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Best WV Sports Betting Sites
Below is our list of the best betting sites available in West Virginia:
WV Sports Betting 2021
West Virginia sports betting was approved months before the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. West Virginia was one of the first states with legalized sports betting.
Each of the casinos with sportsbooks is licensed by the state. The sportsbook is often branded after its partner brand. Several of these physical sportsbooks are also connected to digital platforms.
West Virginia’s sports betting license allows each licensed casino to offer up to three different branded sportsbook platforms. The state’s legislation requires the sportsbook to show the name of the casino to which the license was granted.
The state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos are approved for licensing, which means anyone 21 or older can bet on sports in-person at the sportsbooks. (Bettors should note that one of the casinos, the Greenbrier Resort, only permits gambling by hotel guests and club members).
Each online sportsbook is reachable from desktop browsers or smartphones using its partner brand’s sports betting app. Whether you have an iOS or Android device, there are dedicated apps available to download for each sportsbook brand.
How We Pick the Best WV Sports Betting Sites
Among the most important factors we consider at Bookies.com when choosing the best WV online sports betting sites:
- Safety and security: We only recommend online sportsbooks that are licensed by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, which regulates sports betting in the state. The commission is charged with “establishing a secure, responsible, fair and legal system of sports wagering.’’ We never recommend betting with offshore-based online sportsbooks, which are not licensed and operate with little or no oversight.
- Software and user experience: Your West Virginia online sportsbook should be user-friendly and easy to navigate with software that is functional and responsive, both on desktop and for mobile betting.
- Bonuses and promotions: Online bonuses are standard fare to sign up new players, but not all bonuses are the same. Some are more restrictive, requiring significant play before the bonus money can be redeemed. We help determine which bonus offers are the most lucrative and look for frequency of other promotions, such as odds boosts.
- Odds and prices: Your sportsbook should offer the sports and type of wagers you want to play, at the most competitive prices. You should be able to place parlay bets, props, teasers, totals and moneyline wagers in West Virginia.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia approved sports betting in 2018, the fifth state to do so. The first land-based sportsbook began operations in August of that year, with online sports betting in West Virginia launching in December 2018. As of June 2020, five retail sportsbooks and three online betting sites were operating in West Virginia, with more online betting sites expected to join the market.
Bettors must be as least 21 years old, and all sports wagers must be placed within the state of West Virginia.
Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in WV
The most obvious benefit of online sports betting is convenience. Online sports gambling allows you to bet from your home computer or mobile device from anywhere within the state, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No need to drive to the sportsbook or casino, or to stand in line to wager.
Wagering online also allows you to shop for the best prices instantaneously via computer or smartphone, rather than making trips to different sportsbooks looking for the best odds on games you want to bet. Online wagering is simply more efficient.
It’s also far easier to track your performance with online sports wagering, either through your account balance or win/loss statements, which are provided to you for free.
West Virginia Land-Based Sportsbooks & Locations
Bettors can make in-person sports wagers at any of these West Virginia facilities:
| Sportsbook | City | Operator | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | Charles Town | Penn National | Aug. 30, 2018 |
| The Greenbrier Casino Club | White Sulphur Springs | FanDuel | Sept. 13, 2018 |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort | New Cumberland | William Hill | Nov. 21, 2018 |
| Mardi Gras Casino & Resort | Cross Lanes | IGT | Jan. 31, 2020 |
| Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack | Wheeling | IGT | Jan. 31, 2020 |
Complete List of WV Online Sportsbooks
| Skin | Land-Based Partner | Tech Provider | Date Launched |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook | The Greenbrier | FanDuel | Aug. 26, 2019 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races | DraftKings | Aug. 28, 2019 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | The Greenbrier | BetMGM | Jan. 21, 2020 |
| William Hill Sportsbook | Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort | William Hill | Sept. 4, 2020 |
| Betly Sportsbook | Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras | IGT | September 2020 |
A Closer Look at Each West Virginia Sportsbook
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
The first WV sportsbook to open, located just off the state’s biggest casino gaming floor. Closest WV sportsbook to Washington D.C. (about 70 miles) also offers live thoroughbred racing.
Licensed Sportsbook/Skins
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (land-based) - opened Aug. 30, 2018
- DraftKings Sportsbook (skin) - opened Aug. 28, 2019
Retail: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Amenities: Sportsbook located just off the casino floor near high-limits slots area. Lounge seating, individual viewing stations, 24 odds-display monitors, 80-inch TVs.
Owner: Gaming and Leisure Properties, operated by Penn National Gaming.
