Every online sportsbook in WV offers the ability to place bets not only at home but also on the move using mobile sports betting apps. The majority of online betting sites in West Virginia give first-time players either bonus bets, bonus bets, or deposit bonuses which is a must to take advantage of when wagering on sports.
Online sports betting WV is available for the top professional leagues like NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, EPL, MLS, plus college football.
Can I Sports Bet Online In West Virginia?
Yes, sports betting in West Virginia is legal. It has been available in the state since 2018 when the WV state government passed the legislation. Online sports betting will be regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
Where Can I Place A Bet?
Sports betting in West Virginia is available anywhere if you have access to sports betting sites that work in the state. You can place a bet on one of many sports wagering sites available for use in the state. You can also bet at one of the physical WV sportsbooks at casinos around the state, including the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town.
West Virginia Sportsbook List 2024
There are currently three online sports betting sites in West Virginia:
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- William Hill Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
Do You Have To Live In West Virginia To Bet Online?
No, you don’t have to be a resident of West Virginia to place a bet, but you have to physically be in the state. That means out-of-state visitors can place bets at West Virginia sportsbooks.
Are Betting Sports Sites Legit?
Yes, West Virginia online sportsbooks are legit. The West Virginia Lottery Commission runs online sports betting activities in the state to ensure safety and put in place proper regulations.
Can I Win Real Money At A Sportsbook?
Yes, you can win real money at a sportsbook. These are real money sports betting sites where you are using real money to wager.
West Virginia Sports Betting Sites
BetLucky (Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island)
The BetLucky Sportsbook is not accepting new wagers, customers, or deposits as of 2020. The sportsbook was established for operation in West Virginia through the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Whether BetLucky will reopen in the future remains unclear.
People who have funds with BetLucky can still withdraw them through the PlayPlus system. They can also go to the Mardi Gras or Wheeling Island casino cages to get their funds. The rules vary by the casino apps that are available.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM was formed in 2018 as an online sportsbook connected with MGM Resorts. The site uses a lightweight proprietary software program to keep it running fast. BetMGM focuses on providing bets on sporting events throughout the world. It also offers Price Boosts where you could get a better line on a sporting event if you wager enough funds.
BetMGM provides a full site alongside a virtual casino and an online poker room. The site has some poker tournaments throughout the week, including sit and go events that pay out more money.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings started as a daily fantasy sports website and continues to offer DFS opportunities and games. It entered the sports betting world in 2018. The American company has been in the sports wagering field since 2012.
DraftKings provides wagering on all major sporting events. You can search through the site to find bets by league and country. You can also use the Flash Bet feature that lets you place multiple bets on the same match as it progresses. The interface lets you track how these bets are going as the game progresses.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is another website that started out as a daily wagering site. FanDuel also got into the sports betting field in 2018. Paddy Power Betfair owns FanDuel and operates it in West Virginia and other states.
FanDuel covers various live sporting events and other activities. You can place prop bets, futures wagers, and other things on the site. FanDuel uses a proprietary software system that keeps the site running and easy to read.
William Hill Sportsbook
William Hill is one of the oldest operators in the world and it is soon to be expected to be in West Virginia. The British company has been running since 1934. William Hill will provide digital betting in the future. In-person betting is available through various retail locations in the state, including at the Mountaineer Casino. The group provides information on sports bets and supports various sports. Soccer is the most popular sport available for betting through William Hill.
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet is a well-known sports betting site in West Virginia thanks to having two ways to wager: standard sportsbook odds, and the PointsBetting system that can add a multiplier to your bet and give you a chance at a huge payout.
You may also know PointsBet as the home of Good Karma Refund Payouts, which usually come when there’s a quirky event that affects bets. One of the most notorious refunds was for the 2019 NFC Championship Game between the Saints and Rams, where a missed pass interference call changed the game entirely. They have since done it numerous times to keep players happy in the midst of bad calls.
Why Play At Sports Betting Site Vs. A Land-Based Sportsbook?
There are plenty of reasons why West Virginia sports betting sites are better than physical sportsbooks:
- You can get a special welcome bonus for joining a WV sports betting site.
- Many WV online gambling sites offer promotions throughout the year, including for special events such as the Super Bowl.
- You can qualify for VIP rewards when playing at a sportsbook.
- It’s quick and easy to deposit and withdraw money.
- You can play on the go by accessing your betting account on your smartphone.
- The fast access allows you to place bets on more games from around the world.
