Online Sports Betting in West Virginia

With its introduction in August 2018, West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting.

Since then, eight online sportsbooks have launched in the state, all of which are partnered with land-based casinos and racetracks in West Virginia. Bettors can sign up with any of these sportsbooks to take advantage of sign-up bonuses and promotions before placing their first bets.

Here’s everything you need to know about online sports betting in West Virginia, including who can bet, where you can bet, and more.

Details About Sports Betting in West Virginia

• West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. The state introduced legal sports betting in August 2018, just a few months after Delaware became the first state outside of Nevada to open a sports betting facility.
• Each online sportsbook in West Virginia is partnered with one of the state’s five land-based casinos. However, some of them do not offer retail sports betting and are only available online.
• Lawmakers in West Virginia recently introduced legislation that would legalize betting on esports, i.e., video game competitions. While the legislation has yet to pass, it would make West Virginia one of the few states to offer legal esports betting.
• BetLucky was the first online sports betting app to launch in West Virginia in 2018, but after it ceased operations in March 2019, the state was left without any mobile sports betting options until August 2019, when FanDuel and DraftKings launched.

Recent Sports Betting News in West Virginia

Since West Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2018, the state’s sports betting industry has seen many changes. Here are some of the most recent developments:

• June 8, 2022: BetRivers becomes the eighth mobile sportsbook operator in West Virginia.
• May 23, 2022: West Virginia sportsbooks and iGaming platforms report $316.5 million in bets during April, marking a 74% increase from April 2021.
• May 11, 2022: EveryMatrix, a Malta-based iGaming software provider, receives a license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission to supply sports betting operators in the state with its software.
• March 25, 2022: The Kentucky House passes a key piece of legislation that moves the state closer to legal sports betting. If Kentucky legalizes sports betting, West Virginia’s sports betting industry would likely be impacted by the competition.
• Feb. 21, 2022: Lawmakers in West Virginia introduce a bill to legalize esports betting. As noted above, if this bill passes, it would make the state one of the few that allows residents to bet on esports.
• Feb. 11, 2022: West Virginia sportsbooks report a $74.5 million handle for January. This marks a 21% month-on-month decrease.
• Feb. 1, 2022: Online casinos in West Virginia close out the year strong, taking in approximately $7 million in combined revenue for December.
• July 7, 2021: Delaware North, a Buffalo-based casino operator, partners with GAMING1 to operate a new business called Gamewise. Delaware North plans to relaunch its sports betting platform Betly using the new technology.
• March 26, 2021: Sen. Mike Maroney sponsors a bill to expand West Virginia sports betting by introducing more online skins that aren’t tethered to land-based casinos and racetracks; however, the expansion is unlikely to be approved.

Online Sports Betting Apps Available in West Virginia

There are a total of eight mobile sportsbooks West Virginia residents can use to place bets online — each of which is partnered with one of the state’s land-based casinos. Here’s an overview of all the online sports betting apps available in West Virginia:

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Legal in West Virginia?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps are a popular alternative to traditional sports betting apps. These apps let users build fictional teams and compete with other users in daily contests for cash and other prizes. As DFS games are reliant on your sports knowledge, some states view them as skill games, while others consider them to be gambling — leaving them subject to state gambling laws.

Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in West Virginia. Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings have been live in the state since the West Virginia attorney general determined the state’s laws do not prohibit the offering of or participation in fantasy sports games.

How to Place Responsible Sports Bets in West Virginia

West Virginia residents who are 21 or older can get started by registering with one of the state’s legal sports betting apps. After verifying your age, location, and identity, and depositing funds into your account, you’ll be able to place bets.

If you’re interested in online sports betting, it’s important to follow responsible gambling practices to maintain a healthy relationship with sports betting.

Responsible sports betting practices include:

• Only using a legal and licensed sportsbook to avoid fraud, scams, and other potential issues
• Setting a budget to avoid betting more than you can afford to lose
• Taking breaks from gambling or quitting gambling altogether if it’s starting to impact your personal life
• Never betting while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Seeking help immediately if you believe you may be addicted to gambling

Problem gambling is a serious issue that can have significant consequences. Aside from financial damages, problem gambling can impact your personal life, career, mental health, and relationships.

If you think you might be addicted to gambling, you can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 to find gambling addiction resources in your area.

West Virginia Sports Betting FAQs

Editor’s Note: Information accurate as of June 2022.