West Virginia Sports Betting: Best West Virginia Sportsbooks July 2024

West Virginia was the fifth state to launch sports betting in August 2018. After a temporary setback, online gambling launched in earnest in August 2019, and there are currently nine online sportsbooks available in the Mountain State. On this page, we have covered everything that you need to know about West Virginia, the best platforms to begin betting with and my top picks for the best bonuses available right now.

🥇 Our best West Virginia sportsbook in July 2024 is FanDuel 🥇

How We Rated the Top West Virginia Sports Betting Sites

Our process relies on the key principle of hands-on experience. We dive right into it by thoroughly testing out each platform. By undertaking this approach, we ensure that our reviews are reliable and personal by capturing the user’s perspective. Everything in our reviews comes from our own research and experience, not from third party pages or just regurgitating the sportsbook’s advertisements.

Our experts are required to commit a minimum of 2 hours to each of these six key areas:

1. User Experience: We go through the registration process, then we explore the site to assess its functionality and overall design. It is important that a sportsbook be attractive, intuitive, and user-friendly. We test this on both desktop and mobile for a uniform experience. 

2. Features: We navigate the sports and betting markets, looking at whether there are a variety of popular and niche options. We like to see unique features such as DFS platforms, live streaming and betting, picking services, and early cash-out.

3. Promotions: We claim any available bonuses to gauge how they work, seeing how valuable and fair they are. We also carefully read the T&Cs to make sure that there is nothing hidden in the fine print. We have a lot of time for platforms with generous bonuses, loyalty schemes, and regular promotions, and we go through the opt-in process with each one.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We test out the payment methods on offer to see how fast the processing time is and if there are any limits or fees attached. We follow the process for every single method from start to finish, for both deposits and withdrawals. We appreciate a variety of methods, such as e-wallets, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.

5. Customer Support: We contact sportsbook customer support to see how responsive and helpful they are. This involves sending email, using the live chat, and calling their number. We also value a detailed and informative FAQ section.

6. Responsible Gambling: We have high regard for sportsbooks that advocate for users to practice responsible gambling through links, guides, or contact numbers, as well as in-house tools like daily limits, session reminders, or self-exclusion options.

Our process extends beyond this, as we have a team of post-publication editors that dedicate 5 hours per month to ensuring that our reviews remain up-to-date.   

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we are dedicated to being an authentic and trustworthy guide for sports betting. We don’t just skim the surface. We delve into each platform to ensure our opinions on their performance are as genuine as they can be. 

We have been part of the betting industry since the very beginning. Our expertise comes from years of active involvement and continuous learning. We’ve seen it all, so we know exactly what makes a good sportsbook.

Ultimately, our mission is to provide you with the knowledge to make informed betting decisions.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in West Virginia

1. BetMGM Sportsbook

Best for: Live betting

Operating under the renowned MGM Resorts, BetMGM has become a leading player in the betting industry. If you are looking for a sportsbook that showers its bettors with rewards, then try out BetMGM for yourself. 

As a new bettor, you can get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets when you sign up with code WSNMGM. After this, you can claim several other bonuses, too, for instance, by referring a friend to join BetMGM or via their interesting multi-sport missions. BetMGM’s generosity does not end there, as users can benefit from MGMRewards. You automatically earn points from this loyalty scheme with every bet that you make. With these points, prizes can be unlocked that make use of MGM Resorts, such as dinners, hotel stays, and trips.

Exploring the sportsbook, you will find a variety of 27 sports markets. This includes mainstream sports like football and basketball, as well as niche options like darts or badminton. There is also a premium live betting section where you can stream games, view detailed statistics, and cash out early. The platform is functionally arranged so that you can easily explore these markets and features. You can find all of this on BetMGM’s sleek and sophisticated mobile app. 

Explore our comprehensive review of BetMGM Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets! with the promo code WSNMGM.

