West Virginia Sports Betting: Best WV Online Sportsbook Sites 2024
West Virginia legalized sports betting before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. More than five years later, WV sports betting sites are thriving as nine online and five retail sportsbooks are active in the Mountain State, and handing out WV sportsbook promos.
West Virginia Sportsbooks
Features
- Some of the best live-betting odds.
- Great deposit options.
- Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
BetMGM Review
BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.
Features
Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts
New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
Features
- Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
- Live streaming of NFL games.
- User-friendly mobile app.
Caesars Sportsbook Review
Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.
Features
Features
- Lots of promos and odds boosts.
- Wide range of sports and bet types.
- Seamless integration with DFS.
DraftKings Review
DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd.
Features
Features
- Top-tier app experience.
- Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
- Extensive promos and odds boosts.
FanDuel Review
FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.
Features
Features
- Live in 21 states
- Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
- FanCash reward system is great for sports fans
Fanatics Sportsbook Review
Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in 22 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.
Features
Features
- Competitive odds across all markets.
- Live betting section is well organized.
- Earn iRush Rewards from betting activity.
BetRivers Review
BetRivers is in West Virginia! BetRivers has a welcome bonus of up to a $100 second chance bet. Use promo code SBRBONUS upon sign-up to claim.
Must be 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Features
Quick links On this page
- West Virginia Sportsbooks
- West Virginia betting promos and bonuses
- Top West Virginia betting sites
- WV sports betting key developments and updates
- West Virginia sports betting quick facts
- How we rate and review West Virginia sportsbooks
- How to start betting in West Virginia
- West Virginia sports betting handle
- West Virginia sports leagues and teams to bet on
- Legal sports betting and regulations in West Virginia
- Responsible sports betting in West Virginia
- Sportsbooks to avoid in West Virginia
- Growth of sports betting 📈
- West Virginia sports betting FAQs
West Virginia betting promos and bonuses
All nine of West Virginia’s online sportsbooks and sports betting apps as well as the West Virginia online casino and WV online casino bonuses of various values. However, as has been the case in other states where sports betting is legal, the two most common sign-up offers these days are first bet insurance and bonus bets. It appears first deposit match bonuses are becoming more and more rare these days, especially in states where legal sports betting for a number of years. The most valuable welcome promotions are:
- BetMGM's up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets on FanDuel
This allows newbie bettors the opportunity to be a little bit more aggressive with their first bets. In the case of bonus bet welcome offers, this allows new bettors the opportunity to test a variety of betting markets.
WV Online Sportsbook 🏆 | Welcome Bonus 💰 | Promo Code ✅ |
---|---|---|
⭐ Betly | Up to $250 in bonus bets | No Code Required |
⭐ BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets | SBRBONUS |
⭐ BetRivers | $100 second chance bet | SBRBONUS |
⭐ Caesars | Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts | SBRBONUSDYW |
⭐ DraftKings | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets | No Code Required |
⭐ FanDuel | Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets | No Code Required |
⭐ Golden Nugget | Bonus bet up to $250 | No Code Required |
⭐ Fanatics Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 in bonus bets | No Code Required |
⭐ ESPN BET | Bet $10, get $100 | No code required |
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
As for veteran bettors, if they’ve already signed up with one of the nine online sportsbooks above, the promos don’t end. Operators need to continue to build trust and loyalty with seasoned bettors just as much as the new guy at the book. So, they kick in ongoing promotions every single day from reduced juice, boosted odds and same-game parlays.
The best online sportsbooks in West Virginia offer loyalty rewards that can be redeemed for things like bonus bets and exclusive VIP experiences like at Caesars resorts.
Top West Virginia betting sites
All WV betting sites will attempt to lure new players to their sportsbooks with valuable welcome bonuses and lavish loyalty rewards. However, what separates the best sportsbooks in West Virginia from the rest of the pack are those that continue to build trust among its player base after the sign-ups run dry. It’s critical for modern sportsbooks in West Virginia to find their niche in a competitive industry by hanging their hat on things outside of bonus offers and bonus bets.
