On Friday, there was a new development in the ongoing situation with the suspended West Virginia sportsbooks, adding an interesting twist.
Miomni Gaming, the mobile betting partner of Delaware North, the operator of Mardi Gras Casino Sportsbook and Wheeling Island Sportsbook, has been severed from their business relationship, as announced by Delaware North.
In collaboration with Miomni, the company has established a partnership to introduce sports betting in West Virginia. This encompasses the integration of sportsbooks and the sole sports betting application, BetLucky Sportsbook, within the state.
In early-March, the live sportsbook betting windows were closed and have remained closed since then.
Delaware North is currently focused on moving forward and attracting back its betting clientele.
Miomni kicked to the curb
Legal Sports Report obtained a letter through the Freedom of Information Act that sheds light on Delaware North’s stance on the issue, after the company had largely remained silent. The letter was addressed to the West Virginia Lottery.
The main point of the letter is that the shutdown occurred because of a disagreement over intellectual property between Miomni, a company, and Entergaming, a European software firm.
Delaware North’s decision to part ways with its partner was unfortunate, especially considering it coincided with the ongoing excitement of March Madness. This setback has had a negative impact on the state. On Friday, a statement was released by Delaware North addressing this separation.
We have informed the West Virginia Lottery Commission that Delaware North is in the process of terminating its partnership with Miomni Gaming, our management services provider in West Virginia.
Due to a contract disagreement with Entergaming, Miomni has been unable to process any new sports wagers at our Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casino sports-betting locations, as well as through the BetLucky.com mobile app, since March 6.
Delaware North needs a new WV sports betting partner
Since the shutdown, wagering handle in the state has been greatly impacted. For the week ending March 16, handle decreased to less than $3 million, marking the first time it has dropped to this level since November.
Gaining traction and attracting bettors again might not be resolved swiftly. DraftKings is currently in the process of awaiting regulatory approval, while Delaware North is actively searching for other partners. However, neither of these developments seems to be happening in the near future.
Delaware North stated that they are currently assessing various possibilities to reinstate sports wagering services. They want to inform their customers that finding and implementing a solution might require several months or even longer.
The company’s recent actions have been well-received by Del. Shawn Fluharty (D), who has been a vocal critic of the situation.
Make room for online casinos in West Virginia
Last week brought some positive news for West Virginia gamblers amidst the frustrating sports betting situation. Gov. Jim Justice permitted online gambling to become law without formally endorsing it.
It is probable that online casinos in West Virginia will encompass:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Slots
With the allowance of more mobile gambling options, there is a likelihood of increased interest from operators in sports betting. The online operators, along with sports betting, will be regulated by the lottery commission.
The sportsbook at Greenbrier is operated by FanDuel, while Mountaineer Sportsbook and Hollywood Casino Sportsbook are operated by William Hill. In addition, Hollywood Casino has partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook to introduce an online sportsbook in the Mountain State.
It is highly probable that online sports betting and other gaming options will be introduced in West Virginia.
BetLucky support available for bettors
Delaware North has provided relevant information to individuals in the state who possess online and paper betting slips. As the company explores additional sports betting opportunities, it is ensuring that it honors those wagers.
“We remain committed to honoring and redeeming all bets that have been settled, while also ensuring our customers receive comprehensive guidance on accessing their accounts and withdrawing their funds.”
If you have successful bets, please contact the casino for assistance by sending an email or dialing 1-866-807-4007.
Restoring its market share and earning back the trust of bettors might pose a challenge, but Delaware North has offered a sincere apology.
We deeply regret the inconvenience caused and want to express our sincere apologies. Our dedication to our customers remains unwavering, and we fully intend to reintroduce sports betting shortly.
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