A method and associated system for Internet play of an instant lottery game includes supplying instant lottery tickets for purchase by players, with each of the instant lottery tickets having a game authorization code. The winning or loosing status of the instant lottery tickets is unknown to the players at the time of purchase. Each of the instant lottery tickets is provided with a unique prize claim code separate from the game authorization code. A web site is provided wherein a player enters the game authorization code via an Internet device to initiate play of the instant lottery game. The outcome of the game is then randomly determined and presented to the player via the web site. The value of a winning outcome is credited to a running tally associated with the lottery ticket and, upon the player cashing out to end the lottery game, a monetary value is assigned for the running tally associated with the unique prize claim code. The prize claim codes are stored and at defined periodic intervals, the prize claim codes are transferred to a lottery system central computer. For redemption of an instant lottery ticket, the player presents the prize claim code to a lottery redemption location wherein the presented prize claim code is verified with data from the transferred prize claim codes to determine a payout to the player for the lottery ticket.