Best West Virginia Sports Betting Sites 2024

West Virginia was the fifth state to legalize sports betting in August 2018. Since the launch, several online sportsbooks have been launched, including a couple of retail locations. That means residents of WV can make sports bets using mobile devices and in person at one of the licensed brick-and-mortar casinos.

Most sports betting platforms in West Virginia also support online casino games. That means anyone who signs up can enjoy slots, table games, and live games anywhere within state lines. Some of these online casinos provide a range of promotions for players to enjoy, which can link back to the sportsbook. If you are looking to bet in West Virginia, our guide will tell you everything you need to know before you get started.

Draftkings
5 / 5

Bet $5 or More for a $200 Bonus

New players only, must be located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WY, or WV. Must be 21+ or 18+ in WY. Bonus bets are valid for seven days or 168 hours from when the bet appears in your account. Complimentary bet values are not included in returns or winnings from any wager. The bets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred for cash. One welcome bonus per customer.

  • Refer a Friend for a $100 Complimentary Bet
  • Daily Free-to-Play Prize Pools
  • Enjoy a Variety of Promotions During Important Sporting Events
BetMGM-Logo-Transparent.png
4.75 / 5

Start With a $1,000 Risk-Free

New players receive risk-free wagers worth up to $1,000. If your bet loses, you will receive five equal denominations of bonus bets for your total wager. Unless your wager is worth less than $50, you will receive only one bonus bet. You must use your extra bets within seven days of receipt. You must deposit at least $10 into your account to qualify. The first $1,000 of your bet is eligible for this promotion. You must be in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NY, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY.

  • $1,000 Risk-Free First Bet
  • MLB and EPL One Game Parlay Insurance Worth $25
  • Refer a Friend for a $50 Bonus
BetRivers-Logo.png
4.5 / 5

$500 Risk-Free for New Players

New members can get their first bet matched up to $500 if the wager loses. Available to any new player 21 years of age or older. Must be in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. When making your first deposit, use code SPORTS to receive your bonus.

  • Start With a $500 Risk-Free First Bet
  • Place Three NBA Same Game Parlays for a Bonus Bet
  • NHL First Goal Insurance

Best Sportsbook for West Virginia Players

If you are new to sports betting, choosing just one site is quite an arduous task. If you were to visit each sports betting site, it’s not straightforward to find out which service is right for you. That’s where we come in. Bet Station has joined each sports betting site in West Virginia to find out what each service is like to use. In the sections below, you will find an overview of each sportsbook, details about the sports on offer, plus information about the promotions available. We also examined the online casinos to find out which one is the best in WV.

RankSportsbooksLegal inBonus
1DraftKingsAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYBet $5 or More for a $200 Bonus
2BetMGMAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYStart With a $1,000 Risk-Free
3BetRiversAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV$500 Risk-Free for New Players
4FanDuelAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY$3,000 Risk-Free First Bet
5CaesarsAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYGet a Second Chance Bet Worth up to $1,250
6BarstoolAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV$1,000 New Player Bonus
7PointsBetCO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WVGet up to $500 in Extra Wagers

1. DraftKings

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The DraftKings Sportsbook offers one of the best betting experiences in West Virginia. For those of you who don’t know, DraftKings began as a provider of daily fantasy sports. This later developed into online casino games, an NFT Marketplace, and an online sports betting service. If you are looking to join one platform for all your gambling needs, DraftKings could be the best option in WV.

What makes DraftKings special? If you are only interested in the sportsbook, DraftKings has consistently high odds across multiple sports. Meaning most bets are, on average, more profitable when placed at DraftKings. The sportsbook is not as active with promotions compared to other rival sites, but there are always multiple bonuses to claim during large sporting events. DraftKings also has an excellent collection of sports to bet on from around the world. If you are serious about sports betting, few services can compete with DraftKings.

2. BetMGM

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If you are looking to join a great online sportsbook with a large online casino, BetMGM is a fantastic choice. The casino at BetMGM has over 340 online slots to choose from, not including the range of table games you can play. If you are a fan of promotions, the casino is one of the most active in West Virginia with bet insurance and various other freebies. Plus, the welcome offer at BetMGM is one of the biggest in the state, with a 100% deposit match up to $2,500, plus 50 free spins and $50 in free bets.

