Sports Betting In West Virginia

West Virginia was one of the first US states to legalize sports betting, proactively passing a bill while the federal ban was still on the books.

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William Hill West Virginia Sports Betting online. Sign up for William Hill in WV - America's #1 Sportsbook operator. Bet online on basketball, football, more. Jan 11, 2021 West Virginia Sports Betting Locations In order to place a legal sports bet in West Virginia, you have to travel to one of of the handful of licensed casinos within the state. West Virginia also allows online and mobile betting, but it has yet to go fully live. Technically, there has been online sports betting in West Virginia since 2018. However, the only current sportsbooks still active in the state are FanDuel Sportsbook WV, DraftKings Sportsbook WV, and BetMGM Sportsbook WV. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have been accepting wagers in the state since August 2019. BETMGM launched in January 2020. Sports Betting In Morgantown, WV Morgantown is the epicenter of local sports in West Virginia. The University of West Virginia Mountaineers play in the Big 12 Conference and are one of the better teams in the division. West Virginia is often nationally ranked in the AP Poll, though they typically never reach the CFP. First and foremost, sports betting is legal and live in West Virginia. The first sportsbook opened at Hollywood Casino Charles Town in August 2018. Two of the four remaining casinos in the state also offer sports betting to customers. Additionally, there are now three online sports betting apps active in.

With bipartisan support in the legislature, the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415) became law in March 2018 without a signature from Gov. Jim Justice. The governor, whose family owns one of the state’s gambling establishments, instead allowed the bill to lapse into law — purportedly to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

By the end of the year, both retail and online sports betting were available in the state. The latter suffered a false start at the hands of BetLucky before returning permanently in 2019.

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West Virginia sports betting apps

There are currently three sports betting apps available in West Virginia:

William Hill also operates a retail sportsbook in the state, which could eventually spawn another WV sports betting app. The two Delaware North casinos will additionally use the betly brand to rejoin the state’s online market at some point.

WV sports betting apps are typically available for both iOS and Android devices.

West Virginia sports betting partnerships

The WV sports betting law requires online operators to partner with a land-based casino licensee in order to serve the state. Each of those licensees can deploy as many as three individually branded products (or “skins”) into the market.

Here’s the structure of online sports betting alliances in WV:

LicenseeSkin 1Skin 2Skin 3
The GreenbrierFanDuel SportsbookBetMGM Sports--
HollywoodDraftKings Sportsbook----
Mardi Gras------
Mountaineer------
Wheeling Island------

BetMGM Sports WV

  • Land-based partner: The Greenbrier
  • Date launched: January 29, 2020

BetMGM has the potential to be a big name in US sports betting, but has a little bit slower out of the gates than some of its competitors. In West Virginia, at least, its launch came only a few months after that of FanDuel and DraftKings. Like FanDuel, it chose The Greenbrier as its partner. The BetMGM brand is operated by Roar Digital, created as a joint endeavor between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings.

BetMGM also offers legal online casino gambling in WV.

DraftKings Sportsbook WV

  • Land-based partner: Hollywood Casino
  • Date launched: August 28, 2019

FanDuel’s monopoly in West Virginia lasted barely 48 hours, as DraftKings followed it into the market later the same week. The DraftKings partnership was inevitable under its nationwide market-access deal with Hollywood owner Penn National Gaming. DraftKings was itself under private ownership until April 2020, when it went public via a reverse merger with technology provider SBTech.

DraftKings Casino also operates legally in WV.

FanDuel Sportsbook WV

  • Land-based partner: The Greenbrier
  • Date launched: August 26, 2019

FanDuel wasn’t technically the first sports betting app in West Virginia, but it has fared much better than its only predecessor. It launched in August 2019, bringing online betting back to West Virginia after a five-month absence stemming from the failure of BetLucky. The daily fantasy giant chose The Greenbrier as its land-based partner, making it the epicenter of online betting in the state.

Betly WV (launch pending)

  • Land-based partner: Mardi Gras and/or Wheeling Island
  • Date launched: Pending

Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island are both owned by Delaware North. It was through these licenses and a now-defunct joint venture with Miomni that the group made its ill-fated entry to the market under the BetLucky brand.

Delaware North made its second attempt at sports betting starting in January 2020, reopening its two retail sportsbooks under a new brand — betly. They’re powered by a fresh partnership with IGT, a well-established company that should prove less problematic than the old BetLucky suppliers.

