Best West Virginia Sports Betting Sites in 2024: Top 10 WV Sportsbooks Reviewed
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Scott Kacsmar
- September 26, 2024
West Virginia sports betting offers multiple mobile platforms and retail sportsbooks. Offshore West Virginia sports betting sites provide even more options, including diverse games and substantial bonuses.
Our guide showcases the top West Virginia sports betting sites, detailing exceptional bonuses, betting choices and the state’s sports betting history. Discover the best options for sports betting in West Virginia today.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2001
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100% Free Play
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1996
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$1,000 Cash Bonus
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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1994
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30% Cash Bonus
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Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, reveals plans to reach out to regulators in states with legal sports betting to remove college prop bets from all betting markets.
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
Can you bet online in West Virginia?
Yes, you can bet online in West Virginia using local sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks are also popular in WV, for offering more betting variety, including local college sports teams.
Does West Virginia allow online sports betting?
Yes, West Virginians can bet on sports online. Offshore online betting sites are a popular option despite locally-regulated sportsbooks being available. Offshore sites, such as Heritage Sports or BetOnline, offer more opportunities for bonus money and many unique types of wagers and sports to choose from.
What sportsbooks are legal in WV?
Many of the most popular sportsbooks in the sports betting industry are legal for use in West Virginia. However, it is easier to create an account and start betting on sports at offshore sportsbooks, which also offer the full casino experience and other perks like a racebook.
Is DraftKings sportsbook legal in West Virginia?
Yes, the DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in West Virginia. Daily fantasy sports as well as online sports wagering are available in the Mountain State.
Does West Virginia tax gambling winnings?
Yes, gambling winnings can be considered taxable income if you win a certain amount. Generally, big wins over $5,000 will automatically get hit with a 24% federal tax rate. You should consult a tax expert for more specific tax questions about sports gambling.
Our Highest-Rated Online Sportsbooks for 2024
At Bookmakers Review, we come across many online sportsbooks to review. But using our trusted set of grading criteria, we have found what we believe are the 10 best online sports betting options for West Virginian players to join today to win real money:
- BetOnline – Large selection of casino games
- Heritage Sports – Reputable live betting site
- BetAnySports – Best reduced juice
- Everygame – Attractive mobile sports betting platform
- WagerWeb – Optimal for crypto users
- SportsBetting.ag – Sports and poker promotions
- BetUS – Outstanding for expert analysis
- JustBet – Fantastic reward program
- BookMaker – Excellent for sports bettors of any skill level
With these top-rated offshore sportsbooks, West Virginian players have access to a diverse range of betting options, excellent rewards and platforms that cater to both beginners and experienced bettors, ensuring a comprehensive and satisfying online betting experience in 2024.
Timeline of Gambling in West Virginia
The following timeline shows the key events in the sports betting history of West Virginia:
Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, reveals plans to reach out to regulators in states with legal sports betting to remove college prop bets from all betting markets.
HB 5668 is introduced. The bill aims to require gambling operators to share player data with academics for research.
The West Virginia Lottery reports a gambling handle of $1.3 billion for 2023. $500 million is the total revenue for the state.
Neopollard Interactive lands a deal to set up an online system for the West Virginia Lottery.
Online casino year-over-year numbers see an increase of over 51% from April 2022 to April 2023.
Bill SB621 and a similar one, HB 3232, fail in the State Senate.
A bill is passed to legalize esports betting in the state.
State Senator Craig Zucker introduces SB 621, which aims to audit betting handicappers who sell their picks.
The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act is passed to legalize online casino gaming and online poker.
A bill is passed for the legalization of sports betting in West Virginia. Bettors can do retail sports betting on professional and college teams. Betting on high school sports and betting on games involving minors is prohibited.
Another law is passed to legalize online sports betting at licensed operators. Soon, sports betting sites launch across West Virginia as an alternative to in-person sports betting.
A bill was read to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in West Virginia but was never officially passed at any legislative session. DFS is allowed in the state today.
PASPA is overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing for each state to have the right to choose to legalize sports betting.
West Virginia casinos were allowed to offer live table games and poker.
A bill was passed to regulate video poker and slot machine gambling at the racetracks in the state.
Video poker and slot machine terminals were first legalized for use in West Virginia.
PASPA was passed by Congress, effectively banning sports betting in most of the country.
West Virginia’s timeline of gambling illustrates the state’s responsiveness to the changing dynamics of the gambling industry. From the legalization of video poker and slot machines in 1994 to the more recent expansion into online casino gaming, esports betting and online sports betting, West Virginia has adapted its gambling laws to meet the evolving interests of its residents and visitors.
