Best West Virginia sports betting sites for US players in 2024
WEST VIRGINIA sportsbettors behold. With the expansion of legal gambling in the US, players in the Mountain State can now take part of the online sportsbetting action on legal licensed sites.
A question that we frequently get asked is if online sports betting is legal. Well, we have good news, and in a nutshell, the answer is yes. This can be traced to a pair of key decisions, starting with a 2011 DOJ opinion that handed the issue of legality to individual states.
However, at the time, the expansion of online sports betting was still prohibited per federal law. It wasn't until May 2018 that the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Act (PASPA), thus allowing states to offer sports betting.
Since then, 36 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation permitting sports betting. However, the rules, restrictions, and allowable bets vary by jurisdiction. As such, the information below applies to West Virginia sports betting.
Top West Virginia sports betting sites
Here are the best sportsbook offerings in West Virginia:
The legal state of West Virginia online sports betting
Here are some quick facts about the legal state of WV online sports betting with more details below:
- Sports betting, including esports, is permitted.
- All operators must be licensed by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
- There are no restrictions for collegiate sports, including in-state teams.
- Sportsbooks must have a physical retail location within state lines
- Mobile wagering is permitted.
Suffice it to say West Virginia wasted no time legalizing online gambling. In fact, a law was already on the books, and it took effect immediately once PASPA was repealed. Just three months later, the first bet was placed at Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Raceway, making WV the fifth state to allow sports betting.
In West Virginia, online sportsbooks are required to have a traditional brick-and-mortar location or be partnered with one that does. The state has five physical casinos, and each may host up to three different sportsbooks. Currently, nine are operating in WV, fewer than in other states. However, some of the biggest names in sports gambling are present, like DraftKings and BetMGM.
As for state law, bettors must be 21 or older when placing bets online or at retail locations. Wagering can be done through mobile apps or desktop browsers, provided you are physically present in the state, and this is verified using your device's geolocation services.
Who regulates online sportsbooks in West Virginia?
Online sportsbooks and casinos are regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
What to look for in a legit WV sportsbook
Here are some things to consider when choosing a West Virginia sportsbook:
- Licensing: We can't stress this enough, but always verify that the sportsbook in question is licensed by the WV Lottery Commission. Off-shore casinos may be popular with bettors, but they are illegal in WV. Likewise, you have little recourse if an operator refuses to pay out.
- Security: How is sensitive information like bank accounts and credit cards protected? Do they employ the latest security measures and protocols? What steps are taken to detect fraud or unauthorized account access? These questions should be answered before handing over any personal or banking information.
- Betting market variety: What betting markets are available? All online books cover the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, but what about less mainstream sports like bowling, handball, water polo, and swimming? Additionally, what betting options are offered (in-game, prop bets…etc.), as these vary by sportsbooks.
- Payment method variety: Are payment methods like credit or debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and e-wallets accepted? What is the processing time for deposits and payouts?
- Lucrative promotions: Whether you are new to online wagering or looking to test-drive a new book, shop around and see what promos they offer. They change throughout the year and often pop up before holidays and big sporting events like the Superbowl or West Virginia Derby.
- Quality customer support: Customer service goes a long way in retaining clients and can be said for any product or service. What CS options are available (live chat, telephone, email), and are issues resolved satisfactorily and timely manner?
What bonuses and promotions can I find for West Virginia online sports betting?
West Virginia sports books offer numerous bonuses and promotions such as:
- Bonus bets: Bonus bets are essentially free wagers, albeit with reduced winnings. As in, a winning bet means receiving the profit (winnings), not the initial stake. The flip side is that it applies to losing bets, and it's a great way for new users to experience online betting for the first time.
- Second chance bets: A second chance bet is just that, a second chance. Let's say you place a $500 outright bet on the Yankees over the Red Sox. All is going well until Boston wins the game in spectacular fashion with a walk-off home run. In this case, your initial stake of $500 is refunded in the form of a site credit.
- Deposit match bonuses: While less common than other promotions, sportsbooks sometimes match deposits up to a certain amount, and BetMGM is offering a 20% deposit match up to $1,500. Deposit match bonuses are generally for new users, but they sometimes appear throughout the year or as part of a loyalty or VIP program.
- Odds boosts: Sportsbooks frequently offer odds boosts, and they can increase your winnings. Odds boosts are frequently tied to a specific event and may include prop bets like who or what team will score first. As with all promos, we recommend following your favorite sportsbook on social media and opting to receive promotional emails.
Which West Virginia sports betting sites have the best bonuses?
New to online sports betting and wondering where to start or want to try out a new site? If so, here are some of our favorites:
1. DraftKings
DraftKings is one of the most popular sportsbooks around, known for its competitive odds and numerous in-game and prop bet options. Furthermore, they regularly host fantasy tournaments where players can compete against each other. The market coverage is excellent, and DraftKings stands out with frequent odds boosts and a top-notch loyalty program.
For new users, DraftKings is offering a bet bonus of $150 with a $5 cash bet.
2. BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the most established players in the gambling industry, with world-famous casinos and luxury resorts. Since PASPA was repealed, they entered the online sportsbooks market, and it doesn't disappoint. Overall, there are few complaints, and the user experience is excellent. BetMGM offers better-than-average odds, wide market coverage, reliable payouts, and a highly rated loyalty program.
