In March 2018, the West Virginia Legislature passed the West Virginia Sports Lottery Act (SB 415), authorizing legal sports betting in the state and placing regulatory authority with the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
Gov. Jim Justice signed the bill into law later that month, making West Virginia one of the first states to legalize sports betting in anticipation of the repeal of the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Retail sports betting officially launched in August 2018 at licensed casinos, with online and mobile sportsbooks following in 2019 as the market expanded under the state’s existing casino framework.
West Virginia sports betting revenue
West Virginia sports betting began in August 2018, with retail betting, and online betting began shortly after in December 2018. The Mountain State saw its betting handle drop and revenue go up in 2025.
Below is an outline of West Virginia's sports betting figures over the years:
West Virginia annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $69,736,117.59 | $8,219,303.55 | 11.7% |
| 2025 | $482,390,550.91 | $59,621,692.91 | 12.8% |
| 2024 | $505,414,814.49 | $55,997,649.42 | 11.1% |
| 2023 | $483,227,416.29 | $47,723,640.39 | 9.91% |
| 2022 | $571,317,847.71 | $50,822,382.36 | 8.90% |
West Virginia 2026 monthly data
| Month📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $37,244,995.19 | $4,480,374.06 | 12.0% |
| Feb | $32,491,122.40 | $3,738,929.49 | 11.5% |
West Virginia 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $52,652,100.86 | $6,267,271.46 | 11.9% |
| Feb | $38,329,028.64 | $4,259,017.91 | 11.1% |
| Mar | $51,498,749.04 | $2,654,302.49 | 5.2% |
| Apr | $37,293,217.69 | $4,133,529 | 11.1% |
| May | $32,450,942.36 | $4,729,648.47 | 14.6% |
| June | $26,799,031.63 | $4,004,447.54 | 14.9% |
| July | $23,057,018.78 | $3,199,429.85 | 13.9% |
| Aug | $28,132,432.64 | $4,952,702.37 | 17.6% |
| Sept | $41,293,822.26 | $5,705,858.17 | 13.8% |
| Oct | $54,806,366.64 | $5,275,187.06 | 9.6% |
| Nov | $45,272,118.78 | $6,567,068.84 | 14.5% |
| Dec | $50,805,721.59 | $7,873,229.75 | 15.4% |
West Virginia 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $50,562,352.16 | $6,472,411.64 | 12.8% |
| Feb | $39,271,363.21 | $3,545,480.89 | 9% |
| Mar | $47,219,129.45 | $4,411,150.11 | 9.3% |
| Apr | $36,508,941.48 | $3,729,072.21 | 10.2% |
| May | $32,951,614.83 | $3,707,617.43 | 11.3% |
| June | $27,404,226.66 | $3,417,617.98 | 12.5% |
| July | $23,911,409.27 | $3,026,552.74 | 12.7% |
| Aug | $28,418,980.27 | $4,139,944.80 | 14.6% |
| Sept | $49,846,373.91 | $7,621,382.83 | 15.3% |
| Oct | $56,009,465.91 | $4,873,697.11 | 8.7% |
| Nov | $58,674,357.98 | $7,179,488.52 | 12.2% |
| Dec | $54,636,599.36 | $3,873,233.16 | 7.1% |
West Virginia 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $49,384,637.48 | $4,019,359.59 | 8.10% |
| Feb | $39,740,983.18 | $2,726,639.66 | 6.90% |
| Mar | $45,538,666.51 | $4,469,377.04 | 9.80% |
| Apr | $40,827,987 | $3,107,176 | 7.6% |
| May | $35,140,815 | $3,849,530 | 11.0% |
| June | $23,695,286.27 | $2,053,726.54 | 8.7% |
| July | $22,301,061.65 | $2,719,701.64 | 12.2% |
| Aug | $23,959,191.58 | $2,595,870.82 | 10.8% |
| Sept | $44,472,878.53 | $4,333,427.82 | 9.7% |
| Oct | $47,737,777.01 | $6,376,269.42 | 13.4% |
| Nov | $56,419,079.70 | $5,155,089.93 | 9.1% |
| Dec | $54,009,052.38 | $6,317,471.93 | 11.7% |
West Virginia 2022 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $65,125,042.03 | $4,528,101.36 | 7.00% |
| Feb | $48,476,815.83 | $1,904,489.58 | 3.90% |
| Mar | $55,672,437.63 | $3,117,540.93 | 5.60% |
| Apr | $38,655,330.53 | $3,067,780.47 | 7.90% |
| May | $40,439,678.64 | $3,748,227.35 | 9.30% |
| Jun | $30,145,409.49 | $2,066,930.26 | 6.90% |
| Jul | $25,769,134.76 | $2,706,044.19 | 10.50% |
| Aug | $28,553,357.90 | $3,455,973.90 | 12.10% |
| Sep | $49,859,708.62 | $7,217,919.08 | 14.50% |
| Oct | $56,968,265.80 | $5,427,011.07 | 9.50% |
| Nov | $72,947,152.88 | $5,521,747.38 | 7.60% |
| Dec | $58,705,513.60 | $8,060,616.79 | 13.70% |
West Virginia sports betting at a glance
- Launch date: August 2018
- Regulator: West Virginia Lottery
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $3,176,341,253
- Lifetime revenue: $298,500,460
- Last updated: December 25, 2025
Note: West Virginia sports betting revenue is reported on a monthly basis. Figures reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About sports betting revenue in West Virginia
West Virginia legalized sports betting in 2018, with retail wagering launching later that year and online and mobile sportsbooks following in 2019 under the oversight of the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
The state’s sports betting market is built around its licensed casino properties, which offer both retail sportsbooks and partnered online/mobile betting platforms. While in-person wagering remains available at casino locations, mobile betting accounts for the majority of statewide activity.
The West Virginia Lottery publishes monthly sports wagering reports detailing statewide handle, gross gaming revenue, and tax collections. These reports combine retail and mobile results and serve as the primary source for tracking market performance.
Because West Virginia operates with a limited number of casino operators and a relatively small population base, its sports betting revenue figures are best viewed as indicators of steady participation and market sustainability rather than large-scale volume or rapid expansion.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
Home team advantage: West Virginia sports
The Mountain State is not home to any professional sports teams, but West Virginians are as passionate about professional and college sports as any other in the nation.
Despite your fandom, it’s important to remain objective when placing bets on your favorite team. Our how to bet guides are an excellent resource for beginner bettors to learn the basics of different types of wagers.
Although no upcoming fights are scheduled in the Mountain State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
West Virginia sports betting law
Despite Gov. Jim Justice's decision not to sign SB 415, the WV sports betting bill became law in March 2018. Retail wagering was introduced on Aug. 30, 2018, while online sportsbooks arrived on Aug. 26, 2019.
Legal West Virginia sports betting highlights include:
- The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all online and land-based sports wagering in WV.
- You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in West Virginia.
- West Virginia sports betting law allows for five sports wagering licenses.
- Land-based and online sportsbooks are taxed 10% of gross gaming revenue.
- West Virginia bettors may bet on college sports — including in-state teams.
- esports wagering is permitted in West Virginia.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related sports betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Sports betting revenue tracker FAQ
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
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