West Virginia Pushing Back iLottery Launch To Oct. 27

Image showing online lottery gaming with lotto balls and a device along with the West Virginia Lottery logo for a story about the WV Lottery delaying its online launch to the end of October.

The West Virginia Lottery is set to add iLottery soon.

However, it will be waiting just a bit longer than anticipated to join the states with online lotteries.

Originally reported to be launching its online product on Oct. 6, the state confirmed with PlayiLottery on Tuesday that it won’t begin until Oct. 27.

‘iPlay’ set to debut for West Virginia Lottery in late October

It was reported in June by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) that West Virginia was beginning an online lottery on Oct. 6.

However, the state needs a little more time to get its product off the ground.

In October, NeoPollard Interactive announced it secured a contract with the West Virginia Lottery to provide it with an online lottery system. The iLottery platform will be called “iPlay.”

Once it launches, West Virginia plans to include multiple online lottery games, including multistate draw options like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lotto America.

The state also expects to feature at least 10 online instant games, while adding new titles each month.

‘Play On’ loyalty program coming to WV

Along with the online launch, West Virginia will introduce a loyalty program called “Play On.

This system will be omnichannel, allowing players to earn rewards through retail or online play.

Already with an available mobile app, online lottery options for state players will transition over to the platform, as well.

Loyalty points will be able to be accrued through the app or desktop play. It will also be home to second-chance drawings.

More states ready for iLottery expansion in 2025

The West Virginia iLottery launch is coming on the heels of the one in Connecticut. The CT Lottery debuted its online product with a soft launch in June and an official launch at the beginning of July.

Following West Virginia, three more states have plans to release an iLottery product.

New Jersey is cleared for an online lottery, but will not be launching in 2024 despite efforts to do so. It is expecting to have its iLottery available in 2025.

The Kansas Lottery is on a bit of a fast track to an online option. In late August, Pollard Banknote Limited announced plans for the state to begin its iLottery in early 2025.

In July, Massachusetts lawmakers came to an agreement to add iLottery to the FY25 state budget. Expectations are for its online lottery to be available in late 2025.

 

Photo by vectorfusionart via Shutterstock
Graphic from the West Virginia Lottery

About the Author

Drew Ellis

Drew Ellis

Lead Writer
A member of Catena Media since 2020, Drew Ellis is the Lead Writer at PlayiLottery, where he handles coverage of the online lottery industry in the US. He previously spearheaded news content at PlayMichigan, where he covered one of the most prominent online lottery industries in the US — among the many other aspects of Michigan's sprawling iGaming market. You can email him at [email protected].
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