West Virginia Betting Sites

Ready to find out more about legal sports betting in West Virginia? Stay with us to get all the essential information. Whether you’re a long-term sports bettor seeking a fresh platform or a newcomer ready for your first wager, this page has you covered. Dive in for the details on everything from West Virginia betting laws to the top sportsbooks in the Mountain State.

Is Online Betting Legal in West Virginia?

Absolutely, online betting is legal in West Virginia. On March 3, 2018, lawmakers paved the way by passing the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act (SB415). Remarkably, this occurred more than two months before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14. When it came to Governor Jim Justice, he chose to neither support nor veto the bill, and instead simply allowed its natural progression. 

Consequently, legal sports betting arrived in the Mountain State from August 30, 2018. Retail sportsbooks came first, with in-person betting facilities opening at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town, the Greenbrier, and Mountaineer Casino. Online betting followed with the arrival of the BetLucky app on December 27, 2018. While initial hiccups led to BetLucky’s short-lived existence, with the operator bowing out of the state by March 2019, the state welcomed FanDuel and DraftKings in August 2019. These have since been joined by several other top operators, such as BetMGM and Caesars.

To bet online in West Virginia, you need to be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state’s boundaries. Betting on college sports is allowed, including events involving local teams like the West Virginia Mountaineers and Marshall Thundering Herd. However, as with many states, prop bets on college players are not accepted. 

West Virginia’s liberal approach extends to various other forms of gambling, including lottery, fantasy sports, betting on horses, and brick-and-mortar casinos. Furthermore, in March 2019, the state also legalized online casinos. The first of these sites launched in July 2020.

Popular Sports to Bet on in West Virginia

West Virginia is a state of sports lovers, so it’s no surprise that legal sports betting has been greeted with lasting enthusiasm. Thanks to sports wagering’s launch, fans can now enjoy the excitement of putting their predictions to the test. Below, we look at some of the most popular sports to bet on:

NFL

When fall rolls around, West Virginians can’t help but catch football fever. The NFL steals the show, and locals support nearby teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders. With nine Super Bowl victories between them, these NFL teams command a loyal fanbase. Online sportsbooks in West Virginia offer a range of betting markets for NFL games, from simple point spreads to more intricate wagers like player props. 

NBA

Though West Virginia doesn’t have its own NBA team, the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards attract a significant following. The NBA’s fast-paced games and star-studded lineups offer a wealth of betting opportunities for basketball fans. West Virginia sportsbooks let you wager on points totals, player statistics, and even the outcome of individual quarters, adding extra excitement to every game.

MLB

For those who prefer to enjoy America’s national pastime, Major League Baseball provides ample betting opportunities. With no MLB team of their own, baseball fans in West Virginia tend to root for nearby squads like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. The state’s sportsbooks offer bets on the classic moneyline, run totals, and player performances, making every pitch and home run that much more exhilarating. 

NHL

In the winter months, West Virginians turn their attention to the fast-paced action of the National Hockey League. There’s no in-state team, though locals often rally behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, five-times Stanley Cup winners. West Virginia sportsbooks offer various bet types for NHL games, including puck line bets and in-game prop bets that keep fans engaged from the first face-off to the final buzzer. 

Horse Racing

Horse racing has deep roots in West Virginia, and the sport offers ample betting options. The state is home to two thoroughbred racing venues: Charles Town Races, and Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort. However, West Virginia’s horse racing betting apps broaden the horizon, enabling bettors to wager on various international races spanning everything from simple win-place-show bets to thrilling exotic wagers like trifectas and exactas.

Betting Markets Available in West Virginia

In West Virginia’s vibrant sports betting scene, a variety of betting markets cater to different preferences. Whether you seek simple bets or high-risk high reward wagers, there’s a fit. Let’s look at some of the most popular ways to wager in the Mountain State:

Moneyline

The moneyline bet involves choosing the winner of a game or match. For instance, if the Pittsburgh Pirates face off against the Washington Nationals, you might see odds like +160 for the Pirates and -120 for the Nationals. Here, betting $100 on the Pirates could earn you $160 if they win, while a $120 bet on the Nationals could return a $100 profit. 

Parlay

A parlay bet combines multiple bets for bigger rewards with increased risk. Let’s say you decide to bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Charlotte Hornets. Both need to win for your parlay to succeed, though you’ll benefit from a higher return than if you had placed individual bets. Certain sportsbooks offer parlay insurance, refunding your stake if one pick loses. 

Over/Under

In the over/under bet, you predict whether the total points or goals scored in a game will be over or under a specified number. For example, if the Pittsburgh Penguins face the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL, and the over/under is set at 5.5, you decide if the total goals will be more or less than 5.5. 

Against the Spread

Against the Spread (ATS) bets involve betting on the margin of victory rather than the outright winner. Imagine the West Virginia Mountaineers play the Ohio State Buckeyes. If the spread is Mountaineers +7.5 and Buckeyes – 7.5, the Mountaineers need to lose by 7.5 points or fewer, or win, for a bet on them to win. The Buckeyes must win by 7.5 or more points for a bet to be successful.