Bringing our attention back to the sportsbook, BetMGM has 24 events for players to bet on. That includes all the popular sports, like football, baseball, and hockey, as well as interesting events like volleyball and cricket. The sportsbook is also full of exciting promotions, including various ways to get free bets and NBA playoff insurance. Overall, if you are looking to join a great online sports betting site with a large casino and some fantastic promotions, BetMGM is one to consider.

3. BetRivers

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There are over 20 sports to bet on at BetRivers, including a variety of exciting events. You can bet on eSports competitions, the next Olympics, and a selection of motorsports. The sportsbook is a superb choice for any bettor who wants to make live wagers. BetRivers supplies a humongous mix of stats before and during a sporting event for all players to use. This helps players stay informed about each team's performance.

The casino at BetRivers is a decent size, with around 360 casino games. That includes live tables, online slots, and video poker titles. Plus, there are several promotions for players to enjoy at the online casino and the sportsbook. Players can claim free bets for the MLB, bet insurance on the NHL, and profit boosts on the NBA. The casino promos include cash giveaways, slot tournaments, and free spins for certain online slots. There are a lot of fantastic sportsbooks in West Virginia and BetRivers is up there with the best of them.

4. FanDuel

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FanDuel is another popular online sports betting platform that began as a fantasy sports provider. It offers a very competitive service when compared to DraftKings with one key difference; FanDuel is much easier for new players to use. Both the mobile apps for fantasy sports and online sports betting are incredibly well-designed. Plus, the fantasy sports system is fantastic for matching players with similar skill levels together.

If you are looking for promotions, FanDuel is not a terrible option. There are periods where very few bonuses appear, but in the buildup to important events, there are often several promos for players to claim. This includes free bets, risk-free bets, and odds boosts on some occasions. The casino at FanDuel has everything you would expect and a similar-sized library to the best online casinos in WV.

5. Caesars

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Caesars operates a tiny online casino in West Virginia. There are only 41 slots and around 50 games in total for players to enjoy, less than a quarter of what is available at other casinos listed above. However, if you are looking for a sports betting site filled with boosted bets, a variety of sports, and exciting promotions, then Caesars remains an excellent choice.

There are around 24 markets for members to bet on, including motorsports like IndyCar, Formula E, and the NASCAR series. Plus Caesars is taking bets on popular events such as the Olympics, NBA playoffs, and the next UFC fight night. Caesars has stepped up with promotions, offering fans profit boosts every week for the NBA, NHL, and even a 25% profit boost to use on any market. If bonuses are important to your sportsbook experience, Caesars is excellent. Not only for the freebies available every week but there is an exciting reward system as well.

6. Barstool

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Barstool is a growing favorite in West Virginia as it has a good balance between sports betting and online casino games. Barstool is a great sportsbook for anyone looking for a service that works well on a mobile device. One of the site’s highlights is the slider you can use to adjust the spreads or run lines. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of options, you can move the slider and settle on a spread bet that suits you.

Plus, Barstool is another sportsbook that has stepped up with the number of promotions available. Previously, Barstool only had promos on big sporting events. But over the past few months, there were more chances for players to claim something for free. This includes opportunities to get free bets by making wagers at the casino, plus free bets on golf and basketball events.

7. PointsBet

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PointsBet is another popular choice as it also boasts several features to help players make wagers. One of the best tools available to players at PointsBet is the quick parlay builder. This is where you can choose the sports and bets you want to include in your parlay without having to scroll the entire sportsbook. You can choose moneylines in the NBA, spreads in the NHL, and even the first-set winner in a tennis tournament.

Plus, PointsBet offers players a unique wager, PointsBetting. This is where you bet on the total number of points scored and for every additional point above your prediction, you win more cash. The downside is you can lose more than your stake if your prediction is wrong. Looking at the casino, it’s fairly small, with just over 50 slots. The sportsbook has grown a lot in size this year, meaning we could see further expansion over the next few months.

