West Virginia Sports Betting
Editor’s note: As of Jan. 20, 2021
West Virginia was the fifth state to go live with sports betting in August 2018, just a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional & Amateur Protection Act.
By December 2018, it was third state to offer online sports betting before hitting a bump in the road having to shut down its online Bet Lucky app in early 2019 due to a contract dispute. Bet Lucky eventually shut down completely, leaving at least two venue partnerships – at Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island – in limbo.
Since then, FanDuel online sportsbooks has gone live at the Greenbrier casino and DraftKings is live at Hollywood Casino-Charles Town Races have gone live in righting the West Virginia sports betting ship. In the fall, the state hit revenue milestones with $1 million in September and on one week in October 2019, jumping to $7 million.
Mountaineer Casino offers the William Hill sportsbook to its retail customers.
With the latest uptick, some of the state’s casinos are considering adding additional sportsbooks to their wagering menus.
The Lottery Commission approved several license applications when it met in mid-November, according to the West Virginia Metro News service.
Casinos are allowed three “skins” and with license approval, they can now consider taking specific sportsbook proposals. No timetable for sportsbook applications or implementation has been set.
Is sports betting currently legal in the state?
Yes
When did West Virginia start accepting bets?
The first bet was cast in West Virginia on Aug. 20, 2018.
What is the legal age to bet on sports in West Virginia?
21 years old
What restrictions are there on sports betting in West Virginia … is online wagering allowed?
Yes, online and mobile betting thrives, though it is still unavailable at Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casinos since the demise of Bet Lucky app.
There are no restrictions regarding betting on professional and collegiate sports.
Where can you open an account in West Virginia?
Wannabe bettors can sign up at a casino or online.
What do I need to open an account in West Virginia?
The expected information is required: name, address, phone number, email address, and social security.
What are the betting-related banking options in West Virginia?
Deposit and withdrawal methods in the state include VISA and Mastercard credit or debit cards; bank transfers, E-checks or ACH transfers, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill electronic wallets; prepaid cards; PayNearMe via 7-Eleven; bank wire or money order; cash (possible at land-based venue cashier); checks (usually withdrawals only).
Can I bet on horse racing?
You can only do this via approved online horse racing wagering operators such as TVG, Bet America, Twinspires and AM Wager.
