets at retailers, Lottery vending machines, or via the West Virginia Lottery app or website.
2. MEGA MILLIONS®
Similar to POWERBALL©, MEGA MILLIONS® is another multi-state draw game available to play in West Virginia. MEGA MILLIONS® holds some of the largest jackpots ever recorded in U.S. Lottery history.
Plus, draws are held every Tuesday and Friday night, meaning you have two chances a week to potentially match your numbers.
To play, you’ll select five numbers from one to 70 and one “Mega Ball” number from one to 25. Just like POWERBALL©, you can either select your own numbers or use a quick pick for random selections.
Prizes are awarded for matching the numbers that are drawn randomly, with different levels of payouts depending on how many numbers you match.
While MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© are similar, one key difference is the specific set of numbers used in each draw.
3. LOTTO AMERICA©
Another multi-state draw game available to play at the West Virginia Lottery is LOTTO AMERICA©.
Draws are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. To play, you need to select five numbers from one to 52 and one "Star Ball" number from one to 10.
In LOTTO AMERICA©, you can also choose your numbers manually or use the quick pick option to have them randomly selected for you by the computer.
There’s also an additional "All Star Bonus" feature, which allows you to multiply non-jackpot winnings by up to five times for an extra cost.
Tickets for the draws can be purchased at local retailers or through Lottery vending machines. Prizes can be awarded for matching as few as two numbers.
4. iNSTANTS
If you’re looking for a more immediate outcome, iNSTANTS are a popular choice. Unlike draw games, iNSTANTS don’t require you to wait for a draw date. Instead, you can reveal your result instantly by scratching off the surface of the ticket.
Also known as Scratch-Offs, you can purchase physical tickets from Lottery retailers and vending machines. Or, if you wish to play online, you can try your chances at iNSTANTS via the West Virginia Lottery app or website.
The games come in a variety of themes, with unique designs and individual price points, helping you manage your bankroll. Higher-priced scratch-offs typically offer larger potential payouts, but all iNSTANT games operate entirely on chance.
When you play, you’ll need to follow the instructions on the ticket, which might involve matching symbols, uncovering specific numbers, or revealing a bonus section. Each ticket has a unique code to ensure fair play, and prizes vary based on the ticket type.
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Now you know more about just some of the most popular games at the West Virginia Lottery, you have several options if you wish to try your chances. You can visit your local Lottery retailer, use Lottery vending machines, or sign up for an iLottery account online. Each method offers secure and convenient access to a variety of draw games and iNSTANTS.
No matter which type of game you prefer, it’s important to remember that all games are based entirely on chance. The outcome is random, and a win is never guaranteed. Responsible play is always encouraged, and the West Virginia Lottery provides resources to support responsible gaming.
