Sports betting in West Virginia is legal and has been an option in the state since August 2018 when the first wager was placed at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Online sports betting launched a year later in August of 2019 and currently there are nine regulated online sportsbooks for those visiting or living in The Mountain State.
West Virginia offers sports fans nine online sports betting apps to choose from. I will provide you with details on your best sportsbook options in West Virginia and explain how to get started with sports betting. I’ll also detail the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which West Virginia teams to wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Best Betting Sites for West Virginia
No books available.
Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia has a legal and regulated sports betting market. Senate Bill 415 became law on March 9, 2018, despite Governor Jim Justice not signing the bill and concerns from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. In-person sports betting launched in August of 2018 and betting with online sportsbooks became reality the following year when FanDuel launched on August 26 and DraftKings followed suit August 28.
West Virginia quick facts
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Timeline of betting legislation & Latest News
West Virginia lawmakers got a headstart on their sports betting legislation prior to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The foresight allowed West Virginia to open retail sportsbooks a few months after the decision and before many other states that followed.
Jan. 29, 2018
SB 415 introduced in the senate
March 9, 2018
SB 415 becomes a law
Aug. 30, 2018
Retail sports betting launches
Aug. 26, 2019
Online sports betting launches
March 30, 2022
HB 4826 becomes law, effectively legalizing betting on eSports
March 29, 2023
DraftKings launches its "SK Horse" app for horse racing bettors
Feb. 29, 2024
HB 4700 passed, allowing the state lottery to ban those who harass or harm athletes
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How to start betting in west virginia
West Virginians who want the convenience of sports betting directly from their phone can sign up with one of the nine regulated sportsbooks in the state. The sign-up process is quick and easy, but be prepared to prove your identity and remember, you won’t be able to use your app outside of state lines.
Bettors in West Virginia can also place wagers in person at the retail sportsbooks in Cross Lanes, Wheeling, White Sulphur Springs, Charles Town, or Cumberland.
Select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
place wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Local Teams to bet on
Bettors inside West Virginia state lines can legally bet on college athletics which is good news for Mountaineers fans. Since it’s located near several major cities outside the state, West Virginians have a lot of professional sports allegiances despite not having an NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL team in the state.
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USA Betting News
West Virginia takes problem gambling seriously and in March of 2023, Governor Jim Justice signed a proclamation declaring March “Problem Gambling Awareness Month.” West Virginians struggling with temptation can join the state’s self-exclusion list to ban themselves from accessing regulated betting options within the state. Additionally, in 2005 the state established a compulsive gambling treatment fund to assist those struggling with gambling addiction.
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