West Virginia Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting platforms offer a convenient and easy way to bet on all your favorite sporting events.
Many online sportsbooks also offer generous bonuses and rewards programs that can add up to big savings over time
Most modern sportsbooks offer valuable information and statistics that can help you make informed decisions about your bets. If you're careful and responsible, online sports betting can be a fun and exciting way to add an extra level of excitement to your favorite sport.
Is Online Betting Legal in West Virginia?
Yes. Following the signing and passage of the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act ( Senate Bill 415), online betting is legal in West Virginia. As of 2022, West Virginia residents can enjoy sports gambling across multiple online sportsbooks and race truck casinos.
After the Supreme Court declared PASPA unconstitutional, West Virginia's legislature took affirmative steps to legalize sports betting in the state. In 2018, West Virginia became the 5th US State to join the league of states with regulated sports betting industries.
Do You Have to Live in West Virginia to Bet Online?
No, you don’t have to be a resident of West Virginia to bet online. But you do have to be physically located within the state’s borders to place a bet. People living in neighboring states where online betting is not permitted may also cross the border into the Mountain State to enjoy online betting.
Before you can place sports bets in West Virginia, sportsbooks use geolocation software to confirm that you are within the state's borders.
Bettors should be aware that they will not be able to avoid using geolocation software by using VPN apps.
What Sportsbooks are Legal in West Virginia?
As of 2022, the list of legal, licensed, and regulated sportsbooks that operate under West Virginia’s jurisdiction includes the following:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Betly Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
Launched in August 2019, FanDuel is one of the oldest sports books in West Virginia. The sports betting platform offers a variety of bonuses and promotions that can be applied towards different ports. Daily special parlay wagers and improved odds lines are also available.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings joined West Virginia’s regulated sportsbook market by collaborating with the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town. Its list of unique features include stats and analysis for different events. Most games have a dedicated tab that provides players with a stat analysis of each team’s recent form, right alongside the action.
Betly Sportsbook
In January 2020, Betly Sportsbook became the retail sports betting provider for both Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras Casinos. However, due to a contract dispute with a former associate, Minomni, both sites were forced to shut down all sports betting services temporarily, thus effectively ending the ‘BetLucky’ brand, which had formerly provided sports betting services at both locations.
Caesars Sportsbook
Following the acquisition of the famous bookmaking company William Hill, Caesars Sportsbook started operations through a partnership with the Mountaineers Casino Racetrack & Resort for both online and retail sports betting.
Rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook in 2021, the sports betting platform is a popular pick with residents. Caesars offers multiple options for players to redeem their comp points. It is possible to bet on a variety of national and international sports, with a deep selection of lines on each event.
PointsBet Sportsbook
Connected with NBC Sports, PointsBet specializes in in-play and live wagering on sporting events. This connection can be seen through their highly popular Points Betting feature, where player chooses a line, such as the final score in basketball or the combined time of goals in soccer, to determine if the outcome will be under or above. They then give each point a bet value. Wins are decided by how many points a player gets right, while losses are determined by how many points they go wrong.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool launched its operations in West Virginia through a partnership with Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races on November 22, 2021. This was followed by the rebranding of the retail sportsbook at the Hollywood Casino to ‘The Barstool Sportsbook at Charles Town Race.’
As a result, bettors can now take advantage of promos offered by the bookmaker, such as risk-free bets, merchandise specials, odds boosts, and more.
How Old Do You Have to be to Sports Bet in West Virginia?
You must be 21 years or older to participate in sports betting in West Virginia.
Is it Okay to Bet on an Unlicensed Site?
No, it is not. Playing on an unlicensed site exposes you to security threats ranging from personal data theft to a rigged betting setup. In contrast, licensed sites are actively monitored and regulated by the state government to ensure that they always put players first.
Some typical experiences of bettors’ dealings with unlicensed sportsbooks include:
- Delayed payouts (over 30 business days)
- Absence of customer service support
- Refusal to pay out winning bets (partially or wholly)
- Sportsbook making off with deposits in their entirety.
- Unsecured websites get hacked, leaving customers’ data vulnerable.
- Sportsbooks site selling bettors’ financial and/or personal information.
If you experience any of the issues above while dealing with an unlicensed sportsbook, there’s no ‘umpire’ to provide remedy or compensation for your grievances. With a licensed bookmaker, however, you can seek redress from the government-appointed regulatory agency.
