Understanding your draw options: A guide to multi-state and local games

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Whether you're new to playing draw games or looking to explore new options, knowing the difference between multi-state and local games can help you choose the one that best fits your preferences. The West Virginia Lottery offers both types—each with its own number selection formats, prize levels, and draw schedules. This guide walks you through the major options available to you.

Multi-state draw games
Multi-state draw games are played across multiple states, which helps create larger jackpots and wider participation. In West Virginia, you can take part in several of the country's best-known multi-state games, including POWERBALL, MEGA MILLIONS®, and LOTTO AMERICA©.

POWERBALL©
POWERBALL© is one of the most widely played draw games in the U.S., with jackpots starting at $20 million and rolling over when there's no top-tier winner. To play, you pick five white ball numbers from 1 to 69 and one red POWERBALL© number from 1 to 26. Draws are held three times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings.

There are nine prize tiers, and for an additional dollar, you can add the Power Play feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes. POWERBALL© is available both in-store and online through the West Virginia Lottery's iPLAY platform.

MEGA MILLIONS®
Similar to POWERBALL©, MEGA MILLIONS® draws take place on Tuesday and Friday nights. You'll choose five numbers from 1 to 70, plus one Mega Ball from 1 to 25. Each $5 ticket now includes a built-in multiplier, automatically boosting non-jackpot prizes up to 10X without any additional cost.

LOTTO AMERICA©
For those looking for an alternative with lower odds and moderate jackpots, LOTTO AMERICA© is another multi-state option. You pick five numbers from 1 to 52 and a Star Ball from 1 to 10. Drawings occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings. The All-Star Bonus can be added to multiply non-jackpot winnings.

Local draw games
West Virginia also offers several draw games that are exclusive to the state. These provide smaller prize pools but can offer better odds and more frequent draws.

Cash25
Exclusive to West Virginia, Cash25 requires you to pick six numbers from 1 to 25. The top prize is fixed at $25,000 and does not roll over. Drawings take place four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Ca$h Pop
Ca$h Pop gives you frequent chances to play throughout the day. You pick a single number between one and 15, decide how much you want to wager, and the prizes vary based on the number selected and the wager amount. Draws are held every 15 minutes, seven days a week. Ca$h Pop is not available to play online, but you can still check your numbers through the official West Virginia Lottery website.

Daily 3 and Daily 4
These games offer simple formats with daily draws. In Daily 3, you select a three-digit number; in Daily 4, a four-digit number. You can choose from different bet types, like exact order or any order, depending on your preference.

Choosing what works for you
If you're drawn to larger jackpots and are comfortable with less frequent wins, multi-state games like POWERBALL© and MEGA MILLIONS® offer the biggest prize pools. Prefer better odds and more regular play? State-based games such as Cash25 and Daily 3 may be more your style.

You can play most of these games online through the West Virginia Lottery's iPLAY platform or in person at licensed retailers. Either way, you'll find a draw game that suits your playing style and provides secure, state-regulated chance-based play.