8. Golden Nugget

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The Golden Nugget Sportsbook is one of the smallest on our list, with only 14 events to bet on. It has all the important sports, like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, plus a few other popular events. The sportsbook also provides a variety of bet boosts called golden lines. This is where you can find interesting wagers with high returns. Such as Nikola Jokic, to record a triple-double at +210.

The casino is not the biggest in West Virginia as it has fewer than 150 games to choose from. That includes a variety of exclusive titles and around 125 online slots. The casino has a mix of promotions, including a welcome offer that involves free spins and the chance to claim 20 free spins every day. There are fewer promos available at the sportsbook, but they offer a parlay boost on football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, and tennis parlays ranging up to 20%.

9. Betly

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Betly is quite a new sportsbook compared to the competition, and the service is only available in four states. It only has 13 sports for players to bet on, including golf, soccer, and tennis. Plus Betly does not offer an online casino, making it a good choice for any player who wants to avoid playing slots or table games.

Compared to the competition, Betly is lacking in several areas. It does not offer as many bet boosts as most sportsbooks in West Virginia and it does not have any active promotions. The service can introduce promos for important sporting events, but otherwise, there is little chance of players getting something for free. If you are looking for a simplified, stripped-out sportsbook, then Betly is a brilliant choice.

The History of Sports Betting in West Virginia

West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting when the rules changed in 2018. Before this date, sports betting was illegal across most of the United States, thanks to the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The Supreme Court deemed the act unconstitutional after they finally entertained a request to review it. Now, over 31 states have legal sports betting legislation in place.

Given how many states have legalized sports betting over the past few years, it is clear the steps toward implementing legislation are not as straightforward as you might think. Therefore, we created a timeline of the important sports betting events to take place in West Virginia. Plus, you will find the launch date of every sports betting site currently available on WV.

  • February 1991: Senator DeConcini introduces the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to the Senate for the first time.
  • June 1992: After over a year of deliberations, the Senate votes overwhelmingly in favor of passing the PASPA with 88 votes for and five against.
  • October 1992: The President of the United States signed the PASPA into law, effectively outlawing sports bets nationwide. 
  • 2017: After years of failed campaigns, the Supreme Court will now entertain the argument against the PASPA.
  • March 2018: West Virginia legislators approve sports betting pending the Supreme Court’s decisions.
  • May 2018: The Supreme Court concludes the PASPA is not constitutional and is no longer in effect. Now each state is free to legalize sports betting if they choose to.
  • August 30, 2018: West Virginia officially launches sports betting in the state.
  • December 28, 2018: BetLucky becomes the first online sports betting platform in West Virginia
  • March 7, 2019: BetLucky shuts down operations after a legal dispute.
  • August 26, 2019: The FanDuel Sportsbook is now available. 
  • August 28, 2019: DraftKings finally launches in West Virginia.
  • January 29, 2020: BetMGM joins the West Virginia sports betting scene.
  • September 3, 2020: The Mardi Gras Casino launches its online sports betting platform, Betly.
  • September 4, 2020: William Hill launches sports betting in the state. The service will end up partnering with Caesars and relaunching under the new brand name.
  • August 2, 2021: Caesars completes the acquisition of William Hill and relaunches in West Virginia.
  • August 10, 2021: Barstool is the next sportsbook to take bets in the state.
  • August 13, 2021: PointsBet also launches in West Virginia.
  • October 14, 2021: The Golden Nugget Sportsbook is now available for residents to make sports bets.
  • June 7, 2022: BetRivers is the latest service to take bets in WV.
  • June 22, 2023: WynnBET launches an online sportsbook and casino.
  • August 11, 2023: WynnBET decides to wind down its sports betting operations by closing in eight states, including West Virginia.

West Virginia Sports Betting Apps

If you are thinking about joining a sports betting platform, the easiest way to make a wager is through a mobile app. Most sportsbooks support iOS and Android devices, but some may require players to download an APK file. To make things clear, we have a list below of all the sports betting apps available in West Virginia.

iOS and Android

  • DraftKings
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • FanDuel
  • Caesars
  • Barstool
  • PointsBet
  • Golden Nugget
  • Betly (Android APK)

Launch Dates of West Virginia Gambling Websites

Each sportsbook is associated with a casino in the state of West Virginia. If you want to know what the partnerships are, we have a useful table below. This is where you can find out whether there is a retail sportsbook on location, when the establishment first opened, and the name of each casino.

