West Virginia Sports Betting
West Virginia sports betting is legal and live online and at retail sportsbooks. There are nine active WV sports betting apps in the state including DraftKings, Caesars and BetMGM.
Top WV sports betting sites
Contents
What’s happening in WV sports betting right now
- May 11, 2023 – West Virginia sports betting handle dropped 11% in April to $35.7 million. Revenue was also down about 35% to $2.8 million.
- April 17, 2023 – West Virginia sports betting handle rose to $43.1 million in March, up 8.3% from February. That number was down year-over-year from $61.4 million in March 2022, however.
- March 30, 2023 – DraftKings launched its horse racing app, DK Horse, in West Virginia ahead of the Kentucky Derby on May 6. The app launched in 12 states initially with more to follow.
- March 14, 2023 – West Virginia sports betting handle hit $39.7 million in February, the third consecutive month with a drop. Revenue was $2.7 million, just under a million less than January.
- February 10, 2023 – West Virginia kicked off the year with $44.7 million in handle and $3.6 million in revenue in January. Handle was down about $14 million from Jan 2022, but revenue was only down about $300,000 year over year.
- February 8, 2023 – West Virginia legislators introduced a bill during the state’s legislative session that would allow the state Lottery Commission to ban people from sports betting who have harassed players, coaches, officials or anyone involved in sporting events.
- January 19, 2023 – West Virginia had $53.2 million in December handle, a decrease of about $29 million from November, but still the fifth highest handle of 2022. Revenue, however, was at $7.5 million. That was the second highest monthly revenue total of 2022 for the state.
West Virginia sports betting snapshot
| Is there online sports betting in West Virginia? | Yes, with nine active online sportsbooks in the state. |
| What sportsbook apps can I use in West Virginia? | DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Betly, Caesars, PointsBet, Barstool, BetRivers and Golden Nugget. |
| What sports are available for betting in West Virginia? | There are no real restrictions on the sports that you can bet on in West Virginia aside from the standard ban on high school sports. |
| Who can place a sports bet in West Virginia? | Anyone over the age of 21 and inside state lines can legally wager on sports. All WV sportsbook sites use geolocation software to verify your location. |
Comparing the top sports betting apps in West Virginia
Depending on what you’re looking for, there likely is a sportsbook in West Virginia that will fit your needs. Here’s a brief rundown:
- Best sportsbook for major sports: DraftKings. Although West Virginia is not home to any major sports franchises, DraftKings has partnerships with several leagues and betting options that go beyond the typical bets you find.
- Best sportsbook for overall selection: BetMGM. If you prefer to scour some of the more esoteric sports and leagues for wagering, then BetMGM is the place for you.
- Easiest sportsbook to navigate: FanDuel. This site earns consistent high marks for its ease-of-use and navigation. An independent study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming in 2021 ranked FanDuel in the top 3 for betting interface.
- Best sportsbook for unique bets: PointsBet. PointsBet offers a one-of-a-kind type of wagering — PointsBetting, which gives spreads and totals an increased risk and reward potential. Essentially, the amount you win or lose depends on how right or wrong your bet was.
- Top sportsbook for bonuses: Caesars. The Caesars Sportsbook welcome bonus coupled with its Caesars Rewards program give it a leg up on most other apps in WV. The sportsbook offers an additional rotation of bonuses and promos.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top sports betting apps in the country. One of the key features that stands out is its betting carousel, which offers a customized list of likely bets when you log in. One area for improvement, however, is its promotions for existing players who’ve used up the welcome bonus.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: DraftKings is one of the best sportsbooks available and customizes its experience to each bettor’s desires and history.
- Best feature: Betting carousel
- WV bonus: $1,200
2. BetMGM Sportsbook
This is the sports betting arm of MGM Resorts, which owns a number of US casino locations. The book offers a comprehensive list of sports on which you can bet. It also allows an unusual amount of flexibility for open wagers through its Edit My Bet option. The app’s greatest asset — its long list of things you can bet on — is also its biggest curse because it can be a pain to find exactly what you’re looking for.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: In terms of variety and flexibility, BetMGM is one of the best options.