Reviewing the Best Online Sportsbooks
Our top 10 online sportsbooks for West Virginians are all located in Costa Rica, Panama or Antigua where online gambling is legal. You can feel free to join these sites today from the Mountain State as they are welcoming most American players.
We have included an in-depth review of our top 10 sites, including the pros and cons. Keep in mind these top offshore sites also offer casino gaming and horse racing, but our main focus today is on the sports betting aspect:
1. BetOnline: Large Selection of Casino Games
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines on popular sports markets
- Many ongoing promos and contests for sports
BetOnline has a sportsbook with opinionated lines for popular markets. This means instead of choosing between -110 odds on a spread, you may find -113 vs. -107 odds on a particular pick. The site also offers reduced juice but only for NHL games.
The prop builder may not be our favorite in the list, but it is serviceable with good alternate lines on NBA and NFL games that you may not even be able to get at popular American sportsbooks like FanDuel and BetMGM. In addition to the comprehensive sportsbook, the BetOnline Casino features all of the most popular online casino gaming options.
2. BookMaker: Excellent for Sports Bettors of Any Skill Level
Key Features:
- Earliest lines in sports betting
- Winning players not limited
BookMaker is undoubtedly one of the top offshore sportsbooks to consider using in West Virginia. With a long-standing reputation in the industry, it offers a wide range of attractive features and generous bonuses. Players can benefit from BookMaker’s sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, referral bonuses and even an excellent loyalty program, enhancing their overall betting experience.
In addition to its sportsbook, BookMaker also boasts a comprehensive online casino, making it a one-stop destination for both sports betting and casino gaming. Players can indulge in a variety of thrilling casino games, including slots, table games and live dealer options, providing plenty of entertainment options.
With secure and reliable payment methods available, users can easily deposit and withdraw funds, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free betting experience.
3. Heritage Sports: Reputable Live Betting Site
Key Features:
- Does cashback offers the best
- Good for reduced juice (-108)
Heritage Sports is one of the top offshore sportsbooks to use in West Virginia due to its wide range of bonuses and incentives. They offer free bets, matched deposits and no-deposit bonuses, providing an added element of excitement for bettors. Additionally, Heritage Sports has a full casino, offering a diverse selection of online casino games and entertainment options for users to enjoy.
One of the standout features of Heritage Sports is its reduced juice offerings. This means that they offer better odds compared to other sportsbooks, allowing bettors to maximize their potential winnings. With reduced juice, bettors can enjoy a higher return on investment and potentially increase their profits.
4. BetAnySports: Best Reduced Juice
Key Features:
- West Virginia’s best for reduced juice (-105)
- Great prop builder
BetAnySports may not be as well known as BookMaker or BetOnline, but it is another top-rated online sportsbook from Costa Rica. The reason we like it so much is that their reduced juice is the best around with -105 lines and the prop builder is also one of the best to use. You also get a top in-game betting experience.
The drawback to this site is that the sportsbook has a slightly clunky design and will require a learning curve to get used to. You will find five different links to sports lines in the sportsbook, which can be confusing since several offer the same games at different odds.
5. Everygame: Attractive Mobile Betting Platform
Key Features:
- Solid selection of sports betting markets
- Generous sign-up bonus for new users
The Antigua-based Everygame does a solid job of living up to its new name (formerly Intertops). In addition to the top sports, you will find Aussie Rules, cricket, darts, handball, rugby and table tennis bets at Everygame. There are non-sports markets available for betting, like the stock market, Powerball and politics.
Everygame not only provides great variety but also competitive bonuses and promos that really help the sportsbook to shine. The promo codes at Everygame can provide users with a wide range of perks.
Everygame was also able to introduce live sports betting in 2021 to bring it up to par with the other sportsbooks on our list. But the heart of the site is the great site design, which shines best when you try the casino games (demos available) and poker room (online tournaments and cash games are available to U.S. poker players).
You will get a very good experience there, but the sports betting may be a little too casual with limited props and no racebook section.
6. WagerWeb: Optimal for Crypto Users
Key Features:
- Features true parlay odds
- NFL contests during the regular season
WagerWeb is a top choice for offshore sports betting in West Virginia, offering a range of bonuses and promotions that enhance the betting experience. With their generous sign-up bonus, new players can kickstart their betting journey with extra funds. Additionally, WagerWeb provides enticing deposit bonuses, giving bettors more value for their money. For Bitcoin users, the crypto bonuses add even more value.
