The anticipation of online sports betting news in West Virginia has not only frustrated bettors, but also elicited the ire of Del. Shawn Fluharty (D), who expressed his discontent during a speech on Tuesday.
Currently, it is evident that mobile sports betting in West Virginia follows a troubling pattern. The legislature successfully passes a law, yet those accountable for executing it display a lackadaisical approach. State regulators seem disinterested in expediting the launch of mobile sports betting, exhibiting no sense of urgency whatsoever.
According to him, the absence of sports betting apps in West Virginia has resulted in financial losses for the state. In contrast, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada have experienced substantial revenue generation.
When they were passed, the bills on sports betting and online gaming had substantial bipartisan support, leading Fluharty to doubt Director John Myers’ capability to implement the legislation as intended.
In a recent statement, John Myers, the Director of the West Virginia Lottery, characterized sports betting as a source of inconvenience. This remark reflects a potential absence of strong leadership in regulating this industry. Consequently, the state has been experiencing financial losses, which were originally anticipated to be avoided.
Frustrated waiting for online sports betting to return
As the football season draws near, including WVU football, both casinos and the state are failing to capitalize on potential sports betting revenue. Fluharty, dissatisfied with the sluggish progress made last year, perceives the current predicament as an unfavorable indication for the state’s regulatory authorities.
Fluharty played a crucial role in pushing for the legalization of sports betting and online casino gambling in WV.
A year ago, it appeared highly improbable that West Virginia would find itself in this challenging situation. As pointed out by Fluharty, the state had taken the lead by passing sports betting legislation in 2018, even before the Supreme Court overturned PASPA.
As of today, there are still two live sportsbooks that remain closed, and the relaunch of mobile betting continues to be difficult to achieve.
Three online sports betting apps have been approved by the West Virginia Lottery; however, they are yet to make their entry into the market, and there is currently no set timeline for their launch.
Fluharty is understandably exasperated.
As we approach the football season in 2019, we find ourselves lacking a mobile sports betting platform. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the one mobile platform we previously had, which was widely considered inadequate upon its launch, is currently unavailable due to ongoing legal issues related to a contract dispute.
It has been several years since the @wvlegislature passed automatic voter registration, medical cannabis, and mobile sports betting, yet none of these services are currently accessible. It is puzzling how those in charge of implementation are still employed. There is a need for accountability as serious action should be taken. #wvpol #AlmostLastWV
On August 13, 2019, Shawn Fluharty tweeted as @WVUFLU.
According to Fluharty, the process is being delayed by regulators.
After a long day, I find myself extremely frustrated. Typically, I would blame the legislature for our shortcomings, but in this case, the legislation is solid and being successfully implemented elsewhere in the country. Unfortunately, those in charge of executing it are letting us down across all levels.
Bettors want their online sports betting back
The delegate’s frustration is shared by others. West Virginians have yet to embrace online betting, and some are resorting to driving across the border to Pennsylvania to place their wagers.
A large number of West Virginians have resorted to using social media platforms to voice their dissatisfaction. Their frustration stems from the recent shutdowns of the Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island bookstores, as well as the absence of any prominent online bookstores in the state.
It’s disappointing, absolutely disappointing, that there are only 32 days left until the first NCAA football game, and neither @FanDuel nor @DKSportsbook have their sports betting app available in West Virginia. Unacceptable, truly unacceptable.
On July 23, 2019, P.J. Smith (@PatrickJSmith5) tweeted.
It is extremely frustrating that while other states are transparently sharing information about ongoing events, West Virginia seems to be keeping everything a secret.
On August 12, 2019, Mark Rexroad (@Wild87Cat) tweeted.
Despite West Virginia legalizing sports betting last year, the state has yet to implement a mobile option.
On July 29, 2019, @ChrisCernoch tweeted from the account “Cernoch’s Connection.”
As of now, West Virginia has three legally operating sportsbooks in full operation.
- The Charles Town Races, featuring the renowned Hollywood Casino.
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort – a thrilling destination for gambling, horse racing, and relaxation.
- The Greenbrier’s Casino Club
It’s not very beneficial for a state as rural as the Mountain State.
In the meantime, there have been reports of several bettors resorting to underground bookies or offshore sites. However, the legalization initiative aimed to greatly reduce such activities and instead generate significant revenue for the state.
Xavier Jefferson, a 26-year-old resident of Fairmont, is employed as a salesperson. He completed his education at WVU and actively engaged with the BetLucky app, placing over 500 bets before its unfortunate closure.
He had hoped that his action would not be limited for so long, but never anticipated the prolonged duration of the situation. Similar to others in the state, he resides too distant from a lawful sportsbook to justify the journey for betting purposes.
Jefferson expressed immense frustration on behalf of himself and a group of acquaintances who were involved in betting.
I’m eagerly awaiting the reopening of a legal mobile app, but most of my friends are currently using apps from overseas or placing bets through their contacts until West Virginia introduces a new mobile app. We’re not willing to drive to a physical casino as they are located too far away.
Prior to publication, Play WV attempted to contact the WV Lottery for comment but did not receive a response.
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