For example, BetMGM has marketed that they are the “King of Parlays” since the start of the last football season. Bettors in WV know that if they want to see the largest pool of parlays, they must dip their toes in the BetMGM waters. Below are what every WV sportsbook is best known for these days:
WV Online Sportsbook | Best Known For |
---|---|
Betly | Great for beginners |
BetMGM | "King of Parlays" |
BetRivers | Award-winning parent company |
Caesars | Loyalty Rewards |
DraftKings | Industry leader, name brand |
ESPN Bet | New in the industry |
FanDuel | Top-rated app |
Golden Nugget | Security |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Apparel partnerships and rewards |
Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in West Virginia 🔵
After BetLucky – the first online sportsbook to launch its digital doors in West Virginia – shut down operations, the state was without online sports betting for months until FanDuel and DraftKings went live. The two industry giants are often options 1 and 1a among sports bettors, but many casual players – who may only know from how much an operator markets online and on television – may believe DraftKings rates higher than FanDuel. On the contrary, FanDuel's iOS and Android app store ratings are higher than DK.
New players can currently take advantage of a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets welcome offer without a FanDuel promo code. FanDuel will credit your account with bonus bets for you to use on most betting markets if your qualifying wager on any market wins. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before you apply.
Aside from its top-rated app and amazing welcome bonus, FanDuel is beloved by bettors for its user experience, easy-to-navigate app, live streaming video of select events, live in-game streaming, same game parlays, teasers and players props.
Plus, for those who are concerned about security, FanDuel’s encryption software keeps your personal and financial data safe. If you ever have a question, the operator’s elite customer support staff is there to answer your questions.
FanDuel West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 4.7/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Same-Game Parlay+ |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets |
💵 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
⬇ Download size | 118.7 MB |
🗺 States active | 22 (+DC) |
Other West Virginia online sportsbooks and sports betting apps
Caesars West Virginia 🏛
New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.
Caesars embraced the mountains of West Virginia as it has the desert of Nevada when it launched its online sportsbook and sports betting app in October 2021. One of the most popular mobile sports betting sites in the country, the sportsbook is currently offering new players a Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts welcome bonus. Remember to input Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW during registration.
Caesars prides itself on the quality of their sports betting app with a wide range of betting markets, daily, weekly and monthly promotions and elite customer service.
Caesars West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.6/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 4.4/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Frequent odds boosts |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts |
💵 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
⬇ Download Size | 316.5 MB |
🗺 States active | 22 (+DC) |
Where to bet on sports in West Virginia: Caesars Sportsbook review
DraftKings West Virginia 👑
Sometimes it’s difficult to decipher the differences between FanDuel and DraftKings. They really do keep each other in check as two of the leading sports betting operators in the United States. Like FD, DraftKings made a name for itself in the daily fantasy sports arena, but have hit the proverbial home run in its online sportsbook and sports betting app products.
Look at the glistening app store ratings below and know that new players can take advantage a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer.
You won't need a DraftKings promo code to claim either offer. Plus, payouts are a breeze at DraftKings, where you’ll get your money within 24 hours.
DraftKings West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 4.6/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Loads of micro-betting options |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets |
💵 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
⬇ Download size | 278 MB |
🗺 States active | 25 |
Where to bet on sports in West Virginia: DraftKings review. See how DraftKings compare to our top recommended sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.
BetMGM West Virginia 🦁
It doesn’t get the love it probably deserves, but BetMGM’s sports betting app and online sportsbook is obviously loved by the players who are loyal to the brand. Their 4.8 Apple Store and 4.6 Android ratings are proof positive that the “King of Parlays” are ready to be crowned a top five sportsbook in West Virginia.
Currently, new players can take advantage of a up to $1,500 in bonuses welcome offer. Register a new account and make any real money wager of $10 or more, and BetMGM will protect your first wager up to $1,500. Simply enter BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during sign-up.