How do I identify if a WV Sportsbook is Licensed or Unlicensed?
Look for the Sportsbook’s License
It is common practice for reputable online sportsbooks to boldly display their “license to operate” on their websites. Some legitimate sportsbooks go out of their way to ensure their licenses are easy to find, while others hide them in their terms and conditions.
If a sportsbook is legitimate, their West Virginia Gaming license number will be referenced in small print on their website. A sportsbook license is evidence that the company has submitted its financial records to third-party legal audits and passed the checks.
That said, the presence of a displayed license does not mean a sportsbook is trustworthy in all instances. Some sportsbooks post fake or outdated licensing agreements on their websites. Research the licensing status of your preferred bookmaker before committing your funds to them.
Bonuses that Are Too Good to Be True
Another way to identify unlicensed sportsbooks is through the massive bonuses they offer to lure bettors to their sites. If the terms and conditions of these bonuses appear too good to be true, they probably are.
Sudden Shutdown of Book-to-Book Transfers
Some sportsbooks allow bettors to move money from one sportsbook to another in what is called a “book-to-book transfer”.
When a sportsbook suddenly stops you from doing this, it’s not a good sign. Most likely, it is because other sportsbooks have decided not to work with them. The reason for this might be due to fraudulent practices, or they’re about to go bankrupt. Essentially, other sportsbooks avoid doing business with the dishonest sportsbook as a way of protecting themselves.
Quality of Website Design
The user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designs of a reputable sportsbook’s website should be professional, efficient, and quick. This should be the case whether you are wagering on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
If you are navigating a sportsbooks site and a number of pages are not functional or responding, review it's licensing status.
Reputable sportsbooks have sufficient finances to provide sites that seem professional and function properly.
Quality of Customer Support Services
One of the best indicators that you’re dealing with a dependable and accountable sportsbook is the customer service response time. If you send an email and don’t receive a response for weeks, or if your phone calls go unanswered consistently, it’s a sign you’re dealing with a questionable online sportsbook. Every licensed and respectable sportsbook has a well-equipped customer support department. The response time should never exceed one day.
Frequent Payment Delays and Frequent Account Audit
Unlicensed and illegal sportsbooks usually come up with different excuses to avoid paying out winnings. Such sites are not to be trusted. You should be wary of a sportsbook that regularly makes excuses for delaying your withdrawal or claiming that your account needs to be audited. Most likely these techniques are deployed to avoid paying out winnings.
Sportsbooks Invoking Retroactive Terms
If you’re not receiving your winnings because of changed terms and conditions, you are probably dealing with a fraudulent sportsbook.
Such sportsbooks usually bring up retroactive terms and conditions to avoid paying bonus money (e.g. a sportsbook charges rollover requirements from 10x to 30x without any notice or justification). Also, these bookmakers may alter the terms of their parlay payout to rationalize why they are paying you less than you deserve.
Is it Okay to Join More than One Betting Site?
Residents can have accounts with as many bookmakers as they like. However, the idea of having multiple betting accounts with the same sportsbook is frowned at and rarely happens.
If you are thinking about owning multiple betting accounts across different sportsbooks, here are some of the benefits of doing so.
Diversification
Diversification is one of the main advantages of using multiple betting sites. Spreading your wagers across several websites reduces the risk of losing your complete bankroll if one of them has a bad day.
This is due to the fact that the odds vary from one site to the other. By betting on different sites, you enhance your likelihood of winning some money.
Increased Competition
The use of different sports betting sites increases competition. When several sites compete for your business, the odds and terms offered are likely to be better. This is of immense benefit to you as a bettor.
More Options
Because different sites offer different bets, you may be limited in the bets you place when you bet on just one site. However, when you bet on several sites, you have various options available to you.
Improve Bonuses and Promotions
When you bet on multiple sites, you can avail yourself of the different bonuses and promotional offers, which may be better than what is on offer at a single sportsbook. Therefore, being a bettor on multiple sites gets you the best value for your money.
More Opportunities to Win
Betting on a single sportsbook may reduce your chances of winning because of the limited number of bets you can make. However, betting on several sites increases your opportunities to win because you can access many more different types of bets across these platforms.
Easier to Find Good Odds
Different sites offer different odds. When you bet on several sites, you can compare the odds offered on the sites to choose the most favorable one.
