West Virginia Sports Betting: Best WV Betting Sites in 2025

West Virginia sports betting is up and running, with 9 online betting sites available to bettors. The state was among the first in the US to introduce sports wagering bills — launching its own motion in 2017, before the fall of PASPA. 

With such staunch support for online sportsbook betting, it's no surprise to see West Virginia's gambling industry thriving. Bolstered by heavy hitters like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, and BetMGM, the Mountain State stands as one of the best regions to wager on your favorite player, team, or league. 

In this detailed guide, I break down everything you need to know about betting laws, history, and sports betting options in West Virginia. 

Is Online Sports Betting legal in West Virginia?

West Virginia's sports betting scene was in the works long before sportsbooks were allowed to enter the state. Lawmakers had been divulging plans as early as 2017. This anticipatory strategizing gave legislators in West Virginia a head start over others in the US and allowed Gov. Jim Justice to sign off on a sports gambling bill before the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. 

Retail sports betting went live in August 2018, followed by online sportsbooks in December of the same year. Years on, the state's online sports wagering industry is as healthy today as ever. 

West Virginia Betting Info 

• Is Online Sports Betting Legal? Yes
• West Virginia sports betting launch date? Retail: August 2018. Online: December 2018.
• What is the Legal Age to Gamble? 21
• How many Sportsbooks are Available? 9
• Are Retail Sportsbook Available? Yes
• West Virginia College Sports Betting? Yes
• Who is the State Regulator? West Virginia Lottery Commission

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in West Virginia

West Virginia's laws allow for up to 15 legal betting sites. The state is currently home to 9 unique betting options, including popular names and some niche picks. Let's take a look at a selection of the best PC and mobile sports betting platforms, here.

DraftKings Sportsbook West Virginia

No list of the best online sportsbooks is complete without mentioning DraftKings Sportsbook. The US betting titan has served West Virginia since sports wagering launched in the state in 2018 and now delivers 20+ sports, deep markets for every option, and regularly refreshed promotions. 

My favorite aspect of DraftKings is its live betting facility. The sports betting site refrains from limiting itself to only offering popular events – instead catering to wider audiences through a breadth of exciting games, tournaments, and matchups around the world. 

New bettors are eligible for the site's 'Bet $5 Get $150' in bonus bets welcome offer. There's no catch with this package – just wager $5 or more on any sports market to clinch $150 in bonus bets instantly. 

BetMGM Sportsbook West Virginia

BetMGM joined the fray as a retail and online sports betting provider in early 2020. Ever a favorite among punters, the sportsbook quickly rose to statewide fame – with bettors keen to indulge in special offers and unique markets. 

Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and ice hockey are all big on BetMGM. Each sport's professional major league is supported by the so-called 'King of Sportsbooks', while more niche options — such as tennis, darts, motorsport, rugby, and snooker — are also given five-star treatment by the popular sportsbook. 

But above all else is BetMGM Sportsbook's welcome bonus for newly registered bettors in West Virginia. $1,500 in bonus bets is on the table to all who lose first time around – a neat boost for those who need a parachute after a disappointing first foray on the West Virginia sportsbook.

FanDuel Sportsbook West Virginia

Originally regarded for its impressive daily fantasy sports offering, FanDuel Sportsbook has undergone something of a rebrand in recent years. Now an esteemed sports betting provider, the site caters to a slew of interests – football fans, hockey supporters, and baseball enthusiasts alike. More importantly, each sport is treated with respect and admiration.

On the left-hand side of the homepage is a menu littered with the site's most popular sports and features right now. The Parlay Hub and Live Now tabs generally reside here, evidencing player support for both mega features. I can see why they're so beloved by FanDuel's player base — Parlay Hub puts forward opportunities for quick, rewarding wagers and the Live Now area showcases the latest ongoing action from a variety of sports. 

As for promotions, new FanDuel Sportsbook customers can expect $200 in bonus bets upon wagering just $5 and winning. Simply pick a sport, select your preferred market, and place your bet. If it comes good, you'll earn $200 in addition to your winnings. 

ESPN Bet West Virginia

The sports network recently jumped to an all-new business venture by revealing its sportsbook product. Now open to West Virginia residents, this online sportsbook stands as one of the most simplistic betting platforms in the state. Primarily white in color and with each category given a clear space, navigating an online sports betting platform has never been so easy. 

Backed by an app for iOS and Android devices, you can take your wagers on the go at ESPN Bet. NCAA action, NBA Playoffs, NFL matchups, and more are all available — along with futures, specials, standard game lines, and other interesting betting markets. 

Of every feature on this site, one stands out above the rest: 'In The News'. The sports betting provider utilizes its sports news prowess to table top-of-mind wagers, including player-specific markets ahead of games against former teams, statistical bets, and more. 

Sign up today to grab either of the platform's two betting offers: a 200% deposit match bonus with up to $500 in cashback or $100 in bonus bets when you bet on any sports betting market. 