BetMGM Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.4/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.2/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus 

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app

FanDuel boasts the achievement of having the highest total betting revenue out of all US sportsbooks. If you are wondering how FanDuel accomplished this, then we recommend having a look at this excellent sportsbook for yourself.

New bettors are eligible for $200 in bonus bets after placing their first $5 bet and winning it.

Depositing for this bonus is also a breeze, with 9 payment methods to choose from. When it comes to withdrawals, you can even have your winnings within 24 hours if you choose PayPal, Venmo, or PrePaid+. Beside the welcome bonus, you can find a variety of promotions that are updated according to popular events.

Nowadays, excellent mobile compatibility is a vital factor for sportsbooks, and FanDuel certainly delivers in this area. FanDuel’s mobile app is the feather in its cap, widely regarded as the leading sports betting app in the industry. Impressively, it holds a 4.8/5 rating on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. All the features that are available on the desktop can be found on the app. FanDuel’s strength lies in its simplicity, presenting an interface that eliminates unnecessary fluff and focuses on the core of sports betting. 

Check out our complete review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer:  Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus 

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty scheme

In the US, Caesars is renowned for its world-class hotels and casinos, but that isn't the only thing it's known for. It's also known for its premium online sportsbook. If you are looking for a rewarding platform that has a trusted reputation, then it is worth checking out Caesars Sportsbook.

While the platform is user-friendly and simple to use, it also has a sophisticated design that is reflective of the Caesars brand. For newcomers who use our promo code WSN1000, Caesars has a second chance bet bonus of up to $1,000, giving you a safety net in case you lose your first bet. On top of this, you also receive 1,000 Tier and Reward Credits, giving you a head start on the loyalty scheme. 

Caesars Rewards utilizes other aspects of the company to create an especially rewarding scheme for dedicated bettors. With every bet that is made, you can earn credits, which determine your tier. There are other ways to earn credits too, such as Caesars hotel reservations, shopping, and dining. As you climb the tiers, you become eligible for enticing prizes such as exclusive events, hotel discounts, and dining vouchers.

Customer service is another strong area, with a helpful support team that is quick to resolve any issues. You have several options to get in touch, including live chat, social media, email, and phone.

Discover more in our detailed review of Caesars Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars with the promo code WSN1000.

Caesars Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.6/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.3/5

⭐ Trustpilot: N/A

Claim Your Caesars Sportsbook Bonus 

4. BetRivers

Best for: Beginners

BetRivers is a simple and easy to use sportsbook run by Rush Street Gaming and widely available around the US. If you’re new to sports betting and looking for a nice platform to ease yourself into, BetRivers is perfect. 

New players at BetRivers WV can claim a second chance bet worth up to $100. It’s a solid offer and a nice introduction to the platform, and it's perfect for smaller stakes players. However, we do have to acknowledge that it’s on the smaller side when you compare it with Caesars for instance, which has a similar offer worth up to $1,000.

There are lots of other touches that make BetRivers ideal for beginners. The customer support is great, including both a 24/7 live chat service and a phone number for in-person support. The software is on the more basic side but it’s very user friendly, with bright and colorful icons indicating the different sports and markets. The live section is great too, with steaming available right on the platform.

BetRivers is also really excellent for on-running promotions. The House Specials section is updated daily with specially selected odds-boosted bets. There are typically a handful of different special offers running at any time in a few different sports, depending on what is in season. The iRush Rewards program is a little more weighted in favor of higher rollers, but you can unlock some fun benefits like VIP gifts on your birthday and BetRivers swag.

You can find out more in our full BetRivers review.

💰Sign-up offer: $100 Bonus Bet.

BetRivers Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.1/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.4/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 3.3/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.7/5

Claim Your BetRivers Sportsbook Bonus 

5. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform  

DraftKings has grown to become a force to be reckoned with in the betting industry, providing an innovative and comprehensive platform. If you want a sportsbook that has it all and more, then DraftKings is the perfect choice for you. 

