West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. This came on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA. WV started with a single WV sportsbook app called BetLucky, launched in late 2018. But it closed in early 2019, leaving the West Virginia bettors without any online sportsbooks for a few months.
Even though WV had a few setbacks in getting its legal betting market up and running, it is thriving at the moment. Bettors in the Mountain State now have a great selection of regulated retail and online sportsbooks powered by the biggest operators in the country.
For anyone wanting a piece of West Virginia’s betting pie, now is the right time to get it. So you’ll find all the information you need to get started in this guide written by our betting experts. We will give you a brief rundown of all WV sportsbook apps, along with how to create an online account. We also cover the types of bonuses you can claim and sports you can bet on.
Early Days: The BetLucky Dispute
Before some of the country’s largest sportsbook operators entered West Virginia’s legal sports betting market, BetLucky was the only sole WV sportsbook app available in the state. BetLucky was born through a partnership with Delaware North, a hospitality company that owns casino properties in West Virginia. And Mionmi, a gambling technology provider that also powers the retail sportsbooks in Delaware North’s two land-based WV casinos: Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island.
In March 2019, there was a dispute between Miomni and another gambling platform called EnterGaming over the use of intellectual property that belonged to Entergaming. It resulted in a contract termination that forced BetLucky to shut down, leaving the newly-launched WV betting market with no sportsbook apps for a few months.
The West Virginia Lottery Commission took its time before issuing licenses to any new operators to avoid the same pitfalls. Finally, in August 2019, DraftKings and FanDuel came to save the day. However, Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island stayed without sportsbook operations for over nine months until Betly launched in January 2020.
Legal Sports Betting In West Virginia
Shortly after the Supreme Court deemed the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional, West Virginia became the fifth state to legalize sports betting. Interestingly, the Governor never signed or vetoed sports betting bill S 415. So it passed automatically following no response. The West Virginia Lottery Commission supervises the WV online gambling industry.
Following legalization, BetLucky was launched as the first WV sportsbook in December 2018. But it closed down in March 2019. In August 2019, sports betting returned to West Virginia with two industry leaders launching their sportsbooks in the state.
Today, there are five online sports betting apps in West Virginia that anyone over the age of 21 can use in the state. We’ll probably see more sportsbooks enter the market soon, as the law allows for each of the state’s five casinos and racetracks to host up to three skins. So there’s room for many more sportsbook apps in the Mountain State. An operator wanting to enter WV will need to pay $100,000 for a renewable license every five years.
West Virginia Sports Betting Operators
All WV sports betting apps are regulated by the WV Lottery Commission, so you can trust that each of these is safe and reliable. Also, as some of the country’s biggest sportsbooks are operating in WV, you can play with even more confidence. But with so many great WV sports betting apps available, it can be difficult to choose the best one. To help with your decision, here is a quick overview of what each West Virginia betting app has done well.
DraftKings Sportsbook WV
- Overview: DraftKings Sportsbook, along with rival operator FanDuel, was the first to launch in August 2019 after several months with no WV mobile betting options.
- Physical Location: It entered West Virginia by partnering with the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, one of the state’s biggest and most beloved casino destinations.
- Features: DraftKings’ app is highly intuitive and has a super-friendly design, and its sports coverage is second to none.
- Bonus Offers: The DraftKings WV sportsbook app offers a huge welcome bonus of up to $1,050. Check our offers page for full details!
FanDuel Sportsbook WV
- Overview: FanDuel launched its West Virginia sports betting app on August 28, 2019, at the same time as DraftKings. Like its rival, it first made a name for itself as a DFS operator and later expanded to add an incredible sportsbook.
- Physical Location: FanDuel Sportsbook entered West Virginia through a partnership with Greenbrier Casino Club.
- Features: One of FanDuel’s best offers is parlay insurance. It also has a clean layout, great US and international coverage, and excellent odds.
- Bonus Offers: FanDuel offers all new players a $1,000 welcome bonus, plus some generous ongoing promotions to reward you each time you bet.