Currently, BetMGM is offering new users a $1,000 bonus bet of up to $1,000.
What sports are the most popular for betting in WV?
Football is by far the most popular sport in WV. However, the state has several horse racing tracks, such as Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Raceway and Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort. Horse racing has a large following, attracting bettors and enthusiasts from around the country.
Which teams are the biggest favorites on West Virginia betting sites?
The hometown Mountaineers are by far the fan favorite. WVU has one of the NCAA's most successful football programs, winning 15 conference titles and making 39 bowl appearances. While no professional teams are based in West Virginia, the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Cavaliers have loyal followings.
Which bet types do WV sportsbooks offer?
There are many ways to wager in West Virginia, and below are some of the most popular:
- Point Spreads: A point spread is based on the point differential between two competitors. The favorite is depicted with a minus, and the underdog a plus. Let's say the spread for a Bengals/Steelers game is -10.5 Cincinnati and +10.5 Pittsburgh. In this scenario, the Bengals are the favorite and must win by at least 10.5 points. Alternatively, a winning bet on the underdog Steelers occurs should they win the game or lose by less than 10.5 points.
- Moneyline Bet: Moneyline bets are simply choosing the outright winner. If you pick the Steelers over the Bengals, all they have to do is win, regardless of the margin or final score.
- Over/Under: An over/under bet is based on the combined score for both teams. For example, a hockey game may have an over/under of 6.5. A wager would be placed on the total number of goals being more (or less) than 6.5.
- Prop Bets: Prop or proposition bets are not tied to a score or final outcome. They can cover an individual player's performance, such as the total number of rushing yards or how many strikeouts a pitcher will record in a start. It can also include things like who will score the first goal or the number of penalties. The possibilities are endless, and the availability of prop bets varies by sportsbook.
Is college sports betting popular in West Virginia?
Fortunately, there are no restrictions when betting on college sports and in-state teams. This is good news for anyone supporting hometown WVU Mountaineers.
What payment methods can I find at West Virginia sportsbooks?
Below are the most common payment methods accepted by West Virginia sportsbooks:
- Credit and debit cards: While most major cards are accepted, some banks may not process payments to online gambling accounts. In addition, card providers or sportsbooks may charge a fee when selecting this payment method.
- PayPal: A widely used digital wallet is PayPal, and it is a good alternative if your card provider restricts direct payments to gambling accounts. A PayPal account can also be used to receive payouts, and most sportsbooks offer this option.
- Bank Transfer: This is done through your bank, either online or in-person, and the money is transferred from your account to the sportsbook. However, keep in mind that many banks charge a fee for this service.
- ACH/electronic checks: Perhaps the best choice if you are not in a rush, as it usually incurs no fees. The process is similar to a paper check and may take a few days for the funds to clear.
- PayNearMe: If the options above are unavailable, bettors can get a payment code from the sportsbook and pay in cash at a local 7-11, CVS Pharmacy, or Family Dollar store.
How to place a sports bet online in West Virginia
Ready to place a sports bet online in WV? Here, we break it down step-by-step.
- Choose a sportsbook: When selecting a WV sportsbook, there are a few things to consider. First, look over the signup bonuses, promotions, and betting odds. Likewise, if you plan on frequenting a particular sportsbook, do they offer a loyalty reward program, and how does it stack up against its competitors? Lastly, always read the terms and conditions before registering.
- Sign up: This process should only take a few minutes and is the same as signing up for other services. You enter your personal information and verify your identity using a driver's license or SSN.
- Claim any bonuses: Most WV sportsbooks offer signup bonuses as means of attracting new customers. They may change throughout the year but are often found before holidays and big sporting events. Some of the most common are risk-free bets, deposit matches, and no-deposit bonuses. Again, always read the terms and conditions, as bonuses normally have to be used within a certain number of days.
- Make a deposit: This can be done in several ways, like debit or credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and cash deposits. However, keep in mind that some may incur additional fees, so check with your bank/card provider and sportsbook first.
- Place your bet: Once the registration and payment methods are squared away, it is time to place your first bet. However, if this is your first go at it, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the bet types and how to read the odds. Likewise, use any risk-free bets and deposit bonuses, if available, or start off with low amounts until you feel comfortable with the process.
- Cash out: Won a big bet and want to cash out? Fortunately, the licensed books in WV have a solid reputation for reliable payouts. Unlike deposits, the options are generally limited to PayPal, prepaid cards, or bank transfers. While the processing time varies by sportsbook, it usually does not take more than a few days.
West Virginia sports betting FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding sports betting in West Virginia.
What's the age limit for West Virginia sports betting?
You must be 21 or older in WV when placing a sports bet online or at a physical establishment.
Is betting on horse racing legal in West Virginia?
Betting on horse and greyhound racing is completely legal in West Virginia. In fact, the state is home to several tracks, such as Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort and Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Raceway.
Is DFS legal in West Virginia?
As Daily Fantasy Sports are viewed as a game of skill as opposed to chance, they are legal just about everywhere, including West Virginia.
Can I bet via mobile app in West Virginia?
Most sportsbooks have iOS and Android apps, and the rules are no different than using a PC or Mac. You must be physically present in WV when placing a bet.
Legal sportsbooks in other US states
Looking for legal sports betting action from another US state? Check out our lists with the best sports betting sites in the following states:
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
