Sports Betting in West Virginia: Complete 2026 Guide

West Virginia Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide\n\nWest Virginia has been a trailblazer in the US sports betting landscape, becoming one of the first states to offer legal sports wagering in 2018. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of sports betting in the Mountain State, from its legal status and available sportsbooks to betting tips and responsible gaming resources.\n\n## Current Legal Status and History\n\nSports betting is fully legal in West Virginia, both online and at retail locations. The state acted quickly after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, with Governor Jim Justice signing bill SB 415 into law. The first retail sportsbooks opened in August 2018, followed by the launch of the first online sportsbook in December of the same year.\n\n## Available Sportsbooks and Their Features\n\nAs of early 2026, West Virginia is home to eight online sportsbooks, offering a variety of options for bettors. These include industry giants like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, as well as other popular brands such as Betly, ESPN Bet, BetRivers, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Each of these sportsbooks offers a unique set of features, including welcome bonuses, promotional offers, and a wide range of betting markets.\n\n## Types of Bets Available\n\nWest Virginia sports bettors have access to a wide array of betting options, including:\n\n* Moneylines: A simple bet on which team will win a game.\n* Point Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory in a game.\n* Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game.\n* Parlays: A bet that combines multiple individual bets into one, offering a higher payout but also a higher risk.\n* Teasers: A type of parlay that allows you to adjust the point spread or total for a better chance of winning.\n* Futures: A bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as the winner of the Super Bowl.\n* Prop Bets: A bet on a specific event or outcome within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown.\n* Live/In-Game Betting: A bet placed after a game has already started.\n\n## Tax Implications for Winnings\n\nSports betting winnings are considered taxable income in West Virginia. Winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes. The federal tax rate for gambling winnings is a flat 24%, while the state tax rate in West Virginia is 6.5%.\n\n## Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options\n\nWest Virginia offers both mobile and retail betting options. Mobile betting allows you to place bets from anywhere within the state using your smartphone or computer. Retail betting is available at the state's five casinos:\n\n* Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races\n* The Greenbrier\n* Mardi Gras Casino & Resort\n* Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort\n* Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack\n\n## Tips for Bettors in This State\n\n* Shop for the best lines: With eight online sportsbooks to choose from, it pays to shop around for the best odds on your bets.\n* Take advantage of bonuses and promotions: Sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and keep existing ones happy. Be sure to take advantage of these offers to maximize your winnings.\n* Do your research: Before placing a bet, be sure to do your research on the teams and players involved. This will give you a better chance of making an informed decision.\n* Manage your bankroll: It's important to set a budget for your sports betting and to stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.\n\n## Responsible Gaming Resources\n\nThe Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia provides free, confidential help to anyone affected by problem gambling. They can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER or online at ncpgambling.org.*