In West Virginia, HB5668 originally was designed to require gambling license-holders in the state to share their player activity data with researchers at West Virginia University monthly, quarterly or annually.
The researchers would have worked with the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DHS) to analyze that data in terms of potential problem gambling in the state. The DHS then would have submitted an annual report to the state legislature starting January 2026.
But recently, an amendment introduced by the Senate Judiciary Committee and approved by both the House of Delegates and the Senate significantly changes the scope of the bill, much to the distress of problem-gambling treatment advocates. The amendment still gives West Virginia University researchers access to gambling player data, but licensees no longer would be required to disclose that data. As a result, researchers will have to obtain the information themselves since gambling operators will not be required to share it.
In addition, the amendment removes the DHS from preparing the annual report to the legislature and gives that responsibility to the West Virginia Lottery. Also, the reference to “problem gamblers and gambling addiction in West Virginia” has been replaced by “the state’s economy, innovation in gaming technologies and gaming operations.”
The amendment also requires West Virginia University to “develop a new program or alter or expand existing programs to include courses, training, certificates, initiatives or other methods designated to foster innovation in gaming technology development and prepare students for careers in racing, gaming, gaming operations, hospitality management, guest relations, entertainment and other amenities typically offered in conjunction with gaming operations.”
It’s not yet clear if Governor Jim Justice will sign the bill but advocates for problem-gambling treatment are urging him not to, observers said.