Location, phone number: 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 | 1-800-795-7001
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 10 a,m.-1 a.m.; Friday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m-2 a.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Note: subject to change due to social distancing, health and safety protocols
Skins
DraftKings: Longtime market leader in Daily Fantasy Sports now battles rival FanDuel in national sports betting marketplace. State leader in total betting handle.
The Greenbrier Casino Club
The Greenbrier is a private resort, offering a legal sportsbook and casino to guests and club members. Resort maintains a dress code, with jackets required for gentlemen after 7 p.m. (collared sport shirts before 7 p.m.). Greenbrier is the first sportsbook in WV to have to two online partners (FanDuel, BetMGM).
Licensed Sportsbook/Skins
- FanDuel Sportsbook (land-based) - opened Sept. 13, 2018
- FanDuel Sportsbook (skin) - opened Aug. 26, 2019
- BetMGM Sportsbook (skin) - opened Jan. 21, 2020
Retail: FanDuel Sportsbook
Amenities: Located in private casino, open to overnight guests or members. Club chairs, 21 large screen TVs, international dining options. The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark, located about 80 northwest of Roanoke, Va.
Owner: Justice Family Group, LLC. CEO Jim Justice is Governor of West Virginia.
Location, phone number: 300 West Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 | 1-855-453-4858
Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-midnight; Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m-1 a.m.
Note: subject to change due to social distancing, health and safety protocols
Skins
FanDuel: Operates both the online and land-based sportsbook for The Greenbrier. A market leader in Daily Fantasy Sports and one of the leading online sportsbook operators nationally. FanDuel briefly offered 2020 presidential election betting in WV, but closed the market at the request of the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
BetMGM: Third online sportsbook operator to launch in WV after DraftKings and FanDuel. Operates sports betting apps in New Jersey, Nevada and Indiana and recently launched in Colorado.
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort
Mountaineer is located on the northern edge of West Virginia, about 50 miles from both Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio. Facility includes live horse racing and was the first race track in the U.S. to add slot machines and become a racino.
Licensed Sportsbook/Skins
- William Hill Sports Book at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort (land-based) - opened Nov. 21, 2018
Retail: William Hill Sports Book at Mountaineer
Amenities: Property includes live thoroughbred racing mostly year-round, off-track betting areas. Sportsbook features huge multi-screen video wall.
Owner: Vici Properties, operated by Century Casinos.
Location, phone number: 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047 | 1-800-804-0468
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Note: subject to change due to social distancing, health and safety protocols
Skins
William Hill. The William Hill online sportsbook went online in West Virginia in September 2020. The famous UK-based bookmaker merged with Caesars Entertainment in late 2020.
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island opened land-based and online sportsbooks in late 2018, but suspended operations three months later due to a contractual dispute between Delaware North, which owns the two properties, and wagering partner Miomni Gaming. The physical sportsbooks reopened in January 2020. The online operation relaunched in September 2020 with Betly.
Licensed Sportsbook/Skins
- Betly Sportsbook (land-based) - opened Jan. 31, 2020
Retail: Betly Sportsbook
Amenities: Property features year-round greyhound racing. Sportsbook features full wall of TV screens, teller windows, betting kiosks.
Owner: Delaware North, sportsbook powered by IGT.
Location, phone number: 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 | 1-800-224-9683
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
Note: subject to change due to social distancing, health and safety protocols
Skins
Betly. This sportsbook is a partner with both Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island casinos.
Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack
Sportsbook reopened in January 2020 under a new agreement between owner Delaware North and IGT. Wheeling Island is located about 60 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
Licensed Sportsbook/Skins
- Betly Sportsbook (land-based) - opened Jan. 31, 2020
Retail: Betly Sportsbook
Amenities: Property features year-round greyhound racing. Sportsbook located on main casino floor with multi-screen video wall, casual loungers and high-top tables.
Owner: Delaware North, sportsbook powered by IGT.
Location, phone number: 1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-232-5050
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
Note: subject to change due to social distancing, health and safety protocols
Skins
Betly. This sportsbook is a partner with both Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casinos.
Sports Betting Apps in West Virginia
Mobile apps offer huge advantages for sports bettors, most notably convenience and the ability to check odds and lines at multiple sportsbooks simultaneously. Whether you use iOS or Android, all of the apps can be downloaded from your sportsbook operator’s site or the App Store. It’s easy and free of charge.
FanDuel WV: has one of the most downloaded apps in states with legal sports betting. Partnered with the Greenbrier Casino Club, the FanDuel sportsbook app contains all of the most popular sports and wagering options, along with a live (in-game) betting feature and bet slip option.
DraftKings WV: Tops the state in online sportsbook revenue and is among the leading national operators. Partnered with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, DraftKings offers easy-to-use sports betting app that works quickly and adjusts well to smaller screen size. Offers live betting and betting slip option.
