Two West Virginian representatives introduced a bill last week, with the objective being to see the legalization of online poker and online casino games. Reps Shawn Fluharty and Joe Canestraro introduced HB 2178 which will amend the state’s 1931 Code, allowing for legal online gambling for players above the age of 21. The bill was filed and now awaits a decision whether it should move through the legal channels before it becomes law. It was filed on January 9th and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It will then move to the House Finance Committee.
House Bill 2178 points out that since video lottery and table games were legalized in West Virginia, they have contributed substantially to the state, especially to its agricultural and racing industries. The bill goes on to state: “Developments in technology and recent legal decisions have created an opportunity to legalize 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.”
Key points of HB 2178:
- The West Virginia Lottery Commission will be responsible for regulating online gambling.
- Only gaming facilities that already hold a racing license from West Virginia’s Racing Commission can apply for an online gambling license.
- The above limitation thus allows only five land-based facilities to apply for a license; namely: Casino Club at the Greenbrier, Penn National’s Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Delaware North’s Mardi Grass and Wheeling Island facilities and Eldorado Resorts’ Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.
- A license fee of $50,000 will be charged.
- Online gambling operators will be subject to 14% gross gambling revenue tax.
- No third-party skins will be allowed to operate through an igaming license.
- High penalties for unlicensed gambling.
