West Virginia emergency sports betting regulations approved

West Virginia land casino operators are waiting the green light from the Secretary of State following the approval this week of the state’s emergency sports betting regulations.

State lottery officials hope that the formalities can be completed in time for punters to bet on the upcoming NFL season, with operators permitted to offer both mobile and online wagering subject to obtaining the requisite state licensing for vendors.

The state has set a 10 percent tax rate based on GGR, which will apply to both land and online-mobile activity, and operators will have to cough up $100,000 for a one-year licence.

Contrary to other sports betting states, West Virginia’s governor Jim Justice has been vocal in pushing for 0.25 percent of turnover as an integrity fee following demands by the sports leagues, although such a fee is not currently enshrined in the regulations.

The state lottery has oversight of the sector and is charged with reviewing all gambling advertising in advance of publication.