William Hill: Leading global operator agreed to be acquired by Caesars Entertainment in 2020, merging two sports gambling powerhouses. William Hill is partnered with the Mountaineer Casino in the northern par of the state, where it has a retail location. It is a top online sportsbook operator in several states, including Nevada.
BetMGM: Partnered with the Greenbrier Casino Club, the BetMGM app has all of the same wagering options as the browser platform. Many betting options are available with odds boost promotions, depending on the sport and day of the week.
A breakdown (below) of West Virginia online/mobile sportsbooks and partners. Each licensed WV casino or racino is entitled to three skins.
| Licensing Partner | App | Date Launched |
|---|---|---|
| The Greenbrier | FanDuel | Aug. 26, 2019 |
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | Draft Kings | Aug. 28, 2019 |
| The Greenbrier | BetMGM | Jan. 21, 2020 |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack | William Hill | Sep. 3, 2020 |
| Mardi Gras Casino | Betly | September 2020 |
| Wheeling Island Casino | Betly | September 2020 |
Bonuses & Promotions at WV Sports Betting Sites
West Virginia online sportsbooks offer a variety of bonus offers to sign up new players. Most include playthrough requirements, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions. Among the most popular bonus offers:
Risk-free bets: If your first sports bet loses, the player is credited with a bonus bet of the same amount.
Deposit match: Make a first deposit and your online sportsbook will match that amount, sometimes up to 100%.
Odds boosts: The sportsbook operator will boost the odds for a specific team or proposition bet, lowering or eliminating the house advantage. For example, if the Pittsburgh Pirates are +170 odds to beat the Chicago Cubs, the sportsbook may boost the odds to +200 or higher.
Parlay insurance: Occasionally offered on parlays of four teams or more. If all of your teams win except one, your parlay wager is refunded. Teams that are big moneyline favorites may be excluded.
Loyalty programs: Points or credits, earned for each dollar wagered at your online sportsbook, can be redeemed for cash when specific thresholds are met. The more you wager, the higher the rewards.
Sports Bets Offered in West Virginia
- Moneyline: A wager on a team to win a game based on moneyline odds set by the sportsbook. No point spread. If the Pittsburgh Steelers are -140 to beat the Cleveland Browns (+120), a bettor must wager $140 to win $100 on the favored Steelers, or $100 to win $120 on the underdog Browns.
- Point Spread: A team is favored to win a game by a specific number of points or goals. Bettors choose the favorite or underdog with their respective odds. Let’s say the Steelers are a 3-point favorite over the Browns. To cash a bet on the Steelers, they must win the game by more than 3 points. To cash on the Browns, they must win the game or lose by two points or less. If the Steelers win by 3, it’s a push and the bet is refunded.
- Parlay: A wager on two games or more. All selections must win for the parlay to cash. The more teams in the parlay, the higher the odds and payoff.
- Totals: A wager that the final score will be over or under the combined points/goal of both teams in a particular game.
- Futures: A wager on a team or player to be determined at a later date. Examples of NFL futures bets are wagering on a team to win the Super Bowl before or during the NFL season. In golf, you can bet on a player to win the PGA Championship before the tournament tees off.
- Teasers: Allows the bettor to adjust a point spread in exchange for reduced odds. The bet is often made in a parlay format. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs are 10-point favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals. In a 6-point teaser, the bettor could select the Chiefs -4 or the Bengals +16. The same six-point adjustment is applied to all other games in the parlay. The reduced parlay payout depends on how many points are teased.
- Round Robin: A bettor constructs three different two-team parlays and cashes if one of the parlays wins. A round robin offers less risk than a traditional parlay, but also less reward.
- In-Game: Wagers placed after a game has started. A wide range of betting options may be offered, from adjusted point spreads to real-time proposition bets, such as how many points will be scored during the first quarter of a particular NBA game. Online sports books use computer algorithms to set in-game wagering odds and the action moves quickly.
What Sports Can I Bet on in West Virginia?
The West Virginia betting menu is vast, including all the major sports leagues and major NCAA Division I football and basketball, including games involving West Virginia schools. The list includes soccer, golf, tennis, motorsports, boxing, mixed martial arts and several international sports.
How to Sign Up for WV Sportsbooks
The sign-up process is simple and free. The only money you’ll need is to fund your account.The first step is to visit the website of your online sportsbook. You can click on our recommended list above and be taken there to claim a special signup bonus. You will be guided through a registration process and asked to provide:
- Name
- Date of birth
- E-mail address
- Cell phone number
- Address
- Last four digits of Social Security number
The last four digits of your Social Security number are necessary for the online sportsbook to verify your identity and age, and occasionally you will be asked for the entire number. All bettors must be at least 21 years old and legal wagers must be placed within the state of West Virginia. Geolocation technology pinpoints your location.