Apart from its sports betting offerings, WagerWeb also boasts an impressive online casino where users can enjoy a diverse range of games. Whether you’re into classic table games or thrilling slots, the casino section on WagerWeb has it all. This adds an extra layer of entertainment for users looking to switch things up.
7. SportsBetting: Sports and Poker Promotions
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines like BetOnline
- Some of the most unique sports promos around
SportsBetting of course has sports betting as the name implies, but is it strange that some of the best parts about the site have nothing to do with sports? This is BetOnline’s sister site, so you can get access to poker tournaments and cash games on the same network as BetOnline and you can try the hundreds of newer, flashy casino games, including hundreds of online slots.
You also get fast payouts and high limits like you would at BetOnline and many of the promos for sports are identical right down to getting money back if your moneyline bet on an NBA team fails because the team blows a 15-point lead after halftime.
8. BetUS: Outstanding for Expert Analysis
Key Features:
- Generous welcome bonuses for the casino and sportsbook
- BetUS TV is a unique addition with original content
BetUS is advertised as America’s favorite sportsbook. It may be someone’s favorite, but we ranked it a solid No. 6 on our list with great competition ahead of it. BetUS does do a great job of giving gamblers informative guides on various gambling topics and the original content found with BetUS TV, a YouTube channel with expert analysis and predictions, is something other sites should look to emulate.
We also appreciate how BetUS does its welcome bonuses, with a split between the sportsbook and casino to give users a taste of both worlds. But the bonuses do come with some of the highest rollover requirements around. The prop builder could also use some work to get up to the level of the top five online sportsbooks.
9. JustBet: Fantastic Reward Program
Key Features:
- Features early betting lines like BookMaker
- Live betting is easy and fast
If you’re a fan of BookMaker, you’ll find its sister site, JustBet, equally engaging for its distinct offerings. JustBet stands out for providing early lines that appeal to those looking for sharp betting opportunities in the sportsbook arena.
It caters specifically to high rollers with its high betting limits and entices new and returning users with its top-tier bonus offers. However, it’s important to note that JustBet has its limitations. Unlike its sibling, JustBet does not feature a poker room for hosting tournaments or cash games, which might be a drawback for poker enthusiasts.
Furthermore, JustBet offers a more limited selection of casino games than some others, which might be a consideration for users looking for a wide variety of gambling options. Additionally, the mobile site experience at JustBet, while functional, does not quite match the sleek and user-friendly design found at BookMaker.eu, possibly affecting the overall user experience on mobile devices.
Is sports betting legal in West Virginia?
Yes, a West Virginian sports bettor has had plenty of legal sports betting options since 2018 when a sports betting law was passed, allowing for both legal wagers at retail sportsbooks and with online operators.
The sports betting rules in West Virginia permit betting on both professional and college sports. You must be at least 21 years old to legally bet in the state, and you must be physically located within state lines to place wagers. However, for those looking for more flexibility, offshore sportsbooks provide an excellent alternative.
With offshore sportsbooks, you can place bets without being restricted by state borders, enjoying a wide range of betting options and attractive bonuses. This makes them a convenient and appealing option for many West Virginian sports bettors.
Our Sportsbook Rating Methodology
For sports betting sites, we wanted to go into more detail on what we believe are the important features to determine the best options for West Virginia bettors:
Betting Odds
These sportsbooks are very competitive, but some offer better odds than others thanks to things like reduced juice, opinionated lines and odds boosts.
If you frequently bet on sports, you should have an account with various sportsbooks to make sure you are getting the best price for the bets you want to make. A pick with -110 odds could be -105 at another site, so be sure to shop around.
Betting Markets
In the sports betting market, we expect a wide range of both leagues offered and the types of wagers (singles, parlays, round robins, teasers, pleasers, props, live bets, futures, same-game parlays, etc.).
Online Banking Options
In 2024, we should have plenty of deposit and withdrawal methods available to us at online sportsbooks. That means everything from traditional methods (debit cards, credit cards, online banking) to modern methods (e-wallets and crypto). We also take note of the processing times, limits and fees associated with these different methods at the sites.
Promotional Offers & Bonuses
The welcome bonus can get a player to register for an online sportsbook, but the ongoing promotions can keep them coming back. New users will usually get a deposit match in bonus bets based on their initial deposit. There may be a bonus code that needs to be entered when making that deposit and it is a one-time-only deal.
This is why the ongoing promos matter just as much. We should get a reload bonus option, which works just like a deposit bonus but may only be 20-to-30% of your deposit instead of 100% or higher as a sign-up bonus. There are also odds boosts and risk-free bets offered from time to time at quality online sportsbooks.
