The West Virginia Lottery now offers both traditional draw games like POWERBALL© and iNSTANTS online. You can play games like Shamrock Winnings and try your chances with instant results. But what are the key differences between draw games and iNSTANTS, and which is right for you?
What exactly are iNSTANTS?
Unlike traditional Lottery games where you pick numbers and then wait for the results to be drawn, iNSTANTS are a little more like scratch-offs, giving you an immediate outcome. That’s right – you can reveal whether or not you’ve won a prize as soon as you’ve made your purchase.
You click, you play, you know the result right then and there. No calendar checking, no reminder setting, no waiting for Wednesday night’s drawing.
Play anywhere, anytime
Both draw games, and iNSTANTS have gone digital in many cases at the West Virginia Lottery.
With digital draw games like MEGA MILLIONS®, you’re essentially doing the same thing you’d do in person—picking numbers and then waiting until drawing night. You can purchase your ticket in person or online and view live results from your app or the official West Virginia Lottery website.
iNSTANTS, on the other hand, are available 24/7, with themed variations of games of chance that reveal immediate results anywhere you have an internet connection.
How the games actually work
Draw games are pretty straightforward. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can choose your numbers and any additional features you want to add before waiting to see if your numbers match during the drawing.
iNSTANTS offer more variety in gameplay. One game might have you revealing virtual bubbles, another might be matching symbols in a grid, while another might involve uncovering different areas of the screen. The outcomes are still all chance-based, but gameplay might have different themes and ways to play.
Understanding the payout differences
Payouts are where draw games and iNSTANTS can differ significantly—draw games typically feature larger jackpots that grow over time when no matching tickets are found.
iNSTANTS typically offer more modest prizes but with immediate results.
Before you play any iNSTANTS game, you can check out the prize structure of that specific variation to find the one that best suits your preferences. The information will be clearly presented on the West Virginia Lottery’s official website or app.
Which game of chance is right for you?
If you prefer scheduled drawings, structured gameplay, and the ability to choose your own numbers to be in for a chance at larger jackpots, there are a range of draw games available to purchase tickets for at land-based venues, vending machines or online.
However, if you want immediate results for your chance-based gameplay, iNSTANTS might be better suited.
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Whatever you prefer, you can check results and purchase tickets online for both at the West Virginia Lottery. Register through the official website or app to get started. Plus, you’ll find responsible gaming features like deposit limits and time reminders online to help you manage your play.
