West Virginia has been relentlessly progressive when it comes to modern forms of gaming. It was one of the first states to legalize and launch sports wagering and implemented a landmark law banning bettors who harass athletes.
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About Sports Betting in West Virginia
While it's often associated with throwback emblems of Americana like coal mining and greyhound racing, West Virginia has been relentlessly progressive when it comes to modern forms of gaming. It's one of the few states where online casino, poker, and sports betting are all legal, and its legislature acted to legalize sports wagering months before a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made its expansion beyond Nevada possible.
The Mountain State has also implemented a pioneering piece of legislation that gives the state lottery commission the ability to ban bettors who have harassed athletes in person or online, all while maintaining a large and liberal list of wagering events and bet types. West Virginia also boasts the only legal private sportsbook in the country, that being the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs.
Retail sportsbooks at four racinos and one private casino, with each allowed up to three online platforms.
Bettors who harass athletes in person or online can be banned from wagering by the state lottery.
10% tax on sports betting revenue, with a significant portion of revenue supporting public-sector health insurance programs.
Betting on in-state colleges is permitted, as are prop bets on college players.
$250,000 for an initial license, renewable every five years for a $100,000 fee.
West Virginia is the lone state to host live greyhound racing.
Legalization Timeline
Sports betting legalized in anticipation of Supreme Court decision
March, 2018
Governor Jim Justice signs sports betting into law in West Virginia in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court clearing the way for all states to offer sports wagering. This decision is handed down two months later, and West Virginia officials quickly implement a wagering framework.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races accepts first sports wager
November 5, 2019
The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races accepts the state's first sports bet.
First online wager placed
December 1, 2018
BetLucky becomes the first mobile operator to accept a wager in the Mountain State. Three months later, amid a legal dispute, BetLucky goes dark.
Mobile wagering resumes after four-month hiatus
August, 2019
After a legal issue forced the sudden departure of BetLucky, DraftKings and FanDuel launch online, once again giving West Virginians the ability to make mobile wagers.
Bill allowing esports wagering passes
March 14, 2022
West Virginia legislators pass a bill permitting esports wagering in the state.
Bill punishing bettors for harassing athletes signed into law
March, 2024
Gov. Jordan signs HB 4700 into law, which allows the state lottery to prohibit individuals who harass athletes in person or online from betting.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia was one of the first states to launch legal sports wagering shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for it to flourish outside of Nevada in 2018.
Who can bet on sports in West Virginia?
Anyone who is 21 or older and physically located within West Virginia's boundaries can place a retail or mobile wager in the state.
Who regulates sports betting in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates sports betting, as well as electronic gaming and table games.
What can I bet on in West Virginia?
The state lottery has approved a dynamic menu of sporting events on which to wager, including: basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, hockey, golf, UFC/MMA, football, motorsports, jai alai, Australian Rules Football, badminton, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, esports, lacrosse, rugby, softball, surfing, and volleyball.
What can't I bet on in West Virginia?
Unlike in other states, there are no prohibitions on college prop betting or wagering on schools located within the state.
Is DFS legal in West Virginia?
Daily fantasy sports contests have been legal since 2016, at which point the state attorney general issued an opinion that said DFS contests were primarily games of skill, not chance.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in West Virginia?
West Virginia has four racetracks – a pair apiece for horses and greyhounds – that offer parimutuel wagering. These racinos each have table games and retail sportsbooks, to boot. West Virginians can also bet on simulcast racing at these racetracks or through major account-wagering platforms like TwinSpires and TVG.
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