The other offers we expect to see are a refer-a-friend program and a loyalty program where you climb to a higher loyalty level the more you bet. The more points you receive, the more perks you can purchase like bonus bets or poker tournament entries.
Live Betting
Live betting is becoming a huge deal as more people use their mobile devices to place bets. This inevitably leads to people following along with the game on their mobile devices. They may want to hedge a pre-game bet or bet on something live after picking up some new insight from watching the game. Live betting can also turn a boring game into an exciting one.
We expect any quality online sportsbook today to have a good live betting platform that is fast at processing bets because speed is everything when you are trying to bet on the outcome of the next play. Even just live betting the winner, spread or total can see the odds drastically change live with one play.
User Experience
A quality user experience at an online sportsbook is when you can easily navigate the site to find the markets you want to bet on with competitive odds and quickly build parlays and place online wagers on a variety of games and sports. Everything should be neatly labeled and organized. The cashier section should make it easy to get our deposits in quickly and request withdrawals just as easily.
Mobile Site Quality
With offshore sites, we do not typically get a downloadable sportsbook app like we would using DraftKings or FanDuel in West Virginia.
Instead, we must do our mobile betting using mobile sites, which can be used like mobile betting apps if we add them to our home screen for one-touch access. They will open instantly and we can quickly do our mobile wagering before the next game starts. This is also crucial for live betting where speed is extremely important before the odds change drastically.
Customer Support
Frequent users of the sportsbook may have a day where they have a dispute over a sports bet, whether it be a stat correction or a disputed playing status of an injured player. This is when you really need the customer support team to come through to resolve your dispute or any other question or issue you may encounter.
We consider the best customer support teams to offer 24/7 service and the most varied options for contacting them, including a message on the site, an email address, a phone number and a live chatbot.
Security Features
If you want to win real money online at a sportsbook, you can expect to share your name, address, phone number and email. You may be required to link your credit card or bank account to the site to make payments and receive withdrawals. This is a lot of personal information, so it is more important than ever these sites keep our data secure and safe.
Our rationale is to only choose a long-serving sportsbook with plenty of experience in the sports betting industry of dealing with customers and paying them on time. Only use reputable sportsbooks like the ones reviewed in this guide.
Popular Sports to Bet on in West Virginia
West Virginia is a state where sports are deeply ingrained in the culture, offering plenty of betting opportunities for fans. There are no professional sports teams based in the state, but there are solid college teams locally, and neighboring states have major sports teams.
Football – NFL
Football is one of the most popular sports in West Virginia, even though the state doesn’t have its own NFL team. Most fans support the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Washington Commanders. Both teams have loyal followings, with the Steelers’ history of Super Bowl victories making them a favorite. NFL betting is big in West Virginia, with wagers on point spreads, moneylines and various prop bets being common throughout the season.
College Football
College football is especially significant in West Virginia, with the West Virginia Mountaineers leading the charge. The team represents West Virginia University and competes in the Big 12 Conference. Betting on Mountaineers games is a popular activity, with fans placing bets on point spreads, over/under totals and individual player performances. The rivalry games and bowl appearances keep the excitement high for college bettors across the state.
Basketball – NBA
While West Virginia doesn’t have an NBA team, many residents are fans of nearby teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Washington Wizards. NBA betting is common, with fans placing bets on point spreads, total points and player performances. The fast-paced action and the playoffs draw significant interest from bettors in West Virginia.
College Basketball
College basketball is a major draw in West Virginia, particularly when the West Virginia Mountaineers take the court. The team has a strong following, and March Madness is a particularly active time for betting. Fans commonly wager on point spreads, total points, and player stats. The intensity of college basketball, especially during the NCAA tournament, makes it a popular choice for bettors in the state.
Baseball – MLB
Baseball also holds a place in West Virginia sports betting, even without a local MLB team. Many fans support nearby teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. The long baseball season provides many opportunities to bet on games, with common wagers including run lines, totals and player props. The detailed stats in baseball appeal to those who enjoy a more analytical approach to betting.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey has a growing fan base in West Virginia, with many supporting teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Washington Capitals. NHL betting is on the rise, with popular bets including moneylines, puck lines and total goals. The action-packed nature of hockey, especially during the playoffs, makes it an exciting sport to bet on.
West Virginia’s Favorite Sports Teams
West Virginia is not home to any professional teams in the major sports leagues in America. In the absence of any WV-based teams, many residents have their favorite teams in nearby states like Pennsylvania and Maryland. Below, we look at the types of sports and teams available for online wagering in West Virginia:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL): The Pittsburgh Steelers are a top choice for many NFL fans in West Virginia. Known for their storied history and multiple Super Bowl wins, the Steelers have a large and dedicated following in the state. Betting on their games, especially during key matchups during the regular football season and playoff runs, is very popular.
