West Virginia Sports Betting
Sports betting in West Virginia is legal.
Bettors located within state lines can bet online through licensed online sports betting apps or visit retail sportsbooks at casinos and race tracks to place wagers in-person.
West Virginia also regulates other forms of online gambling including online casinos and poker sites, online horse racing betting, and daily fantasy sports apps
In all, WV gamblers have access to a wide range of online gambling options that are legal, safe, and regulated.
Legal West Virginia Betting Sites
Bet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelporg (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. After 3 month free trial, the full price of League Pass will be automatically charged monthly; cancel anytime. No refunds. Terms, restrictions, and embargoes apply. Limit 1 pass per customer. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-888-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT) or visit FanDuel.com/RG.
$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000
Must be 21 or older and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org
NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
Up to $1000 in Bonus BetsFanatics Sportsbook Promo Code: Not Needed
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
(CO/DC/IL/KS/KY/LA/MD/OH/MI/NC/NJ/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800)-327-5050 or //gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or //ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV)
$1500 In Bonus BetsBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 981-0023 (PR). First bet offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for terms. US $1500 promotional offer not available in New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
21+ and present in WV. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net.
West Virginia Sports Betting Overview
West Virginia legalized sports betting by passing in April 2018. The first West Virginia sportsbooks launched in August 2018 and online sports betting began that December.
State law charges the WV Lottery Commission with overseeing the industry, adopting regulations, and issuing licenses.
Key things to know about West Virginia sports betting:
- State law enforces a minimum age of 21 to participate in West Virginia sports betting
- Five retail WV sportsbooks are live, one in each casino
- Each casino may operate up to three individual online betting platforms and associated mobile apps, also known as “skins”
- Customers must be physically located within state lines to bet online in WV but do not need to be residents
- West Virginia sportsbooks may accept wagers on professional sports, college sports, and esports
West Virginia Online Sports Betting Apps
Under West Virginia sports betting law, land-based casinos act as the primary license holders for online sports betting apps. Each casino may partner with up to three third-party sports betting service providers to operate online sports betting sites.
With five eligible casinos in operation, the West Virginia mobile betting market can support up to 15 online sportsbooks at maximum capacity.
West Virginia online sportsbooks accept customers who are 21 or older and are located within state lines when placing wagers. West Virginia sports bettors may register and deposit from out of state but must be located in West Virginia to place bets.
The following online sports betting apps are licensed in West Virginia:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betly Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
West Virginia Sports Betting Bonuses
A handful of national brand-name operators dominate the West Virginia online sports betting market, and each offers a welcome bonus to new customers as they compete for business.
Naturally, the best West Virginia sportsbooks feature welcome bonuses with customer-friendly terms and minimal wagering requirements.
West Virginia bettors may claim one or more of the sports betting bonuses detailed on this page by signing up, making a deposit, and placing real money wagers.
For sportsbook bonuses that require promo codes, bettors can enter them when signing up for accounts.
West Virginia Sportsbook Promo Codes
| Online Sportsbook | Promo Code | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM West Virginia Bonus Code | BUSABONUS | $1500 In Bonus Bets |
| Caesars Sportsbook West Virginia Promo Code | BUSA1000 | $1000 Bonus Bet |
| FanDuel West Virginia Promo Code | Not Needed | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win |
| Fanatics Sportsbook West Virginia Promo Code | Not Needed | Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets |
| BetRivers West Virginia Bonus Code | Not Needed | Second Chance Bet up to $100 |
| DraftKings West Virginia Promo Code | Not Needed | Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets |
| ESPN Bet West Virginia Promo Code | Not Needed | $1,000 First Bet Reset |
West Virginia Regulations On Bonuses And Promotions
West Virginia sports betting regulations require operators to conform to stringent standards of conduct covering everything from advertising to age verification.
In addition, the law requires the WV Lottery Commission Director to approve all advertising campaigns before launching.
As such, operators must offer bonuses that are fair and free of predatory terms and conditions or they risk losing their WV online sports betting licenses.
West Virginia sports betting laws do not go into too much detail on bonuses and promotions, but the provisions discussed above ensure operators treat customers well from start to finish.
West Virginia Sports Betting Locations
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races accepted the state’s first-ever sports wager on August 30th, 2018.
The casino initially launched with retail sports betting only and added online betting about a year later in partnership with DraftKings.
There are now five retail sportsbooks in West Virginia, one at each casino:
How West Virginia Legalized Sports Betting
West Virginia began the process of legalizing sports betting in 2018 with legislation to authorize retail sportsbooks and online sports betting.
The bill was contingent upon a change in federal law, which occurred when the Supreme Court struck down the federal sports betting prohibition (PASPA) one month later.
After the Supreme Court decision, West Virginia moved quickly to implement sports betting. The WV Lottery Commission approved needed regulations in June 2018 and sports betting began shortly after.
