The overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 paved the way for states to decide whether or not to legalize sports betting.
Though West Virginia was one of the first states to do so—taking its first bet in September 2018—there were no online sportsbooks operating there for awhile after BetLucky ceased operations in March 2019.
It wasn't until August 2019 that FanDuel and DraftKings launched in WV, bringing back online sports betting to the state. Since then, a number of other sportsbooks have joined the party. Our top picks for the best betting sites in West Virginia are FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics, BetRivers, and DraftKings.
To help you decide which online sportsbook in WV is best for you, we analyzed each in a variety of categories. As sportsbooks change their products and as more books launch in WV, we will update this guide so you can always find the best options.
List of All West Virginia Sportsbooks
Below you will see our picks for the best WV sportsbooks ordered by overall rating. We also found which each sportsbook was “best” at so you can find one that fits your needs.
Our ratings are based on various categories, including odds, promos, market variety, UX, banking, and support.
Best Online Sportsbooks in WV
- FanDuel: Best Overall
- Caesars: Best Odds Boosts
- BetMGM: Best Features
- Fanatics: Best for Live Betting
- BetRivers: Best for Fast Payouts
- DraftKings: Best for Props Betting
- ESPN BET: Best Moneyline Odds
- Betly: Decent Welcome Bonus
- Golden Nugget: Decent Promos
1) FanDuel: Best Overall
FanDuel made its West Virginia debut in August 2019, partnering with The Greenbrier to run a retail sportsbook at the resort.
For my money, FanDuel is the best sportsbook in West Virginia. They nail it in all the key areas—user experience, market variety, competitive odds, and promotions—basically everything WV bettors should prioritize when choosing a platform.
What really sets FanDuel apart is their creativity in building betting markets. I love their season specials, like the bet on Alex Ovechkin to score his 895th career goal during the 2024-25 season and break Gretzky’s record. Their NFL playoff props are another standout, with unique offerings like hypothetical matchups and “futures fusion” bets, where you can wager on how two teams perform across the playoffs.
That said, there’s still room for improvement. A loyalty program for regular bettors would go a long way, and I’d like to see them ease up on pushing parlays so heavily. Redirecting some of those resources toward more bettor-friendly options would be a welcome change.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If Your Bet Wins
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Check out my full FanDuel Sportsbook review here.
2) Caesars: Best Odds Boosts
Caesars entered the West Virginia market on August 4, 2021, a little later than some of its competitors. They secured market access through a partnership with Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort.
While Caesars Rewards is often the headline feature, the sportsbook brings much more to the table. They offer an excellent selection of futures markets across major sports, competitive odds for straight bets, and an incredibly user-friendly app.
What really grabs my attention—and likely every bettor’s—is their odds boosts. Caesars offers by far the most daily odds boosts of any sportsbook in West Virginia, with over 40 available daily. These boosted lines cover various sports, including niche markets like Formula 1 and NASCAR, allowing bettors to find value in unexpected places.
The main drawbacks? Caesars tends to process withdrawals a little slower than its competitors—expect a few extra days compared to other major sportsbooks. Additionally, their odds for some prop bets don’t always stack up well against other books.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 20 Bets
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Check out my Caesars Sportsbook review here.
3) BetMGM: Best Features
BetMGM went live in West Virginia on Jan 21, 2020. Their retail partner is the Greenbrier.
BetMGM has plenty going for it, with some of its strongest highlights being competitive odds for NFL and college football, an excellent variety of game props (check out their Signature Bets for the NBA), and a ton of promotions to keep things interesting.
What I like most about BetMGM are its features. Two tools, in particular, stand out: Auto Cash Out and Edit My Bet. Auto Cash Out lets you lock in winnings or cut losses automatically based on preset conditions. Edit My Bet allows you to tweak active parlays—change a selection, reduce your stake, or remove a leg entirely. Both features can seriously elevate your betting experience.
Where BetMGM could improve is app functionality. The desktop platform feels sluggish at times, and there are occasional bugs on the app that could use fixing.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
Check out my BetMGM Sportsbook review here.
4) Fanatics: Best for Live Betting
Fanatics entered the West Virginia market on November 15, 2023, after acquiring PointsBet. Their retail partner in the state is Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races.
Fanatics took the solid foundation PointsBet built and elevated it. Their biggest selling points include sharp odds (especially for prop bets), lightning-fast app responsiveness, and an innovative loyalty program called Fan Cash Rewards, where you can swap loyalty points for apparel and gear.
When it comes to live betting, Fanatics is always the first app I open. Their micro-betting options are excellent, letting you wager on in-the-moment events like the outcome of the next play. Plus, they offer live streaming on select games. Bet $1 or more on eligible events (including NFL games), and you can watch the action live through the app. If you’re out and about, it’s a seamless way to follow a game you’ve bet on.
