On our post regarding states most likely to legalize online gambling, we mentioned that West Virginia is one of the most likely states in the US to legalize online gambling this year.
And so, in the last week of March, West Virginia did just that and officially became the fifth state in the US to legalize online gambling.
This happened due to the failure of Governor Jim Justice as he was unable to veto the House Bill 2934, which will legalize online gambling if not signed after 15-days. While it’s not exactly what you may think, online gambling is still as legal as in any other state.
Now that it’s legal, what would happen in the next few years in West Virginia regarding online gambling?
What’s to Come to Online Gambling in West Virginia?
Just as usual with the other states, gambling facilities and infrastructures in West Virginia will have to decide whether they’ll start operating online gambling sites.
The ones qualifying for this task include The Wheeling Island Hotel, the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort as well as The Casino Club at the Greenbrier.
Tax Rates
Getting licensed may cost $250,000 and for every five years, they will need to renew their license for $100,000. Once licensed, these five gambling infrastructures will be able to permit online gambling to their customers, as long as they’re of legal gambling age (21).
The tax rate from online gambling revenues will also be the usual, set at a rate of 15%.
Updates on Online Sports Betting
West Virginia online sports betting isn’t doing well at the moment. Wheeling Island and Mardi Grass just had their online sports betting activities, as well as the land-based activities suspended.
Despite being in a very bad situation right now, West Virginia is still expected to produce some good results if they settle down with online gambling, just as how the other four states did in their early days.