The state of West Virginia did initially offer mobile sports betting in December of last year, but after just four months this was stopped. This was a result of Delaware North’s sports technology partner, Miomni, using technology without actually having the rights to it. For the last six months now, interested bettors have not had an option for placing a mobile sports wager in West Virginia.
However, it looks like mobile sports betting is very likely to make a return to the state later this year. Earlier this week, The West Virginia Lottery announced that they were nearing the end of testing applications for two mobile sports betting sportsbooks. FanDuel has confirmed that they are one of the sportsbooks looking to provide a mobile sports betting application in the state.
The other is likely DraftKings, especially considering they were very close to receiving approval three months ago. DraftKings has yet to comment as to whether or not they are in fact still trying to launch their mobile app. William Hill is also a possibility because they have indicated that they will indeed have a mobile application in West Virginia, but is isn’t currently a priority. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise look at their recent launch at Lakeside Casino in freshly-legalized Iowa.
There is not yet an established timetable for when either application will be available. The West Virginia Lottery’s director, John Myers, has indicated that both providers that are in the final stages of testing are likely to make an announcement next week.For interested bettors of West Virginia, this should come as a huge relief.
There are only three locations in the state where you can actually place a wager. FanDuel has a sportsbook in The Greenbrier located in the southern part of the state. Penn National Gaming has one at Hollywood Casino, but that is on the east part of West Virginia. The third and final location, Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort, is at the north part of the state.
Most of the population living in West Virginia is located near the central-western area of the state near Charleston. This means that all three locations are extremely inconvenient. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack are both much closer and previously offered sports betting in both physical and mobile form. Unfortunately, these are the two casinos that are owned by Delaware North and used to be powered by Miomni.
While there aren’t yet any established dates for availability, there is no denial that mobile sports betting is nearing a return to West Virginia. FanDuel and the other sportsbook will announce their launch dates in the next few days, so stay tuned for more updates!