When the retail sportsbooks opened, Delaware North indicated it expected a mobile app to follow “very soon.” Those plans may have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons, and as yet there is still no firm date for launch.

Sports available for betting in West Virginia

West Virginians enjoy betting on the same sports as gamblers in other states. The top leagues for betting include:

  • NFL football
  • NBA basketball
  • NHL hockey
  • MLB baseball
  • MLS soccer
  • NCAA college sports
  • UFC/MMA combat sports

Unlike some states, WV does not have any particular collegiate betting restrictions. Fans of second-tier sports like tennis, golf, and cricket will also find the opportunity to bet on major competitions in those sports in WV.

So far, the state regulator has not made a firm decision one way or the other about esports and mind sports betting.

Types of legal sports bets in West Virginia

WV sports betting includes all the usual betting options on both professional and collegiate sports. Operators may offer:

  • Moneylines
  • Spreads
  • Totals (over/under)
  • Futures
  • Proposition bets (props)

Combination bets such as parlays and round-robins are also allowed. Most operators also offer a full slate of in-play betting options.

West Virginia online sports betting bonuses

Online sports betting promotions typically come in one of two flavors in West Virginia.

  1. Free bets
  2. Deposit bonuses

Free bets are exactly that, promotional wagers given to new players just for signing up. Some may take the form of a matched bet, while others will not require the customer to bet their own money. Deposit bonuses reward bettors for funding their accounts by adding additional money — either a flat amount or a percentage of the associated deposit.

Most WV online sportsbooks offer bonuses in one or both of these categories.

Depositing and withdrawing at West Virginia online sportsbooks

Much as is the case with WV online casinos, online sportsbooks in the state accept a variety of methods for users to deposit funds to their accounts:

  • ACH/eCheck
  • credit and debit cards
  • online banking/bank transfers
  • PayPal
  • Skrill
  • Play+
  • PayNearMe
  • check
  • cash at the casino cage

Withdrawal options are fewer, though cash-outs via ACH/eCheck, PayPal, and regular checks are generally available. Bettors are also able to withdraw funds in person at the licensing casino’s cashier cage.

FAQ: West Virginia sports betting

Here are answers to some common questions about WV sports betting.

Is sports betting legal in WV?

Yes, West Virginia lawmakers legalized sports betting in 2018. By the end of the year, operators were legally booking wagers in the state across both retail and online/mobile channels.

Who is eligible to bet on sports in WV?

Adults at least 21 years old are eligible to bet on sports in West Virginia, provided they are (1) located in the state and (2) not otherwise excluded from gambling. Residency is not a requirement, but online/mobile platforms do require the bettor to be physically present within the borders to wager.

Where can I bet on sports in WV?

The five West Virginia casinos act as the primary licensees for sports betting. All of them have physical sportsbooks on site. Online and mobile betting are also available statewide.

Can I bet on sports online in WV?

Yes, the West Virginia sports betting law authorizes online and mobile sportsbooks in addition to physical betting locations. Although the first betting sites and apps rolled out in late 2018, the sector didn’t overcome its early growing pains until the larger operators entered the market in 2019.

What are the fees and taxes for WV sports betting?

West Virginia lawmakers imposed a modest tax rate for sports betting operators amounting to 10% of gross revenue. Five-year licenses are likewise affordable compared to many jurisdictions at $100,000 apiece.

Who regulates sports betting in WV?

The West Virginia Lottery regulates all gambling in the state, including sports betting.

  • Phone: 800-982-2274
  • Email: [email protected]

West Virginia sports betting history

The WV legislature officially authorized sports betting in the state in 2018 after failed attempts in the two years prior.

The bill sponsored by Sen. Ryan Ferns enjoyed bipartisan support and a relatively smooth path through both chambers, though it remained inactive until the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA two months later. At the time, the Mountain State was just the fourth in the country to legalize single-game wagering.

Despite a great deal of meddling by the governor and the sports leagues, diligent regulatory work facilitated the launch of WV sports betting in time for the following NFL season.

The state’s first legal bet was placed at Hollywood Casino on Aug. 30, 2018, and the first online sportsbook — BetLucky WV — subsequently debuted on Dec. 27. Although the latter no longer exists, several more-reputable online/mobile options have come to the market since.