BetMGM West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.8/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 4.3/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Excellent rewards program |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets |
💵 Payout speed | 1-2 days |
⬇ Download size | 84.7 MB |
🗺 States active | 22 (+DC and PR) |
Where to bet on sports in West Virginia: BetMGM review
BetRivers West Virginia ⚡
BetRivers is the latest sports betting site to launch in West Virginia. The pride and joy of Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers is a sports betting app created by a parent company that is lauded and awarded on an annual basis as one of the best tech companies in the sports betting industry. New players can enter BetRivers bonus code SBRBONUS to get up to a $100 second chance bet. If your first bet loses, BetRivers will credit your account with one (1) single wager of the full value of your first wager.
BetRivers West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.1/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 3.3/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Live-betting options |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Up to $100 second chance bet |
💵 Payout speed | 2 - 5 business days |
⬇ Download Size | 87.5 MB |
🗺 States active | 14 |
Where to bet on sports in West Virginia: BetRivers review
Fanatics West Virginia 🧢
Fanatics Sportsbook is relatively new in West Virginia, having launched in November 2023. The premier sports merchandise supplier hopes that success will transfer into the sports betting realm. With a user-friendly app, live streaming options, and some of the fastest payouts in the industry, Fanatics seems destined to continue gaining popularity.
Fanatics focuses on customer satisfaction with a recently released Fairness Policy that refunds wagers on prop bets if a player gets injured within a certain timeframe of a game or event. First-time customers can score up to $1,000 in bonuses (10 days x $100 each) on daily bets. If your first daily bet ($1 or more on -500 odds or longer) loses, Fanatics will match the amount wagers with bonuses up to $100. No Fanatics promo code is needed to claim the welcome offer.
Fanatics West Virginia | |
---|---|
⭐ App Store rating | 4.7/5 |
📈 Google Play rating | 4.6/5 |
🏆 Best feature | Casino integration |
📺 Live streaming | Yes |
💰 Current welcome offer | Up to $1,000 in bonuses |
💵 Payout speed | Within 24 hours |
⬇ Download size | 290.4 MB |
🗺 States active | 21 |
Where to bet on sports in West Virginia: Fanatics Sportsbook review
West Virginia sportsbooks honorable mentions
Although they didn’t crack out top-five West Virginia sportsbooks, it’s worth clicking the links below to read SBR’s in-depth reviews of the four other operators. They may offer a feature or bonus that appeals to you.
WV sports betting key developments and updates
Nov. 25, 2024: Caesars updates its WV welcome offer. New users can now get 10x 100% Profit Boosts when they bet $1 or more.
September 2024: DraftKings welcome offer goes to a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets.
August 2023: WynnBET announces it's closing operations in West Virginia.
June 2023: WynnBET launches its sports betting product in the state, becoming WV's 10th active sportsbook.
March 2018: West Virginia passes a bill to legalize sports betting and is signed by Governor Jim Justice two months ahead of what was expected that the United State Supreme Court would kick back sports betting laws to the states.
May 2018: The United States Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Due to the ruling, individual states now have control of whether or not to legalize and regulate sports betting in their jurisdictions.
August 2018: Retail sportsbook Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia accepts the first legal sports bet in the state’s history.
March 2019: Legalities surrounding West Virginia sportsbook regulation lead to BetLucky shutting down operations less than six months after opening. Two other sportsbooks fail to launch and West Virginia is without mobile sports betting for five months.
August 2019: FanDuel and DraftKings both launch their online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in WV. Mobile sports betting returns to the Mountain State.
March 2022: West Virginia lawmakers expand the sports betting law to include wagers on esports. Now bettors can wager on professional video game tournaments.
