West Virginia (WV) Lottery
West Virginia voters approved the Lottery Amendment to the West Virginia Constitution on November 6, 1984 by a vote of 67% for the issue to 33% against. The West Virginia Legislature passed the Lottery Act in April 1985, which was signed in May by Gov. Arch A. Moore, Jr.
The first instant tickets were sold on January 9, 1986. More than 1.5 million tickets were sold the first day.
Over 50% of all West Virginia Lottery instant and online ticket sales have been returned to players in prizes. State law requires that at least 45% of total revenue be paid in prizes. Retailers who sell tickets receive 7% of sales. Not more than 15% of the Lottery's total revenue may be spent on operating costs. The remainder is profits transferred to the State Lottery Fund for appropriation by the Legislature to Education, Senior Citizen and Tourism programs.
West Virginia (WV) Lottery Winners
James Thacker of Moundsville won $25,000 for playing Cash 25
Ronnie Carter won $7,000 for playing TV Guide Crossword
Monica Bays won $50,000 for playing Fantastic
Sarah Cox won $3,000 for playing Travel Keno
Jason Riffe won $14,000 for playing 14 Karat Cash
Click here for a comprehensive list of West Virginia Lottery winners.
West Virginia (WV) Lottery Games
- Powerball
- Hot Lotto
- Daily 4
- Daily 3
- Cash 25
- Instant Games