- Best feature: Edit My Bet
- WV bonus: $1,000
3. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook is the sportsbook app representing Rush Street Interactive, a regional casino operator with several locations in the northeastern US. BetRivers is one of the best sites to use for bonuses and promotions, as there are odds boosts, rotating bonus offers, and a rewards program dedicated solely to sports bettors. However, the app itself is rather rudimentary (in the scope of sportsbook apps in the market) and clunky, and needs an update to catch up with the group.
- App store rating: 4.4 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Key takeaway: BetRivers is a fine place to find great bonuses and promotions
- Best feature: iRush Rewards
- WV bonus: $500
4. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best sports betting apps in West Virginia or anywhere else in the country. It offers the easiest and most intuitive app you’re likely to find, along with one of the best selections of same-game parlays. However, it does have a few areas, like player props, where the navigation seems to stumble a bit.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: FanDuel offers a smooth betting experience.
- Best feature: Navigation
- WV bonus: $1,000
5. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook represents Caesars Entertainment and offers a good variety of sports betting options. There are few types of wagers that you will not find here. The book also stands out for bonuses, promotions and loyalty options. However, Caesars Sportsbook is clunky in terms of navigation on its app.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Key takeaway: There are few more solid and trusted names in sports betting.
- Best feature: Caesars Rewards
- WV bonus: $1,250
Sportsbooks that could launch in West Virginia
According to current West Virginia law, there could be as many as 15 online sportsbooks in the state, meaning it’s at roughly half the maximum limit. As more licenses and/or launches occur, we will update this page accordingly.
Getting started and the best WV sportsbook bonuses
Once you’ve created an account at an online sportsbook, you can download the app to use on your phone or tablet, make a deposit and start placing bets. However, as a new user, you can also benefit from the sportsbook’s welcome bonus. Here are some of the options in West Virginia:
- DraftKings West Virginia: Get up to $1,200 in bonus bets.
- BetMGM West Virginia: Get up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets with promo code PLAYBONUS.
- BetRivers West Virginia: 2nd chance bet up to $500. Use the promo code LSRRIV.
- FanDuel West Virginia: No sweat first bet up to $1,000.
- Caesars West Virginia: Get up to $1,250. Use the promo code LEGALFULL.
And here is a quick guide to the common types of promos you might find on West Virginia sportsbook apps:
- No deposit bonus: These are usually site credits that the book gives you when you create an account.
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook will match a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds, up to a maximum cap that the book sets.
- First bet offers: If the bet loses, you’ll receive a refund in the form of a site credit. Like deposit bonuses, these refunds will have a maximum that they can’t exceed.
- Odds boosts: Odds boosts increase the potential payout on specific wagers artificially, rather than due to increased action on the other side of the bet. The sportsbook adjusts a selection of wagers to pay out more to winning bettors as a means of encouraging more action.
10 quick facts about West Virginia sports betting
- West Virginia legalized sports betting in March 2018, months ahead of the US Supreme Court’s decision.
- The first retail sports bet in West Virginia occurred at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in August 2018.
- In December 2018, West Virginia became one of the first states to allow online sports betting.
- The state’s first online sportsbook (BetLucky) closed in March 2019 after an acrimonious dispute with its ownership and suppliers, and online sports betting did not return to West Virginia until August 2019.
- The state’s five casinos can offer both retail and online sports betting.
- There could be as many as 15 online sportsbooks under state law.
- There’s no residency requirement, but you do need to be within state lines to place a bet.
- Wagering on college and professional sports is legal in West Virginia. Betting on esports was not, but lawmakers passed a measure (HB 4826) to change that April 2022.
- You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in the state.
- West Virginia is home to the only legal private sportsbook in the country at The Greenbrier. You must be a guest or member in order to place bets there.