Can you bet on Horses Online in West Virginia?
Yes, you can. Betting on horse races has been legal in West Virginia since 1931, when the West Virginia Racing Commission was established. The Commission—established by Chapter 19, Article 23, Section 1 (the Act) of the West Virginia Code of 1931—is tasked with promoting thoroughbred horse and greyhound dog breeding in West Virginia.
The Commission “has full jurisdiction over and shall supervise all horse race meetings, all dog race meetings, and all persons involved in the holding or conducting of horse or dog race meetings,” according to the Act.
Residents of the Mountain State who wish to place horse racing bets in the state can visit the locations below for the live or simulcast transmission of horse races.
Mountaineer Casino, Race Track & Resort
A riverside casino and racing destination, Mountaineer casino is located near Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Columbus. Its location makes it easy to watch live thoroughbred racing.
It hosts daily live racing available from May to December, while simulcast (i.e. simultaneous broadcast by radio and television) is available all year. The casino also has an off-track betting (OTB) section in the main casino.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Hollywood Casino has live thoroughbred racing taking place throughout the year, with simulcast wagering available from a number of tracks.
For bettors who cannot make it to the track or simulcast locations on race day to make their wagers, here are some of the best horse racing sites that are licensed to operate in West Virginia:
- TVG
- Bet America
- Twin Spires
TVG is a regulated advance deposit wagering service (ADW) that provides online horse racing betting and live streaming in over 30 US States. The company teamed up with FanDuel Group in 2018 as part of a broad merger that combined Paddy Power Betfair US and FanDuel.
Bettors may wish to visit the website of this service provider or download their app to bet on horses lawfully with this provider that has been operating in the US since 1993.
BetAmerica started out as purely a horse racing site, but it has now evolved into an all-in-one platform with a growing presence in regulated markets.
Nowadays, Bet America offers four different types of betting, but Bet America Racebook is the category that caters to horse racing betting in most US states, including West Virginia.
TwinSpires: Twin Spires was established in 2007 as a dedicated horse racing betting site and has been one of the country’s largest online racebooks for many years.
Getting Started
How do I Find the Best Sportsbook in West Virginia?
Regardless of whether you are new to sports betting or an avid sports bettor in West Virginia, you will like to know how to locate the best sportsbooks. So here are some criteria to help you find your search.
Sports Covered
One of the first steps in your search is to find games covered by the sportsbook. Generally, most licensed sports books cover bets on the major leagues, includingthe National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), or the National Basketball Association (NBA).
If you enjoy betting on other sports, you may need to find out if your preferred sportsbook provides this option. You should also check how many different games are available for each sport.
For instance, College football is available in most online sportsbooks. But not all sites provide action in all games. Some sportsbooks just scratch the surface by offering action on only the big games. Other sites, on the other hand, offer action on every single game every weekend.
Available Bet Options
In addition, you’ll also want to check that the sportsbook offers the types of wagers you like too. For instance, you may prefer to bet on a lot of NFL props? Even though most sites will have money lines, totals, and spreads, not all sites will have props for every game. Some sites will only have it for the big games, while others will have it for every game, including the preseason.
For beginner bettors who are just starting out, this might not be a big deal since they often don’t know what types of bets they’ll be making. But if you really like something specific, then you should take time out to look for it by undertaking a review of the site. Coverage of a game is pretty useless if you can’t make the exact types of bets you want.
Users-Friendliness
One of the biggest advantages of online betting is the convenience it offers. However, this benefit can be lost through poorly designed user interfaces.
The ease of placing bets becomes an important consideration when you are making a lot of individual bets, especially for the same dollar amount. You should be able to select your bets, type in the dollar amount once, and select it to apply to all your other bets.
Mobile Betting Apps
Although all online sportsbooks have desktop versions that you can use from a desktop computer, not all online sportsbooks have the mobile option that lets you bet on the go. A good online sportsbook will design its site so that it can be accessed from a computer, a tablet, or a phone without having to download anything. The best sites will automatically figure out what kind of device you’re using and switch to the version that works best with it.
Banking Methods
The availability of several banking options for funding bettors’ accounts and withdrawing winnings is a fundamental characteristic of the best sportsbooks.
Therefore, you want to check that the sportsbook you are thinking of dealing with has different ways to fund your account and also cash out in case there’s a problem with one option. You should stay away from a sportsbook that offers just an option or two for deposits and withdrawals.
