The Mountain state is now the sixth most lucrative sports betting market in the US as it recorded a record month of over $45.9 million in bets during August 2020.
Since the US senate legalized sports betting at a federal level in 2018, states across the country have been left to draw up their own legislation. A handful of states that were quick to legalize sports betting as well as offer a competitive tax rate for sportsbooks and mobile wagering now lead the way in the US sports betting market.
Nevada, which had been exempt from the original ban on sports betting, still enjoys the largest annual sports betting handle – the amount wagered over a period of time – but heavy restrictions on sign-ups, withdrawals and deposits have stifled the state’s mobile sports betting potential.
In August, New Jersey broke the record for most money bet on sports in a single month, beating Nevada’s previous record. Pennsylvania and Indiana are also emerging as frontrunners in the US sports betting market.
Now West Virginia, which welcomed two new online sportsbooks, Betly and William Hill in September looks set to cement its position as a leading player. Last month sportsbooks in the state, despite restricted retail sports betting, recorded $2,337,299 in revenue. Most of these bets were recorded by FanDuel and DraftKings, the most popular sportsbooks in the Mountain State. The two sportsbooks have dominated the US market since the 2018 PASPA ruling and were the first to launch in West Virginia in August 2019.
West Virginia will likely see more sportsbooks launch online products in the next few months. As restrictions in place at retail casinos continue to reduce revenue, online sports betting could provide a lucrative alternative.
How do I know if a source or sportsbook is legal?
The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees sports betting. All sportsbooks have to be granted a license by the commission and pay tax to the state.
Online sportsbooks that are currently legal in West Virginia are:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- William Hill
You can also bet at the any of the following casinos that offer sports wagering in West Virginia:
- Mardi Gras Casino
- Mountaineer Casino
- Hollywood Casino
Do not place any wager with an offshore sportsbook, or a sportsbook that is not licensed in the state of West Virginia. It is legal to sign-up to a sportsbook online if you are outside of state borders, but you must be physically in the state to place a wager.