Betting Apps Available in West Virginia

Mobile sports betting apps are hitting the spot with West Virginia bettors, and it’s easy to understand why. Mobile sportsbooks apps offer a range of perks to bettors, delivering an engaging and convenient experience that brings the excitement of wagering to your favorite mobile device. 

From intuitive designs and real-time updates to the flexibility of betting whenever and wherever you choose, these apps have plenty to offer. You can even opt-in to receive push notifications and speed with game progress, odds changes, and sportsbook bonuses, ensuring you never miss a great offer. West Virginia sportsbooks apps keep your data safe too, sometimes offering advanced security features like two-factor authentication and utilizing Face or Touch ID. 

No matter if you want to explore your betting options for the weekend, check out the latest promotions, or cash out some winnings, you can count on the Mountain State’s mobile betting apps to make the experience hassle-free. 

Find out more about three of the top West Virginia sportsbooks apps below:

FanDuel

In partnership with the Greenbrier, the FanDuel Sportsbook app marked its West Virginia debut in August 2019. The app was the first to use FanDuel’s new proprietary technology, allowing customers to use sportsbook and fantasy sports winnings interchangeably. But the advantages don’t stop there. The FanDuel app is packed with perks for sports fans, offering an impressive lineup of sports to bet on and plenty of ways to wager. 

Promotions hit the spot too, including odds boost offers and refer-a-friend bonuses. For newcomers, FanDuel has a generous ‘No Sweat First Bet’ opportunity. To get involved, place a minimum $10 bet and, if luck isn’t on your side, you’ll receive your stake back as bonus bets, up to $1,000.

BetMGM

Like FanDuel, BetMGM teams up with the Greenbrier to provide online sports betting in West Virginia. BetMGM’s app offers a well-rounded experience, with a user-friendly interface to guide you through various sports and betting markets. From popular leagues like the NFL to niche sports like Lacrosse, BetMGM covers a wide range of options. 

The app also puts live streaming and in-play betting on the menu, allowing you to place wagers during ongoing events. Promotions stand out too, including a $1,000 risk-free bet offer for new users. With this deal, if your first bet doesn’t land, your stake is refunded as bonus bets. Bettors also have access to a free MGM Rewards account, unlocking exclusive member perks. 

Caesars

Hooking up with the Mountaineer Casino in New Cumberland, the Caesars app has taken the place of William Hill’s sportsbook in West Virginia following the merger of these two companies. Since its debut in 2021, the Caesars app has made its mark in the Mountain State, welcoming West Virginia bettors through an attractive sign-up offer. This promotion returns your stake as a bonus bet if your first bet doesn’t win, up to a generous $1,250. There’s no shortage of sports to bet on, and you can even earn Caesars Rewards points on every wager. In turn, you can cash these in for in-app bonuses and even real world treats like dining, getaways, and exclusive VIP experiences.

Payment Methods Available at West Virginia Betting Sites

When it comes to funding your bets at West Virginia’s betting sites, there’s a range of payment methods to choose from. 

Here are some of the options found on the cashier page: 

Bank Cards

Debit and credit cards are a popular choice due to their convenience and widespread acceptance. They are accessible to most bettors and offer quick deposits, enabling you to start betting almost instantly. However, some banks might decline transactions for gambling purposes, and where available, withdrawals can take a bit longer than other methods.

e-Wallets

e-Wallets, such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill, provide swift and secure transactions. They offer an added layer of privacy, as your card details aren’t shared with the betting site. Instead, transactions are completed using only your email address. Deposits are instant but be aware of potential fees and the need to open an additional account to get started. 

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are convenient choices for online bettors. These cards foster responsible gambling by enabling users to only load set amounts. Play+ is a popular prepaid option at West Virginia sportsbooks, offering both deposits and withdrawals and helping to keep your betting bankroll separate from your bank account. Some sportsbooks offer branded Play+ cards. 

Wire Transfers 

Wire transfers offer a direct way to move funds between your bank account and the betting site. While they’re secure and reliable, they can be slower compared to other methods. Additionally, higher limits can apply in relation to the minimum deposit and minimum withdrawal required to use this method. It’s worth looking out for any extra fees, too.

West Virginia Betting Timeline

The road to legal online sports betting in West Virginia was an interesting one, with the state taking a more proactive approach than most. 

Below, you can check out a handful of the key milestones along the way: 

2017 – West Virginia lawmakers researched and drafted a new sports betting bill in the hope it would be ready to go if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA.

2018 – In March, more than two months before the PASPA case was heard, West Virginia lawmakers passed SB415, the state’s new sports wagering act. PASPA was repealed in May. Legal sports betting launched at West Virginia retail sportsbooks on August 30, when the Hollywood Casino at Charlestown accepted the state’s first legal sports wager. The state’s first online sports betting option, BetLucky, arrived on December 27. 

2019 – In March, BetLucky closed, leaving West Virginia with no online betting options. However, in August, DraftKings and FanDuel debuted in the state, returning online sports betting to West Virginia.

Compare West Virginia Betting Sites and Sign Up

All clued up and itching to place your bets? Find your perfect place to wager by comparing the top Virginia sportsbooks featured on this page. When you’ve found your favorite, simply click through to open your new account, and claim your sign-up bonus. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)