After your account is set up, claim whatever bonus offers you choose to accept and select one of the banking options to fund your account. Once funds are deposited, you are ready to wager.
If you experience any sign-up issues, WV online sportsbooks offer technical support on their apps, toll-free numbers, email or online chats.
Payment Options for WV Online Sports Betting
FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM accept several payment options. Among them:
Play+/casino prepaid cards: Some WV online sportsbooks have their own prepaid cards which can be funded with a credit card or checking account. Successful prepaid card transactions process instantly, so you don’t have to wait for a physical card to begin wagering.
PayPal/e-wallets: Online accounts that secure bank or credit card information, allowing for fast, easy deposits. PayPal is the most popular e-wallet, but some online sportsbooks may only accept Neteller.
Debit/credit cards: All WV online sportsbooks accept credit and debits to fund an account, making it the most convenient and popular option. But be aware that some financial institutions still reject gambling transactions as a matter of policy, and others treat these transactions as a cash advance and charge higher fees.
Bank transfer/ACH: The equivalent of an electronic check. A direct connection is established between the online sportsbook and your checking account. Widely accepted, low fees, though transactions may take longer than other methods.
PayNearMe: A cash-only deposit option with no credit cards or bank account needed. Simply bring your cash to a West Virginia 7-Eleven, Family Dollar or CVS Pharmacy and a barcode will transfer the funds to your online account.
How to Deposit and Withdraw and Online Sportsbooks in West Virginia
West Virginia online sportsbooks want to make it as easy as possible to deposit and withdraw from your account, but not all share identical options. In terms of deposits, the options listed above are generally accepted.
Withdrawals are also available in a variety of methods. Processing times vary, but the quickest way to receive your funds is through e-wallets, Play+ and prepaid cards. ACH/bank transfers take longer. If you’re in no hurry to receive your funds, some WV online sportsbooks will mail a check if you request one.
Note that credit/debit cards are generally not a viable withdrawal option. That means if you make a deposit with a credit/debit card, you will need an alternative method to withdraw funds.
Latest West Virginia Sports Betting Numbers
WV SPORTS BETTING HANDLE & REVENUE, MAY vs. APRIL
| Total handle | Mobile handle | Revenue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | $25.485M | $18.382M | $2.688M |
| April | $26.498M | $19.830M | $1.952M |
| Change | Down 3.8% | Down 7.3% | Up 37.7% |
Note: West Virginia reports numbers weekly rather than by calendar month. May represents May 2-29; April represents April 4-May 1.
Updated June 7
LATEST NEWS: West Virginia May Sports Betting Handle Dips; Revenue Rises
WV Sports Betting History
1986: West Virginia establishes state lottery. First lottery ticket is sold in January.
1987: State allows for video lottery terminals at Mountaineer Park.
1994: State lawmakers pass legislation allowing VLTs to be operated at all state racetracks (and eventually bars).
2007: Tables games and poker are legalized and allowed at state’s pari-mutuel horse tracks (Charles Town, Mountaineer Park) and greyhound tracks (Wheeling Downs, Mardi Gras), transforming them into racinos.
2008: Voters approve referendum allowing casino authorization at The Greenbrier, which opens its Casino Club in 2010.
2016: West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says wagering on Daily Fantasy Sports is legal under state law.
2018: State legislators legalize sports betting in March, pending the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Professional and Amateur Sport Protection Act, which is overturned in May. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races accepts state’s first legal sports bet in August.
December 2018: BetLucky.com is state’s first online sportsbook to launch, but ceases operations three months later due to dispute between racino owner Delaware North and betting partner Mionmi Gaming. Dispute also closes retail sportsbook at two racinos for nearly a year.
March 2019: West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act is passed, legalizing online gambling and online poker.
August 2019: FanDuel and DraftKings fill the online sports betting gap vacated by BetLucky.com.
January 2020: Delaware North reopens retail sportsbooks at its two racinos with new partner IGT.
May 2020: Lottery Commission approves emergency rules for online gaming in the state. Online casinos likely to begin operations later in the year. Permanent rules expected to be approved in 2021.
References
About the Author
Chet Fussman
Chet Fussman is a writer for Bookies.com. Fussman is a former horse racing writer and longtime sports editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He's a poker and blackjack player and frequent sports bettor, who plans to send the U.S. Supreme Court a thank-you card for clearing the way for states to adopt sports wagering. Fussman's philosophy: Don't let the bad beats overshadow your winning ones.
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