The biggest shortcoming is that Fanatics doesn’t have a desktop platform, which might be a dealbreaker for some. On top of that, the app’s interface isn’t my favorite—it can feel a bit clunky and might confuse new users unfamiliar with the layout.
Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 81/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet & Get Up to $2k in FanCash
- Best Features: Valuable sign-up bonus, competitive prop odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Confusing interface, no desktop site, quick to limit winners
- Number of Sports: 15
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: FanCash Rewards
Check out my Fanatics Sportsbook review here.
5) BetRivers: Best for Fast Payouts
BetRivers was a late arrival in West Virginia, launching on June 8, 2022, through a partnership with Mountaineer Casino.
Despite the delayed start, BetRivers wasted no time making up ground. Their standout qualities include broad sports coverage, excellent teaser odds, and the popular iRush Rewards program.
What sets BetRivers apart the most, though, is their fast payouts. They process payments faster than most competitors, often delivering winnings within just one day—something that’s hard to beat in this industry.
Where BetRivers falls short is in app functionality. The experience is hindered by random connectivity issues, constant promo pop-ups, and a cluttered newsfeed that takes up too much space on the right side of the screen.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
Check out my BetRivers Sportsbook review here.
6) DraftKings: Best for Props Betting
DraftKings was part of the first wave of online sportsbooks to launch in West Virginia, going live in August 2019. They teamed up with Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races to gain market access in the state.
Nationally, they’re neck and neck with FanDuel for market share, and for good reason. DraftKings rarely misses in any key area. They’re especially strong in market depth, big-time promos, and extra tools like their stats hub, which can uncover some valuable nuggets to help shape your picks.
Where DraftKings truly shines, though, is their props markets. They offer an unmatched variety of props across all major sports. For example, during last year’s NFL playoffs, they had creative markets like game leader props, 1st of game props (e.g., first sack, first reception), and player specials like Jayden Daniels to have 10+ rush yards in each quarter. Their creativity in this area really sets them apart.
That said, their odds aren’t as competitive as some of the other sportsbooks that are higher up on my list, which is why they rank a bit lower here. Plus, DraftKings has a reputation for imposing strict betting limits on successful bettors, which can frustrate sharp players.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Check out my DraftKings Sportsbook review here.
7) ESPN BET: Best Moneyline Odds
ESPN BET launched in West Virginia on November 14, 2023, alongside its nationwide debut, partnering with Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races for its retail presence.
While ESPN BET isn’t my go-to sportsbook, there are a few things they get right that make them worth a look. They offer solid sports coverage, an excellent live betting platform, and some unique prop bets you won’t find elsewhere—like betting on whether a quarterback won’t score a touchdown.
What I like most about ESPN BET is their moneyline odds. After months of tracking the market, I found that ESPN BET consistently charges the lowest vig on moneyline bets among all major sportsbooks. If moneyline wagers are your thing, they’re a must-add to your line-shopping routine.
That said, the user experience could use some serious work. The betting layout feels clunky, and they desperately need better organization—especially when it comes to separating prop bet categories instead of lumping them all together in one spot.
ESPN BET Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Check out my ESPN BET review here.
Other Betting Sites in West Virginia
Betly: Good Welcome Bonus
Betly is a smaller sportsbook that launched in West Virginia on September 2, 2020, through a deal with Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island Casinos.
Golden Nugget: Nice Promos
Golden Nugget entered the West Virginia market in late 2020 through a partnership with The Greenbrier. By October 2021, they upgraded to Scientific Games’ Open Gaming platform, enhancing app functionality.
How We Rate Online Sportsbooks in West Virginia
At Odds Assist, our mission is to provide transparent, unbiased ratings to help you find the best sportsbook for your needs in West Virginia. With the market constantly evolving—new features, changing promotions, and fresh competition—we keep our Editorial Ratings up-to-date to reflect these shifts.
Each sportsbook we evaluate is put through a rigorous rating process. Here’s what we consider:
- Odds (20/100): Assesses how competitive a sportsbook’s odds are across key sports markets in West Virginia, focusing on vig and overall value for spreads, moneylines, and totals.
- Sign-Up Bonus (15/100): Rates the size and value of the welcome bonus, including fairness of terms like restrictions, expiration, and wagering requirements.
- User Experience (UX) (15/100): Examines platform layout, speed, ease of navigation, and features like biometric login for apps used by West Virginia bettors.
- Features (7.5/100): Includes tools like Same Game Parlays, cash-out options, live streaming, bet modifiers, and unique features that enhance the betting experience.
- Market Depth (7.5/100): Evaluates the variety of betting options, including props (player and team), alternate lines, futures (e.g., championship winners), and period-specific bets.
