Online Sports Betting West Virginia

• Online Sports Betting Reviews
• Hollywood Casino Sports Betting West Virginia
• West Virginia Online Sports Betting Revenue
• Online Sports Betting Sites

Legal West Virginia Betting Sites

The Mountaineer State currently offers three legal online sportsbooks:

• BetMGM - Owned by MGM Resorts International, BetMGM launched in WV in January 2020.
• DraftKings - Having already experienced plenty of betting success in other states, DraftKings has also become a key player in West Virginia’s market.
• FanDuel - One of the first bookmakers to launch in WV, FanDuel has taken advantage of its first-mover status.

Sports betting became legal in West Virginia from August 2018 with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races accepting the states first ever legal sports wager. In person at land based licensed premises and online through websites and apps is legal for anyone over the age of 21 and within WV state boundaries when placing their wagers. The legalization of online sports betting in West Virginia will help decrease the amount of money the local economy loses as a result of being wagered with illegal operators. Instead, the state can earn tax revenue from sports betting, which can be used for positive initiatives in the region.

Opened in December 2018, BetLucky was the first legal online sportsbook to launch in West Virginia. However, it quickly ceased retail sports gambling operations in March 2019.

WV casinos with sports betting

West Virginia features five casinos and racinos—each of which offers a sportsbook. Here are the available land-based betting options:

• Hollywood Casino in Charles Town
• Mardi Gras Casino in Cross Lanes
• Mountaineer Casino in New Cumberland
• The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs
• Wheeling Island in Wheeling Island

Sports betting partnerships in WV

Every West Virginia betting site must partner with one of the state’s land-based casinos. Here is each active internet bookmaker and its associated partner:

• The Greenbrier - FanDuel
• Hollywood Casino - BetMGM & DraftKings

Will any more sports gambling partnerships form?

Mountaineer Casino currently holds a partnership with European bookmaking giant William Hill. The latter will probably launch a WV betting site in the future, but it hasn’t done so yet.

Each of the five land-based casinos can have up to three online partners, which means up to 15 West Virginia betting sites.

However, the Mountaineer State only features around 1.8 million residents. It’s unlikely to support anywhere near 15 internet sportsbooks.

West Virginia betting apps

All regulated West Virginia online sportsbooks feature mobile apps. These apps let you legally place bets from anywhere within the state.

Every WV bookmaker tries to make downloading their apps as simple as possible. If you need any assistance, though, the following information can help.

How to download WV betting apps

The process for downloading West Virginia sports betting apps differs slightly based on whether you’re using an iOS or Android device.

Steps for obtaining an iOS app:

1. Visit the App Store.
2. Search for the relevant betting site.
3. Select the download option.

Steps for obtaining an Android app:

1. Look for the Android icon on the bookmaker’s homepage.
2. Follow the instructions on the download page.
3. Download the app directly from the page.

The key difference is where you obtain the apps. Android betting apps are available directly through WV online bookmakers, while iOS apps are only available in the App Store.

Complete registration

West Virginia bookmakers typically feature a “sign up” or “register” prompt on the homepage. You select the relevant option to start the registration process.

From here, you must fill out all the required fields on the registration form. These forms request basic information, such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.

They also require you to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. By law, bookmakers must acquire this information to ensure that you’re not on a gambling self-exclusion list.

You should also pay special attention to the bonus code field. You must enter the appropriate bonus code to qualify for any available welcome bonuses.

Upon submitting the registration form and agreeing to terms and conditions, you should receive instant approval. If not, then you need to check if any fields are filled out incorrectly.

Available bets at WV betting sites

WV online bookmakers ensure that you’ll enjoy plenty of bet types to choose from. They also feature live betting, which isn’t available through land-based sportsbooks.

Therefore, you can place every type of wager that’s available in brick-and-mortar locations—and more:

• Moneyline
• Point spread
• Totals
• Live betting
• Prop bet
• Futures
• Parlay
• Teaser

Live wagering is particularly interesting because it allows you to place bets as games are happening. You can make dozens of wagers on a single contest with live betting.

