Virginia Lottery Launches First U.S. iLottery Virtual Sports Games

A New Way to Play

Dubbed “VSports,” these games (virtual football, basketball, and horse racing) are now live exclusively for Virginia players, as announced in a press release. It’s a “game-changer, blending the thrill of sports betting with the accessibility of online lottery”, all powered by Aristocrat’s Fusion™ platform.

Chris Shaban, Aristocrat Interactive’s iLottery boss, called it a win for innovation. “We’re all about top-notch content, and teaming up with Inspired Entertainment lets us bring something fresh to Virginia players,” he said.

The games run on a certified random number generator, ensuring fair, random outcomes untouched by real-world sports results. With new draws every two to three minutes, players can jump in anytime, picking their virtual event and placing bets for a quick, engaging experience.

What’s the Deal?

VSports isn’t your typical lottery draw. Developed by Inspired Entertainment, these games are designed to keep the sports vibe alive year-round, no matter the season.

Virginia Lottery’s Scott Kenyon, Deputy Executive Director of Marketing, said it’s about reaching new players while sticking to the mission of funding K-12 education.

“This partnership lets us offer unique games that’ll excite our core fans and pull in new ones,” he noted. Last year, the Virginia Lottery raised $867 million for schools, and VSports is expected to add to that pot.

The tech behind it comes from NeoPollard, a joint venture between Aristocrat Interactive and Pollard Banknote. Aristocrat’s Fusion™ system makes it seamless, integrating VSports into the Virginia Lottery’s digital platform alongside its existing iLottery games.

Brooks Pierce, Inspired Entertainment’s CEO, is stoked about the project. “We’re thrilled to work with Aristocrat and NeoPollard to bring this to Virginia,” he said. “It’s a new kind of fun that supports a great cause.”