- There may be more markets available for betting online vs. a land-based sportsbook.
- Live betting (in-game betting) is easy to achieve at the sports betting site.
- All the wagers you place are secured online. You don’t have to worry about losing physical betting slips.
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
A West Virginia sports betting signup offer gives bettors a special bonus that they can use toward making bets. These bonuses tend to come as a no deposit, first deposit, or bonus offer.
You can get these special offers by finding WV sportsbook bonuses and signing up. Sometimes a promo code is required, while at other times you just need to click the link.
Depending on the type of welcome bonus, there may be wagering requirements and other terms and conditions to take note of. We’ll explain each type of WV signup offer below.
Online Sportsbook Signup Offers
First Deposit Offer
A first deposit bonus is provided for your initial deposit. Many times, the sports betting website will match your deposit up to a certain amount. When you earn the bonus credit, you may have a playthrough requirement that must be met before you can withdraw your winnings.
No Deposit Offer
There are times when a WV sports betting site will provide a no deposit bonus or bonus bet. This special offer is given to you upon signup and there is no need to invest any of your own money (unlike a first deposit bonus). This allows you to try the WV sportsbook for free with the chance to win real money.
WV Sports Betting Apps
You can find West Virginia mobile sportsbooks on mobile apps. This allows you to play from anywhere on your smartphone or other mobile devices. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM all have sports betting apps for you to use.
West Virginia mobile sports betting apps are streamlined versions of the websites they support. You should have access to the same lines as what you’d get from a desktop site.
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone Or Other iOS devices?
Yes, West Virginia mobile sports betting apps can run on iOS devices. Check the App Store to see what’s open.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone Or Tablet?
Again, you can also use an Android device to run a mobile sports betting app. Visit the Google Play Store for details.
Do I Need To Create A Second Account To Play On An WV Mobile Sportsbook App?
No, you don’t have to set up a second account to play on an app. You can use the same account for West Virginia online sports betting, whether that’s on your mobile phone or desktop computer.
How To Download An Sportsbook App For iPhone
The process for downloading the app should work in the same as how you’d handle any other app on your iOS device:
- After clicking the “Get Bonus” link and signing up, go to the App Store on your device.
- Search for the sportsbook app you are interested in the most.
- Check the details on the app to confirm it is what you’re looking for right now.
- Click to download the app; the operating system will automatically install the program.
How To Down An Sportsbook App For Android
The rules for downloading for Android:
- Click on one of our “Get Bonus” links for the online sportsbook you want to use from your mobile device and sign up.
- Once you log in via the mobile site, look for an option to download the app.
- Sometimes the mobile website will have a popup that asks you if you want to download the app.
- Often, though, there is a download button at the bottom of the home page.
- After initiating the download, follow the on-screen prompts. Answer all the questions and allow the system to guide you through the download process.
- After you have completed the download, the app will pop up wherever your newly downloaded apps usually appear. After the initial download, the online sportsbook app will function like any other application present on your mobile device.
How To Sign Up To Sports Betting Site
The signing up process will vary slightly depending on the WV sportsbook, but these are the typical steps:
- Click on a “Get Bonus” link to qualify for a welcome bonus.
- Provide your information to the site, including your name, address, email, username and password.
- Once you finish registering, if there was a no deposit bonus, you may receive it in your account right away.
- If you’re ready for the first deposit bonus or a bonus bet, you can make the qualifying cash deposit to opt-in.
How To Deposit At A Sportsbook
You can deposit funds at a WV sportsbook with a few steps:
- Log in to your online sportsbook account.
- Select “Deposit Now” (or comparable phrasing). Deposit buttons are usually found at the top of the screen or on the menu.
- Enroll in the deposit method you are comfortable with and (if required) add your card.
- Choose the amount you wish to deposit.
- Review the total and any fees that might go towards the deposit. You can confirm the transaction at this point.
Check on the betting sites banking methods at the site you’re interested in the most. These rules may vary from sportsbook to sportsbook and there could also be deposit limits.
How To Withdraw From A Sportsbook
Here’s how you can withdraw from a WV sports gambling site:
- Confirm your identity with the sportsbook. You might have to fill out an online form or provide a scanned proof of identification.
- State how much money you’ll withdraw and what method you will utilize for collecting your funds. There might be a limit to how much you can withdraw at once.
- Confirm your withdrawal information. You should get your money within the designated time frame.
Some withdrawals may require a fee, but this is a rare occurrence. Review the terms of your sports gambling site.
