November 4, 2024 Publisher
In an effort to bring its services to the digital space, the West Virginia Lottery launched a new mobile-accessible platform, iPlay, alongside a loyalty program called PlayOn. This expansion into digital gaming, which officially began Thursday at 6 a.m., allows players to purchase lottery tickets, a rewards system, and access exclusive promotions directly from their mobile devices, according to a release by the West Virginia Lottery.
The iPlay platform, powered by the NeoSphere system, allows participants to access well-known games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lotto America, along with features like Quick Pick, subscription renewals, and the ability to save preferred numbers. The mobile-friendly service also offers e-Instants, such as VIP Platinum, Underwater Treasures, and Queen of Diamonds, with more games from the Pollard Digital Games Studio slated to the roster by the end of the year.
The rollout is ed by NeoPollard Interactive (NPi), a partnership between Pollard Banknote and Aristocrat Interactive, which manages both iPlay and the loyalty program PlayOn.
Alongside iPlay, lottery experience by allowing players to earn points for in-person and online purchases. This loyalty program gives participants access to a range of exclusive rewards, second-chance promotions, and opportunities to earn prizes by completing online activities. All s ed with iPlay will automatically PlayOn, although customers who prefer purchasing lottery tickets in-store can still participate in the program by g up separately.
“The iLottery program provides convenience for those who like to play online and allows players to participate completely from the comfort of their homes,” said John Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery. He emphasized that, beyond enhancing player convenience, iPlay and PlayOn will revenue generation for the state, benefiting programs for seniors, veterans, education, and tourism. “We are happy to also introduce our new loyalty program and are thrilled to be the first state to unveil a brand-new iLottery platform, loyalty program, and website, all concurrently.”
This shift to mobile gaming reflects the West Virginia Lottery’s response to customer and modern purchasing trends, according to West Virginia Lottery Assistant Director Randy Burnside. He highlighted that many players expressed a desire for mobile access to popular lottery games, such as Powerball and Mega Millions. “One of the big things we’ve heard a lot about from our players is, ‘hey, I want to be able to buy my Powerball tickets and my Mega Millions tickets from my phone,’” Burnside explained. “Up until now, you’ve not been able to do that through the Lottery, and now you’ll have that opportunity.”
Burnside also noted that this move aligns with society’s growing shift toward cashless transactions. “We’re living in a cashless society, and I think when you look at the data, you can see people’s purchasing habits are changing,” he stated. This digital platform provides convenience for those who prefer using mobile devices, while traditional ticket-buyers can still visit retail locations.
Despite the expansion into mobile gaming, the West Virginia Lottery is ensuring that brick-and-mortar retailers remain integral to the lottery ecosystem in West Virginia. Burnside highlighted that physical stores would continue to benefit, as purchases made in-person still allow players to take part in PlayOn’s rewards and prize opportunities. Tickets bought at these locations include web codes that can unlock additional prizes and second-chance opportunities through the loyalty program.
According to Burnside, studies show that introducing loyalty programs alongside iLottery platforms tends to boost sales for traditional retailers. “The data shows that when you launch a rewards program along with your iLottery, that has driven sales increases at your traditional brick-and-mortar stores as well,” he stated. This omni-channel approach aims to meet the needs of both digital players and those who enjoy visiting local retailers.
With iPlay and PlayOn officially available as of Thursday morning, West Virginia Lottery players can now choose between mobile and traditional options while enjoying new ways to engage with the lottery through rewards, exclusive promotions, and enhanced gaming experiences.
Source:
”WEST VIRGINIA LOTTERY GOES LIVE THURSDAY WITH iLOTTERY PLATFORM”, wvrealmoneyaction.horsewinners.net, October 29, 2024.