- Customer Reviews (5/100): Gathers feedback from Google Play, the App Store, and platforms like Reddit, focusing on user satisfaction and performance in West Virginia.
- Live Betting (5/100): Reviews the availability and quality of live odds, micro-betting options (e.g., next scoring play), and live streaming across sports popular in West Virginia.
- Promotions (5/100): Looks at ongoing promos tailored for West Virginia bettors, such as parlay boosts, odds boosts, loyalty rewards, bonus bets, and early cash-out offers.
- Support (5/100): Evaluates the responsiveness and reliability of live chat, email, phone, and social media support for users in the state.
- Odds Boosts (5/100): Rates the frequency and value of odds boosts offered for major sports and local matchups in West Virginia.
- Limits (5/100): Considers how quickly successful bettors in West Virginia are hit with betting limits and whether these limits seem reasonable.
- Banking (5/100): Assesses deposit and withdrawal options, payout speed, and the range of payment methods available for bettors in West Virginia.
To learn more, check out our full Ratings Methodology page.
All Online Sportsbooks in West Virginia
West Virginia has had ten online sportsbooks since the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415) was put into law.
However, BetLucky closed its virtual doors in the state in March 2019 and new operators, such as Betly, appeared in 2020, settling the total number of licensed operators to five.
That number might not be final, however, considering the law permits up to 15 online sportsbooks in the state.
Here’s an overview of all available online sportsbooks in WV and their land-based partners:
Sportsbook | Affiliated With | Tech Provider | Launch Date | Intro Promo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Greenbrier | Flutter / IGT | Aug 2019 | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | |
| Hollywood Casino | SBTech/Kambi | Aug 2019 | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket | |
| The Greenbrier | Roar Digital | Jan 2020 | Up to $1,500 Back If Your First Bet Loses | |
| Betly | The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort | IGT | Sep 2020 | Up to $100 in bonus bets |
| Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort | Caesars Entertainment | Aug 2021 | Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings On Your Next 10 Bets | |
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Race | Banach Technology | Nov 2023 | Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | |
Mountaineer Park | RSI | June 2022 | Second Chance Bonus Bet Up to $100 | |
Hollywood Casino | Proprietary | Nov 2023 | Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets | |
Golden Nugget | The Greenbrier | SG | late 2020 | $250 Bonus Bet |
Physical Sportsbooks in West Virginia
If betting in person is more of your thing, then you can visit one of the following retail sportsbooks in land-based casinos in West Virginia.
- Hollywood Casino in Charles Town – 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort – 1420 Mountaineer Cir, New Cumberland, WV 26047
- The Greenbrier – 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – 1 South Stone Street Wheeling, WV 26003
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort – 1 Greyhound Dr, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
West Virginia Sports Betting Timeline
As mentioned earlier, sports betting in West Virginia began only months after the end of PASPA in 2018. The Mountain State first passed a completely new law in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to bring down all laws that impeded the growth of sports betting.
Here are some of the most important moments in West Virginia’s path to the full legalization of retail and online sports wagering in the state.
- January 2018: State Sen. Ryan Ferns introduces bill S 415 that aims to regulate and legalize sports betting. The bill becomes law without Gov. Jim Justice’s signature due to a possible conflict of interest.
- March 2018: West Virginia legalizes sports betting on collegiate and pro sports competitions despite it still being federally illegal.
- August 2018: FanDuel receives an interim sports betting license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
- August 2018: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races takes the first bet from Delegate Jason Barrett. Barret placed a $50 futures bet on the West Virginia Mountaineers to take home the national championship.
- December 2018: Mardi Gras Casino & Resort and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack establish retail and online sportsbook BetLucky.
- March 2019: BetLucky ceases to exist.
- August 2019: FanDuel and DraftKings launch their respective mobile apps in West Virginia, only 48 hours apart.
- January 2020: BetMGM launches its own mobile app and online sportsbook in the state through a partnership with The Greenbrier, making it the second skin of the casino.
- September 2020: Mardi Gras Casino & Resort and Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack are back on track with a new sports betting app called Betly.
- August 2021: Caesars releases its new Caesars Sportsbook app in West Virginia to replace the existing William Hill brand.
- March 2022: West Virginia lawmakers expand the state’s sports betting law to include esports, allowing bettors to wager on professional video game tournaments.
- June 2022: Licensed sportsbooks start taking bets on virtual events after the passage of HB 4826.
- March 2023: A new law gives the West Virginia Lottery Commission the power to ban bettors who harass or threaten athletes.
- April 2023: House Bill 2821 becomes law, letting taxpayers deduct gambling losses from their state-adjusted gross income—so long as they’re itemized under federal rules. The change is retroactive to 2020–2022, but deductions can’t exceed reported winnings.