Sports Betting SiteRetail LocationRetail Sportsbook Launch Date
FanDuelThe GreenbrierSeptember 14, 2018
BarstoolHollywood Casino at Charles Town RacesAugust 30, 2018
BetlyMardi Gras Casino & ResortDecember 6, 2018 (relaunched as Betly)
BetlyWheeling Island Hotel-Casino-RacetrackDecember 9, 2018
CaesarsMountaineer Casino, Racetrack & ResortNovember 21, 2018

The state of West Virginia requires each sportsbook to have a retail partner. However, that does not mean every online site has a retail location for you to visit. The casinos listed above have multiple partnerships, but the ones in the table provide the sportsbook you can visit in person. This does not have too much of a noticeable impact, but it might explain why there are only nine sports betting sites in WV.

Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in West Virginia

Each state can legalize and regulate sports betting if they so wish. However, this means the rules are different no matter what state you are in. To help you stay on the right side of the law, we have a list of important aspects to remember when making sports bets in West Virginia. While some laws change over time, it is unlikely any of the following will change soon.

  • Legal Age: Most states have set the legal gambling age for sports betting at 21 years of age or older. That is the case in West Virginia and that also applies to casino games. Players 18 or over can play the lottery, bet on horse racing, and play bingo legally in WV. But you must be 21 to make sports bets.
  • Mobile Betting: If you meet the age requirement, anyone in West Virginia can bet on sports using their cell phones. All legal sports betting platforms have a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices.
  • Within State Lines: In case you did not know, sports betting is legal in the state of West Virginia. However, any sportsbook account you make is only valid in this state. To make a sports bet, you must be within state lines at the time of the wager. You can access your account to deposit or withdraw outside WV, but you can’t make a new wager.
  • Retail Locations: West Virginia has several retail locations where players can make sports bets using cash. These betting lounges have comfortable seats and are typically in the heart of a casino.
  • Remote Registration: If you are in the state of West Virginia, you can join an online sportsbook remotely. You do not need to visit a retail location to register, just download a mobile app and start betting.

Online Sports Betting Markets WV

If you plan on betting on sports from around the world, this section will be the most useful for you. That is because we have a brilliant table full of every sportsbook and the sports on offer. Whether you are looking for the most markets or one sport in particular, this is where you can find out without having to sign up and search for yourself.

MarketsDraftKingsBetMGMBetRiversFanDuelCaesarsBarstoolPointsBetGolden NuggetBetly
Aussie RulesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYes
BaseballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
BasketballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
BoxingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
CricketYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNo
CyclingYesYesNoYesYesYesNoNoNo
DartsYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
eSportsYesNoYesNoNoNoYesNoNo
FootballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Formula 1YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Formula EYesNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
GolfYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
HockeyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IndyCarYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNo
Jai AlaiNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
LacrosseYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
MMAYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
NASCARYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
NASCAR TruckNoYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNo

Remember, some sports are seasonal. That means they might appear or disappear throughout the year. We will try to keep this list as updated as possible but, some sportsbooks regularly change the sports on offer.

One last aspect to consider is the sports betting site with a small selection. While this may seem like the one to avoid, it can often provide unforeseen benefits. For example, smaller sportsbooks may have a higher chance of supplying exciting promotions for the sports you want to bet on. Therefore, it is worth considering other factors, like the promotions, before you decide where to sign up.

What can’t you Bet on in West Virginia?

Every state has rules in place for certain events. These events are not always sports-related, for example, politics. No state in America allows patrons to place bets on the outcome of political events. However, what other occasions do they not allow in West Virginia? Below is a list of the sports you cannot bet on. These rules may change over time, but they will take a lot of campaigning and house votes before we see any changes.