Proposition (“prop”) wagers are also popular. They revolve around unique propositions (e.g., which player will lead all scorers) that aren’t tied to the final game score.

What can you bet on in West Virginia?

West Virginia boasts a large number of markets that gamblers can wager on. Available sports include:

• Australian rules football
• Auto racing (NASCAR & Formula 1)
• Baseball (MLB)
• Basketball (NBA & college)
• Boxing
• Cricket
• Cycling
• Darts
• Esports
• Football (NFL & college)
• Golf
• Hockey (NHL)
• Mixed martial arts (UFC)
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Table tennis
• Tennis

West Virginia doesn’t place any restrictions on college sports betting, either. Therefore, residents and visitors can freely gamble on West Virginia University and Marshall.

Popular teams to bet on in WV

West Virginia doesn’t feature a major professional sports franchise. However, it is located near some cities with pro sports teams.

Therefore, many residents bet on pro franchises from nearby cities. People from bordering states can also cross into West Virginia to legally wager on their local teams.

The Mountaineer State does feature two universities with primetime college sports teams—Marshall and West Virginia University.

Here are popular teams that WV natives enjoy wagering on:

• West Virginia University football & basketball
• Marshall University football & basketball
• Baltimore Ravens (NFL) & Orioles (MLB)
• Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA) & Flyers (NHL)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pirates (MLB) & Penguins (NHL)
• Washington D.C. Nationals (MLB), Football Team (NFL), Capitals (NHL) & Wizards (NBA)

Depositing at WV betting sites

You can deposit at West Virginia online sportsbooks through several methods. Here are the primary ways to fund a WV betting account:

• 7-Eleven (PayNearMe): You can purchase a deposit voucher at your local 7-Eleven.
• Cash at the cage: Visit a land-based WV casino and deposit your online funds in person.
• Credit & debit card: Instantly fund your account using a Visa- or Mastercard-branded card.
• E-check (ACH): This option lets you send money from your bank account to a betting site.
• E-wallet: Use an e-wallet, such as Skrill or PayPal, to make a deposit.
• Play+ card: Betting sites feature branded Play+ cards that work just like prepaid cards.

You can also use most of these options to withdraw money. In some cases, you must use the same option that you deposit with to cash out (e.g., e-wallet).

Paper check is also available as a withdrawal method. However, it’s the slowest cashout option and takes 10-14 days to arrive.

West Virginia sports betting bonuses

The WV betting market spreads various types of bonuses. Here are the main offers that you’ll find at West Virginia online sportsbooks:

• No-deposit bonus: You receive a bonus just by registering for an account.
• Deposit bonus: This offer matches a percentage (e.g., 100%) of your deposit up to a specified amount.
• Free bet (i.e., risk-free bet): If you lose your first bet, you have a chance to win back the losses.
• Loyalty rewards: You collect rewards based on your overall betting volume.

History of sports betting in West Virginia

A federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) existed until May 2018. Nevertheless, the WV Legislature took preemptive action by passing the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering (SB 415).

This bill paved the way for legal online and land-based sports gambling when/if PASPA fell. Sure enough, the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018, thus putting SB 415 into play.

Opening on August 30, Hollywood Casino’s sportsbook accepted the first legal wager in West Virginia history. The now-defunct BetLucky took the first internet bet in December 2018.

West Virginia was temporarily without an online sportsbook after BetLucky shut down in March 2019. However, FanDuel and DraftKings filled this void after going live in August 2019.

WV Online Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?

Yes. The West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering (SB 415) makes sports gambling legal in the state. SB 415 officially went into effect in May 2018 after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA.

How old must I be to bet on sports in West Virginia?

You must be 21 years of age or older to gamble on sports in the Mountaineer State.

Online Sports Betting Reviews

Is DraftKings legal in West Virginia?

Yes. DraftKings is fully licensed and legal in WV. Along with FanDuel, it’s one of the most popular bookmakers in West Virginia.