BetMGM Sportsbook WV
- Overview: Joining the party a bit later, BetMGM Sportsbook WV launched in January 2021. The BetMGM sportsbook app offers bettors in West Virginia a massive range of betting options. It has great in-play wagering that allows you to cash out early before the game finishes. And it also offers more traditional bets such as moneylines, parlays, and propositions.
- Physical Location: The online gambling brand of MGM Resorts International also partnered with the Greenbrier. At the moment, it is the only casino property in WV that hosts multiple skins.
- Features: BetMGM’s market coverage is fantastic, and weekly odds boost and free bets are there to help you when betting on your favorites.
- Bonus Offers: BetMGM WV offers new players a respectable $600 as a risk-free bet to boost your bankroll and get you started.
William Hill Sportsbook WV
- Overview: William Hill started in the UK way back in 1934, and its experience shows in everything this operator does. Its retail sportsbook at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort has already been available in the state for some time. So it had loyal bettors that liked its in-person betting experience and jumped on board to use the app.
- Physical Location: William Hill launched its WV sportsbook app on September 4, 2020 through a partnership with Mountaineer Casino.
- Features: The William Hill Sportsbook platform is excellent for WV bettors of all levels. Its intuitive layout is excellent for beginners just looking around and advanced bettors looking for specific markets and bets. In addition, it offers massive international soccer and horse racing coverage.
- Bonus Offers: New players can get up to $500 as a welcome bonus, along with impressive odds and ongoing promotions. Check our offers page for more information on William Hill and compare it to other WV sports betting apps.
Betly Sportsbook WV
- Overview: Betly’s launch didn’t come until September 2020, and it’s slowly building traction to compete with the more established WV sports betting apps.
- Physical Location: After BetLucky’s unsuccessful launch through a partnership with the Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island Casino, a new brand named Betly Sportsbook came to pick up the pieces
- Features: Betly is powered by IGT, one of the leading gambling software providers in the country. So it provides a great platform, wide range of sports wagers, and greets new players with a $100 welcome offer.
- Bonus Offers: Visit our offers page to learn more about this young-and-coming WV betting app.
How To Gamble Legally In WV
Gambling legally in West Virginia is simple! Operators make the registration and deposit process as quick and as smooth as possible. That way, you can be placing wagers within minutes, and you are more likely to be a happy returning customer.
If you’re looking to get involved in the action, follow these easy steps to sign up and place your first bets:
- Select one of the five legal WV sports betting apps.
- Visit our offers page or the sportsbook’s website, where you can access the sportsbook through a browser or find links to download its betting app.
- Click on the “Sign-Up” button and fill in the form to create an account. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, email, phone number, and Social Security Number, besides setting a username and password.
- Once registered, go to the sportsbook’s cashier page and make a deposit. All the WV sportsbook apps offer several payment methods to choose from, so select the one that’s best for you. In most cases, the funds will appear in your account immediately.
- Browse through the available markets and betting options, place your bets, and wait for the results to come in.
- After the sporting event you’ve wagered on has finished, you will receive an app notification on whether your bet has won or lost. If you won, go to the cashier page again and cash out. Or you can leave the money in your account ready for when you want to place more bets in the future.
West Virginia Mobile Sports Betting
West Virginia bettors are lucky to have a choice between retail, online, and mobile sports wagering. If you don’t have time to visit a physical sportsbook location, then fear not! You can place bets online from anywhere in the Mountain State.
WV sportsbooks utilize the latest HTML5 technology that guarantees their websites are responsive and optimized for mobile browsers. So you can seamlessly swap from desktop to mobile and use the same betting layout each time. This means there is less to learn if you are betting across multiple devices. Any small changes that you’ll notice are there to give you a better user experience. Think stacked menus, larger text, and reduced graphics for enhanced mobile browsing.
