In West Virginia, where sports betting has been legal for two months, sports books have taken in about $10 million in wagers, giving the state more than $200,000 in tax revenue. Weekly sports betting totals have been steadily climbing, making it likely the state will collect its projected $5.5 million after one year.
Hollywood Casino, the first West Virginia operation to open a sports book in late August, has taken in more than $9 million wagers, resulting in $2.3 million in revenue, not including outstanding futures bets. Hollywood’s handle has grown each week since opening, reaching more than $2 million for the most recent reporting period, October 6012.
Week 1: $457,788
Week 2: $1,104,008
Week 3: $1,713,845
Week 4: $1,829,347
Week 5: $1,875,615
The Greenbrier’s FanDuel Sportsbook opened two weeks after Hollywood’s. The latest numbers are:
Week 3: $87,763
Week 4: $75,222
Week 5: $178,666
Week 6: $105,442
Total handle: $447,094
Total revenue: $75,697
Taxes due: $7,570
The Greenbrier’s fairly remote location in the Appalachian Mountains is a disadvantage. However, its branding partnership with FanDuel is a big help. FanDuel Sportsbook operates the resort’s brick-and-mortar facility, but a digital sports book is expected soon. Hollywood is partnered with William Hill for online/mobile betting.
West Virginia Lottery Deputy Director Doug Buffington said the state’s fifth and last casino, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in Chester, recently paid the $100,000 annual fee for a sports betting license. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and Wheeling Island, both owned by Delaware North, announced they soon will start field tests of sports betting equipment, Buffington said.