  • Politics
  • High School Events

West Virginia is quite relaxed when compared to other states with legal sports betting. Usually, states do not allow bets on eSports events, college-level sports, or award ceremonies. However, there are no restrictions on these events in WV.

Types of Bets at West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

Seeing as we have established what you can’t bet on, it’s time to examine the wagers you can place. Every sportsbook in West Virginia supports the wagers on our list, but some are better equipped than others. Sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM can offer over 200 markets for one sporting event. That means there are over 200 bets you can place, including same game parlays, proposition bets, and many more.

  • Moneylines
  • Point Spreads
  • Proposition Bets
  • Teasers
  • Futures
  • Parlays
  • Round Robins
  • Same Game Parlays
  • Totals
  • Live Bets

If you want to know more about the wagers listed, we have dedicated guides with examples across multiple sports. If you just want an overview, straight bets include simple wagers like the moneyline, whereas parlays are bets which comprise multiple legs. You need all legs to come true to win a parlay, but the returns are usually much greater.

Tax Rate for Online Gambling West Virginia

For those of you who don’t know, gambling winnings are taxable in the state of West Virginia. Some states across America use a graduated tax system. This is where you pay more in state tax depending on how much you earn in a year. Other states use a flat tax band for all residents, meaning you pay a standard rate no matter how much you earn. West Virginia uses a graduated system ranging from 3% up to 6.5 for the top earners in the state.

However, there are other taxes to consider when filing your returns. For example, you must make Federal and Social Security contributions. These taxes also increase depending on your annual salary. This matters because when filing your taxes, you must declare gambling winnings as income. That means they combine your salary and sports betting winnings into one total that you pay tax on. If you want a rough estimation of how much tax you will pay this year, use a West Virginia online tax calculator.

West Virginia Online Sports Betting Revenue

Sports betting has been legal in West Virginia for several years, which means there is a lot of data out there. To keep things relevant, we are only going to look at the past few months of betting revenue in the state. After all, who cares how much was spent at sportsbooks three years ago? Instead, let’s examine three of the most recent months.

Type of Sports BettingJanuary 2023February 2023March 2023
Retail$6.3M$4.3M$4.7M
Online$38.4M$35.4M$38.2M
Total$44.7M$39.7M$43M

Sports betting in West Virginia was worth $127 million in the first three months of 2023. That includes retail and online gross revenue streams. While all of us can agree that $100 million in three months is a lot, it is considerably less than the most popular states for sports betting. It is unlikely that the state will ever see numbers like Pennsylvania, which could explain why there are fewer sportsbooks for residents to choose from.

Payment Methods at WV Sportsbooks

New players often overlook the importance of checking the payment methods before signing up. That is because it is easy to assume each sportsbook will make it as easy as possible to make a deposit. However, that is not always the case. Some sports betting sites only offer players a select few ways to make a deposit and a couple of methods for withdrawing cash.

The following two tables are here to make your life a little easier. Instead of checking each site yourself, you can use the tables below to find out which payment methods sportsbooks in West Virginia accept. Remember, you need to find a service that accommodates your preferred deposit and withdrawal method before you sign up. Otherwise, you might have to wait a long period to withdraw your cash or have to contact a support agent. Either way, you can avoid these issues by checking first.

Deposits

There are nine online sportsbooks available to residents of West Virginia, each offering a unique range of deposit methods to choose from. If you are looking for a service that will support cash payments, look for any sportsbook with a retail location or one that supports PayNearMe. Otherwise, we recommend you choose a sports betting site that supports convenient methods for you.

Deposit MethodsDraftKingsBetMGMBetRiversFanDuelCaesarsBarstoolPointsBetGolden NuggetBetly
VisaYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
MastercardYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
DiscoverYesYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
American ExpressNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
PayPalYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNo
Online BankingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
eCheckYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
PayNearMeNoYesNoYesYesYesNoNoYes
Play+YesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYes
Wire TransferYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
VenmoYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNo
CashNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoYes

In our experience, methods involving digital wallets, such as PayPal, are the quickest ways to deposit your cash. However, most deposit methods are instant, allowing you to bet as soon as possible. Remember to check the responsible gambling tools before you make your first deposit.