For the ultimate mobile betting experience, download one of WV’s sportsbook native apps. Apps make it easier to access and place wagers from your smartphone or tablet, as there’s no need to navigate to the website. Instead, the app is available within one tap. Mobile apps also have better connectivity and faster loading times. In addition, you can opt in to get app notifications for promotions, odds boosts, and unmissable sporting events.
To download a WV sportsbook app, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether you have an iOS or Android device. From there, use the search function to find the WV sportsbook of your choice and download it. Some sportsbook apps aren’t available in app stores, so you can visit the sportsbook’s website and download it from there. For the best place to find mobile apps, visit our offers page, where you can find links to apps, sportsbook reviews, bonuses, and more information.
Betting On West Virginia Sports
West Virginia betting laws allow customers to bet on most sporting events. It includes major US sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, alongside more niche sports like boxing, tennis, and golf. Even eSports betting is legal in West Virginia, unlike other states where it is seen as a gray area.
Although West Virginia is not home to any major sports teams, there are still plenty of teams from surrounding states that you can bet on. Also, remember that you’re not limited to US sports since all WV sportsbook apps also offer great international sports coverage. So whatever the sport or league you’re looking for, you’re likely to find in West Virginia!
West Virginia NFL Betting
It’s no secret that the NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the US. West Virginia is no different, as more wagers are placed on football than any other sport. But with no home NFL team to call their own, WV bettors are divided when it comes to placing bets and supporting a football team.
Many West Virginians back Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh Steelers, whose home at Heinz Field is one of the closest to WV. Other West Virginians back the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Football Team, and Philadelphia Eagles. WV sportsbook apps let you place a variety of bets on regular-season games and playoffs. And, of course, you can wager on League MVP, Super Bowl winner, and place more interesting future bets.
West Virginia NBA Betting
Without a local NBA team, West Virginians are split with their basketball loyalties. Popular WV betting options include the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. You can choose from many different wagers like moneylines, propositions, and in-play bets. There are tons of exciting ways to get involved in the NBA season via the sports betting apps in West Virginia.
West Virginia NHL Betting
West Virginia doesn’t have its own NHL team, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t loyal hockey fans in WV that back teams from other states. For example, nearby Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Columbus Blue Jackets all have many fans in West Virginia. WV sportsbook apps let you bet on any of these three favorites and any other NHL team.
Simple moneyline bets remain a popular favorite among hockey bettors. However, puck line bets are a great option if you’re looking for more excitement and potentially higher payouts. You can also bet on futures such as the next winner of the Stanley Cup or which NHL player will win the Hart Trophy as the season’s MVP.
West Virginia College & High School Betting
As college betting is controversial in the US, states take different approaches to whether or not it should be allowed. West Virginia has no prohibition on college betting, which is great news for bettors interested in collegiate leagues. There are also no restrictions on betting on in-state teams, meaning you can happily place wagers on the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Marshall Thundering Herd, and other favorites using any of the WV sportsbook apps.
However, there are limitations on high school betting, and you won’t find any wagers on minors across any of the West Virginia sportsbooks. Betting on any high school team is strictly off-limits.
WV Major Sports Partnerships
Many professional US sports teams are partnering with online sportsbook operators. This helps the sportsbooks improve brand awareness among fans and helps teams and leagues drive more fan engagement. But as West Virginia doesn’t have any major sports, there are no major sports partnerships in the state. Still, most WV sportsbook operators have league partnerships that West Virginians can enjoy through unique promotions and offers. Here are a few examples:
- NFL: betting partnerships with BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel sportsbooks.
- NBA: sports betting partnership with William Hill Sportsbook.
- NHL: betting partnerships with FanDuel, BetMGM, and William Hill sportsbooks.
- MLB: partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM sportsbooks.
Sports Betting Bonuses Available In WV
Although the West Virginia online gambling market was off to a bumpy start, there are several big players in the market now. With WV law allowing ten more sportsbook apps to launch in the state, the already crowded marketplace will become even more competitive. This is actually great news for bettors.
