West Virginia Sports Betting – Best WV Sportsbooks 2024
There’s nothing quite like West Virginia sports betting. Mountain State people know their sports, and some of the most storied teams in history are within driving distance. Whether you’re a Steelers supporter or you lean more towards the Browns, you’re undoubtedly a super-fan.
West Virginia sports betting first started when the Supreme Court legalized sports wagers in 2018. Within months, the legislature had a regulatory framework in place and major sportsbooks were setting up shop. By 2019, the earliest of these sites were live, and West Virginians could begin to place their first legal bets.
Whether you’d prefer to use one of the biggest sportsbooks or you’re looking for something a little more personal, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take a look at your options for sports betting in West Virginia and let you in on a few secrets about promotions and free giveaways.
Best Licensed Online Sports Betting Sites available in West Virginia
The Mountain State was one of the first in the nation to regulate sports betting, so there are a lot of choices available to local residents. Since West Virginia sports betting is a wide open field, we’ve done the work and put together a list of your best options. All of the sportsbooks on this page are well-regarded, providing lots of betting lines and prompt payouts. So pay attention to the nice welcome bonuses!
Contents
Ready to read about West Virginia sports betting? We’ll dive in shortly. But first, here’s a rundown of all of the tips and secrets we’ll cover in this article.
- Best Licensed Sports Betting Sites West Virginia
- What is Online Sports Betting?
- Sports Betting Options in West Virginia
- Why is Sports Betting So Popular in West Virginia?
- Is Online Sports Betting Legal and Safe in West Virginia?
- The Growth of Sports Betting in West Virginia
- Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
- Popular Sports to Bet On
- How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in West Virginia
- Payment Methods
- Responsible Gambling
- FAQ
What is Online Sports Betting?
Sports betting, whether in West Virginia or anywhere else, is a form of gambling. It allows players to wager on sporting events through an internet-based bookmaker or betting site. Online sports betting has been around since the dawn of the internet, but has really taken off over the last few years.
Since 2018’s landmark Supreme court decision opening up legalized gambling across the USA, major sportsbooks have signed up millions of new customers. West Virginia was one of the first states to begin regulating the industry, and has some of the most advanced sportsbook offerings.
The market has been developing quickly, and is responding to new technology like 5G and smartphones. Today, you can do all of your research and betting anywhere, at any time. With in-play wagers, you can even adjust your game strategy on the fly, placing bets as the game progresses.
West Virginia sports betting can be very rewarding for savvy punters who know their teams and players. Bookmakers may be smart when creating their lines. But there’s so much automation involved with odds setting these days, the bookmaker often overlooks things that you might spot. So with skill and effort, you can gain an edge and walk away with a profit.
Sports Betting Options in West Virginia
There are many potential sports bets available to sports fans in West Virginia. From moneylines to parlays, it can all be a bit confusing for novice gamblers. We’re here to get you started with the vocabulary you need to know, but there’s no substitute for real experience.
Let’s look at some of the most popular sports wager types in the Mountain State.
Moneyline
This is the simplest form of sports betting because you only need to think about which team you believe will emerge victorious. Moneylines offer greater odds for the underdogs, while bets on the favorites provide a lower payout if they win.
Spread
Sportsbooks tend to give the weaker team a few points headstart when betting on the spread. This helps ensure an even amount of bets on each side of the line. With the spread, you’re looking to pick the team who performs better than expected, rather than looking for the outright winner.
Totals
Sometimes called Over/Under lines, Totals markets are a stats-based bet. The sportsbook will set a total score they think is likely, and you will choose whether you think the actual score will be above or below this amount. Overs are likely during good weather with offensive teams. While bad weather and defensive slugfests are more likely to produce a result that’s lower than the total.
Teasers
Since regular parlay bets are rewarding but difficult to land, bookmakers came up with Teasers. These put a twist on the regular parlay, allowing you to change the conditions of one leg. Choosing the correct leg to adjust is part of the challenge, but if you get it right, the rewards can be enormous.
Futures
Betting on events happening months or years from now is done on the futures market. If you think you can guess next year’s super bowl MVP or the all-star roster, this may be an exciting way to test your convictions.
Parlay
Bundle a few small bets into one larger, more challenging bet. It’s a risk versus reward situation, and if you’re willing to tolerate a loss now and then, the payouts can be huge. It may be a good idea to put a few dollars down on the off chance you land the big one.
