DraftKings Online Sportsbook Launches in West Virginia

After months with no legal online sports betting in West Virginia (due to the BetLucky issue back in March), the Mountain State now has two of the biggest names in sports betting operating within state lines. BetLucky was the only online sportsbook in the state. It operated from December 2018 until March 2019 when operations ceased due to issues with a third-party vendor. Now, both FanDuel (launched earlier this week) and DraftKings both have their online sportsbook up and running in West Virginia.

DraftKings Beats NCAAF and NFL Deadline

DraftKings launched its Sportsbook app in West Virginia on August 28th. The sportsbook launched in time for the first full Saturday of college football and the start of the NFL season. For sportsbooks, this is the busiest time of the year, so launching prior to the start of both seasons is a huge victory for DraftKings.

The launch of the DraftKings Sportsbook in West Virginia is due to the licensing agreement with Penn National Gaming. The two partnered up in December of 2018. Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of DraftKings Matt Kalish had this to say about the deal:

“We are thrilled to continue our DraftKings Sportsbook expansion by getting our product into the hands of West Virginians. We look forward to serving our fans with the top-rated DraftKings Sportsbook app, that features numerous consumer protection features and strives to provide the broadest selection of betting options with the best odds and rewards in West Virginia. DraftKings knows the American sports fan better than anyone, and we look forward to proving that in the Mountain State.”

DraftKings App

West Virginia residents will be able to download the DraftKings Sportsbook app for both iOS and Android. Residents will be able to transition seamlessly from the DraftKings Fantasy App to the DraftKings Sportsbook app. The DraftKings Sportsbook app launch comes just two days after FanDuel launched its West Virginia mobile app through the Greenbrier Resort casino. Bettors in West Virginia can take advantage of the current DraftKings Sportsbook promo: “Get a 50% deposit bonus up to $500 with your next deposit. Offer only valid on your first deposit during the promotional period.” Tons of other DraftKings promotions can be found here.

West Virginia Online Sportsbook Apps

West Virginia residents now have the luxury of choosing between the two biggest online sports betting apps in the country. Residents had to wait nearly six months for legal online sports betting to return, but now they will soon have an embarrassment of riches. The next online sportsbook expected to launch in the state is another sports betting powerhouse, William Hill. There is no current timeline for William Hill but it is expected they are targeting a launch prior to the upcoming NFL season which begins Thursday, September 5th. FanDuel has dominated the New Jersey market for most of the year. Once September’s revenue numbers for West Virginia come out in October, it will be interesting to see whether FanDuel or DraftKings is the king of the Mountain State. At least for the first full month.