DraftKings offers a welcome bonus of up to $150 in bonus bets after making a $5 wager. Your rewarding experience does not end there, as DraftKings has an exciting loyalty scheme called ‘DraftKings Dynasty’. All bettors automatically join and earn credits for placing wagers with top prizes, including special events and VIP hosts. 

At DraftKings, you are sure to never run out of betting options. This is not only because there is a huge array of sports and betting markets but also because the site is packed with different features. You can explore a DFS platform, social section, and (depending on the state) online casino and poker room. DraftKings does a fantastic job of ensuring that the site is not overwhelmed by all these features. Instead, it feels intuitive and well-organized. 

In terms of payment methods, the platform has a great selection of 13 options, including e-wallets, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. Bettors can also benefit from a low minimum deposit of $5, which is very impressive considering that the industry standard is $10. 

Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰Sign-up offer: Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in West Virginia

Below is the full list of all 9 legal online sportsbooks that are available in West Virginia:

• Betly

• BetMGM

• BetRivers

• Caesars Sportsbook

• DraftKings

• ESPN Bet

• Fanatics Sportsbook

• FanDuel

• Golden Nugget

West Virginia Online Sports Betting Sites

West Virginia Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in West Virginia?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia as of March 2018, when the West Virginia Sports Lottery Wagering Act was passed. The state anticipated the overturning of PASPA, laying the legal groundwork so that they could quickly introduce retail and online betting when the opportunity presented itself. The state has five licensed casinos and racetracks, each of which is allowed to accommodate up to three sportsbook skins. In 2019, HB 2934 was signed into law, making West Virginia the fourth state to legalize online casino games and poker. 

In September 2018, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town was the first sports betting venue to open in the state, while the first online sportsbook went live in December 2019 with the launch of BetLucky. However, online sports betting witnessed a halt when BetLucky ceased operations in March 2019. After six months, this changed as FanDuel and DraftKings entered the WV market, reviving the online sports betting scene. 

How to Get Started Betting in West Virginia

It is easy to get started on a WV sportsbook and place your first bet. If you are a beginner, we have provided a step-by-step guide for you to follow:

1. Select a licensed sportsbook. Firstly, it is essential that your chosen sportsbook holds a valid license from the regulatory body of West Virginia. This confirms that the platform is legitimate and protects your personal and financial information. All the books recommended on this page are fully licensed and legal for WV bettors.

2. Register your account. When signing up, you will be asked for certain information like your name, email, date of birth, and address. You will also have to create a password for your account.

3. Verify your identity. Some platforms will need you to confirm your identity by submitting documentation such as ID, passport, or proof of address. This is a legal requirement for all regulated sportsbooks.

4. Claim your welcome offer. Next, you can make the most of the welcome bonus. As an introduction to the platform, they tend to be the most generous promos you can get. It is important to always be aware of the T&Cs, and to check if you need to opt-in or use a promo code. 

5. Deposit money. Find the cashier section, where you will have to deposit some funds to place your first bet. Certain welcome bonuses will require a qualifying deposit and wager. 

6. Place your first bet. Next, you can explore the sports and betting markets available. Select your preferred option to add it to your betslip, type in your stake and click the button to confirm your bet.

7. Withdraw your winnings. Finally, if you are successful, you can enjoy your winnings. Fees, limits, and processing time are different depending on your selected sportsbook.

West Virginia Sportsbook Bonuses

Sportsbooks in WV have a variety of bonuses that are designed to attract and keep bettors on their platform. Welcome bonuses are the stars of the show, as a way of appealing to new users. Before claiming any bonus, it is important to thoroughly read and understand the T&Cs. 

Here are a few of the most common welcome bonuses that you might come across:

Bonus Bets

A bonus bet is simply a kind of betting voucher that is provided by the sportsbook. It is a common welcome offer with several sportsbooks offering bonus bets in exchange for registering and making a qualifying wager. Often, the qualifying wager is on the small side, so it is great for those who are not looking to risk a lot of money.