In-Play
These bets are placed during the contest based on how the game is playing out. Conditions can change quickly, whether it’s a simple score in the first quarter to a player getting injured in the third. In-play betting provides players with an opportunity to make money by taking advantage of these fluctuations in momentum and key events.
Why is Sports Betting So Popular in West Virginia?
There are many reasons why the good people of West Virginia enjoy their sports betting so much. Let’s take a look at a few.
- Sports wagers are exciting. Make gametime unforgettable by putting some skin in the game.
- Excellent odds. Anyone can win because you compete directly against other sports fans.
- Convenient smartphone apps. It’s never been easier to put down a wager at a West Virginia sports betting site.
Sports Wagers Are Exciting
Placing a small wager on your favorite team is a time honored tradition, which really enhances the excitement of the event. From horse racing to football, sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the world.
Bets make you feel like you are part of the game by attaching your wallet to your team’s success. You’ll get a bigger rush every time your team scores and feel the crushing agony of a loss. The risk and reward make for an exciting experience that’s well worth the price of admission.
Excellent Odds
West Virginia sports betting has some of the best odds available for gamblers. Since you’re directly competing against the bookmaker, it’s possible for smart punters to make a profit. This is especially true if you know enough about the sport to spot any oversights made by the odds setters.
Further, you can improve over time as you learn more about the conditions that influence the game. Eventually, you may develop an instinct for which moneylines and spreads are likely to pay.
Convenient Smartphone Apps
Easy access to major sportsbooks is one of the big factors behind the rise of sports gambling. It’s never been easier to put down a wager on a game or two. With the invention of tablet devices, and especially smartphones, it’s as simple as a few swipes to get in on the action.
It’s also easier than ever to research your bets. Top West Virginia sports betting sites put you in control by making a full range of player and team statistics available in easy-to-read formats. This helps to level the playing field, making anyone a potential winner.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal and Safe in West Virginia?
Sports wagers are legal and regulated by the State of West Virginia. The major websites on our list of West Virginia sports betting operators are completely safe and used by millions of gamblers around the world every month. These professional sports betting websites offer fair play, competitive odds, and excellent promotions.
Each state in the USA regulates gambling independently, with little interference from the federal government. While choosing a local sportsbook ensures a tailored environment that may fit your interests, it’s not illegal to gamble at an offshore European website either. UK and European Union sportsbooks are just as good as American sites, and may offer sports wagering opportunities that strike your fancy.
Look for either a West Virginia sports betting license or a major international jurisdiction like the UK, Malta, Curaçao or Gibraltar. While there are excellent sportsbooks which are properly licensed in other locations, these nations have particularly strict gambling regulators who focus on player protections.
The Growth of Sports Betting in West Virginia
A 2018 US Supreme court decision opened the doors to fully legalized West Virginia sports betting. The state was one of the first to capitalize on the opportunity and saw immediate interest from popular sportsbook operators. FanDuel and Draftkings earned their licenses quickly in 2019, with BetMGM and Caesars following in early 2020.
There was an explosive period of growth during the first few years, beginning with a $226 million dollar handle in 2019. By 2020, West Virginia sports betting was up to $414 million dollars, which further increased to $540 million in 2021. This was a windfall for the state coffers, contributing $4.4 million in 2021, helping to provide much needed services for Mountain State communities.
Today, there are a wide variety of legal, regulated West Virginia sports betting websites ready to take wagers. You can also try out major offshore sportsbooks which are regulated in European markets like Malta and the UK
Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
West Virginia sports betting websites are always looking for new players. Of course, we often pay attention to the generous first time deposit bonuses. However, there are a wide variety of promos that you will see at your favorite sportsbook.
Here are a few interesting promotions that you may enjoy at Mountain State sportsbooks.
First Time Deposit Bonus
New players at West Virginia sports betting websites often receive the richest rewards. Online sportsbooks are competitive, and they’re willing to pay players to get a leg up on the competition. DraftKings, for example, will match 20% of your first deposit, with a maximum value of $1,000.
Reload Bonus
Typically, one day per week will be earmarked for enhanced rewards on deposits. It’s a good idea to keep these times in mind when making your weekly wagering plans, so that you get maximum returns for your bets.
Free Bet
Just as the name suggests, free bets allow you to wager using promotional cash with a one-time playthrough requirement. You won’t be able to cash that money out from any West Virginia sports betting sites. But instead, you can use it to place a bet. If your wager wins, you’ll collect the entire payout directly into your account.
Risk-Free Bet
These are not quite the same as a traditional free bet. Risk-free bets are insured wagers that will compensate you if you lose. This promo cash can be used to take a second stab at notching up a win. Risk-free bets offer a good shot at landing a payday, as it’s likely that at least one of the bets will succeed.
