Sports Betting Sites in West Virginia

The best things come to those who wait, so goes the old saying. And how West Virginians have waited for online sports betting sites to reappear in The Mountain State.

Originally, locals could bet on sports via the Bet Lucky app launched in December 2018. Partnered with Delaware North and sports betting provider Miomni, the app was the sole online offering in WV.

WV is home to the two best US sportsbooks

Four months later the BetLucky app was off the table following a dispute between Miomni and a third-party technology provider. A temporary suspension turned into almost six months without an online sportsbook in West Virginia, a kick in the teeth for the industry’s image so early on, not to mention the loss of revenue.

The gloom finally lifted however when FanDuel and DraftKings both launched in August 2019.

In the years following, West Virginia saw more and more operators enter the WV market, and now bettors in West Virginia have the choice between 7 different online sportsbooks.

Take a look at the complete list of online sports betting sites currently live in West Virginia

Top 2 West Virginia Sports Betting Sites

Understandably, given the backstory and in light of everything that has gone before, many bettors in WV may be wary of online sports betting in WV.

But, rest assured, with well-established operators like DraftKings and FanDuel on board, online sports betting in WV is now in safe hands.

Here’s some background on the two WV sportsbooks we like the most.

Founded in 2009, FanDuel is the second largest Daily Fantasy Sports service in the US, behind DraftKings. After almost a decade establishing themselves within DFS, and emerging with a strong following, the move into the newly legalized US sports betting market was an inevitable one.

Would the transition have been as seamless without the guidance of European sports betting behemoth, Flutter Entertainment though? FanDuel was acquired in May 2018 adding to its collection of brands, also comprising Betfair and Paddy Power, and lead US operations following the legalization of US sports betting.

Having initially tested the water in New Jersey, FanDuel is now live with mobile sports betting in Pennsylvania and Indiana, in addition to WV. Only one other sportsbook can match such a total and domination...

Like fellow DFS and sports betting providers, FanDuel, DraftKings is also live in four states (NJ, PA, WV, IN) and, effectively, became the first legal mobile sports betting operator in the US following its launch in September 2018.

DK, founded three years after FanDuel, is widely considered as the best DFS option in the US. But in terms of sports betting, the Boston based company has, for the most, played second fiddle to FanDuel. In two of the most prominent markets - New Jersey and Pennsylvania - FanDuel has a tight hold of the market share.

West Virginia has provided DraftKings with some light relief in that sense. For the first time, it’s DraftKings leading FanDuel in the popularity stakes as the mobile handle testifies. Can they preserve their number one status ahead of their great rivals? Or will another sportsbook step forward and enter the fray?

Whether you’re still in the dark about the benefits of WV sportsbooks, or, still need some convincing to swap your favorite offshore betting site for a legit WV betting site, here’s why you should consider signing up to a WV sportsbook.

Safety guaranteed

Above all else, bettors crave a fun betting experience free of hassle and risk. The threat of having payment details compromised or winnings withheld isn’t a scenario you should have to contend with. As players ourselves we understand this more than most.

Legal sportsbooks give you peace of mind that your safety is guaranteed. Sportsbooks operating under WV online gambling legislation are fully vetted and only become licensed once they have met the regulations set out.

This is in stark contrast to offshore betting sites which offer little protection to players and are far from transparent.

The likes of Bovada, 5Dimes and numerous others have been able to associate themselves with online gambling across the US in the absence of a legalized industry. Truth is, such companies are not operating under US law for the sole reason they do not want to comply with the rules. In other words, they do as they wish without the fear of retribution.

Better odds

You want the best bang for your buck when it comes to odds, right? This is a given at legal WV sportsbooks where the market competition will ensure players are able to find better odds. Offshore betting sites do not have to drive prices down as they aren’t faced with direct competition within one specific.

Betting variety

There are no restrictions in terms of betting markets or sports you can bet on at West Virginia betting sites. Compare this with offshore sportsbooks where certain markets cannot be offered, live betting being a key one due to lack of technology. (Sports betting providers like Kambi are off-limits for offshore books). The depth of sports offered will also be limited to the most common, preventing you from betting on obscure sports and experiencing the whole package.

These are the questions you should be asking when it comes to recognizing legal sportsbooks in West Virginia.

Can you see the West Virginia Lottery Logo?

No sportsbook is allowed to operate in West Virginia without the say of industry regulators, the WV Lottery Commission. All sportsbooks licensed and operating according to H 2394, the WV sports betting bill, will display below logo at the footer of their platform.

Does the site promote responsible gambling?

Alongside the WV Lottery Commission logo, both WV sportsbooks are transparent in offering help for gambling addicts. Whether it’s a number to call or a website to visit, a legal sportsbook must advocate safe and responsible gambling and be proactive in their approach. This is seldom the case with offshore books.

Is there a wide range of deposit options?

A legal WV sportsbook will have many ways for customers to deposit money, in particular, the ones we use every day i.e. Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Prepaid Cards, ACH (e-check). If Bitcoin, money transfers and voucher systems are the only methods available, this is a warning signal you should pay heed to.

Does the book lag and/or run slow?

You’re taught as a young’un to never judge a book by its cover. But if a sportsbook doesn’t look like it belongs in 2019, then your guard should be up. WV sportsbooks are regulated as a result of a partnership between WV casinos and global technology companies. It’s these partnerships that ensure an online sportsbook has the best software to deliver a high-quality platform and level of service. From a basic appearance to slow loading pages, it’s easy to spot a sportsbook seemingly ‘behind the times’ these days. Bear this in mind.

West Virginians were without an online sports betting destination for the best part of six months and, at one point, may have wondered if the industry was to ever return. But it has. In some style too.

The Mountain State is a great place to be for sports betting

When you consider West Virginia is one of only four states - New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana the three others - with full-scale mobile wagering. And the choice of sportsbook in WV comprises the two best-performing companies in the US, The Mountain State is a great place to be for sports betting.

Now the market has begun to settle down and is showing signs of growth, you can expect online sports betting in West Virginia to go from strength to strength. With that will come added competition for the two blockbuster options already launched which is great news for sports bettors.

The more sportsbooks vying for market share, the better standard of sportsbooks will be on offer. Your only problem will come choosing between them. But help isn’t too far away.

Consider these key aspects when choosing your betting site in WV:

• All sports covered

The big four are a given at every US sportsbook. But so should less mainstream sports. To guarantee everybody is catered for, we look for sites with a wide offering of all sports, whether it’s popular in the US or not.

• Betting markets

Moneylines, point spreads, and totals make up a large percentage of wagers placed in the US. You don’t want to be restricted to only the basic wagers though. A deep selection of market adds more fun and gives you more opportunities for making money.

• Odds and Lines

The vast amount of information available nowadays means odds are fairly similar across the board. However, discrepancies do exist and well worth keeping an eye out for.

• Banking options

You won’t get far without depositing money into your account. While you need a reliable method to collect your winnings also. To say this is an essential factor would not be an exaggeration. That’s why we feature sites with several payment options that cater to the needs and preferences of everyone, making the process of moving money an easy one.

• Sign up bonuses & Promos

It’s no secret trying to find the best welcome bonus influences the decision of most bettors. But it’s not all about how many free dollars you get in return for your sign up! Consider also, the terms and conditions including turnover requirements, validity period and minimum odds. On the face of it, the offer may seem worth it. But digging deeper may reveal conditions you hadn’t taken into account.

• Betting features

The technology boom of the past two decades has transformed many things including how we bet. 20 years ago it would have been hard to envisage betting on a live event from your mobile phone whilst streaming it and having the option to cash out. Yet, such features are the staple of most sportsbooks now.