Sportsbook Payment Options
There are many payment options available at online sportsbooks in West Virginia. The options will vary by the site as well as how long it takes for a transaction to complete.
Credit Cards
You can place a deposit with a credit card at most places. Visa and MasterCard are the most popular cards for use, but some sites also take American Express and Discover. You can complete a deposit right away, but you might have to wait several hours for a withdrawal to be completed. Some credit card companies may also charge fees for the transaction.
Debit Card
A debit card works like a credit card, but it links to a bank account instead of a line of credit. The rules for credit cards at West Virginia sports betting sites also apply to debit cards. You can use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit card, but the card options will vary by site. Don’t forget about the possible fees that may apply to a debit card transaction.
Play Plus
Play Plus is a reloadable payment option you can use when you fund a sports betting account. You can secure funds on a Play Plus account and transfer it to your sportsbook bank. You can complete the deposit right away. Some sportsbooks may accept Play Plus as a withdrawal option as well.
Prepaid Cards
A prepaid card from Visa or MasterCard includes money that is already on the card. You would have to activate the prepaid card before you use it for a deposit. You must also ensure the card works for online transactions, as not all cards will work.
PayPal
PayPal is a prominent money transfer system that provides a quick approach to moving funds. You can use PayPal as a deposit or withdrawal option. Due to the added security and quickness of the payment process, many bettors use PayPal.
Skrill
The Skrill money transfer system helps you move money from a bank or other account to a betting site in moments. Skrill simplifies transactions and can work for deposits or withdrawals. Skrill is popular among online casinos and that is no different from sportsbooks, especially since it does well in collecting currencies from around the world. It also provides a secure approach to managing funds.
PayNearMe
PayNearMe is a platform that supports fast transactions. It works for bill payments, but it can also work when you’re trying to fund a casino account while online. You can fund an account at your local 7-Eleven location. The system lets you transfer funds in moments, but it is not available for withdrawals.
ACH
An automated clearinghouse or ACH payment takes funds from your checking account automatically moves the funds to the sportsbook. The system is relatively quick and easy for deposits and withdrawals.
Check
You can request a check by mail when withdrawing your funds. It may take five or more business days to collect. Be wary of any fees tied to a check at the betting site.
Cash at the Casino Cage
You may be eligible to fund an account by going to a local casino in West Virginia and using cash at the casino or sportsbook cage. You’ve also got the option to withdraw funds at the casino.
What Is The Best Online Sportsbook In WV?
West Virginia currently has several great options for sportsbooks, but the best sports betting site may very well be DraftKings. They have been an industry leader for years, providing a ton of markets, promotions, and welcome offers. There’s a reason so many bettors love DraftKings.
New WV Online Sportsbooks
There are many online sportsbooks in West Virginia to note. These are sportsbooks that have been in operation for a while in many states and have reached West Virginia as of late. Here are a few of these options:
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings entered the West Virginia market in August 2019. If you’re a bettor, you likely know the name DraftKings. This site provides a plethora of markets and promotions, such as betting insurance and prize pool events.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Another site that entered the state in August 2019, FanDuel features bets on all the major sporting events. FanDuel offers odds boosts where you can win extra money if you place enough on wagers. There are multiple bonus options available on the site, including parlay insurance for wagers involving multiple sports. They are considered right at the top next to DraftKings.
BetMGM Sportsbook
The BetMGM also joined the West Virginia market in August 2019. BetMGM lets you save your favorite bets and leagues for easy access. You can also watch live streaming events and bet on them at the same time. You can also enjoy the casino and poker room all from the same app!
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet joined the fray in 2021, giving West Virginia an established name with an exclusive way of wagering with the PointsBetting system. They are one of the leaders in promotions, offering a lot of celebrity tie-ins and daily odds boosts that can increase your payouts.
Sports Betting Types
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a wager on entry to win a match. The wager does not take into account the margin of victory.
Point Spread
A point spread bet entails picking a team based on a margin of victory. You can pick the favorite to win by at least a specific total (the spread). You could also pick an underdog to either win or lose by less than the spread given.
Parlay
A parlay bet (also known as an accumulator bet) involves placing two or more bets, needing each bet to win in order to claim your prize. So you can get a greater payout, but you have to ensure all of the picks are correct.
Teaser
A teaser bet involves combining the bets on two or more selections. Teasers allow you to manipulate lines in your favor, but at the cost of a lesser payout.
