West Virginia Sports Betting Apps Licenses
West Virginia state became one of the first new markets for legal sports betting in-person at commercial casinos and racetracks and has aggressively embraced sports wagering since PASPA was overturned in 2018. Not only that but it was also one of the first to launch online sports betting, which is now available everywhere in the state.
The WV legislature officially authorized sports betting in the state in 2018 after failed attempts in the two years prior.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Ryan Ferns enjoyed bipartisan support and a relatively smooth path through both chambers, though it remained inactive until the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA two months later. At the time, the Mountain State was just the fourth in the country to legalize single-game wagering.
Despite certain interference by the governor and the sports leagues, diligent regulatory work facilitated the launch of WV sports betting in time for the following NFL season.
The state’s first legal bet was placed at Hollywood Casino on Aug. 30, 2018, and the first online sportsbook (BetLucky WV) subsequently debuted on Dec. 27. Although the latter no longer exists, several more-reputable online/mobile options have come to the market since.
Requirements to Obtain a WV Online Gambling License
Licensing Costs
West Virginia requires operators to initially pay $250,000 for an internet gambling license. Licenses last for five years and come with a $100,000 renewal cost.
Online casinos and poker sites must cover a 15% tax rate. Meanwhile, internet betting operators pay a 10% rate.
List of Eligible WV Land-Based Casino Partners
Internet gambling operators must partner with one of West Virginia’s land-based casinos. The state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos are:
- Hollywood Casino (Charles Town) - Owned by Penn National, this racino features over 2,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room.
- Mardi Gras (Cross Lanes) - Owned by Delaware North, Mardi Gras offers almost 1,000 slots and a poker room.
- Mountaineer (New Cumberland) - Mountaineer features a poker room, a thoroughbred racetrack, 1,100 slots, and over 30 table games.
- The Greenbrier (Greenbrier County) - Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier resort received permission from the state to launch a private casino in 2008.
- Wheeling Island (Wheeling Island) - Also owned by Delaware North, Wheeling Island spreads over 1,100 slot machines and a poker room.
Suppliers license requirements.
1 Supplier license
The commission may issue a supplier license to a person to sell or lease interactive wagering equipment, systems, or other gaming items necessary to conduct interactive wagering, and offer services related to such equipment or other gaming items to a West Virginia Lottery Enr. HB 2934 14 interactive wagering licensee while the license is active.
The commission may establish the conditions under which the commission may issue provisional licenses, pending completion of final actions on an application. The commission may adopt rules establishing additional requirements for a West Virginia Lottery interactive wagering supplier and any system or other equipment utilized for wagering. The commission may accept licensing by another jurisdiction that it specifically determines to have similar licensing requirements, as evidence the applicant meets West Virginia Lottery interactive wagering supplier licensing requirements.
Supplier specifications
An applicant for a supplier license shall demonstrate that the equipment, system, or services that the applicant plans to offer to the interactive wagering licensee conform to standards established by the commission and applicable state law. The commission may accept approval by another jurisdiction, that it specifically determines have similar equipment standards, as evidence the applicant meets the standards established by the commission and applicable state law.
License application and renewal fees
Applicants shall pay to the commission a nonrefundable license and application fee in the amount of $10,000. After the initial one-year term, the commission shall renew supplier licenses annually thereafter. Renewal of a supplier license will be granted to any renewal applicant who has continued to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, upon submission of the commission-issued renewal form 24 and payment of a $10,000 renewal fee.
Inventory
A licensed interactive wagering supplier shall submit to the commission a list of all interactive wagering equipment and services sold, delivered to, or offered to a West Virginia Lottery interactive wagering licensee in this state, as required by the commission, all of which must be tested and approved by an independent testing laboratory approved by the commission. An interactive wagering licensee may continue to use supplies acquired from a licensed interactive wagering supplier, even if a supplier’s license expires or is otherwise canceled, unless the commission finds a defect in the supplies.