West Virginia Sports Betting Timeline & Legislation Updates

• 2017 — Shawn Fluharty, a Delegate of the West Virginia Legislature, puts the state's first-ever sports betting bill before legislators. Titled HB 2751, this bill seeks to introduce a lottery-run sports wagering industry. The motion also declares — somewhat tentatively — that sports gambling laws are at the behest of the nation's states and not the US government. 
• 2018 — Bill HB 2751 proves to be the spark that lights a fire as two more bills, SB 106 and SB 415, join the action in 2018. The latter is the only motion standing by March and passes that same month. 
• Two months later, PASPA — the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act — is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Sports betting is now controlled on a state-by-state basis rather than receiving a blanket ban by the federal government. Having already passed a bill on sports wagering, West Virginia is more prepared than most.
• West Virginia launches retail sports betting in August at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town, while the state's first online sportsbook — BetLucky — goes live in December.
• 2019 — BetLucky Sportsbook shuts its doors in West Virginia just three months after opening. Internal disputes are cited as the main cause of the platform's closure. Once again, West Virginia is without an online sportsbook. 
• August breathes new life into West Virginia's sports betting industry as FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook enter the state. Both platforms arrive just in time for the new NFL campaign. 
• 2020 — The start of a new decade is marked by the arrival of BetMGM Sportsbook to West Virginia. However, sports events are halted globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of betting markets, normal service does not resume until August.
• 2021 — PointsBet joins West Virginia as the latest addition to the slate of sports betting platforms. 
• 2022 — eSports betting markets are legalized in March. New introductions continue to fly in, with BetRivers Sportsbook hitting West Virginia in June. 
• 2023 — A new sports gambling bill that would ban bettors for harassing or abusing a sports team official, player, or coach at an event is introduced.
• ESPN Bet and Fanatics Sportsbook land in West Virginia in the second half of the year. Fanatics enters the market as a replacement for PointsBet and ships customer accounts over to the new platform. 
• 2024 — Bill HB 4700 passes in the House. Under the motion, the state will ban bettors who harass or abuse players during sports events. 

West Virginia Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

West Virginia sports betting sites have come and gone with some regularity since the inception of sports betting in the state. As things stand, 9 online sportsbook options form the region's roster – but there remains room for an additional 6 operators. Here, I detail three of the most anticipated sportsbooks to launch in West Virginia over the next few months and years.

Betway Sportsbook 

With more than 50,000 sports markets, live betting features, support for all of the most popular US sports, and exclusive promotions – Betway is the place to be for all things sports betting. The site is yet to set up shop in West Virginia, but sports bettors would benefit greatly from its inclusion in the market. 

To give you an idea of the sportsbook's promotional content, newly registered users can today claim $150 in bonus bets for wagering just $25. That's just one of a plethora of packages that hit the site with impressive consistency.

Bet365 Sportsbook

A sportsbook that made a name for itself in Europe, Bet365 is making a real impact on the US sports betting market. Delivering a broad range of sports — 19 in all — and neatly packaging two rewarding new customer offers into its current platter of features makes the platform one of the best around. Although lackluster in terms of exclusive facilities you won't find anywhere else, Bet365 does the simple things better than most.

On the pair of new customer bonuses: brand new players can notch $1,000 in bonus bets upon losing the first wager or snag $150 in bonus bets for wagering $5.

Betfred Sportsbook

Although Betfred's UI design would benefit from a facelift to modernize the platform, there's no questioning its odds and promotions. There are around 17 sports available at any one time on Betfred Sportsbook — including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. These are supported by darts, tennis, MMA, and others. Plus, with Betfred Rewards' launch just around the corner, expect to earn tangible prizes for betting on your favorite sport, team, or league throughout the year. 

Customers in eligible states can sign up today for $105 in bonus bets instantly if the first punt loses. That offer is accompanied by 6+ exclusive existing customer deals you won't find anywhere else — so keep an eye out for Betfred's arrival in West Virginia.

Best Sportsbook Promo in West Virginia

West Virginia sports betting sites host some of the most exciting promotions in the US. From bonus bets to match deposit deals and more, the state is treated to a broad array of options. See below for detailed information on a couple of the best promotions at West Virginia sportsbooks.

DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5 Get $150

This offer from DraftKings Sportsbook promo does just what it says on the tin. Simply bet $5 on any sports market you like — be it soccer, basketball, tennis, or something else — to receive $150 in bonus bets right away. There are no annoying terms and conditions attached to this package, making it one of the most accessible offers out there.

Bonus bets are paid out as 6x $25 tokens to be used during the week immediately following qualification.

BetMGM $1,500 in Bonus Bets

This offer is only available to bettors who lose the first wager on BetMGM Sportsbook. To make up for excluding winning punters, the BetMGM promo puts $1,500 on the line — one of the most sizeable packages currently available at any West Virginia sportsbook. 

Deposit $10+ to your account and wager on any market to get started. Should the bet let you down, BetMGM will match your stake up to $1,500 as a bonus bet. Like the DraftKings Sportsbook bonus bet deal, BetMGM's offering expires 7 days after acquiring your bonus bets. 