Second Chance Bets

A second chance bet provides you with a safety net, as the sportsbook will refund you some or all of your initial wager. If you lose your bet, then you will be reimbursed in bonus bets up to a specified limit. If this sounds appealing, then it is worth checking out Caesars’ welcome offer of a second chance bet up to $1,000.

Deposit Match Bonuses

With this bonus, the sportsbook will match a certain percentage or all of your deposit up to a limit. Essentially, the more that you deposit, the more you can benefit from this kind of offer. The matched portion is in bonus bets or sight credit, so you can’t just withdraw it right away. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

A no-deposit bonus is entirely free, there is no deposit or wager required from you. All you have to do is sign up to claim the bonus bets, which tend to be a smaller amount ranging from $10 to $20.

Which Sportsbooks Apps Are Available in West Virginia?

In today’s digital age, the way that we interact with online platforms such as sports betting sites has transformed due to mobile devices. Bettors now lean heavily towards the convenience of accessing sportsbooks on their phones. This shift has clearly influenced the betting landscape, pushing platforms to up their game and provide top mobile compatibility. 

All of our recommended sportsbooks have highly-rated mobile apps:

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

4. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

What Can You Bet On in West Virginia?

West Virginia sportsbooks have a wide range of sports and betting markets to explore. The availability of specific markets varies among the different platforms, but our recommended sportsbooks have the most extensive options. We have outlined the most common types of bets below: 

Moneyline

For this popular bet, you simply place a wager on the team or individual that you think will win the game. The payout is based on the odds established by the sportsbook. Positive odds show a lower likelihood of winning, while negative odds indicate the favorite to win. Here is an example:

• Brooklyn Nets (+130)

• Cleveland Cavaliers (-155)

The Cavaliers are the favorite here. You would need to make a bet of $155 to win $100. Your total payout would be $255. Whereas for the BKN Nets, you would have to make a wager of $100 to win $130, for a total payout of $230.

Point Spreads

A point-spread bet involves wagering on the margin of victory rather than the outcome of the game. The sportsbook sets a point spread that one team must surpass for the bet to win. Essentially, it creates a balanced betting situation, especially for teams with different skill levels. It can look like this:

• Brooklyn Nets +3.5 (-110)

• Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5 (-110)

Here, the Cavaliers would have to win by 4 points or more for your bet to be successful. While the Nets would just need to avoid losing by 4 points or win the game. For each side, the typical odds are around -110 for point spread bets.

Totals

In a total bet, you predict whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under a specified amount that is set by the sportsbook. For this reason, it is also known as an Over/Under bet. Take a look at this example:

Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

• Over 226.5 (-110)

• Under 226.5 (-110)

The odds for each side are usually around -110, similar to a point spread bet.

Futures

A futures bet is when you predict the outcome of a future event in advance, such as a major league championship. For example, if you think that the Cincinnati Bengals will win the Super Bowl then you can make a futures bet before the season has even started. You can place futures at any point throughout the season, but you tend to get better odds the earlier you bet. 

Prop Bets

Prop bets focus on specific events within a game that are not necessarily related to the final outcome. They can cover a range of scenarios, but the most popular props involve individual player performance in certain statistical categories, or the performance of the team as a whole. For instance, in basketball, popular props include the number of assists, rebounds, or three-pointers. In football, it can mean passing yards, touchdowns, or longest kicked field goals.

Parlays

A parlay combines multiple individual bets on a single ticket. Bettors must be successful in all the individual bets for the parlay to win. While offering higher payouts, it does come with a greater risk. Teaser bets allow you to adjust point spreads or totals in the parlay but offer a lower potential payout. 

Live Betting

Live betting, or in-play betting, is when you place wagers on a sporting event while it is still happening. Unlike traditional betting where bets are placed before the event begins, live betting allows you to wager as you watch. The odds are continuously updated based on how the game is panning out. Common wagers include predicting the next team to score or the total number of points scored by the end of the game. Our recommended sportsbooks all have excellent live betting sections.