March 2023: DraftKings expands its offerings in West Virginia by launching DK Horse app in anticipation of heavy action on the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
West Virginia sports betting summary
🚀 WV Sports Betting Apps Launch | December 2018 |
➡️ Legal sports betting age | 21+ |
🔔 WV Regulator | West Virginia Lottery |
▶️ Number of Sports Betting License | 15 |
📱 Online Sportsbooks | 9 |
🎰 Retail Sportsbooks | 5 |
🖥️ Online Casinos | Yes |
🃏 Online Poker | Yes |
📱 Number of sports betting apps | 9 |
🌎 State Population | 1.78 million |
💵 2024 Handle (est) | $569.9 million |
How we rate and review West Virginia sportsbooks
Sportsbook Review’s editorial team dedicates hours to analyzing each online sportsbook that enters the West Virginia market. Our team of experts aims to provide independent and comprehensive reviews of each operator, giving you - the player - the most up-to-date and accurate assessment of every sports betting site. We consider several factors when rating and reviewing, but these six categories are our top priorities when publishing our final reviews.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
In the fierce world of sports betting, West Virginia online sportsbooks can make a name for themselves by offering huge welcome bonuses and unique promotions to attract and retain players. Welcome bonuses typically come in three types: first bet insurance, bonus bets, and deposit match bonuses. Ongoing promotions may include loyalty rewards, referral bonuses for recruiting friends and family, odds boosts, bonus bets, and reduced juice (vig) for the day's biggest events.
User Experience
A positive user experience is easy to recognize, and we take it seriously. We evaluate factors such as the ease of sign-up, available banking methods for the first deposit, site navigation, variety of betting types and markets, availability of live video streaming, app security when handling personal and financial information, and customer support options. The more positive user experiences we encounter, the higher SBR's grade will be for these West Virginia sports betting sites.
Sports Bet Variety
Online sportsbooks that stand out from the rest offer a wide range of sports bet variety, including European soccer, tennis majors, PGA tour, MMA and UFC cards, and premiere boxing events. Operators may also offer unique prop bets and special betting markets, such as sports crossover parlays.
Banking Options
Banking used to be a friction point between players and sportsbooks, but that's no longer the case in the age of legal sports betting in the United States, including West Virginia. The most common banking methods are easily accessible to most interested players, with West Virginia sportsbooks accepting major credit and debit cards such as Mastercard and Visa, digital banking such as PayPal, and ACH bank wire transfers for added security.
Payout Speed
When it's time to collect your winnings, time is of the essence. That's why payout speed is such an important feature of West Virginia's online sportsbooks. Most operators process withdrawal requests within 48 hours, and funds should hit your bank account within 3-5 business days when using digital methods. However, a physical check can be mailed out to you, but it may take up to 15 business days to arrive.
Security and Customer Support
At SBR, we prioritize app and site security in our reviews, ensuring that each operator uses the latest encryption software to protect sensitive personal and financial data. With the popularity of sports betting on the rise, operators must prioritize customer support options and not rely on new players knowing all the answers. The best West Virginia sportsbooks offer around-the-clock customer support and can be contacted via live chat, phone, and/or email.
How to start betting in West Virginia
Whether you’re eager to place a futures bet on West Virginia to cut down the nets during March Madness or believe the Pittsburgh Pirates have what it takes to win the National League East this season, the steps to placing a first bet at WV online sportsbooks and sports betting apps is easy. The SBR editorial staff has created this step-by-step guide to get you on your way to becoming a mobile sports betting guru.
1. Select a licensed West Virginia sportsbook
First things first, be sure to read the SBR editorial team’s independent and thorough reviews of each of the nine WV online sportsbooks. Our goal is to help you make an educated decision before signing-up with just any ol’ sports betting site.
We’ve done the homework, you just need to read-up on potential suitors. When you’ve found a sportsbook operator you like, you can either sign-up on a desktop or laptop computer or download the app to your iOS or Android smart device.
2. Register online
If you’re signing up via a sports betting app, fire up the app to start the registration process. This part has become streamlined, easy and should take less than five minutes to complete. The operator will ask you to provide some basic personal information like your full name, full address, date of birth, email address and social security number (or part of your social security number). This is to help with identification and age verification. They don’t want bad actors trying to create secondary, fraudulent accounts in your name.
The sportsbook will also likely send over an email verification to authenticate your account before moving forward. These are all checks and balances to help secure your account moving forward.
You’ll then create a unique username and password. Sometimes the username is simply your email address, which is easy to remember. The password should be a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters at least eight characters in length.