Requirements to Play at West Virginia Sports Betting Sites

• Minimum Age Requirement — Only bettors aged 21+ are permitted to bet on sports events at West Virginia sports betting platforms. 
• Within State Borders — You're allowed to wager on West Virginia online sportsbooks while inside the state's borders. Sports betting sites use geolocation technology to ensure that all users are within the state at the time of placing a wager.
• Pay Federal Taxes — Verify your sportsbook account to avoid being hit with a 6.5% withholding tax rate. Those with verified accounts must only cough up the 24% federal tax rate on returns accrued from gambling.

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in West Virginia

With no major league professional sports teams in West Virginia, sports enthusiasts tend to follow college sports and support franchises in nearby regions. Let's take a close look at the state's favorite leagues and teams, here.

West Virginia Sport Leagues

Despite lacking a professional league, West Virginia's sports following is as impressive as ever. The MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL are all incredibly popular among West Virginians — thanks in no small part to franchises in neighboring states. 

The Sun Belt Conference and Big 12 Conference also accrue major interest during their respective seasons. Two of West Virginia's most-regarded colleges participate in both divisions each season. 

West Virginia Teams to Bet On

The West Virginia Mountaineers of West Virginia University and Marshall Thundering Herd of Marshall University fame are central in the minds of West Virginia bettors. Outside of college actions, baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, and ice hockey's Pittsburgh Penguins stand as the state's beloved franchises. While popular, West Virginia's preferred NBA outfit is unclear — although the Cavaliers, Wizards, Lakers, and Celtics boast solid followings.

Betting Types Available At West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

• Moneyline - A bet made up of one leg.
• Parlays - Wagers consisting of two or more legs.
• Totals - Bets on the total number of points or another statistical outcome during an event.
• Point Spreads - One side is handed an advantage and the other is hit with a disadvantage by the sportsbook. If the side with an advantage maintains its virtual lead, bets on that selection win. If the disadvantaged side overturns the deficit set by the operator, wagers on that side win. 
• Futures - A bet on an outcome decided further down the line; MVP awards, Super Bowl winners.
• Prop Bets - Bets where the outcome doesn't directly impact the end result of the event. Player A to throw for X yards is an example of a prop bet.
• Live Bets - Wagers on events that have already started.

What You Can't Bet On In West Virginia

• Politics — Political betting markets are banned in West Virginia.
• High-school Events — Bets on high-school sports events are not allowed.
• Injuries — West Virginia sports betting platforms do not offer odds on whether players will get injured.

Can you bet on West Virginia College Sports?

You're free to wager on all college sports events and teams, including those based inside West Virginia. With popular teams in the form of the West Virginia Mountaineers and Marshall Thundering Herd, bettors can back both universities' football and basketball sides, among other sports. 

Responsible Gaming in West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery provides very little information on its responsible gambling practices. Instead of visiting the state's regulatory body for sports betting, I recommend checking out the West Virginia University website or the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Commission platform for detailed advice on how to stay safe while betting online.

In terms of maintaining a responsible and secure betting environment, West Virginia enforces a 21+ minimum age requirement and supports self-exclusions via a printable form. For immediate help, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling via 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the organization's website.

Other Types of Gambling in West Virginia

• Real Money Casino - Retail and online casinos are legal in West Virginia. Players can indulge in table games, slots, roulette, and more.
• Sweepstakes - Visit online sweepstakes casinos to play casino games without spending real money in West Virginia. 
• Horse Racing - Online and in-person wagering is available in West Virginia via retail casinos or online platforms. 
• Poker - With 60+ physical poker rooms sprinkled throughout West Virginia and online poker legalized, there are countless ways to bet, check, fold, and win in the Mountain State. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

• Mississippi - While online sports betting is technically legal in Mississippi, users are restricted to wagering at retail locations. Bill HB 774 seeks to make remote betting in Mississippi a reality and is currently being evaluated by legislators. 
• South Carolina - Failed attempts to legalize sports betting between 2019 and 2023 have only increased the state's appetite for online sportsbooks. Bill HB 3749 is on the table for 2024's legislative session and could pave the way for legal sports betting in South Carolina by the end of the year.
• Alabama - Three successive sports betting bills were struck down in Alabama during the legislative sessions of 2019, 2021, and 2022. 2024's fresh attempt hit a stumbling block early in the year — but I anticipate that 2025 could be the turning point for sports wagering in Yellowhammer State.
• Missouri - Missouri is one of my favorites for legalization in 2024 or 2025 — according to surveys, the public is on board with sports betting in Missouri — and despite 2023's failed motion, 2024's legislative session is expected to discuss a legal framework for sports wagering. 

Overview of West Virginia Sports Betting Sites

With 9 West Virginia sportsbooks in all and unique markets, bonuses, and features on each platform, I'm a big fan of the state's serving of sports betting sites. 

The state's betting industry appears to be in a healthy place. Revenue reports are consistent and bettors have access to the nation's favorite platforms — which is in major contrast to states like Rhode Island, where one sportsbook holds a monopoly over the area. 

All things considered, West Virginia is a fantastic place to bet on the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and other domestic or global sports. Sign up at one of the state's 9 online sportsbooks today to claim an exclusive welcome bonus before platforms refresh their promotions.