Bonuses, VIP Programs, and Rewards
You should be on the lookout for licensed sportsbooks that offer attractive and juicy promos that give away free cash or free bets. Sportsbooks that are only giving away jerseys, stuffed animals, or T-shirts should be at the bottom of your list when shopping for the best online sportsbooks. In addition, the bonuses and promotions must be achievable. If you have to be $2 million just to get a $10 free bet, such an endeavor may not be worth your while.
Finally, the terms and conditions of bonuses and promotions should be clearly spelled out and not hidden. You should not need a law degree to figure out what you’re being offered and what you need to do to get the offer.
However, while free perks and cash-backs are good, you must not sacrifice a good sportsbook for an inferior one with some great promotions.
Industry Reputation
If a bookmaker has a terrible industry reputation or a bad reputation amongst a large number of customers, that is a sportsbook that you should steer away from.
Security
When searching for the best sportsbooks, always review the security measures. Are they using site encryption? Are their banking practices of the highest standards in the industry? Do they regularly update the site to prevent security risks or threats? And do they have a team in charge of security?
The answers to these questions will inform you whether this is an online sportsbook that is worth investing your time and hard-earn money into. If the answer to any of these questions is no, you should walk away. You cannot compromise the safety of your money. Betting is a stressful venture as it is. You don’t need the additional headache of worrying about the safety and security of your funds.
What is the Legal Age for Betting in West Virginia?
West Virginia's legal gambling age is 21. To participate in casino games, poker, or sports betting, you must be 21 years of age or older. However, if you are over the age of 18, you can participate in the lottery and pari-mutuel wagering.
Where Can You Bet on Sports in West Virginia?
As of 2022, state residents can wager online in West Virginia via the following sports apps: FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet Sportsbook, Barstool Sportsbook, and BetRivers Sportsbook.
There are also real-life sportsbooks located at the four West Virginia racetrack casinos, where bettors can place wagers and watch the action. Members of the exclusive Greenbrier Resort have access to their own sportsbooks.
These physical sportsbooks can be located at the address below:
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – ‘The Barstool Sportsbook’
750 Hollywood Drive,
Charles Town, WV
(800) 795 – 7001
The Casino Club at The Greenbrier
101 W. Main Street,
White Sulphur Springs, WV
(844) – 837 – 2466
Mountain Casino, Racetrack and Resort
1420 Mountaineer Circle,
New Cumberland, WV
(800) 804 – 0468
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
1 Greyhound Drive,
Cross Lanes, WV
(304) 776 – 1000
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
1 S Stone Street, Wheeling, VW
(304) 232 – 5050
Withdrawals and Deposit
What Banking/Deposit Methods are Available for Sports Betting in West Virginia?
There is a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods available to bettors in West Virginia. Even though these options vary from one sportsbook to another, here are some of the popular deposit and withdrawal methods offered by bookmakers in West Virginia State.
Deposit Methods
Debit and Credit Cards
Most West Virginia Online Sportsbooks and Casinos accept Credit and Debit Cards. But some US banks may refuse to honor transactions to an online gambling account due to their policies.
If your deposit is declined because of your bank’s policies, you should consider using other alternatives such as PayPal.
PayPal
A popular choice for sports bettors, PayPal is one of the most well-known e-wallets. PayPal serves as a personal center for each user, storing all of their payment information, from credit or debit cards to online bank accounts.
PayPal’s reputation has been built on the speed and convenience of deposits and cash-outs. You can send money to and from your PayPal account and expect the transaction to be concluded in less than 30 minutes.
Skrill
Skrill provides almost the same service quality as PayPal when it comes to depositing funds. It has built a reputation for itself through online gaming sites. When you are making a deposit transaction, skrill may charge you a fee, which makes the payment option less desirable than PayPal.
Play+ Prepaid Cards
Almost every online sportsbook offers play+ prepaid cards, and this is the main advantage of the payment option. It has a high acceptance rate among bettors.
Upon activation of a Play+ prepaid card with a sportsbook, a player will receive a digital Play+ and a physical copy of the card in the mail. The digital Play+ card serves as a middleman between a player’s credit or debit card and the sportsbook.
Due to specific bank restrictions, some banks may reject gambling-related deposits made using debit or credit cards. Instead of transferring funds to the sportsbook, gamers can send money to their Play+ prepaid card, which will then be remitted to their sportsbook account.
