West Virginia online gambling bill meets early opposition

HB3067, an online gambling legalisation proposal filed in the West Virginia House by Delegate Shawn Fluharty earlier this month (see previous report) has already encountered opposition at committee stage, according to local media reports.

The bill, which has five co-sponsors, faces two challenges, one political and the other a shortage of time.

The political problem emanates from the Republican House Speaker, Tim Armstead, who has indicated that he does not support the measure…not a good start, and one that exacerbates the second hurdle….time.

The West Virginia legislative session ends on April 8, and bills must be progressed out of the various committees by the beginning of next week (March 27) in order to advance to the Senate by March 29.

Observers have noted that given the short timeframe and the lack of enthusiasm from the House Speaker, the chances for HB3067 this time around are not good.

In filing the bill mid-March, Fluharty said its purpose was “to authorize Internet gaming managed and licensed through existing authorized gaming facilities in West Virginia,” under the supervision and oversight of the West Virginia Lottery Commission. A tax rate of 14 percent of GGR was proposed, along with a $50,000 operator licensing fee.

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