West Virginia was one of the first U.S. states to legalize sports betting, officially passing Senate Bill 415 in March 2018. Under this law, each of the state’s five casino and racetrack venues were allowed to pursue both retail and online sports betting options. Just a few months later West Virginia became the fifth state with legal sports wagering in August of 2018.

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This page will serve as your complete guide for all things West Virginia sports betting. We’ll cover the legislation process, who can bet, the places you can do it, and more. Let’s dig in.

West Virginia Sports Betting General Info

First, West Virginia law does place a few restrictions on who can wager. If you can satisfy these requirements, you’re good to go.

Age

In order to bet on sports in West Virginia you must be at least 21 years old. This requirement applies for placing bets in person at a casino or racetrack, or using an online bookmaker or mobile app. While some states, like New Hampshire, have gone with 18, 21 is still very much the industry standard and shouldn’t come as much of a shock.

Location, Location, Location

The old real estate adage also applies for sports betting in the U.S. In order to bet on sports in West Virginia you must be physically located in West Virginia. If you’re not in WV, you’re out of luck, it’s as simple as that. It doesn’t matter if you’re just driving through, in town for a conference, skiing for the weekend, etc., you just need to be in state. All online sports betting mobile apps and browser based sportsbooks will require you grant access to location services, or install a GPS plugin to prove where you are.

Registration

While some states have elected to require in-person registration at a participating casino or racetrack, West Virginia is not one of them. You can download a sports betting app, or visit a WV online sportsbook website from anywhere, including out of state, to create an account. You can set everything up and even make a deposit prior to setting foot in the state.

Licenses

West Virginia law allows for each of the state’s five casinos and racetracks to apply for a sports betting license. Licensees will be able to host three separate online skins on each license. Each license requires a $100,000 application fee and will last for five years, at which point an additional $100K is required for renewal. West Virginia will tax sports betting at 10%, both live and online.

Active West Virginia Sportsbooks

All five of the approved casino/racetracks in West Virginia are now licensed to offer sports betting, and each has opened an on site brick-and-mortar sportsbook.

CasinoRetail SportsbookLaunch Date
Hollywood Casino Charles Town RacesThe Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Charles TownAug. 30, 2018
The GreenbrierFanDuel SportsbookSep. 14, 2018
Mountaineer Casino RacetrackWilliam Hill SportsbookNov. 21, 2018
Mardi Gras CasinoBetly SportsbookJan. 31, 2020
Wheeling Island Casino RacetrackBetly SportsbookJan. 31, 2020

West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

The five licensees are each permitted to host three online skins, therefore West Virginia has the potential to house 15 different online sportsbooks. Online operations that are currently active in the state include:

Online SportsbookCasino Partner(s)Tech PartnerLaunch Date
FanDuelThe GreenbrierFanDuelAug. 26, 2019
DraftKingsHollywood Casino Charles Town RacesKambiAug. 28, 2019
BetMGMThe Greenbrier (skin)BetMGMJan. 21, 2020

FanDuel

  • License Partner: The Greenbrier
  • Retail Launch: September 14, 2018
  • Tech Partner: FanDuel
  • Mobile Launch: August 26, 2019

FanDuel is best known as a leading operator within the daily fantasy sports industry, but has quickly become a sports betting juggernaut in the regulated U.S. market. Trailing just New Jersey, West Virginia was the second state to gain access to FanDuel’s online sports betting product which features a complete catalog of popular events. Users can bet from a browser on their computer, or download the mobile app to an android or iOS device.

FanDuel offers a user-friendly experience that features all of the most popular betting options including traditional wagers like spreads, moneylines, and total points – plus live wagers, futures, props, and more. Regular promotions are also available to add more value, like odds boosts and bet insurance.

FanDuel is also the on site sponsor of the retail sportsbook at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. If you plan to place bets in person though, it’s worth noting that their casino is actually private, and is only accessible to members or hotel guests. Also, you’ll need dress for the Royale casino experience – be sure to bring your sport coat. While you don’t have to register in person at the casino, you can deposit/withdraw funds from your online FanDuel Sportsbook account directly from the casino cage at The Greenbrier.

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DraftKings

Sports Betting Hollywood Casino West Virginia

  • License Partner: Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races
  • Retail Launch: August 30, 2018
  • Tech Partner: Kambi
  • Mobile Launch: August 28, 2019

The undisputed ruler of daily fantasy sports, the DraftKings’ kingdom is growing… and fast. DraftKings launched its mobile product in West Virginia on Aug. 28, 2019, using the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races’ license. While DraftKings isn’t the official sponsor of the retail sportsbook at the Hollywood Casino, you can still deposit and withdraw at the casino cage.

