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The West Virginia Lottery offers many games through both local retailers and its official online platform. If you’ve tried draw games like MEGA MILLIONS®, POWERBALL©, Cash25, Daily 3, or KENO GO, you’ll know each has its own structure.
However, one format gaining traction through iPLAY is iNSTANTS—digital games that show results right away.
Let’s look at how iNSTANTS compare to other Lottery games, exploring differences in format, how you play Riches Galore, for example, the timing of play, and potential prizes up for grabs.
What are iNSTANTS?
iNSTANTS are online-only Lottery games you can play through the WV Lottery’s official site and app. They’re designed for quick play, with results appearing as soon as you press go. Think of them as digital versions of scratch-offs.
Each iNSTANTS game relies on a certified Random Number Generator (RNG), so every ticket stands on its own with fair odds and unpredictable results.
Some iNSTANTS come with progressive jackpots, meaning a portion of all bets are placed into a growing prize pool that keeps growing until it’s won.
Play style: Now versus later
The main difference between iNSTANTS and traditional draw games is when you get your result.
- iNSTANTS: You learn if you’ve matched anything straight away. No waiting. No scheduled draws.
- Draw games: These happen on set schedules—once, twice, or several times weekly. You buy your ticket and wait for the official draw to check your numbers.
iNSTANTS work well if you want immediate results, while draw games have more scheduled gameplay.
Number selection: Your choice vs. preset outcomes
With many draw games, you can choose whether to pick numbers yourself or let the system choose randomly for you:
- Draw games: You select from a specific range (like five numbers from one to 69 for POWERBALL©). The outcome then comes from a scheduled drawing.
- iNSTANTS: You don’t pick numbers. Each ticket already has a hidden, random result that’s revealed when you play. Some iNSTANTS mimic number or symbol matching, but the outcome is set thanks to the RNG once you buy the ticket.
This makes iNSTANTS straightforward without needing to choose numbers.
Prize structure: Different ways to win
Both iNSTANTS and draw games have multiple prize tiers:
- Draw games: The top prize typically means matching all selected numbers (such as five main numbers and a bonus ball). Smaller prizes can potentially come from partial matches.
- iNSTANTS: Prizes depend on the specific game format you’ve chosen to play. Some offer fixed prizes for matching symbols, while others might award different amounts based on what’s revealed on your digital ticket.
Each game clearly shows possible prize amounts and how to win. Always check the prize details for each iNSTANTS game, as they vary quite a bit.
Online or in-store
- iNSTANTS: Only available online through the West Virginia Lottery’s iPLAY platform. You must be in West Virginia and at least 18 to play.
- Draw games: Available both online and at licensed Lottery retailers across the state.
If you’d rather play from your phone or computer without visiting a shop, iNSTANTS could be a handy option.
Game timing and flexibility
- iNSTANTS: Allow you to play anytime as long as you’re logged into your verified iPLAY account and within West Virginia.
- Draw games: Follow specific scheduled drawings:
- POWERBALL©: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
- MEGA MILLIONS®: Tuesdays and Fridays
- Cash25: Four draws weekly
- Daily 3 and Daily 4: Daily at 6:59 PM ET
Are iNSTANTS the right choice for you?
If you’re after:
Instant results, online-only play, various ticket prices and different game styles that don’t require you to pick any numbers, iNSTANTS might be the game for you.
Whatever you choose, all games on the iPLAY platform are secure, state-regulated, and designed with responsible play in mind.