WV sports betting law allows casinos to apply for licenses to operate both retail and online sportsbooks.
The law sets an initial licensing fee of $100,000, renewable every five years along with a $100,000 renewal fee and sets the tax rate at 10%.
The Lottery Commission regulates sports betting in West Virginia.
The Commission oversees licensing, ensures compliance, and audits all licensees at least once a year. The Commission is also authorized to enter into agreements with other states and jurisdictions to facilitate cross-border sports betting.
West Virginia online sportsbooks are also subject to a multitude of regulations designed to protect the integrity of sports, ensure consumer protection, and to promote responsible gambling. Some of the most noteworthy regulations include:
- Licensed WV Casinos may take sports wagers in-person, online and via approved kiosks
- Wagers may only be accepted from customers who “have been affirmatively located as being physically present” in WV at the time the bet is placed
- West Virginia online sportsbooks are to report suspicious betting activity “to the integrity monitoring system procedures approved by the Lottery”
- Licensed WV casinos may operate sports betting kiosks in locations approved by the Lottery Director
- Each casino may operate up to three “individually branded online sports” betting websites
- West Virginia sports betting sites must verify the identities of all customers via last four digits of their Social Security numbers. Passports and taxpayer-identification numbers are also acceptable forms of identity verification
- Sports betting operators must maintain separate bank accounts for safekeeping of player funds
- West Virginia betting sites must use geolocation technology to ensure access is only granted to people physically present within state lines
West Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports
$500 Deposit BonusOwnersBox Referral Code: BUSA
18/21+ to play. Terms & conditions apply. See ownersbox.com for full offer details. If you or somebody you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call (1-800-GAMBLER).
50% up to $1000Underdog Fantasy Promo Code: BETUSA
18/21+, T&Cs apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXT-STEP to 53342; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPE line at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369) Learn more about Underdog Contests and how to identify highly experienced players at www.underdogfantasy.com/rules; Learn more about average results at www.underdogfantasy.com/average-results.
Play $5, Get $50PrizePicks Promo Code: BUSA
19+, T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.800gambler.org. If you are in Arizona, call the toll-free Arizona statewide helpline at 1-800-NEXTSTEP or text NEXT-STEP to 53342. You may also visit problemgambling.az.gov.
Numerous daily fantasy sports sites and pick’em apps are available in West Virginia for fans 18 or older.
West Virginia’s gambling laws do not explicitly authorize or prohibit fantasy sports sites, but a favorable opinion from the Office of the Attorney General has clarified that DFS contests are consistent with state law.
The one exception is player-vs-house pick ’em contests, which the state considers to be illegal sports betting if offered by entities lacking sportsbook licenses. However, several fantasy sports operators have launched peer-to-peer pick ’em contests that comply with state law.
Read more about DFS in West Virginia here:
West Virginia Horse Racing Betting
$200 Welcome BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: TWIN200
Void where prohibited. Terms and conditions apply. Offer for TwinSpires Racing only. See TwinSpires.com for details. Must be 18+ (21+ where applicable). For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Horse racing betting in West Virginia is legal, and regulated by the .
Horse racing fans in WV can visit Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Mountaineer Racetrack & Resort to bet on horse races in person.
In addition, Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras Casino offer live greyhound racing year-round.
All four casinos also offer simulcast racing betting for races held in other states.
West Virginia Online Horse Racing Betting
Online horse racing betting in West Virginia is also legal. The most popular horse racing betting sites are open to customers across the state age 18 or older.
West Virginia Online Gambling
Online casino games and poker sites are legal in West Virginia.
Under state law, each land-based casino may partner with third-party software providers to offer online gambling in West Virginia to customers who are 21 or older and physically located within state lines.
Regulations adopted by the WV Lottery Commission further specify that each casino may contract with outside providers to operate up to three individually branded online casino sites and mobile gambling apps.
The first West Virginia online casinos launched in mid-2020. Today, customers can choose from several WV gambling sites:
West Virginia Online Lottery
$3 Off First Tickets
Must be 18 or older to play the lottery. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Please visit Terms of Service at Jackpocket.com for full terms of service.
Lottery players can order West Virginia Lottery tickets online through the Jackpocket Lottery app from anywhere within state lines.
Jackpocket customers can buy West Virginia Lottery tickets online through the app and receive automatic payouts if they win.
The West Virginia Lottery also plans to offer online lottery sales through its website and mobile app beginning in October 2024.
West Virginia Gambling Laws
The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (WC Code §29-22E-1-24) was passed in March 2019 to formally legalize online gambling and poker throughout the state.
Under the law, the West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates online gambling and is in charge of issuing licenses, drawing up regulations as needed and overseeing the conduct of licensed operators.
