Quick Summary of Online Sports Betting in West Virginia
| Legal Status: | ✅ Legal |
| Launch Date: | August 2018 (retail), August 2019 (online relaunch) |
| Regulating Body: | West Virginia Lottery |
| Number of Licensed Betting Sites: | 8 |
| Legal Online Sportsbooks: | DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Betly |
| Minimum Sports Betting Age: | 21+ |
| Betting Restrictions: | No betting on high school sports |
| Tax Rate on Winnings: | 10% on operator revenue (players taxed on net winnings federally/statewide) |
West Virginia Online Sports Betting Updates
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August 5, 2025
– West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey joined a bipartisan coalition urging the United States Department of Justice to crack down on illegal offshore sportsbooks and gambling sites.
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June 25, 2025
– The West Virginia Lottery Commission approved civil penalties for Crown WV Gaming, Inc. (DraftKings) and BetMGM, LLC for violations of state sports wagering rules.
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May 29, 2025
– The West Virginia Lottery Commission approved civil penalties against multiple sports wagering management service providers, including Penn Sports Interactive (ESPN BET), Betfair Interactive US (FanDuel), and Gamewise (Betly), for rules violations.
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April 30, 2025
– The updated “West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Rule” (Title 179-09) took effect, revising the regulatory framework for sports wagering.
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March 2025
– Lawmakers enacted Senate Bill 576 amending the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act to authorize fixed-odds wagering on horse and dog racing within the sports-wagering framework and to establish related purse-supplement funds.
Popular Sports to Bet on in West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have any major professional sports teams of its own, but fans here are as passionate as anywhere in the country. Most bettors follow nearby franchises in Pittsburgh, Washington, Cleveland, and Baltimore, while the West Virginia Mountaineers dominate the local college sports scene. Below are some of the most popular sports and teams to wager on in the state.
NFL Betting in West Virginia
The NFL is king across the Mountain State, and fans tend to support teams from neighboring regions. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the most popular choice, but plenty of locals also back the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. WV sportsbooks offer everything from spreads and totals to props and same-game parlays on every NFL matchup.
NBA Betting in West Virginia
While there’s no NBA team based in West Virginia, many residents follow squads like the Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers. NBA betting is especially popular during the playoffs, with WV sportsbooks featuring odds boosts, player prop markets, and live in-game betting.
MLB Betting in West Virginia
Baseball is another favorite among WV bettors. Many root for the Pittsburgh Pirates or Cleveland Guardians, while others look toward the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, or Cincinnati Reds. WV sportsbooks provide odds on every regular-season and postseason game, with markets for moneylines, run totals, and player stats.
NHL Betting in West Virginia
Hockey holds a strong following in the state, especially thanks to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Bettors also keep an eye on the Philadelphia Flyers and other East Coast teams. NHL wagering in WV includes live betting, totals, and futures on Stanley Cup runs.
NCAA Betting in West Virginia
The West Virginia University Mountaineers are by far the most popular team in the state, with football and basketball games drawing heavy betting action. Fans can also wager on Marshall University, particularly during bowl season and March Madness. WV sportsbooks offer full betting markets on NCAA teams, unlike some states that restrict college wagering.
West Virginia Sports Betting Legislation
West Virginia was one of the earliest adopters of legal sports betting in the U.S., passing legislation months before the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in May 2018. Lawmakers approved SB 415, which allowed the state’s five casinos to operate retail and online sportsbooks. Oversight falls under the West Virginia Lottery Commission, which regulates all legal operators.
Sports betting officially launched at retail sportsbooks in August 2018, and online betting followed later that year, although the state experienced some early turbulence with app closures and relaunches. Today, the WV market is considered stable, with multiple legal online sportsbooks competing for bettors and no major restrictions beyond the standard ban on high school sports wagering.
Timeline of West Virginia Sports Betting
- March 2018
- Lawmakers pass SB 415, paving the way for legal sports betting at state casinos.
- May 2018
- U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, clearing the way for West Virginia’s law to take effect.
- August 2018
- Retail sports betting launches with the first bet placed at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
- December 2018
- Online betting debuts with BetLucky, but the app shuts down by March 2019 due to disputes between partners.
- August 2019
- Online betting re-launches as DraftKings and FanDuel enter the state ahead of NFL season.
- 2020
- Additional operators, including Caesars and Betly, go live in West Virginia.
- 2022
- Lawmakers pass HB 4826, expanding wagering to include esports.
- 2023
- Fanatics Sportsbook and ESPN BET both launch in West Virginia.
- 2024
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook exits the WV market.
Other State Betting Options
Sports betting isn’t the only way to gamble in West Virginia. The Mountain State is home to several other legal wagering opportunities, including casinos, horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and even online casino gaming. Each option is regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, ensuring a safe and legal environment for players.
West Virginia Lottery
The WV Lottery has been operating since 1986 and remains one of the state’s biggest revenue drivers. Players can buy scratch-offs, draw games, and participate in multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery also offers iLottery games, which can be played online within state borders.
Horse Racing
West Virginia has a strong horse racing tradition, with four active racetracks that also feature on-site sportsbooks and simulcast betting facilities. Bettors can wager on live thoroughbred and greyhound races, or bet online through platforms such as TVG and FanDuel Racing.
Casinos
The state’s five casinos offer slots, table games, poker, and sports betting lounges. Properties include the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Mountaineer Casino, and The Greenbrier. West Virginia was also one of the first states to legalize iGaming, with online casinos going live in July 2020, offering slots, table games, and live dealer options.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS is legal in West Virginia thanks to a 2016 opinion from the state attorney general, which ruled that fantasy contests are games of skill rather than chance. Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel run contests across all major sports, and players can legally participate without issue.
Retail Betting Locations in West Virginia
In addition to online sportsbooks, West Virginia offers several retail sports betting locations tied to its casinos. These venues feature in-person sportsbooks where you can place wagers, watch games, and enjoy a full casino experience. Here’s where you can bet in person across the Mountain State:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races -
750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort -
1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack -
1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort -
1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
- The Greenbrier -
101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
(private resort - access requires membership or hotel stay)
West Virginia sports betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal in West Virginia since 2018, and both retail and online sportsbooks are available. Bettors can wager through licensed sportsbook apps or at the state’s casinos.
What is the legal age for sports betting in West Virginia?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in West Virginia. All sportsbooks verify your age and location before allowing wagers.
What is the tax rate for sports betting in West Virginia?
West Virginia applies a 10% tax rate on sportsbook revenue. Bettors are also required to report gambling winnings on their federal and state tax returns.
What sportsbooks are available in West Virginia?
There are eight legal sportsbook apps in the state: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Betly. Each offers mobile betting, while retail sportsbooks are tied to the state’s five casinos.
Do I need to be a resident to bet online in West Virginia?
No. You don’t need to be a resident, but you must be physically located within West Virginia to place a bet. Sportsbook apps use geolocation software to confirm your location.
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Damien Souness
as part of our fact-checking process.
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