Odds Boost
These games will have enhanced payouts for winners. West Virginia sports betting websites often choose one or two popular games to promote, so you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on the promotions for weekly odds boost promos.
Parlay Insurance
Parlays are becoming increasingly popular in the world of gambling, with many people using them to win big. While they’re notoriously difficult to land, a small bet can easily generate large payouts. Insurance helps soothe painful misses by rewarding players with free bets to cover the loss.
Loyalty Program
Sports wagering websites put a lot of effort into rewarding their best customers. West Virginia sports betting players can expect special bonuses such as free bets, sports tickets, and other giveaways. These promotions get better as you move up through the ranks and prove your loyalty to the sportsbook.
Popular Sports to Bet On
Mountain state sports fans are passionate about a wide range of sports. There aren’t any professional teams in the state, but West Virginians are passionate Steelers and Browns supporters. Here is a short list of all the popular sports with fans in this part of the country.
- Football
- Baseball (MLB)
- Basketball (NBA)
- Soccer
- Hockey (NHL)
- Motorsports
- Golf
- Tennis
West Virginians love their football and it’s no surprise that there are many wagering opportunities. The top sportsbooks in the region also offer plenty of promotions on major NFL and college football events.
How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in West Virginia
Choosing a West Virginia sports betting website is as simple as scrolling through our list of top Mountain State sportsbooks. You can expect to find exciting new player bonuses to help you get started at any of the websites on our list.
Once you’ve made your choice, follow this guide to begin placing wagers.
- Choose your favorite sportsbook and click on the link from our list of top sports wagering sites. Using our URL will help protect you by taking you directly to the correct website. This will protect you from similar-looking websites that are really phishing sites.
- The signup button will usually be at the top right of the website. Click on the this to begin creating your personal account.
- You will need to enter some personal data to help protect your account and speed up payouts. Enter your name, home address, phone number, SSN and any other required information.
- Choose the new player promo that’s right for your wagering interests. West Virginia Sports betting enthusiasts may want to choose a risk free first bet or deposit bonus. Don’t forget that your new player bonus may have specific requirements that you’ll want to keep track of.
- Deposit some money into your account to get started placing wagers. Make sure that you put enough into your account to cover the new player promotion requirements.
- Check out the promos tab from time to time. There are often great deals like reload bonuses that you won’t want to miss.
Payment Methods
Top sportsbooks in West Virginia are standing by ready to take your bets. They offer a number of ways to make deposits and receive your winnings. Any of the following payment methods are likely to be accepted at your sportsbook of choice.
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Discover
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Paypal
- EcoPayz
- Paysafecard
- Bank Wire Transfers
- Instant Bank Transfers
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash
Keep in mind that individual sportsbooks will each have their own payment policies. You may see minor differences between Draftkings and BetMGM, for example. Even so, you’ll find that it’s extremely easy to fund your account, regardless of which sportsbook you decide to go with.
Responsible Gambling
Placing sports wagers is a great way to engage with your love for sports. Occasionally though, someone may find it difficult to set limits. If you need help, there are groups that can assist you. Here are a few of your better options.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline. This is a charity that was started to help those struggling with addiction to regain control. Contact ncpgambling.org or call 1-800-522-4700 if you need to talk to someone.
- International Center For Responsible Gaming. This non-profit was set up in 1996 to provide evidence-based help and research ways to control problem gambling. Get in touch by contacting www.icrg.org or by calling 978-338-6610.
- Gamblers Anonymous. This group began 1957 and is based on the well-known 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Visit the website at gamblersanonymous.org or find a local group by calling 855-222-5542.
Useful Tools
Gambling is an extremely popular pastime across the country, and it’s a great way to enjoy your passion for sports. However, it’s not always easy to know when you should stop. So the top sportsbooks and gambling operators have created tools to help you set reasonable limits.
The following are some of the helpful services offered by online sportsbook operators.
- Time Limits. Set a specific time frame during which you can place wagers.
- Deposit Limits. Curtail your deposits to a set amount per day, week, month, or year.
- Loss Limits. Specify a maximum amount you can lose during a specific time period.
- Time Outs. Restrict yourself from gambling for a while once you’ve had enough.
- Self Exclusion. Completely remove yourself from a West Virginia sports betting website if you need help quitting. This is a drastic action that will completely cut you off from creating a new account with that website. Consider using another option if you just need to take a temporary break.
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