Betting Restrictions in West Virginia

Sports betting in West Virginia  is subject to the following restrictions:

• It is not allowed to wager on high school sports.

• You cannot bet on entertainment or political events.

College Sports Betting in West Virginia

Betting on college sports is legal in West Virginia. You can bet on in-state and out-of-state college teams, there are no restrictions on player prop bets or live betting.

The list of NCAA Division 1 College Programs:

• Marshall Thundering Herd

• West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia Sports Betting Facts

How Does West Virginia Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Compared to other US states, West Virginia ranks quite low, with a total sports betting handle of $2.2 billion. However, it must be taken into account that the state is 40th in terms of population with just 1.8 million residents. 

West Virginia’s hiatus in online sports betting makes the state difficult to compare to others. Rhode Island is probably the best point of comparison, because it legalized online sportsbooks in the same year and has a population of around 1 million. It is just below West Virginia, with a total handle of 1.8 billion. Thus, WV’s total handle is more or less on track for its population size.

West Virginia has a flat tax rate at 10%, which is lower than other states. For example, New York has a tax rate of 51%, Pennsylvania has 36%, and Tennessee has 20%. Although, it is not as low as states like Michigan with 8% and Nevada’s 6.75%. Unlike other states, you can bet on esports and there are no restrictions on college sports betting in West Virginia.

West Virginia Sports Betting Updates

In March 2018, West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting even before PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court. As the year progressed, retail locations began opening and, by the end of the year, online sports betting went live.

Below, we have provided a comprehensive timeline of key events in West Virginia sports betting:

• July 3, 2024 - West Virginia issues a cease-and-desist order to Bovada over unlicensed sports betting within the state, becoming the fourth state to do so.

• Mary 11, 2024 - Sports betting in West Virginia has seemingly gotten off on the right foot in 2024. Brands operating in the state earned just over $6 million in revenue, a rise of almost 13% from 2023.

• May 6, 2024 - West Virginia's handle drops 34% month-over-month in April. 

• April 25, 2024 - WV sports betting handle rose to $47.2 million in March, up 20.4% from February and 3.7% year-over-year.

• March 15, 2024 - A proposed WV sports betting house bill 4700 would allow the West Virginia Lottery Commission to ban people who harass athletes, officials, or coaches from betting on sports.

• Feb. 6, 2024 - West Virginia sportsbooks revenue grew by 65% YoY in January, reaching $6 million for the month.

• Jan. 30, 2023 - West Virginia sports betting drops to $54 million in December from $56.4 million in November.

• Jan. 25, 2024 - Atlanta-based PrizePicks adds a new peer-to-peer game, PrizePicks Arena, to West Virginia and three other states.

• Nov. 16, 2023 - Fanatics Sportsbook launches in the state.

• Nov. 14, 2023 - ESPN Bet goes live in West Virginia. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in West Virginia?

Yes, DFS is legal in West Virginia which was confirmed in a statement by WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in 2016. You can find DFS platforms on FanDuel and DraftKings. 

Sports Teams in West Virginia

West Virginia does not have any major league teams. However, you can find passionate fans of college sports as well as teams from neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio.

West Virginia Sportsbook Partnerships

Since West Virginia has no major league teams, there are not any sportsbook partnerships with pro teams.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery is the regulatory body that oversees legal sports betting in West Virginia. The WVL collaborates with various organizations to advocate for responsible gambling in the state, like the Compulsive Gambling Treatment Fund. On the WVL site, you can find a link to 1800 Gambler, which is a nationwide organization. Here, you can find several helpful resources, links, and guides on problem gambling. You can also directly contact support through online chat, text, email and call.

Sportsbooks in West Virginia also have specific tools to help manage betting:

• Deposit/wager limits - Sets a predetermined amount so that you control your spending.

• Time alerts - Provides notifications to keep you aware of the time spent on betting.

• Self-exclusion - Stops you from accessing a platform for a certain period or indefinitely.