VIP Preferred eCheck (ACH)
ACH, which is also known as an Instant eCheck, is a natural option for any player who owns a US bank account. This payment method is usually referred to as VIP Preferred. This is an ACH service with lightning-fast deposit and withdrawal timeframes. However, based on your bank’s policies, you may not be able to withdraw the funds right away. Typically, any deposit funds should appear on your statement within 2-3 days after the transaction.
In addition, ACH is one of the most widely accepted payment options on legal sports betting platforms. It also has a high transaction acceptance rate and solid limits in general.
PayNearMe
PayNearMe allows users to deposit money at participating 7-Eleven, CVS, and Family Dollar locations, among others.
Interested persons can access a complete list of available locations close to them at any time on PayNearMe's website.
To use the services, you simply provide the PayNearMe code to the retail clerk and pay the amount you wish to deposit. You will be given a code to type into your account to receive the funds. Bettors should, however, note that this method only works for deposits.
Cash at the Casino Cage
To use this deposit option, you will have to visit the cashier gate at the partner casino of the online gambling site with which you wish to interact. At the cashier’s gate, you give the teller
Online Banking Transfer
Although convenient and secure, this option has the disadvantage of extended processing times.
Bank Wire Transfer
Generally, bank wire transfers are handy when depositing huge sums of money. However, long processing times and high fees deter many bettors from using this payment method.
Paper Checks
Personal checks can also be mailed, but this is not the most convenient option. Depositing with paper checks usually takes 7 to 10 days for the check to arrive and be processed. For payouts, most online bookmakers only accept paper checks.
Withdrawal Options
When you want to cash out at an online sportsbook, you will find out that there are fewer options compared to when you were putting your money in. processing times take longer, on average, and you will often than not be required to verify your identity before you can withdraw funds. This is done to prevent fraud. Some examples of the popular withdrawal options available to bettors in West Virginia include:
- ACH eCheck
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Venmo
- Prepaid Card
- Cash at the Casino Cage
- Check by mail
Bettors should be aware that a lot of the characteristics highlighted with the deposit options also apply to withdrawals.
What’s the Maximum Amount that I can Deposit for Sports Betting in West Virginia?
There is no fixed maximum amount for depositors at sportsbooks in West Virginia. The maximum deposit amount varies all over the place. Usually, each bookmaker will stipulate a specific maximum amount that can be deposited monthly, but they may review the figure from time to time.
When this happens, regulated sportsbooks will inform their customers of the changes to the maximum deposit amount.
Players may also appeal to a sportsbook for an increase in the maximum deposit amount through a formal request. If this request is approved, then the player’s maximum deposit limit will be upgraded.
Also, to protect players and promote responsible online betting, a sportsbook may reduce a player’s maximum deposit limit after reviewing the application from a qualified third party.
What’s the Maximum Amount Permitted for a Stake in Sports Betting?
Betting limits are not standardized: they vary wildly from one sport to another. Also, betting limits vary from bet type to bet type and even on a daily basis.
A sportsbook may accept a maximum wager of $3,000 on an MLB game one week and then $40,000 the next in response to more betters.
The maximum amount allowed per stake may also depend on the player. Usually, sportsbooks limit the advantage of players that specialize in certain markets, such as props. If you ever wagered $200 per prop and won, you may only be able to stake a maximum amount of $30 in the future.
On the other hand, bookmakers will accept six-figure wagers on MLB games from bettors they do not believe have an advantage.
What’s the Minimum Amount Permitted for a Stake in Sports Betting?
Surprisingly, most sportsbooks permit bettors to place small wagers. Bookmakers are willing to allow their customers to bet small amounts of money as long as they meet the minimum deposit requirements (and future withdrawal requirements).
Although it is uncommon, online sportsbooks have accepted wagers as low as $0.01. However, most bookmakers set their minimum between $0.50 and $2.00. It is unusual to find a sportsbook with a minimum bet of more than $5.00. The minimum stake, however, may vary depending on the time of year or the specific event.
How long do Withdrawals Take for Sports Betting?
The time it takes to withdraw your winnings from a licensed West Virginia sportsbook depends on the payment provider’s processing time as well as the volume of withdrawal requests the bookmaker receives at a specific time.
