West Virginia is less than two weeks away from sports betting, and things are coming together in a hurry.
Four operators are approved to offer WV sports betting so far, and the fifth application is imminent. A couple of providers have been certified, too, and one intriguing candidate is waiting for a decision: DraftKings Sportsbook.
DraftKings Sportsbook coming to WV?
Under WV regulations, any “sports pool intermediary” must secure a license as a Management Services Provider.
DraftKings Sportsbook is among the recent applicants, filing its paperwork earlier this month. Regulators confirm that the application is under review, and turnaround should be a matter of days.
This doesn’t necessarily guarantee that DraftKings will offer WV sports betting, though. As far as Legal Sports Report is aware, it doesn’t yet have a partner in place. The submission is likely designed to demonstrate suitability and expedite launch if and when it finds one. Each WV casino is allowed to partner with up to three external brands.
DraftKings Sportsbook is already up and running in New Jersey under a partnership with Resorts Atlantic City. Three weeks after launch, it’s still the only online/mobile NJ sports betting platform on the market.
Apart from NJ, New York is the only other state in which DraftKings Sportsbook has a confirmed point of entry.
Who else will offer WV sports betting?
Everyone who can will. The five WV casinos will pay $100,000 apiece to offer sports betting, and the WV Lottery Commission has approved the first four:
- The Greenbrier
- Hollywood Casino
- Mardi Gras
- Wheeling Island
Hollywood received the very first interim permit on Aug. 10, valid for 270 days. The retail sportsbook inside the casino will be the first to open on Sept. 1. On a recent episode of Metronews Talkline, Penn National Gaming executive Eric Schippers indicated that an online/mobile platform should be ready via Hollywood in about 60 days.
Penn’s application revealed a partnership with William Hill, which has since received its own permit.
FanDuel Sportsbook is also approved in the MSP category. It will operate in-person and online platforms for the private casino at The Greenbrier. Regulators issued the resort’s interim permit on Tuesday, so that duo is fully authorized for sports betting. The launch timeline is still undetermined, though.
Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island are the two greyhound tracks owned by Delaware North. The group hasn’t disclosed its plans for WV sports betting, but it has received interim permits for both properties.
Mountaineer Casino is the only other eligible casino. While it hasn’t yet applied, regulators are checking their mailboxes frequently. Mountaineer is owned by Eldorado Resorts, which has been shopping itself as a free agent for widespread sports betting.