VIP Play, Inc. recently announced it will be launching its mobile sports betting and iGaming app in West Virginia at some point next year pending regulatory approvals.
Nine is Fine
Nevada-based VIP Play gained access to the West Virginia market through an agreement with hospitality and gaming company Delaware North and its Wheeling Island Casino. West Virginia is the first state in which VIP Play will have access to an iGaming market.
“We appreciate Delaware North’s access to the wonderful state of West Virginia,” VIP Play CEO Bruce Cassidy said. “This is an ideal market for VIP Play, Inc. to expand into as part of our US expansion efforts. We welcome the addition of online casino — ‘iGaming’ — to our list of offerings within the US and are excited to bring the VIP Play mobile app to West Virginia residents and visitors in 2025.”
Once VIP Play launches, it will be the ninth mobile sportsbook in the Mountain State, joining DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Betly, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, and BetRivers. VIP Play has plans to expand its footprint across the US and will be rebranding its Zen Sports betting platform in Tennessee and bolstering its design and functionality through its partnership with Kambi Group, which was consummated in the fall.
“This partnership with Kambi is a pivotal step for VIP Play, Inc. as we work towards establishing a premier sportsbook presence in the US,” Cassidy said in November. “Kambi’s market-leading technology, and our internal ability to build proprietary technology on top of the Kambi platform, will enable us to deliver a first-class, interactive sports betting experience and a mutually beneficial partnership for years to come.”
West Virginia Tax Coffers Reaping Gaming Benefits
West Virginia’s tax rate on iGaming and sports betting is modest by industry standards. A 15% tax is imposed on iGaming revenue while a 10% tax is levied on mobile sports betting revenue. But together those two revenue sources accounted for over $30 million in tax collections in 2023.
Access to West Virginia’s online gaming market must be approved by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, and a partnership agreement must be struck with one of the state’s land-based casinos. The digital gaming industry has created a plethora of white-collar jobs in a state known for a very blue-collar mining industry.
In addition to increased employment and tens of millions in revenue, gaming companies have invested in West Virginia’s technological infrastructure, which benefits all Mountain State residents. It is an economic boon to the state, and the mobile sports betting and online casino markets are only expected to grow.
West Virginia also became the fifth member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in November 2023, joining Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan. However, thus far, there have been no operators interested enough to get involved in the online poker business.
John Myers, Director of the West Virginia Lottery, has publicly stated his office has already laid the groundwork and is merely waiting for an applicant.
“We are ready when they are,” Myers stated.