Withdrawals

When talking about deposit methods, a lot of the same features apply to the withdrawal options. Meaning you need to consider what options are right for you before you register for a sportsbook. Most sites have fewer withdrawal methods compared to deposits, meaning you have less of a choice to make. You do not need to choose the site with the most options. Just make sure wherever you join supports the process that is easiest for you.

Deposit MethodsDraftKingsBetMGMBetRiversFanDuelCaesarsBarstoolPointsBetGolden NuggetBetly
VisaYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
MastercardYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
PayPalYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNo
eCheckYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Online BankingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Play+YesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYes
Wire TransferYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
VenmoYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNo
CashNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoYes

Another aspect to consider is security. All the sportsbooks on our list are legal and licensed, but there is a level of security you might not know about. Some online sports betting sites do not allow players to make withdrawals from a method until they have used that procedure to make a deposit. Meaning PayPal is not available to players who deposited using their bank account. If you need any help during this process, reach out to the sportsbook’s support team.

Promotions and Bonuses at West Virginia Betting Websites

Every sportsbook in West Virginia has promotions or bonuses to talk about, but how do you know which ones are best? While we would love to examine every welcome offer available, they change far too regularly for that to be worthwhile. Instead, we will arm you with all the information you need to pick out a good deal from all the duds.

  • Free Bet: A bonus bet, or free bet, is a promotion where you can bet on any sport you want without risking your cash. Instead, you use credits given by the sportsbook and can withdraw any winnings from a successful wager.
  • Risk-Free Bet: This is where the sportsbook covers your bet if you lose. They will give you free bets equal to your stake for you to try again. Risk-free bets or bet insurance usually have strict terms and conditions you must read before you place the bet.
  • Deposit Match: Some online casinos will match your deposit with bonus funds to help you get started. Sportsbooks may also match your deposit using free bets. Both require you to play through the promotion before you can withdraw any cash.
  • Profit Boost: Sportsbooks can give you a profit boost to increase the returns of your wager. This can apply to parlays, straight bets, and same game parlays.
  • Odds Boost: This is where the sportsbook increases the odds of various bets for you to choose from. The result is a bet which is more profitable than usual.

Free Bets

The free bet is a fantastic promotion as it gives you the chance to win actual cash without using the funds you have deposited. The best part of this promotion is that you can withdraw all the winnings from a free wager as cash. However, you do not get to keep the value of the stake. Whether it’s a five-dollar free bet or $50, they consume the value when you place the bet, or it expires after a period.

Best Sites for Free Bets

Sportsbooks change the promotions on offer throughout the year. Meaning one week there could be several ways for players to claim free bets and then none the week after. The list we have below is the best sites, on average, for free bets. That does not mean they will have a free bet every week of 2023, but you are more likely to see a free bet at the following betting sites.

  • BetRivers: Bet live on the NBA and get 50% of your bet matched in free bets. Place three MLB same game parlays in a week for a $10 free bet.
  • FanDuel: New players sign up and bet $5 to receive $150 in free bets.
  • Barstool: Place a $25 five-leg soccer parlay and get a $5 free bet for each leg that lands.

Risk-Free Bets

If you are looking for risk-free bets, they are most commonly used as welcome bonuses in the state of West Virginia. Meaning they cover your first bet up to a certain amount when you sign up for an online sportsbook. Below are the current best welcome offers available.

Best Sites for Risk-Free Bets

  • BetMGM: New players start with a risk-free bet worth up to $1,000. Get $25 bet insurance on the first inning on the MLB.
  • Caesars: Get a risk-free welcome bet worth $1,250 and 1,000 reward and tier credits.
  • Barstool: Newbies enjoy a $1,000 risk-free bet to start off with.

Odds Boosts

Online sportsbooks are fantastic for boosting bets. This is where the sportsbook will increase the odds of certain wagers, making them more profitable. Some sports betting sites will also allow you to increase the returns of your wagers with profit boosts. We list the best sites for both below.

Best Sites for Odds Boosts

  • Caesars: Every day, players can claim a 33% NBA or NHL same game parlay boost token worth 33%.
  • Golden Nugget: Get up to a 20% parlay boost depending on how many legs are in your parlay.

