VA Lottery And IWG Launch Instant Win Games — In An Instant

Written By Dann Stupp on August 18, 2020 - Last Updated on August 3, 2022

The Virginia Lottery and IWG have delivered on the promise of a quick launch of instant win games.

In June, officials announced a five-year partnership. Now, IWG‘s digital games are live on the VA Lottery’s iLottery gaming platforms, including VaLottery.com.

The lineup includes many of IGW’s top-performing titles. Additionally, it features a Virginia-themed version of the company’s popular Cash Expander game.

Speedy integration for VA Lottery and IWG

How did the Virginia Lottery and IWG integrate and launch so quickly?

IWG has a long-standing collaboration with NeoPollard Interactive. Fortunately, NeoPollard Interactive is Virginia’s iLottery platform provider.

IWG, a world leader in supplying online instant games, also recently integrated games for lotteries in Michigan and New Hampshire.

The VA Lottery is the 23rd WLA/NASPL (World Lottery Association/North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries) member lottery to join IWG’s portfolio.

As IWG CEO Rhydian Fisher said in the announcement:

“We’re so excited to be live in Virginia, our 23rd iLottery launch. The Virginia Lottery and its entrepreneurial approach to iLottery, combined with the support of its platform vendor, NeoPollard, made it possible for us to execute a contract, integrate our RGS platform, and localize a set of games, all in a very short period of time. Clearly, the leading iLottery platforms have proven they can support the integration of independent game providers, like IWG, right during a program’s initial launch.”

Cash Expander gets a Virginia makeover

IWG’s e-instant games have a wide variety of mechanics, themes and styles. However, a special edition of Cash Expander is likely to be a favorite among Virginians.

The game uses the developer’s core “match-three cluster” mechanic. During gameplay, those clustered blocks then explode. Afterward, additional blocks fill the board, creating more chances to win.

Now, players from the Old Dominion state can try a Virginia version of the popular game.

“Having seen the success of Cash Expander with other lotteries in North America, we’re confident our own localized version will also appeal to a wide range of players here in Virginia,” VA Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall said.

In Virginia Cash Expander, gold, silver and bronze state symbols activate the bonus round when three appear on-screen.

Also, getting three “free game” symbols unlocks 10 free games, and the familiar play grid expands as the bonus round progresses.

Additionally, players can also score a special bonus if a lock and key appear on-screen during a single play.

How to play VA Lottery’s instant games

The Virginia Lottery’s digital games are available to play on the Virginia Lottery website.

As officials revamp the Virginia Lottery mobile app, digital games are currently unavailable for play on mobile phones.

However, on the VA Lottery website, all digital games are available to play for free in demo mode. When you’re ready to play with real money, the games range from 5 cents to $20 per play.

Currently, 15 “play now” games are available.

In addition to the instant games, Virginia Lottery players can find the usual draw games at VaLottery.com. They include Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as the recently implemented keno game. Scratchers, second-chance drawings and print ’n play games are also available.

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Dann Stupp

Dann Stupp is a longtime sports journalist who’s written and edited for The Athletic, USA Today, ESPN, MLB.com and other outlets. He lives in Lexington, Virginia.

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