Online sportsbooks offer a range of bonuses and promotions to attract players and gain market share. These bonuses can quickly boost your bankroll. But, before you claim any promotion, you’ll need to understand the basics. To help you out, here’s a look at the most common promotions seen at WV sportsbooks:
- Sign-Up Bonus: A sign-up bonus, also called a no-deposit bonus, is given as a freebie simply for registering and verifying your sportsbook account.
- Welcome Bonus: Welcome offers are awarded to players on their first deposit at a West Virginia sportsbook app. They may be deposit match bonuses, which is when the operator will match all or part of your deposit with bonus money. Alternatively, welcome risk-free bets will cover your losses if your first wager loses.
- Parlay Insurance: Combining multiple bets is known as a parlay bet, and all of your choices need to prove true for you to claim any winnings. However, parlay insurance covers your losses if only one of your choices loses.
- Odds boosts: Many West Virginia sportsbook apps also run odds boosts, enhancing the odds of a particular game in your favor. Betting on these games will give you a better chance of winning a larger payout.
- Loyalty Reward Programs: To reward players for their loyalty, most sportsbooks run loyalty programs. Each time you wager on the site, you’ll earn loyalty points that can be exchanged for cash prizes, bonuses, and more benefits.
WV Sports Betting Safety & Trustworthiness
It is essential to know that the betting app you are using is safe and trusted, especially as WV sportsbook apps collect your personal and financial information. Thanks to the state having laws and regulations in place, you can play at West Virginia sportsbooks confidently. As WV sports betting is legal, you will have the state’s protection if you run into any trouble. Also, all the operators are regulated by the WV Lottery Commission, which works hard to test the integrity of the sportsbooks and only awards licenses to operators that pass their strict requirements. They also perform regular audits on licensees.
When betting in WV, you also have peace of mind that your winnings are secure. All West Virginia sports betting apps ring-fence player funds in separate bank accounts. It means that your money is kept separate from their business, and you will get your payouts, no matter what happens to the operator. Also, if you run into any major issues, each online sportsbook is partnered with a land-based casino or racetrack. So you can go to the gambling venue in person and speak to staff if needed. If your issues are still not resolved, you can contact the Lottery Commission for help.
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
What sports bets are legal in West Virginia?
Plenty. Sports betting apps in West Virginia offer bets on pretty much any sporting event imaginable. This includes popular events such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL and more niche events such as MMA, golf, and boxing. Even eSports betting is allowed in WV, giving bettors a whole range of exciting opportunities.
Once you’ve chosen your sport and team, you also have a choice of wagers to pick from. These include moneyline bets, point spreads, totals, propositions, futures, and parlays. Live in-play betting is also a popular choice, with wagers being placed after kickoff and early cashouts available before the game finishes.
Can I bet on college sports in West Virginia?
Yes, you can legally bet on college sports in West Virginia. There are no limitations in place, and you can even place wagers on your favorite in-state collegiate teams. However, high school betting is prohibited, and you won’t find any of these wagers on WV sportsbook apps.
Can I also bet on sports in person in West Virginia?
Yes, you can bet on sports in person in West Virginia. There are retail sportsbooks located in Hollywood Casino, Greenbrier, Mardi Gras, Wheeling Island, and Mountaineer Casino. So as long as you are 21, you can visit any of these sportsbooks to place in-person bets.
Can I bet anonymously at WV’s legal sportsbook apps?
No, you cannot bet anonymously on any of the West Virginia sportsbook apps. You must provide personal information when creating an account and have to verify it before making a withdrawal. To verify your account, you will need to provide proof of ID, address, and Social Security number.
Are more sportsbooks coming to West Virginia?
Yes, more sportsbooks are coming to West Virginia soon. Golden Nugget Sportsbook is most likely the next contender after signing a partnership with The Greenbrier Casino. With West Virginia betting laws allowing as many as 15 different operators to go live, there’s plenty of room for more sports betting operators to launch in the state.