3. Deposit and claim a bonus
After you’ve completed registration, it’s time to visit the online sportsbook’s cashier. Here is where you’ll sync your banking information with your sportsbook wallet. Most sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, bank wires and third-party services like Paypal.
Before you place your first deposit, be sure to have any promo codes required to redeem a welcome bonus handy because you’ll type that in before submitting a first deposit. You don’t want to miss out on free money just because you forgot a promo code.
After your account is funded and the sign-up bonus redeemed, it’s time to start shopping.
4. Select and finalize your bet
After registering a new account and making a first deposit, the best thing to do is shop around the sportsbook. Check all the nooks and crannies to learn about all the available betting markets, which can include odds from the four major pro sports leagues, but also European soccer, tennis, UFC and golf. Plus, the bet types go beyond moneylines, point spreads and point totals and this will allow you to learn about player props, parlays, teasers and live in-game betting.
When you’ve built out your bet slip – which may be one single bet, a variety of bets or a same-game parlay – type in how much you want to wager (you’ll see how much you’ll win if it hits) and click submit ticket.
5. Win and withdraw your payout
After a string of winning bets, you might be ready to request a withdrawal and cash out. Payouts are started in the same place where you made a first deposit: at the sportsbook cashier page.
The request for a withdrawal should only take a day or two with the funds showing up in your preferred banking account in less than five business days. The one exception to that is payout by physical check, which can take up to 15 business days to arrive. Other common withdrawal methods are ACH transfer, bank wire and Paypal.
West Virginia sports betting handle
While there are some concerns about West Virginia’s 2023 sports betting handle projections regressing, the Mountain State has enjoyed four consecutive years of growth thanks to the online and retail sportsbook revenue stream. In 2022, West Virginia’s sports betting handle was $ 568.9 million up from $544.5 million the previous calendar year, up from $ 414 million in 2021.
However, January’s 2023 handle was just $44.7-million down from $58.8-million in January 2022, and February’s 2023 handle was $39.7-million down from $49.2-million in 2022, which is surprising considering all the action on the Super Bowl every year. WV bookkeepers are looking forward to the start of college football season this August because they’ll need a strong kick at the end of this year to keep the tax stream coffers full.
2023
Month | Handle |
---|---|
January | $49.3 million |
February | $39.7 million |
March | $45.5 million |
April | $40.8 million |
May | $35.1 million |
June | $23.6 million |
July | $22.3 million |
August | $23.9 million |
September | $44.4 million |
October | $47.7 million |
November | $56.4 million |
December | $54 million |
Total | $483.2 million |
2024
Month | Handle |
---|---|
January | $50.5 million |
February | $39.2 million |
March | $47.2 million |
April | TBD |
May | TBD |
June | TBD |
July | TBD |
August | TBD |
September | TBD |
October | TBD |
November | TBD |
December | TBD |
Total | $137.05 million |
West Virginia sports leagues and teams to bet on
Although West Virginia isn’t home to professional sports teams, that doesn’t mean bettors from the Mountain State don’t have their regional or hometown favorites. Thanks to Jerry West, you better believe there are several Los Angeles Lakers fans in WV. For others, their allegiance is right over the Pennsylvania border, where they root for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. No matter which team West Virginian's root for, remember it’s always the optimal strategy to bet with your head and not your heart. Do not let emotional attachment impact which teams or players you back with your hard-earned dollars. That’s the quickest way to drain your bankroll. Before placing a wager, check the weather report, injury report, and depth chart changes, and also do your due diligence on the opposing team.
NFL 🏈 | NCAA Hoops 🏀 | MLB ⚾ | NHL 🏒 |
---|---|---|---|
Pittsburgh Steelers | West Virginia Mountaineers | Pittsburgh Pirates | Pittsburgh Penguins |
In addition to the four major pro sports leagues and college football and basketball, WV sportsbooks offer bettors a chance to wager on global events. There are betting markets for international tennis tournaments, European soccer, PGA golf majors, MMA main events and boxing’s heavyweight must-see bouts.