Comparison of West Virginia Online Sportsbooks

At this point in the guide, it’s a good time to step back and look at an overview of each sportsbook. In the table below, we have all nine licensed sports betting sites, the number of sports you can bet on, and the total number of casino games available at each establishment. You can also see which brands have a retail location if you are looking to make wagers using cash.

SportsbookNumber of SportsRetail LocationNumber of Casino GamesFantasy Sports
DraftKings25No510Yes
BetMGM24No400No
BetRivers22No366No
FanDuel19Yes200Yes
Caesars24Yes50No
Barstool21Yes280No
PointsBet16No63No
Golden Nugget14No139No
Betly13Yes0No

If you are unsure which sportsbook to join, you can always join more than one. The best way to find out what works for you is to try it, and there is no harm in trying out multiple sites. Just make sure you set deposit limits on both accounts and don’t deposit more than you can afford to lose. Remember, they do not lock in you when you join an online sportsbook. If you are not enjoying yourself, you can close your account or just delete the app from your cell phone.

Best for Sport

If you are looking to bet on the widest collection of sports, any of the sportsbooks listed below are perfect for you. Not only do they have the most markets from around the world, but they also have an impressive collection of leagues in every continent. That means you can bet on European soccer games, Asian basketball matches, and a variety of other exciting events.

  • DraftKings
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers

Best for Fantasy Sports

Only two online sports betting sites are also responsible for some excellent daily fantasy sports contests. Both DraftKings and FanDuel offer incredibly popular fantasy sports services. There are subtle differences between the two providers which you can read about in our detailed reviews. If you don’t fancy any more reading, the major difference is FanDuel is better for new players with no experience. DraftKings offers large prizes, but the system at FanDuel guarantees you are playing opponents with a similar experience or skill level to yourself.

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel

If you have sports betting experience, both services are excellent. FanDuel offers a better mobile app visually, and the functionality is fantastic. DraftKings and FanDuel have somewhat of a cult following, so they are both great choices for the social side as well.

Best Mobile Apps

Using your mobile device to make sports bets is the most convenient way to play. You can make wagers on the go, cash out or partially cash out at some sportsbooks, plus withdraw your winnings. However, some mobile apps are easier for players to use than others. Below are the best mobile apps for new players or anyone looking to make bets quickly and easily.

  • BetMGM
  • FanDuel
  • Caesars

Best Online Casino

If online casino games are important to you, the list below has the best options for you to join. These sportsbooks have the widest collection of casino games, including slots, table games, and exciting extras such as Slingo titles. If you want to know more about the online casino, make sure you check out our reviews.

  • DraftKings
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers

Best Slots

Anyone looking to join a sports betting site for a magnificent collection of slots is in luck. There are several fantastic online casinos to choose from in West Virginia. They have traditional three-reel slots, Megaways, and various slots with progressive jackpots. Any of the services below have a wide range of exciting games to play.

  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • Golden Nugget

How to Get Started at West Virginia Sportsbooks

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Anyone who is signing up for a West Virginia sports betting site for the first time might want to follow the next few steps. That is because there are a couple of features you might not know about when claiming your welcome bonus. All sportsbooks in WV have a welcome bonus, but some have sneaky terms and conditions you must follow. If you do not read the fine print before you register, you could end up losing out on your bonus. Follow the steps below to avoid missing out.

  • Step 1: The first step before you register is to check the welcome offer. That is because you will need to find out if there is a specific code you must enter to receive the bonus. Some services allow you to enter the code when you make a deposit, but that can be too late depending on the sportsbook you join. Make sure you know if the offer requires a code before you progress.
  • Step 2: Next, you will need to enter an email, choose a password, and even decide on a username. Then you have the option to enter a promo code. If you have a code from your buddy, this is where you need to put it for you both to receive a bonus. After this, you enter personal information, such as your address, date of birth, and cell phone number. One last step before you can continue involves your Social Security Number. Sportsbooks use the last four digits of your SSN to confirm your identity and if you are eligible for sports betting.
  • Step 3: The last step to complete before you make a deposit is account verification. You must confirm you have access to the account by either clicking through an activation email or entering a code sent to your cell phone. Failing to complete this step means you cannot deposit at a sportsbook in West Virginia. You must verify your account before you proceed.
  • Step 4: Now that you are verified, check the welcome bonus one more time. Once you are sure you won’t void the offer, you can make your deposit and place your first bet. Usually, this signals the end of most welcome bonuses, meaning you are free to deposit and bet as much or little as you would like. We recommend all new players at this point examine the responsible gambling tools before making any further deposits. This is where you can set limits on your account to avoid unnecessary losses.

Responsible Gambling West Virginia

If this is your first time making sports bets in WV, we have some advice to help new players get started. We recommend all newbies look over the responsible gambling tools and make use of any that will help them control their spending. It is very easy to deposit a little here and there, but it builds up. Make sure you set limits before you need them to avoid making losses.

The next bit of advice is to only bet when you feel confident. There have been many times when we wanted to bet on an NFL or NBA game, but nothing caught our eye. Instead of choosing something for the sake of it, we often decide not to bet at all. If nothing jumps out at you, then keep your cash in your pocket. Otherwise, you might as well say goodbye to whatever you stake.

One last aspect to consider is taking a break. When you first start sports betting, it is very easy to get carried away and set into a new routine. Betting routinely on every sports week is a surefire way to lose a lot of cash. You do not need to bet on every week or every sport, and it can be beneficial not to do so. If you were considering betting on a player to continue their high-scoring streak and you take a break on the week they blank, it will feel just as good as winning a bet. Remember, use responsible gambling tools, bet only what you can afford to lose, and don’t get sucked into a routine.

West Virginia Frequently Asked Questions

Does West Virginia have online sports betting?

Yes, West Virginia first legalized online sports betting in August 2018. However, it wasn't until a year later that services like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM launched in WV. Now, there are nine online sports betting platforms for residents to enjoy.

Can I use Bet365 in West Virginia?

No. Bet365 does not have a license to accept sports bets in West Virginia. Currently, there are nine online sportsbooks available in the state. Residents can join DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel, Caesars, Barstool, PointsBet, Golden Nugget, and Betly.

Can you sports bet in states you don't live in?

No. Each state in America has a unique set of rules for players to follow, but there is one common rule to remember. You cannot make a sports bet when outside of state lines. In most cases, you will need to create a new account to bet in another region.

What is the gambling tax in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a graduated tax system ranging from 3 to 6.5% for the state’s top earners. In case you did not know, gambling winnings are a source of income across the United States and you must declare them when filing your taxes.

Can I play DraftKings in West Virginia?

Yes. DraftKings is one of nine online sports betting platforms available in West Virginia and the service has been live since August 2019. The other sports betting sites include FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, Barstool, PointsBet, Golden Nugget, and Betly.

How much money can you win gambling without paying taxes?

When paying taxes, the law is very long-winded but clear. You must declare your winnings when filing your taxes. The amount of tax you pay depends on your annual income and your state’s tax bands. No matter how much you earn from gambling, some of it will have to be paid in taxes.

Can I play BetMGM in West Virginia?

Yes. BetMGM is one of the nine sports betting services available in West Virginia. The service launched in January 2020, making it the third sportsbook in the state behind FanDuel and DraftKings. The other services players can join include Caesars, BetRivers, Barstool, PointsBet, Golden Nugget, and Betly.

Is WynnBET in West Virginia?

No. Back in November 2021, WynnBET announced market access to West Virginia in a partnership with Delaware North. The service went live in June 2023 before closing down in August. WynnBET was temporarily available in WV, but the service is no longer taking bets.

Is Caesars Sportsbook in West Virginia?

Yes. Caesars is one of the nine licensed and approved sports betting sites currently available in West Virginia. Players can also register at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, PointsBet, Betly, Barstool, and the Golden Nugget.

Can you bet on college sports in West Virginia?

Yes. West Virginia is very relaxed about sports betting, meaning you can bet on almost anything. Residents are not allowed to bet on politics or high school events, but college sports and eSports betting are restriction free in WV.