In recent weeks, the sports betting scene in West Virginia has been filled with a flurry of news. While mobile betting may not be available at the moment, there are still three WV sportsbooks that are open and provide ample opportunities for action.
Brian Giompalo recently spent four days at The Greenbrier’s FanDuel Sportsbook, indulging in ample sports betting while witnessing the glorious triumph of Tiger Woods at the Masters.
Giompalo, aged 50, comes from Huntington, West Virginia. He has been engaged in sports betting for over three decades. Since his honeymoon in 1990, he has made it a tradition to spend at least one week a year at the Greenbrier.
Giompalo is a great source of knowledge and expertise when it comes to sports betting at the property.
FanDuel Sportsbook: a unique WV sportsbook
The Greenbrier distinguishes itself from other casinos in West Virginia. Recognized as The Casino Club at Greenbrier, this establishment stands as the sole private casino in the United States.
The property emphasizes top-notch quality and an atmosphere of refined luxury, reflected in its dress code, which promotes a relaxed ambiance suited for the elite society.
Men are required to wear collared shirts and slacks during daylight hours, and after 7 p.m., jackets are also expected. Similarly, women are expected to dress appropriately at all times.
The resort, located in the city of White Sulphur Springs in the Allegheny Mountains, spans across 11,000 acres. Casino entry is exclusively limited to club members and hotel guests.
Giompalo gives his overall assessment of the casino.
The casino’s distinctiveness doesn’t surprise me much since it perfectly aligns with the overall theme of the resort. In fact, I would say that the casino exudes a “James Bond-esque” vibe, reminiscent of the sophisticated gambling establishments featured in Sean Connery’s Bond movies.
The sportsbook is also included in that. Last September, the FanDuel Sportsbook started operating following its partnership with this renowned casino often referred to as the “James Bond” casino.
At look inside FanDuel Sportsbook
Despite its smaller size in comparison to major Las Vegas casinos, the sportsbook offers several TVs for game viewing.
Giompalo attended the Masters for the entire duration of the four-day tournament, where a noticeable sense of anticipation permeated the atmosphere. Undeniably, the presence of a renowned golf resort heightened the overall excitement surrounding the event.
Giompalo described the atmosphere.
The resort’s golf scene created a bustling atmosphere at the sports book, resembling a lively tele-track horse race. Excitement filled the air as spectators eagerly reacted to every putt and shot.
As always, the accommodations were extraordinarily luxurious, comparable to the finest in America.
According to a conversation between Giompalo and the manager, the resort had a 92 percent occupancy rate on that particular Saturday. Undoubtedly, a significant number of guests were placing bets on various sports activities, ranging from golf to basketball to NFL futures.
The revenue of the sportsbook in this private casino falls significantly behind the other two operational casinos in the state. The Hollywood Casino Sportsbook takes the lead, followed by the Mountaineer Sportsbook, with William Hill serving as the provider for both.
Ready for WV online betting options
Giompalo reveals that prior to the closure of BetLucky Sportsbook, the only mobile sports betting app in West Virginia, he frequently engaged in mobile wagering, indicating a growing interest in this form of betting. The Greenbrier’s collaboration with FanDuel sets the stage for the potential introduction of a mobile betting option in the future.
I had company in my struggles. The app was causing a significant decline in business for my local bookmaker.
Giompalo regularly receives responses from fellow West Virginia players on Twitter and Facebook, expressing their anticipation for the return of mobile wagering. His wish might soon come true as new licensees for online sports betting apps have been recently approved, including:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- William Hill Sportsbook
- DraftKings WV Sportsbook
Giompalo said:
I’m unsure about the figures that BetLucky provided, but in my area, the local gambling community was shifting towards the betting app due to its convenience and availability.
Giompalo discovered his newfound interest in betting on hockey while at FanDuel.
This bettor, along with numerous others, has been highly disappointed by the mobile wagering scene. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged.
He expresses his gratitude for bringing attention to the issue, stating, “Thank you for shedding light on the problem at hand. We kindly request the return of our mobile app.”
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