Step-by-step: How to buy and play iNSTANTS online

The West Virginia Lottery’s official website lets you access many chance-based games from your desktop or phone. iNSTANTS can be purchased as digital tickets you can try your chances on from anywhere in the state you have a reliable internet connection.

With games like Shamrock Winnings providing instant results, here's how to get started with these quick-play options through the WV Lottery's platform.

What are iNSTANTS?

iNSTANTS are online Lottery games you can play in seconds. Unlike draw games with scheduled drawings, these give you immediate results. Each game has its own format—some look like classic scratch-offs, while others might allow you to attempt to match symbols in the hopes of landing winning combinations on your digital screen.

All results come from certified Random Number Generators (RNGS), so each game is fair and unpredictable every time you play.

Progressive jackpot iNSTANTS

Some iNSTANTS games offer a progressive jackpot feature, in which a portion of each ticket sale contributes to a growing prize pool. This jackpot continues to increase until it’s won. After this, the amount resets to the predetermined starting value and begins building again with subsequent plays.

How to play iNSTANTS online

Step 1: Create an online account

Head to the official West Virginia Lottery website or download the mobile app. You'll need an iPLAY account to access any of the games.

When you sign up, you'll need to share:

• Your full name
• Date of birth (you must be 18+)
• A valid West Virginia address
• The last four digits of your Social Security number for verification

Step 2: Add funds to your account

Once you're verified, you can deposit funds into your account to purchase your tickets and try your chances. You can pay using credit or debit cards or bank transfers.

The site also includes helpful tools to manage your spending. You’ll find things like deposit limits and timers to help you stay on track while you play.

Step 3: Browse what's available

In the iNSTANTS section, you'll find plenty of digital games, each with different layouts and prize structures. To find the one that best suits your preferences, you can sort them by:

• Ticket price
• Prize tiers
• Game type

Every game comes with clear instructions.

Step 4: Pick your game and buy a ticket

After you've chosen a game, click "Play Now" to see your ticket and confirm your purchase. Each ticket shows the cost, how to play, and what you need to match for a chance at a prize.

After confirming, the game launches on-screen. You can either tap to reveal the symbols yourself or use "Reveal All" to see results faster. Due to the RNG, unpredictable results are already determined and nothing you do can influence the outcome.

Step 5: See if you've matched anything

The system checks for matches as soon as you've played your iNSTANTS ticket. Any prizes follow the specific game rules. If you've matched something, you'll know right away and the amount goes straight into your iPLAY wallet.

You can look back at your games anytime in your account under "My Games" or "My Transactions."

Step 6: Get your winnings (if you've matched)

Smaller prizes go straight into your account. For bigger matches, the WV Lottery will guide you through the next steps. You might be able to withdraw by:

• Bank transfer
• Physical check, depending on how much you've won

You'll find clear guidance on the Lottery's website for claiming larger prizes.

Play responsibly with account tools

The West Virginia Lottery platform provides lots of helpful tools to keep your play in check. You’ll find:

• Deposit and session limits
• Timeouts
• Self-exclusion options

You can find these in your account settings to help manage your Lottery play.

Want to try iNSTANTS?

iNSTANTS offer a quick way to play the West Virginia Lottery without waiting for scheduled game drawings. With lots of games and secure access through iPLAY, you can try new games at your own pace anywhere in West Virginia.