Why you should use legal sportsbooks in West Virginia
With nine legal sportsbook sites available to you in WV, you have plenty of options. The West Virginia Lottery oversees those books, and there are legal standards and protections that each one must meet to remain in good standing. The delay following the shutdown of BetLucky in March 2019 was largely due to lottery officials enacting even stricter and more diligent standards for managing sports betting in the state. You have plenty of avenues to seek assistance if anything goes wrong.
Additionally, those nine sportsbooks are in direct competition with one another. Because you can switch back and forth in a matter of seconds, they try to attract and retain customers with various promotions and perks.
West Virginia sports betting law
West Virginia began moving toward legal sports betting in 2017, but it wasn’t until 2018 that things really began to shift. Delegate Shawn Fluharty introduced the first sports betting bills in both sessions, but the measure that finally carried the day was a larger proposal with the backing of several West Virginia lawmakers. SB 415 laid the groundwork for legal sports betting in the state. Here are the key aspects:
- West Virginia’s five casinos are the only entities eligible for licensing.
- A sports betting license allows the holder to offer both online and retail sports betting.
- Each licensee can host as many as three online books, or skins, on its license.
- The West Virginia Lottery oversees sports betting in the state.
- College sports betting is legal, but high school sports betting is not.
- A sportsbook has to pay $250,000 for its initial application.
- Licenses are valid for five years.
- A book can renew its license for $100,000.
- The tax rate on revenue is 10%.
Full list of legal West Virginia sports betting apps
All five casinos in the state have a sportsbook app in place as a home brand or through a partner organization. Two of the casinos in the state have used their three skins. Another has used two of them. Two more properties share a single sportsbook due to their joint ownership. Here are the nine active sportsbook apps in WV:
- Barstool (Hollywood Casino at Charles Town)
- Betly (Mardi Gras Casino/Wheeling Island)
- BetMGM (The Greenbrier)
- BetRivers (Mountaineer Casino)
- Caesars (Mountaineer Casino)
- DraftKings (Hollywood Casino at Charles Town)
- FanDuel (The Greenbrier)
- Golden Nugget (The Greenbrier)
- PointsBet (Hollywood Casino at Charles Town)
West Virginia’s favorite sports teams for betting
With no major professional teams inside its borders, West Virginia’s top draw for many sports fans is college action. The West Virginia University Mountaineers, for instance, can be a hot ticket, particularly during football season. However, West Virginians may also turn to nearby teams, so here are some of the state’s favorite sports teams:
- NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals
- NBA: Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers
- MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds
- NHL: Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers
West Virginia sports betting history
- 2022: Mountain State lawmakers continue to seek ways to expand the state’s sports betting offerings. Delegate Moore Capito introduces HB 4826 to the House Judiciary Committee in February to allow betting on esports. The bill takes less than a month to move through both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature and become law without Gov. Jim Justice’s signature.
- 2021: West Virginia sports betting begins to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Aside from some turbulence at the beginning of the year, sportsbooks report roughly $20 million to $30 million in handle each month and about $2 million in revenue. However, some West Virginia lawmakers believe those numbers to be lower than they could be and attempt to untether licensing from the state’s five casinos. The casinos are against the idea, and the measure ends up on the cutting room floor of the Senate. The market does expand, though, when PointsBet launches its sportsbook as the sixth in the state. Meanwhile, in what is becoming an unfortunate tradition, Delaware North relaunches its sportsbook app once again (Betly, for the second time) due to a new joint venture with Belgian technology company GAMING1.
- 2020: The big story is the same story around the world: COVID-19. The pandemic causes the cessation of almost every sporting event aside from some rather esoteric choices. Table tennis, Belarussian soccer and Korean baseball become quite popular options, but sports betting as a whole suffers in West Virginia during the first half of the year. Finally, sports begin to return in July, and the ship starts to right itself. The next month brings the NFL season and two new sportsbooks to the Mountain State — William Hill (now Caesars) and Betly — and things mostly return to their previous status. Incidentally, the debut of Betly marks the return to the market for Delaware North.