Are WV betting sites safe?

The West Virginia State Lottery oversees and regulates the WV online betting industry. It takes great steps to ensure that only quality companies operate in this market.

The State Lottery heavily vets applicants before offering approval. It also lays forth standards and requirements that each bookmaker must uphold to maintain its licensing agreement.

Do I have to live in West Virginia to bet on sports?

No. You only need to be within West Virginia’s borders to legally place wagers.

Every WV online sportsbook uses geolocation to determine your location. As long as the software notes that you’re in the Mountaineer State, you’ll be able to place bets.

Do I have to pay taxes on WV sports betting winnings?

Outside of West Virginia State Lottery prizes, the Mountaineer State doesn’t tax any form of gambling winnings.

However, the federal government does require you to cover taxes on annual betting profits. That said, you only need to include them on a federal tax return.

Can I bet on esports in West Virginia?

Yes. West Virginia updated its betting policies to include esports in 2020. Bookmakers can now offer lines on esports contests as long as all participants are over the age of 18.

Legalized sports betting in West Virginia debuted in March 2018. The state legislature was able to pass a law thanks to the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

Since that time, a lot has happened that’s changed the betting landscape in the Mountain State.

Let’s examine the current WV sports betting market, including online sports betting apps and land-based retail WV sportsbooks.

West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

WV sports betting apps

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.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKingsSportsbook and Hollywood Casino Charles Town partnered in Dec. 2018 to bring online betting to the state. DraftKings launched its online sports betting app on Aug. 28, 2019.

WV bettors now have access to one of the best online sportsbooks available in the US. The NJ version of the app offers a highly competitive welcome offer to new customers and has more sports and betting types available than most.

DraftKings also has a web-based sportsbook as well as an app for both Apple and Android users.

FanDuel Sportsbook

The FanDuel Sportsbook will service its retail-based sportsbook located at The Greenbrier. The casino partnered with FanDuel last September with the goal of bringing both a land-based and online sportsbook to WV.

Similar to DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the best mobile betting apps anywhere. It offers something for bettors of all kinds and always has a large number of live in-game listings available.

The sportsbook’s quality is one of the reasons it’s always among the top-grossing apps in terms of revenue in NJ. It looks to mimic that performance in West Virginia.

BETMGM Sportsbook

BETMGM Sportsbook launched in January 2020 as the continuation of a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings. The West Virginia app joins its New Jersey counterpart as the first two sportsbook offerings under the BETMGM brand.

BETMGM is operating in West Virginia as the second online sportsbook on The Greenbrier’s license. The Greenbrier has hosted FanDuel’s online operation since August 2019.

BETMGM is an innovative app that combines all the expected bells and whistles of a modern online sportsbook with a few innovations of its own. Chief among those features is an option for players to edit their existing bets under certain conditions.

These kinds of creative sparks and the powerhouses behind the site should place it in good stead to compete with the existing sportsbooks in the Mountain State.

Land based WV sportsbooks

All five casinos in the state of WV opened retail sportsbooks before the end of Dec. 2018. They include:

As mentioned, the Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island sportsbooks are currently closed because of the issues with their betting provider.

The casino’s owner, Delaware North, is looking for a new sports betting partner but may have to wait until the dust settles on its old venture before doing so.

Hollywood Casino Sportsbook

The Hollywood Casino Sportsbook is the biggest casino in the state located in Charles Town, WV. It opened its doors for sports betting in Sept. 2018.

The land-based sportsbook dominates the WV market on a weekly basis in terms of both overall handle and revenue generated. The main reason for its consistent success is the casino’s location to nearby cities without legal sports betting.

Many residents from both Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., make their way to Hollywood to place sports bets.

Hollywood Casino Sportsbook Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – midnight
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. – midnight

Mountaineer Sportsbook

The Mountaineer Sportsbook is positioned between the border of Ohio and WV in New Cumberland. Its sports betting operation launched in Nov. 2018. Mountaineer’s closest major city is Pittsburgh, PA.