DraftKings offers a lucrative sports betting rewards program, a valuable welcome package, and a wealth of unique ways to bet on sports including flash bets, pools, teasers, parlays, and more. The DraftKings sportsbook will prominently feature the most important live and upcoming events so it’s never hard to find the right bet.

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BetMGM

  • License Partner: The Greenbrier
  • Retail Launch: N/A
  • Tech Partner: BetMGM
  • Mobile Launch: January 21, 2020

MGM is one of the largest names in casino gaming around the world, and is rapidly expanding its online portfolio. BetMGM sportsbook launched in West Virginia on January 21, 2020, as the second of a possible three skins on The Greenbrier’s license. However, since it’s not the retail sportsbook sponsor at The Greenbrier (FanDuel), you can’t deposit or withdraw in person at the casino. BetMGM exists in West Virginia entirely online.

BetMGM offers a comprehensive online sportsbook with all of the amenities bettors have come to know and love. It’s easy to fund your account, find the wager you want, and it only takes a few clicks to submit it through. Register your BetMGM WV account from anywhere, and be ready for your next visit.

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BetLucky – Gone But Not Forgotten

BetLucky.com was actually the first online sportsbook to launch in West Virginia through its partnership with the Delaware North properties in the state, Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island. It accepted the first West Virginia online sports bets in December 2018, a full 8 months before the next operator would go online. However, it’s run was short lived. Due to a contract dispute with its tech partner, Miomni. BetLucky halted operations just a few months later in March 2019, and did not reopen.

Betly Sportsbook has relaunched as the retail sportsbook at both sites, and is expected to commence online betting soon.

West Virginia Online Sportsbooks On The Way

As mentioned above, West Virginia can potentially host up to fifteen online sportsbooks, so there’s definitely room to grow. Here are a few more online operators that could make an appearance in the Mountain State soon.

Wv Sport Books In Casino

Betly Sportsbook

  • License Partner: Mardi Gras Casino, Wheeling Island
  • Retail Launch: January 31, 2020
  • Tech Partner: IGT
  • Mobile Launch: TBD

Following BetLucky’s departure from the WV market, both the Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island casinos were left without sports betting of any kind. After many rumors and more than 9 months of searching, they landed on Betly Sportsbook. Betly Sportsbook launched as the rebranded retail sportsbook at both Delaware North casinos in West Virginia at the end of January 2020, just days before the Super Bowl. An online sports betting app will be following soon, providing another excellent option for WV mobile sports bettors.

William Hill

  • License Partner: Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort
  • Retail Launch: November 21, 2018
  • Tech Partner: William Hill
  • Mobile Launch: TBD

William Hill, the uber-popular UK bookmaker has been a regular fixture in sports betting since the 1930s. Now firmly entrenched in the regulated U.S. market, William Hill offers online sports betting in numerous states including New Jersey and Iowa. In West Virginia, William Hill has partnered with the Mountaineer Casino to provide retail spots betting on premises. While its mobile app and online book is not yet available, it’s only a matter of time. Keep your eyes peeled for WH to hit the market soon.

Barstool Sportsbook

  • License Partners: Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races (estimated)
  • Retail Launch: TBD
  • Tech Partner: TBD
  • Mobile Launch: TBD

In January 2020 Penn National Gaming purchased a 36% stake in Barstool Sports for $163 million, with plans to use it as the company’s flagship sports betting brand moving forward. Penn National is expected to open retail Barstool Sportsbooks in numerous states, in addition to launching an online product to match. West Virginia’s Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races has been rumored as one of the first retail sportsbooks to rebrand under the Barstool banner.

West Virginia Sports Betting Options

West Virginia sportsbooks have the ability to accept wagers on all of the most popular bet types. What’s more, online sportsbooks are able offer much larger betting sheets when compared their retail counterparts, and even offer up to the second live, in-game wagers. Current options include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Moneyline
  • Totals (Over/Under)
  • Futures
  • Props
  • Live Betting (as the event happens)

West Virginia doesn’t have any major betting exceptions of note. While some states may restrict activity on collegiate athletics, they’re fair game in WV where West Virginia University and Marshall are amongst the largest in-state fanbases.