- 2019: BetLucky is open for business at the beginning of the year but closes in March. The closure affects both the online book and the retail sportsbooks at Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island. Statements from the app’s parent company, Delaware North, indicate that a disagreement between strategic partner Miomni and a third-party vendor led to the shutdown. Online sports betting remains unavailable until August, when both FanDuel and DraftKings launch in time for the NFL season. Delaware North quits its partnership with Miomni shortly after the shutdown. The months of delay stem, in part, from an abundance of caution from the lottery commission to avoid another bad debut.
- 2018: Fluharty reintroduces HB 2751 for consideration during the new legislative session. A matching version in the Senate, SB 106, soon joins it. However, it takes a third bill to gain any traction with West Virginia lawmakers. SB 415 ends up through both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature in short order and winds up on Justice’s desk in March. Justice allows the bill to pass without his signature due to pressure from external stakeholders and a perceived conflict of interest, as his ownership of The Greenbrier puts him in a direct position to benefit from the bill. Retail sports betting takes its first step in August, and the first online book in the state launches in late December.
- 2017: Fluharty introduces HB 2751 as the first sports betting bill in West Virginia history. The bill calls for legal sports betting under the oversight of the state’s lottery commission and, somewhat unusually, a 2% tax on handle, rather than revenue. HB 2751 also contains language to declare that sports betting is a right that resides with the states, rather than the federal government. Meanwhile, West Virginia pays $160,000 for an independent study on the viability of sports betting in the Mountain State.
West Virginia sports betting FAQ
Where can I bet on sports in West Virginia?
Almost anywhere in the state. There are multiple online sportsbooks available in West Virginia, and you can access them anywhere you can find an internet connection. In addition, the five casinos in West Virginia are each home to a retail sportsbook. The only one that might take some preparation to access is the FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier, which is a private location that requires a hotel stay or a membership in the club.
- The Greenbrier: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort: Caesars Sportsbook
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack: Betly Sportsbook
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort: Betly Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races: Barstool Sportsbook
Are Bovada and BetOnline legal in West Virginia?
No. The only legal sportsbooks in West Virginia are those named earlier on this page. Bovada and BetOnline are neither licensed nor regulated by the West Virginia Lottery and do not conform to the standards, practices and laws that the lottery commission mandates for its licensees. Instead, these outfits operate outside of the country and offer services to West Virginians against federal law.
The legal issue is not the only concern. Because they operate in an unregulated environment, none of these “offshore” sites has any concern about US or West Virginia laws or consumer protections should a dispute arise. With options that are legal and safe in the Mountain State, it makes little sense to look elsewhere.
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in West Virginia?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in West Virginia. Sportsbook apps verify your age and location before you place a bet.
Is mobile sports betting available in West Virginia?
Yes. Several operators are now up and running with a mobile sports betting app in WV, including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM.
Is horse betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes. Live racing, simulcast wagering and online horse betting are all available in the state.
There are four active tracks in the Mountain State, located at four of the five casinos in the state. The lone casino without a racing facility is The Greenbrier, which has other amenities. Each of the four tracks also has a simulcast wagering facility. There are no standalone off-track betting locations in West Virginia.
And online horse betting sites such as TVG are available from anywhere in the state with an internet connection.
Can I play daily fantasy sports in WV?
Yes. West Virginians have been able to legally play daily fantasy sports since 2016. In that year, the state attorney general issued an opinion that state law did not prohibit DFS and that the games mostly relied upon skill, rather than chance. All top DFS companies are available throughout West Virginia at this time.
Additional WV sports betting resources and information
If you need more information about sports betting in the state, consult the links below. In addition to the relevant lawmakers, regulators and media outlets, there’s a link for the Problem Gambling Network of West Virginia, which is the top organization providing assistance if you or someone you know is experiencing problem gambling or gambling addiction.