West Virginia has emerged as a thriving hub for sports betting enthusiasts. With its rich history and favorable regulations, the state offers an exciting platform for avid bettors to engage in their favorite pastimes. In this blog, we will look at the history, rules, and regulations of West Virginia sports betting, as well as popular sports, restrictions, and how to get started.
West Virginia Sports Betting History
- SB 415 legalized both online and land-based sports betting in West Virginia in March 2018.
- Currently, there are nine West Virginia betting sites and five retail locations where legal wagers are accepted.
- In 2023, DK Horse, a horse race betting app by DraftKings, launched in West Virginia.
- Esports wagering is legalized in West Virginia in 2022 through the passage of a bill.
- BetRivers launched its online sportsbook in West Virginia after introducing its online casino in 2021.
- Barstool, Golden Nugget, and PointsBet enter the mobile sports betting market in West Virginia in 2021.
- In 2020, BetMGM, Betly, and William Hill (now Caesars) launched their mobile betting apps in West Virginia.
- West Virginia’s sportsbooks generated over $414 million in the first year of legal sports betting.
- BetLucky exits the West Virginia online sports betting market in 2019, while DraftKings and FanDuel launch their mobile betting apps.
- In 2018, despite Gov. Jim Justice not signing SB 415, it became law. The Supreme Court’s ruling on PASPA in May allows West Virginia and other states to regulate sports betting independently.
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town opens the first retail sportsbook in West Virginia on Aug. 30.
West Virginia Sports Betting Laws
It has established a set of rules and regulations to ensure a fair and transparent betting environment. Consider the following key points:
- The WV sports betting bill became law in March 2018, despite Gov. Jim Justice’s refusal to sign SB 415.
- Retail wagering was introduced on Aug. 30, 2018, and online sportsbooks arrived on Aug. 26, 2019.
- The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates both online and land-based sports wagering in the state.
- The legal age for sports betting in West Virginia is 21 and older. West Virginia permitted a total of five sports betting licenses.
- Both land-based and online sportsbooks are subject to a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue.
- Bettors in West Virginia can wager on college sports, including in-state teams.
- Esports betting is permitted in West Virginia.
Popular Sports for Betting in West Virginia
West Virginia sports betting offers a wide range of sports for betting enthusiasts. Some of the most admired sporting options include:
- Football: With a passionate fan base, college football and NFL games attract substantial betting activity in the state.
- Basketball: West Virginia’s love for basketball extends to both college and professional leagues, with NCAA and NBA games garnering significant attention.
- Baseball: As the national pastime, baseball enjoys a dedicated following in West Virginia, with Major League Baseball (MLB) matches offering ample betting opportunities.
- Soccer: The global appeal of soccer transcends boundaries, and Its bettors can engage in wagering on various international soccer leagues and tournaments.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): The adrenaline-pumping world of MMA has gained popularity among bettors, with major events like UFC attracting significant betting interest.
Popular Sportsbooks in West Virginia
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Known for its top-notch mobile app, DraftKings offers a personalized betting carousel for easy access to likely bets. However, its promotions for existing players could be improved.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Backed by MGM Resorts, BetMGM provides a wide range of sports to bet on and offers flexibility with open wagers through its Edit My Bet feature. The app’s extensive betting options can sometimes make finding specific bets challenging.
BetRivers Sportsbook
- Representing Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers excels in bonuses and promotions with odds boosts, rotating offers, and a dedicated rewards program for sports bettors. However, the app itself needs improvement in terms of functionality and user experience.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- FanDuel is a popular West Virginia sportsbook with a user-friendly interface and a large selection of same-game parlays. It is widely regarded as one of the best sports betting apps. Certain aspects, such as player props, could, however, benefit from improved navigation.
Caesars Sportsbook
- Powered by Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Sportsbook boasts a wide variety of betting options and stands out with its bonuses, promotions, and loyalty program. However, the app’s navigation can be cumbersome.
West Virginia Land-based Sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address |
|---|---|---|
| The Betly Sportsbook | Mardi Gras Casino & Resort | 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 |
| The Betly Sportsbook | Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack | 1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 |
| William Hill Sportsbook | Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort | 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047 |
What Are Prohibited Bets in West Virginia?
While West Virginia offers a wide range of sports for betting, there are certain limitations on what you can’t bet on. These include:
- High School Sports: Betting on high school sports events is strictly prohibited to maintain the integrity and fairness of amateur athletics.
- Esports: As of the time of writing, West Virginia does not permit betting on esports events. However, regulations may evolve in the future as esports continue to gain prominence.
West Virginia Bonuses and Offerings
Create an account with an online sportsbook, then download the app, make a deposit, and begin betting. Take advantage of the sports betting West Virginia welcome bonuses:
- DraftKings West Virginia: Earn up to $1,200 in bonus bets.
- BetMGM West Virginia: Receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets with promo code PLAYBONUS.
- BetRivers West Virginia: Enjoy a second chance bet up to $500 using promo code LSRRIV.
- FanDuel West Virginia: Get a no-sweat first bet up to $1,000.
- Caesars West Virginia: Earn up to $1,250 with promo code LEGALFULL.
Here are the common types of promotions found on West Virginia sportsbook apps:
- No deposit bonus: Credits given by the sportsbook upon account creation.
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds, up to a predetermined maximum.
- First bet offers: If your first bet loses, you receive a refund in the form of site credits, usually with a maximum limit.
- Odds boosts: Select wagers have increased potential payouts, artificially adjusted by the sportsbook to attract more bets.
How to Get Started in West Virginia Sports Betting?
Follow these steps to begin your Virginia sports betting adventure:
- Select a sportsbook: West Virginians can choose from several reputable sportsbooks operating in the state, considering factors like promotions, odds, and user reviews.
- Register online: Registration at a West Virginia sportsbook is quick and straightforward. Provide personal information, verify your identity using your SSN or driver’s license, and complete the process.
- Claim a bonus: Sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses to attract new players. These betting sites provide bonuses such as risk-free bets, deposit matches, or no-deposit bonuses. Be sure to review the terms and conditions associated with these offers.
- Choose your bet: Its bettors can participate in various types of wagers, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, live bets, and futures.
- Deposit: Multiple deposit options are available for West Virginia bettors, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Be mindful of any associated fees.
- Start betting: Conduct thorough research, compare odds, and determine your preferred bet types. Consider registering with multiple West Virginia sportsbooks to access their unique offerings.
- Withdraw: While deposits are usually instant, withdrawal processing times may vary. Familiarize yourself with the withdrawal terms and conditions provided by the sportsbook.
Conclusion
West Virginia sports betting has flourished since its legalization, offering an array of betting options for sports enthusiasts. By understanding the state’s history, rules, popular sports, and restrictions, and getting started, you can embark on a thrilling sports betting journey. Remember to approach betting responsibly, enjoy the experience, and may your wagers bring you both excitement and success in West Virginia’s vibrant sports betting scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Yes, West Virginia legalizes online sports betting. In 2018, the state passed legislation to allow both online and in-person sports wagering.
Ans. You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in West Virginia.
Ans. Yes, West Virginia allows betting on college sports, including in-state teams.
Ans. While West Virginia permits betting on a wide range of sports, there are restrictions on certain events, such as high school sports and esports involving participants under 18 years old.
Ans. To get started, select a reputable sportsbook, complete the registration process, make a deposit, and then you can start placing bets on your preferred sports events and markets.
