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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Launch Date: August 2018 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: Yes
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: Yes
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ImageRegulatory Body: West Virginia Lottery
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ImageLegal Online Sportsbooks: 9
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment Betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports Betting: Yes
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes, but betting window for Round 1 closes 24 hours before the draft begins
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ImageRemote Registration: Yes
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.
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Jan. 29, 2018
SB 415 introduced in the senate
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March 9, 2018
SB 415 becomes a law
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Aug. 30, 2018
Retail sports betting launches
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Aug. 26, 2019
Online sports betting launches
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March 30, 2022
HB 4826 becomes law, effectively legalizing betting on eSports
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March 29, 2023
DraftKings launches its "SK Horse" app for horse racing bettors
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Feb. 29, 2024
HB 4700 passed, allowing the state lottery to ban those who harass or harm athletes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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ImageNCAA – West Virginia Mountaineers: West Virginia football dominates television screens on Saturdays in the fall in the Mountain State. The Mountaineers went 9-4 last season after a disappointing 2022 campaign. West Virginia’s football program has produced notable alumni such as Marc Bulger, Pat McAfee, and Bruce Irvin. West Virginia’s men’s basketball program had Sweet 16 appearances in 2015, 2017, and 2018 and Jerry West is its all-time leading scorer.
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ImageNFL – Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens won Super Bowl titles in 2001 and 2013 and are happy to have annual Super Bowl MVP Lamar Jackson under contract. West Virginians in the Northwest part of the state are more apt to have ties to the Browns or Bengals, while many of those in the north closer to Pennsylvania cheer for the Eagles and Steelers. Like Ravens fans, Commanders fans are also found because of West Virginia’s proximity to the Baltimore/D.C. area.
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ImageNBA – Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers won the NBA Finals in 2015-2016 thanks to LeBron James and they made the playoffs the last two seasons under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was replaced by Kenny Atkinson. Because of its close proximity to Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., it’s also common to see 76ers and Wizards fans spread throughout West Virginia.
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ImageMLB – Baltimore Ravens: The Orioles won the AL East last season at juicy +2500 odds and have a good core to build around. Baltimore last won a World Series in 1983 and it’d be a mighty big celebration if they could bring another title home. Depending on what part of West Virginia you’re in, it’s common to see fans of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Washington Nationals too.
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ImageNHL – Washington Capitals: The Capitals can usually be counted on to make the postseason, but last season they let some fans in West Virginia down after getting swept by the Rangers. Since 2007, the Capitals have only finished under .500 one time (2022-2023 season). Because West Virginia borders Pennsylvania, it’s common to see Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers gear being proudly worn throughout the state too.
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.