What happens when you play lottery games online vs. in-store

West Virginia players can play in two ways: head to a licensed retailer or open iPLAY, the West Virginia Lottery's official digital platform. Both routes give you access to many of the same draw games. But how the gameplay works is a little different depending on which one you choose.

This guide on how to play the lottery online in West Virginia covers account setup, verification, and what to expect once you're in.

What's available to play at the West Virginia Lottery?

Online through iPLAY, you can play draw games, such as POWERBALL©, MEGA MILLIONS®, LOTTO AMERICA©, Daily 3, Daily 4, and Cash25, as well as iNSTANTS, which are digital games of chance with instant results. You can also scan physical scratch-off tickets through the app to earn PlayON loyalty points.

Scratch-off tickets are not sold online. You can only buy those at a licensed WVL retailer. The same goes for Ca$h Pop, KENO, KENO GO, and KENO GO BONUS, which are also in-store only games.

Getting set up online

To play through iPLAY, you need to be 18 or older and physically located within West Virginia. Creating an account takes a few steps: sign up on the official website or download the WV Lottery app (available via the App Store for iPhone users, or directly through the WVL website for Android), verify your identity, and add a payment method to fund your wallet. PayPal is now accepted as a payment option alongside other standard methods.

Once you're set up, your tickets and results are stored in your account. You can check numbers after a drawing, turn on win notifications, and manage everything from your phone or desktop.

Picking your numbers: online vs. in-store

In-store, you fill out a physical play slip - choosing numbers by hand, or asking for a Quick Pick at the counter. Online, the process is the same in principle. You select your numbers manually or use the Quick Pick option, which uses a random number generator to pick for you. Either way, your choice of method doesn't affect the odds. Each draw is independent and unpredictable.

Online, you can also set up Multi Draw entries, entering the same numbers across multiple future drawings in a single purchase. The Jackpot Threshold Auto Renewal feature, available on iPLAY for POWERBALL©, MEGA MILLIONS®, and LOTTO AMERICA©, takes this further. Set a jackpot threshold that suits you, and tickets are purchased automatically when the jackpot hits that amount.

Responsible gaming tools

Both formats are covered by the West Virginia Lottery's responsible gaming standards. Online through iPLAY, you can set player-controlled deposit limits directly in your account, set timeouts, or self-exclude. These tools are built into the platform, so they're accessible without needing to call anyone or visit a retailer.

Whether you play in-store or through iPLAY, every ticket contributes to the same programs - education, senior services, veterans' funds, and tourism across West Virginia. The platform changes – the impact doesn't.