West Virginia Lottery Approves Emergency Rules

Gambling has been quite active in West Virginia for quite a long time. With the coast to coast measures taken due to the global pandemic, the state is now turning its face into online gambling. Now that the land-based sportsbooks and casinos are closed, there is a new set of rules that the state is working on to legalize online gambling. There are already a few sports betting operators that have gone live like famous BetMGM.

The Commission approved the emergency rules mentioned above concerning online gambling. Then, these rules will be sent to the Secretary’s Office. After the filing of the new regulations, within 42 days, the decision will be made. Considering the latest issues, the result is likely to be positive.

The Emergency Rules

According to the new set of rules, a land-based online casino in the state can have a maximum of 3 online gambling constitutions under the same license. This will certainly increase the online gaming activity in West Virginia. 

However, it is not free to present an online skin for the casinos. They have to pay a fee of $100.000 for the online gambling license. On the other hand, software providers that offer necessary content for online gambling have to pay a $10.000 license fee as well. 

It is possible to have 270 days of operation time with an interim license granted by The West Virginia Lottery Commission. In these 270 days, The Commission can review every application they receive in detail.

According to the new rules, online gambling operators could start their activity in the next months. Nevertheless, the West Virginia Legislature should rubberstamp the rules to enforce them permanently. As it seems, it will not happen until 2021. 

The license fee is not the only cost that online operators should pay. Under the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, operators should pay a 15% tax on the gross revenue. Moreover, The Commission can determine a percentage of income for tax-free promotional credits.

The lottery commission has the authority of approving advertising before it can be published. It is valid for all advertisements by management service providers, affiliates, and agents.

West Virginia Gambling Opportunities

Although gambling has not been approved in West Virginia yet, there is already a gambling market that offers diverse options. For those who do not know, sports betting became legal in 2018 in West Virginia after the abolition of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. In this matter, the Mountain State was one of the pioneer states in the US.

Online Casinos has been providing service for 12 months now in New Jersey, and feedbacks are mostly positive. Like New Jersey, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, it is possible to create an online betting account within the borders of West Virginia. This is an excellent opportunity for those who do not want to travel to other states just to create an online account. With the launch of online casino sites, the gambling activity is going to increase more in West Virginia.