- August 2023: WynnBET pulls out of West Virginia, shutting down its operations in the state.
- November 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in West Virginia after buying PointsBet’s U.S. operations.
- July 2024: Regulators in West Virginia issue a cease-and-desist order to Bovada, banning the offshore sportsbook from operating in the state.
- October 2024: West Virginia sportsbooks hit $50 million in monthly handle for the first time since January, showing a strong recovery in the market.
- December 2024: VIP Play, Inc. secures a deal with Delaware North to enter the West Virginia market. Their sportsbook and online casino are set to launch in early 2025 under the Wheeling Island Casino license, just in time for college football season.
West Virginia Sports Betting Rules & Regulations
The West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415) dictates sports betting in the state.
Currently, placing bets on WV-based and global professional and collegiate sporting events is entirely allowed. Only high school-level events are off-limits.
Each online sportsbook is required to have a land-based casino partner. Casinos can have up to three skins—meaning, they can partner with up to three betting companies.
Who Can Register with Online Sportsbooks in West Virginia?
Anyone that is 21 or older can register for an account with West Virginia’s online sportsbooks. However, to place a real money bet, you have to be physically located in the state—this goes for both residents of the state and its visitors.
Here is what the registration process looks like after you choose a sportsbook:
- Go to the sportsbook’s website and look for the “Register” or “Join” button.
- Fill in necessary information for registration.
- Deposit money via one of the available methods.
- Take advantage of the intro bonus for new customers if you’d like. Be sure to read the fine print!
- Have fun and remember to gamble responsibly.
Bear in mind that licensed and regulated bookmakers will have West Virginia Lottery Commission’s stamp on their pages, a clear signal of their legality and fairness. Playing in offshore online sportsbooks is prohibited and foremost dangerous since you can’t be sure of the site’s fair practices.
Is Geolocation Required?
All states—including West Virginia—are required to use geolocation software to ensure that users are within West Virginia’s borders.
If you are betting on mobile, the apps will use your phone’s built-in location tracking. If you are betting on your computer, you will likely have to download the GeoComply app or a similar software to verify your location.
What Types of Markets Can I Bet On?
West Virginia’s sportsbooks are home to virtually hundreds of different markets. The only restriction applies to high school sports, which are strictly off the limits.
You can bet on all professional and collegiate sporting events without restrictions, so if you are a fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers or other local teams, you can place wagers on them. This is different from some other states that don’t allow you to bet on college teams in the state.
Also, live betting (and cashing out of bets) is allowed in West Virginia.
Here are some of the most popular types of sports bets in WV:
- Moneylines
- Spreads
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Futures
- Teasers
- Prop bets
- Parlays
- Round robin
Licensing Details & Tax Rates
As we have pointed out, the main gambling regulatory body in West Virginia is the West Virginia Lottery Commission. It awards licenses and imposes taxes on all online gambling operations.
Here’s a quick rundown of the rules that pertain to sports betting licensing procedures and taxes in WV:
- All sports betting operators must pay a $100,000 application fee.
- The renewal fee is also set at $100,000.
- The tax levied on all gross sports wagering receipts is 10%.
- Net profit from the taxes are deposited into the State Lottery Fund until the sum reaches a total of $15 million, after which the funds will be distributed to the Public Employees Insurance Agency Financial Stability Fund.
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in WV since 2018. Currently, five land-based casinos run retail betting shops and there are five online sportsbooks, as well.
What is the legal gambling age for sports betting in West Virginia?
The minimum legal gambling age in West Virginia is 21.
Can I bet from my mobile device in West Virginia?
Absolutely. All licensed sportsbooks offer dedicated Android and iOS mobile apps to their users and most have websites as well. Remember, you have to be within the state borders to place bets and will have to allow access to your location to verify that you are.
Do I have to be a West Virginia resident to place bets?
No, you just have to be physically located in WV to place bets with WV sports betting sites.
Is Bovada legal in West Virginia?
Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are technically not legal in the United States—including West Virginia—as they aren’t licensed and regulated by states’ gaming commissions.
Is there a maximum betting limit in WV sportsbooks?
Each sportsbook sets its own maximum betting limit. You need to check with the site of your choice to learn more about the minimum and maximum wagering limits.
What sports can I bet on in West Virginia?
You can bet on all major sports in West Virginia, including basketball, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, MMA, ice hockey, horse races, and more.
Is betting on horse racing legal in West Virginia?
Yes, betting on horse racing is currently legal and available in WV.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports legal in West Virginia?
Yes, DFS has been legal in WV since 2016.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
All gambling winnings in West Virginia are fully taxable and must be reported as income.
