West Virginia is launching its state-regulated sports betting industry and moving full blast after a mere five months of legalizing sports wagering.
The West Virginia State lottery had just recently issued its first temporary permit to GeoComply, one of the country’s leading iGaming geolocation compliance technology supplier for reliable and secure geolocation services.
Right after the permit was issued, West Virginia granted FanDuel Sportsbook and Penn National gaming permits to operate sports betting in the state. Some analysts and observers noted the speed by which the state is issuing licenses and to whom the licenses are being given.
Hollywood Casino Primed to Play
Penn National owns and operates Hollywood Casino Charles Town, which is primed to the first casino in WV to accept legal bets with the state’s lottery stating the company has met all its requirements to avail of the interim permit.
One f the five largest West Virginia casinos, Hollywood is poised to corner the market with its conveniently accessible to the eastern metro area. With the casino less than an hour away from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., its Harper’s Ferry location is expected to attract more enthusiasts and players.
West Virginia’s sports betting license fee cost a mere $100,000 compared to Pennsylvania hefty $10 million fees. But WV ante is going up with the state collecting 10% of Penn National’s revenue.
William Hill Partnership Talks
Hollywood Casino is also in talks with British bookmaker William Hill for a possible partnership. The world’s biggest bookmaker is set to expand its North American operations with the legalization of sports betting.
Industry observers are expecting William Hill’s branding on display within Hollywood Casino’s premises and a near-future launch of a mobile and online platform for sports betting. Hollywood’s sportsbook is expected to open by September 1.
However, neither William Hill nor Hollywood Casino would confirm or deny the rumors about its pending partnership.
Penn National Acquisition Talks
Penn National is also in talks to acquire Pinnacle Entertainment which will make the casino company establish operations or a definite presence in at least 20 states nationwide.
More On William Hill
For those who are unfamiliar with online gaming, William Hill is one of the biggest international bookmakers in the world and one of the early US players of online betting. Currently, it’s the only bookmaker operating in the four regulated sports gambling industries of the states of Delaware, Nevada, Mississippi, and New Jersey.
With the possible addition of West Virginia via its rumored partnership with Hollywood Casinos, the international bookmaker is set to become one of the biggest bookmakers this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are also rumors floating that the British company is in talks with a casino group that is operating in 14 states. William Hill has declined to specify the group or give further comments. But the list of companies offering casino services is pretty short. Industry observers are keen to see further developments of this story.
Meanwhile, Fan Duel which is partnered with the local casino The Greenbrier will also offer sports wagering.
