New iGaming push in West Virginia
Lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalise the online segment after failing to do so during previous sessions.
US.- West Virginia has repeatedly failed to legalise online gambling but here it comes again: House Bill 2178 has been introduced and, if passed, will give the West Virginia Lottery Commission the power to regulate and issue licences for the online segment.
The bill was filed by delegates Shawn Fluharty and Joe Canestraro and states: “Legalisation of video lottery and table games in West Virginia has delivered substantial benefits to the state, including the creation of thousands of significant contributions to racing and agricultural industries.”
Furthermore, HB 2178 states that technological advances “have created an opportunity to legalise interactive poker as a means to further enhance and complement the benefits delivered by casino gaming and licensed facilities to or for the benefit of the communities in which they operate.”
Licensing would be limited to the five operating casinos in West Virginia, which would have to pay a US$50k fee to get the permit and a further 14% of daily GGR, to be paid weekly.
Even as sports betting is already legal in the state, West Virginia still has to regulate the online segment. After failing to do so in the past, lawmakers are hopeful that this time they can manage to pull through a Law that finally makes it possible.