Sports betting categories
Legal sports betting and regulations in West Virginia
West Virginia’s sports betting law allows up to 15 online sportsbooks/sports betting apps. Currently, only nine active mobile sports betting sites exist in the Mountain State. BetLucky was the first online sportsbook to launch in late 2018 but shuttered its operations in early 2019 for legal reasons; otherwise, there would be 10 online sportsbooks. BetRivers is the newest addition to the WV sportsbook family after the award-winning dream team at Rush Street Interactive launched their product in June 2022.
Bettors can also play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). For more information about this, check out our guide to the best DFS sites.
West Virginia’s Online and Mobile Sportsbooks
WV Online Sportsbook | Launch Date |
---|---|
Betly | September 2020 |
BetMGM | January 2020 |
BetRivers | June 2022 |
Caesars | October 2021 |
DraftKings | August 2019 |
ESPN Bet | November 2023 |
FanDuel | August 2019 |
Golden Nugget | September 2021 |
Fanatics Sportsbook | November 2023 |
Land-Based WV Sportsbooks
There are five retail sportsbooks in West Virginia. The Sportsbooks at Hollywood Casino Charles Town accepted the first legal sports wager in state history back in 2018. FanDuel Sportsbook at Casino Club at The Greenbrier is the only private sportsbook in the state as the other four are open to the public. Each retail sportsbook may partner with up to three online sportsbook operators to fill the 15 available licenses in the state.
Retail WV Sportsbooks | Location |
Betly Sportsbook | Mardi Gras Casino & Resort |
Betly Sportsbook | Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Casino Club at The Greenbrier (Private) |
The Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races |
William Hill Sportsbook | Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort |
Who Can Bet on Sports in West Virginia?
Legal Age 🎂
You must be 21 years old to place bets at online sportsbooks, sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks in West Virginia.
Mobile Betting 📱
Mobile betting first went live in December of 2018, mere months after the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA and let each state determine whether or not to legalize sports betting.
Remote Registration 💻
Bettors may register and make a first deposit remotely without the need to visit a retail sportsbook to set up their online sportsbook and/or sports betting app account.
Within State Borders 🌎
You do not need to be a full-time resident of West Virginia to wager at online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. However, you do need to be located within Mountain State borders at the time you go to login to your account and when you go to place a wager. Operators use geofencing location software to determine your precise location. If you’re outside West Virginia, you won’t be allowed to place a bet.
Retail Sportsbooks 🏢
There are five retail sportsbooks in West Virginia. While four of them are open to the public, The Casino Club at Greenbrier Resort is a private club.
Taxable Winnings 💸
Here’s some good news: West Virginia does not impose a state tax on sports betting winnings at online sportsbooks or sports betting apps. The caveat to this is if you fail to provide a valid ID at a retail sportsbook. If you fail to do this, you will be assessed a 6.5% tax. This is an addition to the federal tax rate on sports betting winnings of 24%. Just remember that you can write off sports betting losses at tax time. So, it’s critical to keep accurate and clean accounting books of your losses to offset your tax burden in April.
What you can't bet on in West Virginia
While most betting markets are available at every West Virginia sportsbook, there are some niche categories that are not available in the Mountain State.
Politics ❌
Some are surprised to learn that betting on political events is illegal at both the federal and state level. So, you won’t find odds to win the 2024 U.S. Presidential election at West Virginia sportsbooks anytime soon.
Entertainment Award Ceremonies ❌
Betting on entertainment award ceremonies like the Oscars, Grammys and Emmys have endured mixed results in states where sports betting is legal, but this pop culture odds market is off limits in West Virginia. So, if you’re guaranteeing a Taylor Swift sweep at the Grammys next year, you’ll have to visit another state where it’s allowed.
eSports ✅
West Virginia legislatures passed a bill in March of 2022 to allow for the betting of esports events. This was a smart move because wagering on video game tournaments has become a big business in other states where the odds market is legal.
What about West Virginia College Sports? 🎓
With no pro sports teams to wager on, it was a wise business decision to allow for online sportsbooks and sports betting apps to allow in-state betting of West Virginia college sporting events. You can even wager some scratch on live in-game betting and college player prop odds. So, get excited for March Madness with the hopes West Virginia can return to the Big Dance.