Banking with West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

When it comes to funding your online sportsbook account, West Virginia bettors have plenty of choices. Not all sites are the same though, so there will be differences from sportsbook to sportsbook. Options you’re likely to see include:

Sports Betting In West Virginia

  • Debit/Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)
  • Online Banking Transfer
  • ACH/eCheck
  • Prepaid Play+ Card
  • Wire Transfer
  • Skrill
  • PayNearMe (available at participating retail stores: CVS, Family Dollar, 7Eleven, etc.)

While not all West Virginia online sportsbooks have a retail partner, you can typically deposit in person, at the casino cage if there is one. For example, you can always deposit or withdraw money from a FanDuel Sportsbook account at The Greenbrier casino cage.

West Virginia Betting Platforms

Mobile bettors will have access to all of the main platforms in West Virginia. Currently, active mobile sites offer apps for both iOS and Android devices. The iOS apps can be found directly in the app store, while Android users can download theirs from either the respective app store, or by visiting the sportsbook’s website.

For those looking to bet on a computer, browser-based sportsbooks are also available for each online book. The only download required for browser betting is the geolocation plugin to prove that you are in state.

The Benefits of State Regulated Sports Betting

Safety

The most important advantage is unquestionably safety. With legal sites you know that the operator has complied with state regulations, and is regularly evaluated to make sure everything is up to code. Placing a wager on a regulated site is no different than walking into a Vegas casino and betting there.

When Will West Va Have Sports Betting

Easy Banking Transactions

Offshore sites often rely on payment methods like crypto currency to fund accounts, which may have a learning curve in itself. With legal sports betting operators, there are numerous, simple, deposit options. For example, you can enter a credit card number and you’re good to go. When it’s time to withdraw? You can drive right to your mobile sites partner casino and withdraw in cash, have them mail you a check, etc.

Better Customer Support

Customer support for regulated sites is far superior. You’ll have access to detailed FAQ pages, email, phone, and helpful live chat. And if you ever have an issue that the sports betting site can’t help with, you can always take it directly to the state lottery, which is responsible for regulating the industry in West Virginia.

Competition Breeds Better Products

In most states that have legalized sports betting there are multiple apps, meaning you have choices. The great thing about choice, is that it motivates the lesser products to get better. If they don’t, they won’t get your business. Offshore sites are difficult to operate and even harder to fund, thus users tend to stick with one regardless of quality, just because it’s convenient. Within the regulated world you can easily shop around for the best lines and promotions.

West Virginia’s Gambling History

Sports Wagering In West Virginia

West Virginia has been one of the most progressive states in the region when it comes to gambling. Dog and horse racing have been a fixture in the state for the better part of a century, and it was also quick to embrace both slots and table games. As neighboring states have finally come around on gambling legislation, West Virginia has continually sought new ways to stay ahead of the curve – and pursuing sports betting and mobile wagers is certainly a way to do it.

The state’s battle for sports betting began years ago. AG Patrick Morrisey made waves in 2016 by supporting New Jersey’s federal challenge of PASPA, the law that forbade new sports betting legislation across the country. Efforts continued in 2017 with a failed bill, and additional research into the subject. West Virginia finally broke through in 2018, legalizing sports betting through Senate Bill 415 in March. Once PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court in May of the same year, the sky was the limit for sports betting in WV.

After a quick rollout, the first legal sports bets were placed in the state on August 30, 2018 at the Hollywood Casino Charles Town. Online wagers, which are ideal in a mountainous, often difficult to traverse state like WV, followed in December.

FAQ

Is it legal to bet on sports in West Virginia?

Yes! It’s completely legal to wager on sports in West Virginia. The state has been accepting legal sports bets since August 2018.

Are both online and retail sports betting allowed?

Absolutely, you can bet in-person at one of the state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos, or download one of the available sports betting mobile apps.

Where are the retail sportsbooks in the state?

West VA has five retail sportsbook sites. Generally speaking, they are well spread out along the edges of the state. Their names and locations are as follows:

West

Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races – Charles Town, WV
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, WV
Mountaineer Casino – New Cumberland, WV
Mardi Gras Casino – Cross Lanes, WV
Wheeling Island Casino – Wheeling, WV

Who oversees sports betting in West Virginia?

The West Virginia State Lottery Commission is responsible for overseeing operations in the state.

What is the legal age to wager on sports in WV?

You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in West VA.

After I have signed up, can I bet from outside of West Virginia?
Unfortunately not. You must be inside the state to bet.