Teasers are only applicable with spreads and totals, and the amount of points bettors are allowed to alter spreads and totals by varies based on the sport.
Prop
A proposition or prop bet involves picking on something that does not entail the final outcome of the match. The prop bet may involve something like how many points a player will score, or how much a team will score in one part of the match.
Over/Under
An over/under bet involves you picking how the combined score in a match will go. You can bet that the total score will be over or under a predetermined number.
Futures
Futures bets are wagers on events that will be resolved at a later date. These include lines on who will win a championship.
In-Play/Live
Live bets are for games that are taking place right now. You can wager on who will score next, the final score of a match, or who will win. The lines will change as the game progresses. You can check the front page of your sports betting website to see what live games are going on and what bets are open for your use. This is one of the best features of a West Virginia online sportsbook.
PointsBetting (Only on PointsBet)
PointsBetting is a feature where you will get a greater payout if your bet wins by more units or points. You could get a greater payout if you have a larger margin of victory on your bet. The feature is only available on the PointsBet betting site, which is now available in West Virginia.
Round Robin
A round-robin bet is a type of parlay that takes a larger bet and breaks them up into several smaller bets. Instead of one big parlay, you’d play several smaller parlays made up of the teams you selected.
What Sports Can I Bet On In West Virginia?
West Virginia online sports betting allows you to wager on various sports events. Here are some of the things you can find for wagering at online sportsbooks in West Virginia:
- NFL
- MLB
- NHL
- NBA
- Soccer
- Golf
- Tennis
- Combat sports
- Auto racing
Learn How To Bet On NFL Online
College Sports Betting
There are some specific rules surrounding college sports betting at sportsbooks in West Virginia. You can bet on many college games throughout the year, but you may have limits with what is available.
College Basketball
The college basketball season goes from November to March. You’ll find bets available for teams from around the country, including bets for the best conferences. You can also place bets during March Madness.
College Football
College football is among the most popular sports to find through sportsbooks in West Virginia. You can bet on games from August to January.
You can also place bets on college bowl games and playoff games in December and January. The playoff system uses a four-team knockout bracket to determine the winner. The games go through a rotating list of bowls, including the Peach Bowl, Cotton Bowl, the Rose Bowl Game, and the Orange Bowl.
Can I Bet On West Virginia College Sports Teams?
West Virginia law does not allow people to place bets on games involving West Virginia teams. The state regulatory board does not allow this to ensure that nothing could happen that might influence the outcomes of games involving teams in the state.
Can You Earn VIP Rewards From Sports Betting Site?
Yes, you can get VIP rewards from some WV sports gambling sites. These rewards are different from what land-based casinos offer, as an online site automatically enlists you in a reward program. A land-based casino may require a credit line or other review to allow you to join a VIP program.
An average VIP scheme entails you collecting points for every dollar you spend on the site. You can gain enough points to get free bonuses from the site. You could also qualify for exclusive deposit bonuses, extended withdrawal limits, and other things provided by some gaming halls.
You would only be able to convert your VIP rewards to a land-based sportsbook if that book also runs the website of interest.
The Legal History Behind Sports Betting In West Virginia
West Virginia is one of the first states in the country to have legalized sports betting. The state is among many to provide legalized betting since it became open throughout the United States in 2017.
West Virginia was the fifth state to offer legal sports betting. The state started taking bets on August 30, 2018, at the Hollywood Casino run by Penn National. The move came a few months after the West Virginia government passed a bill that allows the West Virginia Lottery Commission to regulate sports betting here.
In-person and online sports betting is available in the state. BetLucky started up as the first betting option in the state in December 2018. But that site shut down a few months later, plus some in-state organizations split with the Miomni sports betting group around that time. But many outside sportsbooks have come up with their proprietary sites to make sports betting available in West Virginia through online and in-person sites.
Authorized Online Sports Betting Vs. Illegal Sports Betting
There are several differences between authorized sportsbooks in West Virginia when compared to illegal or offshore sports betting sites.
WV Authorized Online Sports Betting
The West Virginia Lottery Commission approves of individual groups that wish to provide sports betting opportunities. The DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel are the three that are legal to run in West Virginia as of June 2020. William Hill will join that list soon.
Some positives from an authorized West Virginia:
- Legal sportsbooks are strictly regulated for safety, security, and fairness.
- Like online casinos, the sportsbook wallets of authorized WV sites are just as secure as your bank account.
- There is an abundance of information about odds, how the operator runs, and legal information.