Most reputable sportsbooks conduct internal reviews on withdrawal requests before making payment. Such reviews typically last between 1 to 2 days but could be extended as far as 5 days. Once the request is approved, bettors can expect to get their funds based on their payment provider’s processing time, as shown in the chart below.
| Payment Method | Payment Processing Time (after up to 5-day review period) |
| Visa | Within 3 – 5 business days |
| PayPal | Within 24 hours |
| VIP Preferred | 3 – 7 business days |
| Online Banking | 1 – 3 business days |
| Instant Banking | 2 business days |
| Play + Prepaid Card | Within 6 hours |
Other Details
What is Live Betting?
Live betting—also known as In-Play Betting, In-Running Betting, or In-Game Betting—allows bettors to place extra wagers after the game has already started.
Traditionally, the only opportunity for bettors to place bets on a game was before it started. Once the game (or event) was underway, you are tied to the bets you’ve made, and that was the end of your betting until the following game.
Bookmakers discovered, however, that by designing a system that allowed players to make additional wagers during the game, based on the current status of the event, they could provide a significantly improved user experience. Hence the birth of live betting.
As a result of numerous sporting event cancellations due to COVID-19 in the past 2 years, live betting has grown in popularity, and it is now one of the most popular betting options.
You can place a sports bet and win real money before the game ends with live betting. Also, you can follow the action on your television or through live streaming.
Live Betting Odds Calculation
In-Running odds are created when bookmakers come up with new lines during the course of an event’s action, and the people who do it are often referred to as “odds compilers” or “traders.”
Because live betting involves so many different events with fast-paced action, calculating odds on the go is extremely challenging.
The odds compilers must determine two major components:
- The chances of each match’s new future outcome (and its different in-game outcomes like props, totals, etc)
- The house edge necessary for them to take on each given risk.
Can an online account be limited and for what reasons?
Yes, online sportsbooks may restrict online account access for a number of reasons. Discussed below are some of the specific reasons sportsbooks impose account limits on gamblers.
Bonus and Promotion Abuse
Bookmakers may also shut down accounts of customers they believe have violated the terms and conditions of their bonuses and promotions.
Sportsbooks will keep track of how often you bet on promotional offers in order to prevent abuse.
Bookmakers usually don’t like clients that only place bets on promotional offers. If you do not occasionally wager on sporting events that are not tied to bonus offers, your account may be limited or close.
Potential Arbitrage
Sportsbooks frown at arbitrage. Arbitrage (also known as arbing) is when you place bets on both outcomes of an event when the odds at two different sportsbooks differ significantly. If you can pinpoint a large enough difference in the odds difference, you can make money regardless of the sports event.
Because the goal of arbing is always to make a profit, sportsbooks lose more money than not.
Therefore, sportsbooks try to identify accounts that may be arbing and limit or close them to reduce their exposure to loss.
Betting Weird Amount
At times, an account may be flagged if the owner is betting a strange amount. For example, if you constantly bet amounts such as $1.43 as opposed to $1.00, you will end up on the sportsbook radar. Betting weird amounts may get you labeled as a potential arbitrage.
Frequent Wins
There is a good chance that your account may be limited or even closed if you’re winning excessively. This is actually the most common reason why sportsbooks limit or close accounts. Sportsbooks are in the business to make a profit at the end of the day.
What are Bonus and Promo Codes, and Why Should I Use One?
Promo codes are a marketing tool adopted by sportsbooks to attract new bettors and reward the loyalty of their existing players. A bonus code, in general, is a string of letters and numbers that you have to input when registering or making a deposit with a bookmarker in order to qualify for the bonus.
Bonus codes can be found in promotional emails, affiliate pages, or on the sportsbook’s site. After you have found one of these codes, you can easily convert it into a betting opportunity by following the site’s instructions.
To name a few, the most common uses of promo codes are for a first deposit, a free bet, and specific sports.
First Deposit Promo Codes
This is the most common type of bonus, and it is often used as a code for claiming a prize. You need to input a specific bonus code in a certain field when you are making your first deposit. After you have activated this bonus, the money appears in your account soon after you have effected the deposit.
No Deposit Promo Codes
Because this type of betting bonus code is rare to come by, it is crucial that you make use of them when they do. These bonuses are appealing because you do not have to make a deposit to get them. Usually, these types of promos come in the form of a free bet. All you have to do is enter a specific promo code when you sign up.