Mountaineer Sportsbook Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – midnight
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.
• Sunday: 9 a.m. – midnight

The FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier, located in White Sulphur Springs, WV, is the only private casino in the entire country. It’s actually owned by Governor Jim Justice and it started accepting legal sports bets in Sept. 2018.

Although betting is only permitted for Casino Club members and guests of the hotel, many local WV residents will gather at The Greenbrier to watch and bet on major sporting events.

The FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Benefits of legal WV sportsbooks

Legal sportsbooks and mobile betting apps are the smart move for residents in WV and across the US. A bettor has more customer protections when betting with a regulated sportsbook.

Sometimes bettors lose their money or have to deal with stressful problems regarding payment and accessibility with illegal books. Now that there are multiple options available to those in WV, there’s no excuse not to use regulated sportsbooks.

They allow you to deposit money and bet while knowing that you’re dealing with a legal option and respected brand in the gambling industry.

Once online sports betting returns to the Mountain State, things will get even easier.

Bettors will be able to place wagers from the convenience of their own home and do so with one of the top brands in the betting market.

These online sportsbooks provide customers with a lot more than a reliable way to wager, too. Most will offer new-player signup bonuses as well as promotions and loyalty programs with rewards.

Popular sporting events bet on in WV

There are certain annual sporting events that garner more betting action than your common game. Some have become so popular that even casual fans might place a bet to make things more interesting.

Some of the top sports betting events in WV include:

• Super Bowl
• March Madness
• The Masters
• Kentucky Derby
• Wimbledon

WV sports betting history

2019

Rep. Shawn Fluharty introduced House Bill 2178, a bill legalizing online gambling, including casino games and poker. Focusing on the impending launch of several new online sportsbooks, the West Virginia Lottery Commission announced it would not support the gambling expansion bill.

2018

Fluharty reintroduces a sports betting bill in early January. State Sen. Stephen Baldwin files a matching bill, S 106, in the Senate. Neither bill passes, but the ball is rolling.

Later that month, State Senator Ryan Ferns files S 415. This bill set the license fee at $100,000 and established that sports betting would be taxed at ten percent of revenue.

The bill quickly passed through both chambers of the legislature. Gov. Jim Justice allowed the bill to become law without his signature, and thus, West Virginia became a sports betting state on March 3, 2018.

2017

In March, Fluharty introduces H 2751. The bill failed to pass but succeeded in stirring up the conversation.

In September, the state commissioned a $160,000 feasibility study regarding legal sports betting in West Virginia. The study found that 30 states will eventually legalize sports betting, which emphasized the importance of timing for legalizing sports betting in the Mountain State.

2016

State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed numerous amicus curiae briefs in support of New Jersey’s federal lawsuit against PASPA.

WV sports betting timeline

Aug. 10, 2018: The West Virginia Lottery Commission granted interim sports betting permits to Penn National and FanDuel.

Aug. 30, 2018: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races became the first legal sportsbook in the state to accept wagers.

Sept. 13, 2018: The Greenbrier opened its sports betting windows and maintains the only private casino in America. It made a deal with daily fantasy sports titan FanDuel Group in June 2018 to operate its sports betting facility.

Nov. 21, 2018: Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort became the third sports betting location.

Dec. 27, 2018: Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and Wheeling Island Hotel launched both retail and mobile sports betting.

March 6, 2019: Mardi Gras and Wheeling sportsbooks, along with their online app BetLucky Sportsbook, cease operations.

WV sports betting FAQ

Hollywood Casino Sports Betting West Virginia

Is there an age requirement to bet on sports in WV?

Yes. You must be 21 years old to place bets in West Virginia.

West Virginia Online Sports Betting Revenue

Do you need to be a WV resident to place a sports bet?

No, but you must be physically located within WV’s borders at the time of placing a wager.

Who oversees sports betting in WV?

The West Virginia Lottery Commission.

Are there mobile sportsbooks available in WV?

Online Sports Betting Sites

Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook both offer online betting in West Virginia.