Illegal Online Sportsbooks
There are various illegal online sports in West Virginia that are not run by the state’s lottery commission. These are places that operate in offshore areas. These sites are attractive to many players, but they may not be safe for use. The lack of regulation for some sites may be a concern to some bettors. The best thing you can do is to play on sites that are legal for use in West Virginia and confirm they are safe for your use.
Some other concerns from unauthorized sportsbooks:
- Scamming (especially with offshore websites) is commonplace, and there is no legal recourse.
- Illegal online sportsbooks do not need to protect your identity or financial information.
- Even illegal online sites with a ‘good’ reputation can turn on you, scam you, or refuse to give you your winnings, and there is nothing you can do about it.
Who Can Get An WV Authorized Sportsbook License?
An operator can acquire a license for operation in West Virginia for $100,000. The sportsbook operator doesn’t have to operate a casino. The runner can be a third party with a connection with a casino in the state. A 10 percent tax also applies for all revenues, a total significantly smaller than the taxes on other casino games.
West Virginia Lottery Commission
The West Virginia Lottery Commission is an organization that manages lottery operations around the state. The group focuses on administering lottery games and in enforcing their operations and development. The commission also works on accepting licenses for sportsbooks and managing who is legally open to run sports betting activities in the state.
Responsible Gaming
The West Virginia Lottery Commission provides several points for ensuring that people play responsibly. All lottery venues are asked to refuse to sell lottery products to minors. People can also request self-exclusion bans where they will not be allowed into gaming venues, primarily to prevent any gaming habits one holds from being a threat.
The organization also provides full assistance for people who have gambling addictions. The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia provides support for those who are struggling with such issues.
WV Betting Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gambling Illegal In WV?
Yes, gambling is legal in the state. You can wager at any casino or retailer that has support from the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
How Old Do I Need To Be To Gamble In WV?
You must be 21 years old to play on one of the sportsbooks or at a casino in the state.
Are WV Sportsbooks Safe?
Online sportsbooks in West Virginia are safe if they have the full support of the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The commission ensures that all operations available in the state are safe and fair to operate.
Can I Win Real Money At WV Sportsbooks?
Yes, you can win real money through these sports betting sites.
Can You Bet On College Sports In West Virginia?
While you can bet on college sporting events, you cannot place bets on games that involve teams that operate in the state. These include West Virginia University and Marshall University, among others.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In WV?
There are five physical sports betting sites available in the state. These are at the various casinos and horse racing tracks in the state. The Greenbrier private casino has a site for sports betting, but it is only available for hotel guests and members.
DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel operate legal online sportsbooks in West Virginia. William Hill will offer sports betting for the state in the future.
Is MyBookie Legal In WV?
No, MyBookie is not legal in West Virginia or in the US.
When Did Gambling Become Legal In WV?
Gambling has been legal in West Virginia since 1984 when the West Virginia Lottery Commission was formed. It wasn’t until 2018 that sports wagering would become open in the state.
Can I Bet On Sports With My PC or Mac?
You can place bets on various online sportsbooks in the state as long as they have the certification of the Lottery Commission.
Which WV Online Sportsbooks Accept PayPal?
FanDuel and DraftKings both accept PayPal at this time.
How Do WV Gambling Sites Acquire My Location?
A gaming site will collect your location by using a geolocation system. The site will check on your IP address and confirm that you are accessing a site outside the correct location. You will not be eligible to enter a website if you cannot prove that you are currently in West Virginia.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?
Yes, you have to pay 6.5 percent state taxes on your winnings. These are for totals that go over $5,000.
What Is Sports Betting Handle?
The handle is the amount of money that bettors will wager over a particular time. The total is different from the revenue, which is the money the sportsbook collects from the handle after it finishes paying out the winners.
Who Regulates Online WV Sportsbooks?
The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates sportsbooks and ensures they follow the appropriate rules for betting.
Are There Any Sports Betting Restrictions?
Betting is not allowed on any sporting events where someone under the age of eighteen is involved. Also, while Esports betting is legal in the state, events that entail participants under the age of 18 cannot be included for betting purposes.
What Are The Most Trusted WV Sportsbooks?
As long as the WV site is regulated and authorized by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, it is a trusted sport betting site in the state.
Read on to learn the best sports betting sites and how to bet on sports online in West Virginia.
If you would like to know more about problem gambling or think you may need to speak with some, you can find great resources on West Virginia’s Gambling help website about Self-Exclusion. You can also contact the helpline; 1-800-GAMBLER.