Promo Code on a Specific Sport
Bookmakers may provide bonus codes to bet on a particular type of sport. This is the reason football-betting-related codes are quite popular.
Some of the advantages of using promo codes are as follows:
- Promo codes come in different forms. You can use these different promo codes to test out betting systems.
- Since you have nothing to lose, promo codes allow you to raise the stakes. Even if you lose the bet, you are not the one to dole out the money.
Using promo codes offers you free rounds. And the more you play, the better your chances of winning.
Are the Winnings from a Bet Taxable in West Virginia?
Yes. Any winnings in excess of $600 are subject to withholdings of 24% at the state level and 6.5% at the individual level in West Virginia.
According to West Virginia Tax Laws, backup withholding applies to all gambling winnings if
- The winner of the reportable winnings does not provide their name, address, and social security number and proper verification of that information; and
- Regular withholdings have not been applied; and
- The winnings are:
- At least $600 and at least 300 times the wager, or
- At least $1,200 from bingo or slot machine, or
- $1,500 from Keno, or
- More than $5,000 from a poker tournament.
What Online Sportsbook Offers Risk-Free Bets in West Virginia?
The following online sportsbooks offer risk-free wagers in West Virginia:
- Bet MGM Sportsbook ($1,000 Risk-Free Bet)
- Caesars Sportsbook ($1,500 Risk-Free Bet)
- Betly Sportsbook ($100 Risk-Free Bet)
- Points Bet ($2000 Risk-Free Bet)
- DraftKings Sportsbook ($5,000 Risk-Free Bet when you deposit at least $1,000)
- Barstool Sportsbook ($1,000 Risk-Free Bet)
Is PointBet Sportsbook in West Virginia?
Yes, the PointsBet sportsbook is accessible in West Virginia via their mobile app. The bookmaker, however, does not have a retail sportsbook in West Virginia.
PointBet fans can bet in West Virginia by downloading the PointBet app (available for iOS and Android) from the sportsbook's homepage. The West Virginia Lottery Commission has granted PointsBet a license to operate in the state.
Is Barstool Sportsbook in West Virginia?
Yes. Barstool is physically present in West Virginia and also available online through a partnership with a land-based associate, Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races.
Using Penn National Gaming's connections, Barstool Sportsbook secured a licensed partnership with Hollywood Casino Charles Town Races, which is also owned by Penn National Gaming.
Barstool Sportsbook officially launched in West Virginia in November 2021.
Is FanDuel Legal in West Virginia?
Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is licensed to operate to provide betting services in West Virginia. Through its partnership with The Greenbrier, the bookmaker lawfully operates betting services online and physically via its mobile app and the Greenbrier Casino grounds, respectively.
Is TwinSpires Legal in West Virginia?
TwinSpires does not operate online sportsbooks in West Virginia or any other US state anymore. In the early part of 2022, the bookmaker announced that it would be shutting down all its online sportsbooks and casinos. However, there will still be online racebooks.
Is MyBookie Legal in West Virginia?
MyBookie is not a sportsbook licensed by the West Virginia Lottery Commission or any other US government agency. For safety and security, bettors should only use sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by US regulatory agencies.
Is BetUs Legal in West Virginia?
As BetUs is an offshore sportsbook, it is not regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. Bettors should only wager on sportsbooks that are regulated and licensed in the United States of America to ensure that their interests and safety come first.
Is Caesars Sportsbook Legal in West Virginia?
Caesars sportsbook is legal and licensed in West Virginia. The sportsbook—formerly known as William Hill and rebranded to Caesars in 2021—is partnered with Maintainer Casino in Cumberland. Asides from the retail sportsbook locations, bettors can use the Caesars Android and ios apps to place bets on their phones from any location within the state.
What Gambling is Illegal in West Virginia?
Gambling activities that are deemed unlawful in West Virginia include the following:
- Animal fighting (especially cockfighting or dogfighting)
- “Policy” or “Numbers” Games
- Gambling at Hotels
- Betting at Bars and Taverns
Also included among banned gambling activities are the keeping of gaming tables or devices or allowing them on one’s property or being on the lookout to protect gambling activities.
What is Internet Gaming?
Internet gaming comprises games that can be played online. Internet gaming platforms may be hosted through a social network, played alone or with others. Gamers may also be accessible on a computer, laptop, game console, tablet, smartphone, or other digital devices with an internet connection.
