The West Virginia Lottery offers a variety of draw games, giving you the chance to try your chances in both multi-state and state-exclusive games both on and offline. Among these, MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© stand out as two of the most popular and widely recognized games. While both offer large jackpots and multiple ways to win, there are key differences that set them apart.
Let’s explore the range of draw games available in West Virginia and take a closer look at how MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL WV compare.
Popular draw games in West Virginia
The West Virginia Lottery provides several multi-state and state-exclusive draw games. These include:
- MEGA MILLIONS®: A multi-state game with massive jackpots and nine ways to win.
- POWERBALL©: Another large-scale multi-state game known for its rolling jackpots and unique Power Play option.
- LOTTO AMERICA©: A smaller multi-state game, meaning it has slightly better odds than MEGA MILLIONS® or POWERBALL©.
- Cash25: A West Virginia-exclusive game with a fixed $25,000 top prize.
- Daily 3 and Daily 4: Quick draw games with multiple play styles and daily drawings.
- CA$H POP: A fast-paced game where you select one number from between one and 15 for a chance to win a randomized prize.
While each of these games provides unique gameplay, MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© remain the biggest draws due to their enormous jackpots and nationwide reach.
Comparing MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL©
Both MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© are chance-based draw games, where an outcome is never guaranteed, but they have different structures, odds, and features:
- Jackpot and ticket price
MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© both start with a jackpot of $20 million and a standard ticket for each POWERBALL© game costs $2, while for MEGA MILLIONS® it costs $5. Both offer an option to increase non-jackpot winnings for an additional wager per play with different features – Megaplier for MEGA MILLIONS® and Power Play for POWERBALL© games.
- Number selection and odds
In MEGA MILLIONS®, you can choose five numbers from one to 70 plus a Mega Ball from one to 25. On the other hand, in POWERBALL©, you have the option to pick five numbers from one to 69 and a Powerball from one to 26. Plus, the odds of winning the MEGA MILLIONS® jackpot are slightly higher than that of Powerball, with improved odds, bigger starting jackpots and a built-in multiplier on every play from April 8th 2025. The odds of hitting the POWERBALL© jackpot are one in 292.2 million.
- Draw days
MEGA MILLIONS® draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET and POWERBALL© drawings are held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET.
- Prize structure and multipliers
MEGA MILLIONS® features a Megaplier and a built-in multiplier on every play up to 10x. POWERBALL© also offers different features, such as the Power Play option, which can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or 10x. The 10x multiplier is only available when the jackpot is under $150 million.
- Payout options
Jackpot winners in both games have the option of receiving a lump sum cash payout or an annuity paid over 30 years. The cash option is lower than the advertised jackpot but provides an immediate payout, while the annuity grows over time with annual payments.
Which game should you play?
Deciding whether to try your chances at MEGA MILLIONS® or POWERBALL© depends on your personal preferences.
If you prefer higher multipliers on non-jackpot prizes, and an extra opportunity to play each week, POWERBALL© may be the better choice, but if you like larger number pools and slightly higher odds, MEGA MILLIONS® offers may be the game for you.
Regardless of your choice, both games provide the possibility of significant jackpots and contribute to state-funded initiatives in West Virginia. The revenue generated from ticket sales supports important programs, making each purchase beneficial beyond the game itself.
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The West Virginia Lottery offers many ways to try your chances, with MEGA MILLIONS® and POWERBALL© standing out as just two of the top draw game choices. While both games share similarities, their differences in odds, prize structures, and drawing schedules provide gameplay to suit different preferences.
