West Virginia Legal Online Sports Betting Guide For 2024
Despite the fact that no professional sports team calls West Virginia home, interest in legal US sports betting is alive and well in the Mountain State. West Virginia is a friendly gambling state that provides a welcoming environment for those interested in a variety of gambling venues. In August of 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state to launch domestic sports betting.
The legalities of sportsbook gambling in the US are complex at best, and figuring out the proper application of all relevant laws is challenging. There are legally sanctioned sports betting options available to West Virginia residents in 2024.
This guide will provide insight into the legal landscape as it relates to online and offline sports wagering in this region, as well as provide information on where to find the best USA sportsbooks that accept residents of WV and that are legitimately authorized and certified.
Best WV Online Sportsbook For 2024
BetOnline Sportsbook is our top recommendation for West Virginia sports fans seeking a legally sanctioned, secure and high quality betting experience online.
The selection of betting lines at Betonline.ag is substantial and their odds and paylines are comparable with the Vegas bookmakers. They were one of the first sportsbook brands to have an online presence in the US, and it shows.
- 50% Bonus Up To $250 For All USA Players
- Mobile wagering app that is compatible across all platforms and providers
- Authorization and certification provided from Panama City, Panama
- Play poker, casino, sports betting, and racebook all under one account
All USA Sportsbooks That Accept West Virginia Players In 2024
| Site Name | Current Bonus | Rating /5 | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |  | 50% Max $250 | 4.3 |  | Visit Site Review |
| 1 |  | 100% Max $1,000 | 4.5 | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 100% Max $2,500 | 4.2 | | Visit Site Review |
| 4 |  | 25% Max $500 | 4.2 | | Visit Site Review |
| 5 |  | 50% Max $200 | 4.1 | | Visit Site Review |
| 6 |  | 50% Max $500 | 4.1 | | Visit Site Review |
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In West Virginia As Of 2024?
Yes, WV residents can choose between state-licensed mobile sports betting apps and offshore sportsbooks that are certified by a government agency and authorized to service the United States.
Offshore online sports betting is legal in West Virginia as there are no laws that forbid it. This entails that residents of the Mountain State are not limited to state-regulated domestic sportsbooks and can legally place bets at authorized offshore sports betting sites that are operating legally within the industry.
There are no state or federal laws that make it a crime for US bettors, including those in West Virginia, from participating in online sports wagering as long as the destination at which those bets are placed is legally certified and subject to strict regulatory oversight.
The section below goes into the details of the US federal sports betting laws and how they impact sports fans in West Virginia.
How Federal Laws Impact Sports Betting In West Virginia
Just because gambling is considered to be legal inside of West Virginia doesn't mean that the federal government has taken a day off in their imposition of sports gambling. Since the 1960s, the federal government has really taken a stance against this type of gambling.
It all started with the Federal Wire Act of 1961. This act makes it illegal for domestic sportsbooks to accept money on bets from across state lines or from foreign entities. Simple enough in premise, but its wide reaching implications have prevented any type of US-based online sportsbook from operating in West Virginia.
Then you have PASPA, which is also known as the Bradley Act. Basically, this was the government's back-handed way to supposedly "protect" athletes, amateurs and pros alike, by making state-based sports betting an illegal activity.
PASPA was repealed by the Supreme Court of the United States in 2018 and gave states the rights to enact sports betting laws. West Virginia was one of the first states to enact laws and launch domestic sportsbooks across the state.
Lastly, we have the UIGEA, which is a relatively new piece of legislation passed in 2006 that places regulatory oversight for gambling related transactions. The law addresses US banks and payment processors and does not address individuals placing the bets.
None of these federal laws makes it illegal for US sports fans to place bets at legally sanctioned online sportsbooks that are certified, operated and located outside of the US.
Places to Gamble At Inside of West Virginia
The state of West Virginia doesn't have a whole lot of casinos yet, but you have to understand that they're relatively new players on the casino scene. To date, they have seven casinos, which include some that feature primarily slots, but also some that give you table games, large poker rooms, sportsbooks, and more. It all depends on which casino you visit while in West Virginia. And it will also depend on when you visit.
For instance, in a few years you can be sure that West Virginia will have more than a few casinos to boast about. The state is busy trying to make room for more gambling, after they've found out that offering gambling is a great way to earn revenue.
Some of the casinos in West Virginia include Big Buck's Bingo in Clarksburg, which is primarily a bingo hall but also features slots. They also have the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, which is a large establishment featuring slots, table games, entertainment, and quality rooms for patrons.
Another casino located in Chester, which you might pass if you don't know where it's at because it looks like a hospital, is the Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack.
However, far and away, West Virginia's biggest casino is the Hollywood Casino as the Charles Town Races. Not only does this casino feature a wide variety of racing, but you can also find a sportsbook, slots, table games, poker tables, and much more here.
The Hollywood Casinos was the first casino to launch a domestic sportsbook in West Virginia, several other WV casinos are expected to launch sportsbooks as well. Domestic sports betting laws were passed in the wake of PASPA's repeal.
WV Sports Teams To Bet On In 2024
Betting on the 2024 West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia might have just launched domestic sports betting this past year but not many residents will be betting on their Mountaineers to win it all next year. West Virginia lost a bunch of talent last year and will have to win some big games on the road if they wish to contend in the Big 12 championship.
West Virginians love their college football teams, and we cannot tell them any differently. The best we can offer here is some advice, and that starts with betting per statistical likelihood to win the bet, never as a fan who's rooting for a team to win. If you find yourself rooting on weekends, you're doing it wrong.
Odds To Win The NCAAF National Title: +12000