Key Points From The West Virginia Gambling Law:
- Players must be 21 or older to gamble online in WV
- Customers must be located within WV state lines to participate
- Land-based casinos must pay a $250,000 application fee to offer online gambling, pay a $100,000 renewal fee every five years and are subject to a 15% tax on adjusted gross receipts
As the bill is written, West Virginia casinos have a wide range of latitude in the types of games they may offer. The Act names online slots, table games, and any other game authorized by the Commission.
Overall, the WV Lottery Interactive Wagering Act is a win for the industry and players alike.
Low tax rates and reasonable licensing fees combined with casinos being allowed to offer most games should give players access to a wide range of gaming options from multiple providers.
The WV Lottery issued additional regulations in July 2020 to clear the path for the state’s first online casinos to launch.
The online gambling regulations go to great lengths detailing how operators must ensure the fairness of their games, disclose all relevant information to customers, manage disputes and much more.
Some of the key points from West Virginia online gambling regulations include:
- West Virginia online casinos must adhere to strict responsible gambling protocols that include training for all employees on spotting the signs of problem gambling, prominently displaying phone numbers and links to problem gambling resources, methods by which customers may set deposit/spending limits and more
- WV online casinos must collect and verify each customer’s legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, e-mail address and the last four digits of each customer’s Social Security number
- Customers may fund their gambling accounts via credit card, debit card, checking account, cash in person, reloadable prepaid cards (such as Play+) and “any other means approved by the Direct” of the WV Lottery Commission
- The WV Lottery Commission may authorize operators to accept customers from out of state if WV has an agreement in place with that state and if that state also has legal online gambling – this rule opens the door for interstate online poker (i.e. allowing poker sites in WV to share tables with poker sites in other states)
Other WV Gambling Laws
of the West Virginia Criminal Code comprises the bulk of the state’s general gaming laws. § 61-10-1 makes it a criminal offense to keep any gaming table, machine, or device.
This section outlaws unlicensed poker games as it includes text that specifically classifies any table used to play cards as illegal.
§ 61-10-5 makes it illegal to participate in gambling, even if done at a private residence.
This section effectively outlaws home poker games even if they are played with friends and even if the house takes no profit. Here’s the key piece of text from that section:
If any person at any place, public or private, bet or wager money or other thing of value on any game of chance, or shall knowingly furnish any money or other thing of value to any other person to bet or wager on any such game, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than five nor more than three hundred dollars, and shall, if required by the court, give security for his good behavior for one year…
Responsible Gambling In West Virginia
West Virginia law requires licensed online sportsbooks and casino sites to encourage responsible gambling in their public communications, provide simple mechanisms for customers to set spending limits, and share information about local problem gambling resources.
In addition, the state directs a portion of revenue from land-based gambling to the West Virginia Compulsive Gamblers Treatment Fund.
The fund provides substantial financial assistance to the Problem Gambling Help Network (1-800-GAMBLER), which fields hundreds of calls and live chats annually.
Anyone with questions, concerns, or in need of immediate assistance related to problem gambling can use the following resources for help.
- 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- : Operates the 24/7 helpline, provides immediate counseling, connects callers with local therapists for free consultations, offers fully subsidized treatment programs for those without insurance; visit the website for problem gambling information, local support groups, licensed treatment providers, links to other resources, instructions for self-excluding, and help for the loved ones of problem gamblers
- : Call or text 844-435-7498 for addiction and self-harm support; visit the website for 24/7 live chat and gambling addiction treatment providers
- : Visit the website for upcoming Gamblers Anonymous meetings held across West Virginia
West Virginia Sports Betting And Gambling Self-Exclusion
Gamblers can self-exclude from all West Virginia casinos, online gambling, and sports betting for a minimum of one year. There are three ways to initiate a self-exclusion request:
- Enroll in person: Visit the lottery headquarters in Charleston or any West Virginia casino to apply for self-exclusion in person
- Enroll by mail: Download and complete the , and mail it to the address below
- Enroll online: Log in to any licensed online sportsbook to apply for its internal self-exclusion program
ATTN: David Bradley
West Virginia Lottery
900 Pennsylvania Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302
Note: Bettors must include a photocopy of a photo ID with all self-exclusion requests.
Important West Virginia sports betting self-exclusion points:
- West Virginia’s self-exclusion plan is less flexible than similar programs offered in other states; all self-exclusion requests automatically apply to all forms of gambling the Lottery Commission regulates
- The self-exclusion program lasts for one year, but it does not automatically remove bettors from the exclusion list; bettors may submit a reinstatement form after being on the list for one full year
- West Virginia sports betting sites and casinos maintain the right to extend any self-exclusion requests to their properties and platforms in other states.
- Self-excluded individuals who enter West Virginia casinos risk being escorted from the property and charged with trespassing
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQ
Wes Burns has more than a decade’s worth of experience as a writer, researcher and analyst in the legal gambling industry and is co-founder of ycgts.shop. As a former professional online poker player, Wes approaches his work from the viewpoint of players.