Responsible sports betting in West Virginia
The West Virginia Lottery is the governing body in charge of legal sports betting regulation. They are in charge of reviewing applications, awarding licenses, performing regular audits of online sportsbooks, sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks, enforcing gaming laws and issuing fines. The WVL also works with partners to encourage responsible sports betting habits. They are at the forefront of providing resources to bettors and families, prevention initiatives and offering counseling options to those interested.
The Problem Gambling Network of West Virginia works with the WVL on many of these programs. Here are some of the resources available to help curb problem gambling:
- The hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER
- There are also LIVE chat options to help on the PGN site
- Get Ahead of the Game prevention program
- Visit atreatment center
Sportsbook operators are also helping the WVL in this regard by allowing bettors to set budget and gaming session limits in their account’s personal settings. They can also voluntarily add themselves to a self-exclusion list.
Sportsbooks to avoid in West Virginia
Prior to West Virginia legalizing sports betting in the first half of 2018 – ahead of the PASPA decision – many bettors sought out alternative betting sites. Now that bettors have nine online sportsbooks/sports betting apps and five retail sportsbooks, registering with an offshore sportsbooks shouldn’t even be a consideration.
These illegal sites are ones you’ll want to avoid if you care about your personal and financial data being safe. Unlike West Virginia legal sports betting sites, offshore books are unregulated by both the United States federal government and state authority. These operators have a sketchy history where data was compromised, scams were engineered and failure to pay bettors their winners were and are commonplace to this day.
Below are some examples of offshore sportsbooks blacklisted by SBR’s editorial staff.
BetOnSports ❌ | TopBet ❌ | 131Sport ❌ |
---|---|---|
Blacklisted since 2006 | Scam sportsbook | Blacklisted since 2007 |
Grand jury indictment | Over a dozen reported confiscated winnings | History of scams |
Over $16-million owed | Offline with $45,000 unpaid to players | |
Players got pennies on dollar in settlement |
Growth of sports betting 📈
When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in.
Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.
More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.
West Virginia sports betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in West Virginia. The state actually passed a sports betting bill to legalize the industry before the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act.
When did sports betting go live in West Virginia?
Sports betting went live in West Virginia in August 2018 with the first online sportsbook accepting a wager in December 2018 (BetLucky).
Where can I bet on sports in West Virginia?
You can bet at 9 online sportsbooks, via 9 sports betting apps or visit five different retail sportsbooks in West Virginia.
How many online sportsbooks are there in West Virginia?
There are 9 online sportsbooks in West Virginia:
- Barstool
- Betly
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Golden Nugget
- PointsBet
What sportsbooks are legal in West Virginia?
There are nine legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in West Virginia:
- Betly
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- FanDuel
- Golden Nugget
- PointsBet
There are five retail sportsbooks in West Virginia if you want to place a wager in-person:
- Betly Sportsbook at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
- Betly Sportsbook at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
- FanDuel Sportsbook at The Casino Club
- The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races
- William Hill Sportsbook at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort
Can you bet on state-based teams in West Virginia?
Yes, you can bet on WV-based teams with no restrictions. West Virginia does not have any professional sports teams. So, this pertains to wagering on primarily college athletics in where there are no regulations against it including live in-game betting and player props.
Do you have to live in West Virginia to bet online?
No, you do not have to live in West Virginia to bet on sports online. However, operators use geofencing software to determine your precise location when you go to place a bet. So, you must be located within WV state borders when you place a wager otherwise you’ll receive an error message.
How do you place a sports bet in West Virginia?
West Virginia bettors have several options when placing a sports bet. They can visit a retail sportsbook and place a wager in person. They can sign up for an online sportsbook account, register remotely and place a bet online. They can also download nine different sports betting apps and place a bet that way.
Are sports betting apps legal in West Virginia?
Yes, sports betting apps are legal in West Virginia. Bettors have 9 sports betting apps to choose from, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
What is the minimum age to bet in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports at online sportsbooks, sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks.