West Virginia Sports Betting West Virginia was the fifth state to get on board with legalizing sports betting, having the activity legalized as soon as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) was overturned in 2018. In the state of West Virginia, players will see that there is nothing banning online sports betting under Chapter 61, Article 10. Players who wish to wager on sports by way of the internet will see that the laws are fairly accommodating. You will not have to worry about anything other than paying your taxes, joining a safe gambling site, and making sure that you do not violate any unrelated laws indirectly.

• West Virginia took a speedy approach to sports betting, so it’s safe to expect online casinos to move quickly once they establish regulations. 2021 looks to be the most likely launch window, though things could change as casinos receive their licenses and look to get a jump on the new market.
• Offshore online sports betting is legal in West Virginia as there are no laws that forbid it. This entails that residents of the Mountain State are not limited to state-regulated domestic sportsbooks and can legally place bets at licensed offshore sports betting sites that are operating legally within the industry.

Until very recently, there were three primary federal sports betting laws that affected the way West Virginia gambling destinations could do business. The Wire Act of 1961 prohibits sports betting across state lines, nominally to curb mafia-related interstate numbers games.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was the most restrictive federal law, effectively banning sports betting in all states but Nevada (and which was finally overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018).

Finally, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) was put in place to disrupt the financial stream between Internet-based gambling and sports betting sites and their US-based customers.

Unfortunately, while PASPA is gone, the first and last of these laws remain in place and likely aren’t going to be repealed or overturned anytime soon.

There is one previous federal sports betting law that, until very recently, was still the law of the land: the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992). However, on May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 that the law was unconstitutional, and it was rendered null and void. This is a huge boon for the US economy, but you’ll definitely need to understand what exactly PASPA did before you can appreciate what it means for the law to be expunged from US books.

The Professional And Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA)

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was a law designed – originally – as a gambit to grant New Jersey (and thus Atlantic City) a sort of eastern US sports betting monopoly, just as Las Vegas, NV, was considered the western US monopoly. However, while NV quickly met the terms for exemption from the law, NJ did not establish local sports betting regulations in time, and PASPA went into full effect, barring every state in America except Nevada from offering comprehensive sports betting to their residents.

Unfortunately, the outcome of the law (which would have been the same over the long term regardless of whether or not NJ had exempted itself appropriately) was that legal online sportsbooks (Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, 5Dimes, BetDSI, etc.) popped up overseas, where US residents were free to place wagers with bookies unbound by US laws. And, since betting online is far more convenient than huffing it to Vegas every time you want to spend a few dollars on the home team, the dramatic majority of Americans – tens of millions of them! – simply took their business to these books (or kept in under the table using a local black market bookie).

In either case, it is estimated that PASPA has cost the US federal and state governments access to between $300 billion and $500 billion of taxable spending and economic impact per year since the law went into effect 25 years ago. Now, hopefully, much of that spending will come back to America.

There are two current federal sports betting laws that exist, and neither one is substantially meaningful now that PASPA has been overturned. That said, the laws do impart some restrictions on how individual states will be allowed to operate their sports betting industries.

These two laws – the Wire Act and the UIGEA – are somewhat similar in effect, though they are predicated on two different technologies from two different eras.

The Interstate Wire Act of 1961

The first of the federal sports betting laws was the Interstate Wire Act of 1961, which was “suggested” to congress by US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, quickly passed, and signed into law by his brother John F. Kennedy. On paper, the purpose of this law was to stop the NY-area mafia families from running numbers and hosting “illegal” gambling across state lines (as, by that time, the underworld gambling operations had spread to just about every state in America). In reality, however, this was a protectionist move by the federal government to preserve the profit margins and popularity of the country’s many state lotteries.

Essentially, the Wire Act made it unlawful for anyone to accept a wager or facilitate a bet via wire communications (telephone, telegram, etc.). This extends to contemporary Internet usage, barring interstate wagering in the online world as well. However, in a recent federal ruling, the Interstate Wire Act was found to be limited to sports betting. For comprehensive, Internet-based casino gambling bans, another law – the UIGEA – was introduced.

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) was passed into law as a means to forbid banking and financial institutions from knowingly processing payments related to unlicensed online gambling.

Unlike the Wire Act, the UIGEA applies to transactions related not only to sports betting, but to all forms of Internet-based gambling, including pastimes like online poker (which is skill-based and not chance-based, which should have made the game exempt), blackjack (ditto), slots, lotteries, and so on. Of course, this law only pushed domestic service providers overseas, meaning that online sportsbooks and casinos like Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, and other top sites opened up shop outside of US jurisdiction and established partnerships with non-US-based banking institutions.

In other words, the UIGEA – while catastrophic to the online poker industry at first – simply ended up strengthening and globalizing the online gambling industry as a whole.

The financial impact of this law hasn’t been nearly as disastrous as that of PASPA, and now with individual sports betting coming to any US state that wants it, the law will likely be enforced (along with the Wire Act) to keep Internet-based, state-sanctioned betting and gaming neatly limited within the borders of said sanctioning states (which is something that most states would do anyways, as it makes financial sense for their newfound sports betting business models).

Above, a federal sports betting law loophole was alluded to: overseas sportsbooks and gambling sites. Businesses like Bovada, et al., are able to operate primarily because none of the federal sports betting laws actually criminalize individuals who place bets. Instead, these laws only go after bookmakers and service providers who accept bets.

The result is that it is perfectly legal for you to place a bet with an unlicensed bookie, but it is illegal for that bookie to accept your bet if he or she is physically located on US soil. Since online, offshore sportsbooks and betting shops are located overseas, however, they are immune from that restriction, as they are completely outside of US legal jurisdiction.

So, since you can freely place bets and they can freely accept them, sports betting via online sportsbooks has actually been legal since the practice’s inception. PASPA’s overturn merely legitimizes in-state bookmakers (once licensed by the state) so you can place your wagers locally and keep more American currency stateside instead of sending it to foreign countries.

There is as yet no indication that the elimination of PASPA will lead to congress (or any state legislature) banning access to these overseas books with whom they are now in direct competition, but such a contingency sometime in the future would not be a surprise.

West Virginia Sports Betting Regulations Odds

Will I be arrested for using an online, offshore sportsbook?

No, you will not be arrested for using an online, offshore sportsbook, even in states with legalized local sports betting. Until such time as legislation is passed making this activity explicitly against the law, you can continue using sites like Bovada, SportsBetting, and others with impunity.

Can I be charged with a federal crime for placing a sports bet?

You will never be charged with a federal crime for placing a sports bet, as there is no federal law that prohibits this activity. The Wire Act and the UIGEA (and even PASPA when it was in effect) only criminalize US-based bookmakers who accept sports bets, not those who place them.

Is it illegal to use a local unlicensed bookie?

While it is not illegal to use a local unlicensed bookie to place your sports wagers, it is highly unadvisable, as there is no guarantee that your winnings will be paid out (and there is no legal recourse if your bookie takes and keeps your money unjustly). It is, unfortunately, quite common for black market bookies to abscond with their customers’ money whenever a large enough payout threatens their bottom line.

What are the best offshore sportsbooks to avoid federal sports betting laws?

While there are thousands of Internet betting shops, the best offshore sportsbooks to avoid federal sports betting laws are the industry’s most classic, long-lasting go-tos: Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, BetDSI, 5Dimes, and BookMaker. These sites all have several decades in the business, and their tens of millions of US customers are always treated with courtesy, fairness, and receive prompt payouts. Don’t trust anyone else.

What is the best way to fund my sports betting account to avoid federal attention?

Your online sports wagering activities will not garner the interest of US authorities, so there is no best way to fund your online sports betting account to avoid federal attention. Remember, betting on sports is 100% legal. However, the best overall method to use for maximum privacy, data security, and peace of mind is going to be Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. Additionally, crypto payments and payouts process faster than any other common method, allowing you access to your deposits and withdrawals the same day you initiate these transfers.

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West Virginia Sports Betting Regulations Rules

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Residents now have so many options for legal sports betting in West Virginia that it is normal to have questions. With the state choosing to regulate sports gambling, residents have additional options for wagering on their favorite sports teams. Legal West Virginia sports betting can be done through multiple methods – state-licensed sportsbooks, state-licensed online sportsbooks, or online offshore sports betting sites. The way we see it, there are no state laws that prevent the use of online offshore sportsbooks. The state has legalized sports betting and there are no provisions to exclude offshore books. Without these specific pieces of legislation in place, legal sports betting in West Virginia at online sportsbooks is viable. To further clear up any concerns, lawmakers have authorized both internet and mobile wagering in the state.

To help make finding legal West Virginia sports betting sites easier, we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the field to the best potential candidates. These sites allow players from all over West Virginia to play at their sites. There are no sign-up fees and you’ll have more options at these legal West Virginia sports betting sites than you’d find anywhere else in the US, including a local sportsbook or one in Vegas. Everything you need to know about finding a safe, reliable online sportsbook that accepts WV residents is right here on this page. We explore and explain the legality of it all, as well as answer any questions you might have about legal West Virginia Sports Betting.

Can We Now Legally Bet On Sports In West Virginia?

If you follow the news at all, you are already aware that PASPA was overturned on May 14th, 2018. As the West Virginia Legislature had passed a preemptive sports betting law, residents can now legally bet on sports in W.V. With sports betting officially kicking off on September 1st at Hollywood Casino, the opportunities for legal sports gambling in West Virginia only continue to increase. Of course, residents can also continue to use sites like BetOnline and 5Dimes for the best odds and bigger bonuses.

If you live in West Virginia and enjoy betting on sports over the Internet, we have good news. Legal West Virginia sports betting can be done online through any computer or smartphone. West Virginia has online sportsbooks that are based in the state. Not only that, WV residents should feel confident that they are well within their legal rights when placing any type of bet at an online sportsbook that accepts American players. The online action you’ll find at any of the legal West Virginia Sports Betting sites recommended on this page is better than anything you’d find stateside.

Sports Betting Laws in West Virginia

The sports betting laws in West Virginia are very straightforward and easy to find. WV HB 415 is the only West Virginia sports betting law that you need to know. Passed on March 3, 2018, the law legalizes sports wagering on professional and collegiate sports, including college teams based in WV. States like NJ and DE have banned betting on local college teams, so WV residents have a leg up in this regard. The law also approves mobile and internet sports betting as well. You can also find details on licensure, fees, and other regulatory standards within the law.

There has never been any record of someone going to jail for online sports betting in West Virginia. In fact, there are now West Virginia sports betting laws that authorize mobile and other platforms for digital wagering. On the federal level, sports betting laws only apply to those who are either illegally running an online/land-based sportsbook, or those who are accepting the wagers. There is nothing in the state or federal penal code that makes online sports betting unlawful for West Virginia residents.

Bovada is a sportsbook we have long followed for their quality. Bovada provides its players with quite a few options for gambling, covering as many possible sports as they can. Entertainment, such as TV and film, as well as politics are also covered. Each of these options has made Bovada into one of the more enjoyable locations for gambling. If you decide to play with Bovada, you will find easy deposits by way of Bitcoin, VISA, Mastercard, and American Express. They have various deposit bonuses, including a 50% matching bonus for up to $250. For a limited time, until October 1, you can get a 50% matching bonus for up to $1,000 to celebrate the new football season. Just enter the promo code BVNFL1000 if you are betting on NFL games or BVNCAAF1000 if you are betting on college football. Through Bovada you never have to worry about being ripped off or otherwise damaged, as this is one of the most secure gambling sites around.

BetOnline is another of the most famous betting sites we have ever seen. They provide their users with quite a few advantages, including a 50% match to $1,000 - the largest deposit bonus ever introduced into a sportsbook. BetOnline bets on over 8 different sports, with the moneyline, spread, and total score bet available on each betting line. BetOnline has easy deposits with such methods as Bitcoin, Ethereum, prepaid cards, VISA, Mastercard, and wire transfers. BetOnline is simply the most generous betting sites we have ever seen, offering odds that pay even higher than most other sportsbooks.

The fans here in West Virginia know that betting on their favorite and hometown teams on MyBookie is a huge come up. There is so much money that can be made. The age requirement just to sign up for a MyBookie account is 18 and older. The banking methods are so easy to use and there a few listed that players can use. With the bonuses offered as well, there is no way that players not having any money or free plays on their accounts. Having an account here with Mybookie is the best idea and all it takes is for players to take a few minutes out of their day to create one.

Colorado Sports Betting Regulations

The thing about betting on these teams is that there is always a risk. The bigger the risk, the more money that players can make. There are so many different betting options on SportsBetting and the features here are made just for the players that have accounts. There are also bonuses that SportsBetting offers and these are just a few things that they offer for players to keep them to continue to come back. The age requirement for players to sign up here is 18 and older. Once you have an account, all the games and features like live betting and mobile betting will be there for you to make money off of!

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There are a couple of federal laws that impact sports betting in West Virginia. We can start with the oldest law, the Wire Act of 1961. If you’re wondering why you can’t just call a sportsbook located in Nevada from West Virginia and use that or just log on to one of Nevada’s online sportsbooks, it’s actually because of the Wire Act. The Wire Act states that it is unlawful for someone to take a wager over a wire of communication. This prevents wagers from being taken over state lines and keeps legal West Virginia sports betting limited to state-licensed sportsbooks and apps.

West Virginia Sports Betting Regulations 2020

There is a final sports betting law that you should be aware of, but rather than preventing any activities, it serves as a banking regulation. This law is called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, UIGEA. What this law tries to do is prevent businesses from taking wagers and processing transactions from US players online, but it only succeeds in half of that. The UIGEA does not have the authority to dictate what overseas businesses do or don’t do. So they can’t prevent online, offshore sportsbooks from taking bets from West Virginia residents.

What this law can do is prevent banks from processing deposits to online sports betting sites. So occasionally, you might have a declined credit card payment or wire transfer. This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything illegal – the great thing about all three of these laws is that betting is not actually unlawful – it just means you need to find a different deposit method that doesn’t have to be processed by a bank. The law is also only applicable to unregulated sites, which means that state-run apps are not impacted by the UIGEA.

In West Virginia, the legal sports betting age is 21. The state has an overarching law that dictates 21 as the legal gambling age in the state. This is important to remember, as most online sports betting sites only require you to be 18 to sign up. While you can technically sign up at that age, we recommend that you wait until the state proscribed legal betting age or else face legal consequences.

Yes. When you use any of the online sportsbooks that are based in West Virginia or any of our highly recommended online offshore sportsbooks, you are legally able to bet on sports on your smartphone (or tablet). These sites are the exact same ones you’re accessing on your computer, they’ve just been modified to fit on a smaller, mobile device. Mobile sports betting in West Virginia is legal, fun, and convenient.

Generally, online sportsbooks will have tons of different wager types available. Some have more than others, especially if they’re more established and have been operating for a long time. The most common wager types you’ll see are parlay cards, moneylines, spreads, totals, adjusted lines, props, and futures. You might also find round robins, if-bets, Asian handicaps, and more. Some sportsbooks even have what is called live betting, as well.

Live In Game Sports Betting In West Virginia

Live betting is a method of betting on the game as it is in progress. Moneylines, spreads, and totals, as well as player and team props, can be made on the game while it is going. This puts you closer to the action and really gives you a chance to show off your sports betting skills.

Will West Virginia Regulate Sports Betting at the State Level?

West Virginia state legislators have already legalized sports betting at the state level. It was among one of the first states to do so after the Supreme Court ruling on PASPA. The state regulates sports betting at existing racetrack casinos and the casino within the historic Greenbrier Hotel. West Virginia also offers a state-regulated mobile sports betting app, but it has experienced technical difficulties in the past.

Are There Any Sportsbooks At Tribal Casinos In West Virginia?

West Virginia Sports Betting Regulations

Currently, there is no legal sports betting in West Virginia Tribal casinos or any other land-based structure. This is due to federal restrictions like PASPA. If federal law is repealed or amended, you should expect to see sportsbooks in both tribal and commercial casinos.

Can I Trust West Virginia Sports Betting Sites?

West Virginia Sports Betting Regulations Usa

All of the current casinos and racinos in West Virginia are legally authorized to offer sports betting. There are four racetrack-casinos in the state and one casino. All five destinations are poised to offer full-scale sports wagering on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA sporting events. Here are the places where you can bet on sports in West Virginia:

• Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
• Mardi Gras Casino and Resort Cross Lanes
• Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort
• Wheeling Island Hotel
• The Casino Club at The Greenbrier

Can I Trust West Virginia Sports Betting Sites?

Yes, you can fully trust online sportsbooks that accept West Virginia residents, especially if they are the ones recommended on this page. We scoured the internet looking for the absolute best legal West Virginia sports betting sites available, ones with the best reputations and the most to offer. Online sportsbooks use SSL encryption technology to keep your information safe. They must also answer to a gaming commission, which holds them to high-quality standards to maintain their licensing.

Well, there is no professional sports teams in West Virginia at this time. In fact, there are only a few college teams that anyone really hears about. They are the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Marshall Thundering Herd. Other than that, there is not going to be a whole lot of betting on the home team because teams are limited in the state. Luckily, offshore online sportsbooks provide the latest betting odds on every team and popular sport you can think of.