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL): Another NFL team that draws significant attention in West Virginia is the Baltimore Ravens. With a strong defense and two Super Bowl championships, the Ravens have earned a loyal fan base. Their rivalry with the Steelers makes for some of the most anticipated games of the season, attracting a lot of betting activity.
- Washington Commanders (NFL): The Washington Commanders also have a following in West Virginia. Fans have supported this team through various ups and downs, and betting on their games remains popular, especially when they face off against division rivals.
- West Virginia Mountaineers (NCAA): The West Virginia Mountaineers are the pride of the state, especially in college football and basketball. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, their games are a focal point for sports fans in the region. Betting on the Mountaineers is common, with fans placing wagers on game outcomes, point spreads, and player performances.
- Marshall Thundering Herd (NCAA): Representing Marshall University, the Thundering Herd has a solid fan base in West Virginia. Their football program, which competes in Conference USA, is particularly popular. Betting on Marshall’s games, especially during bowl season, is a favorite activity for many.
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL): For hockey fans in West Virginia, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the go-to team. With several Stanley Cup championships under their belt, the Penguins have a strong following in the state. Betting on their games, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs, is a popular choice.
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB): In baseball, the Cincinnati Reds attract a fair share of support from West Virginians. As one of the oldest MLB teams, the Reds have a rich history that appeals to baseball enthusiasts in the state. Fans enjoy betting on their games throughout the long MLB season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA): The Cleveland Cavaliers are a popular NBA team among West Virginia residents, especially after their championship win in 2016. Betting on Cavs games, particularly during the NBA playoffs, is common among basketball fans in the state.
West Virginia, while not home to any professional teams in the major American sports leagues, boasts a vibrant sports culture enriched by the support of teams from neighboring states and the significant presence of college sports.
Creating an Online Sportsbook Account in WV
If you want to start winning by finding your favorite sportsbook, you first have to create your account. We walk you through that simple process below, which should be roughly the same at all online betting sites:
- Signing-Up: Go to the site you wish to join and begin the sign-up process. You should use a password that you are not using with any other account you have anywhere (gambling or otherwise).
- Verifying Your Account: Your account must be verified before this process is completed. You do this by providing your name, address, email and phone number. The site may send you an email or text with a code to enter that will verify your account.
- Funding Your Account: Your account now needs to be funded. But before you do this, read the terms and conditions for the sign-up bonus for new users. This is usually a one-time offer where you receive bonus money as a deposit match for your initial deposit. Once you figure out the amount you want to spend, head to the deposit section and choose from the various payment methods to make that first deposit.
Now that you have created your account and put real money in it, you are ready to go to the sportsbook and start placing your bets. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy yourself.
Tips for Betting in West Virginia
When betting on sports in West Virginia, you can use the following practical tips to help you make informed decisions and enjoy your betting experience:
Understand the Basics: Before placing bets, make sure you know how betting works. Learn about odds, betting types and how payouts are calculated. This basic knowledge will help you make better choices.
Choose the Right Sportsbook: Look for a sportsbook that is reliable and has a good reputation. Check out reviews and compare features like odds, available sports and bonus offers. A good sportsbook or mobile sports betting app can make a big difference in your betting experience.
Set a Budget: Betting should be fun, not a financial burden. Decide how much money you can afford to lose and stick to it. Never bet more than you’re comfortable losing and avoid chasing losses.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest sports news, injury reports and weather updates. This information can impact game outcomes and should influence your betting decisions.
Shop for the Best Odds: Different sportsbooks offer different odds. Take the time to compare odds for the same event across several sports betting operators to ensure you’re getting the best possible value.
Understand the Local Betting Environment: West Virginia has its own set of rules and regulations for sports betting. Familiarize yourself with these to ensure you’re betting within legal boundaries.
Start Small: If you’re new to betting, start with small bets to get a feel for how it works. As you become more comfortable and knowledgeable, you can adjust your betting strategy.
Use Betting Guides and Analysis: Utilize available resources like betting guides, analysis and predictions to inform your bets. These can provide valuable insights and improve your chances of winning at your preferred online sports betting site.
Enjoy the Process: Remember, betting on sports should be enjoyable. Win or lose, it’s important to have fun and not take things too seriously.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the sports betting landscape in West Virginia. Always remember to bet wisely and within your means.
West Virginia Betting Guides
Explore online casinos, racebooks and more with our complete guides to online betting in West Virginia:
