State delegate Shawn Fluharty is a West Virginia lawmaker who supported sports betting in the state. However, he is now calling his fellow lawmakers to review the issues plaguing the sports wagering industry.
West Virginia legalized sports betting last year. However, only three of the state’s five licensed casinos have sportsbooks. Two casinos shut down their sportsbooks that led to a lawsuit between Delaware North and its former sports betting partner.
The closure of Delaware North’s sportsbook also led to the shut down of the state’s online sports betting app. DraftKings had plans to launch in the state but had to pull out after West Virginia Lottery officials had concerns regarding the Wire Act.
West Virginia Lawmaker Calls for a Review
West Virginia lawmaker Fluharty criticized Governor Jim Justice for not acting on the problems plaguing the sports betting industry. In fact, the governor allowed sports betting to become legal in the state without signing the bill. Pay per head insiders said Justice owns The Greenbrier Resort that has a FanDuel sportsbook.
Fluharty told a pay per head sportsbook that the governor’s inaction is costing the state money. Sports betting can potentially bring more money into the state without raising taxes. However, the governor doesn’t want to solve the online sports betting issue in the state.
The lawmaker’s comments came after William Hill said they want to establish mobile sports betting in the state. However, the company is busy at the moment with the opening of its sportsbooks in Iowa. Also, the company is preparing for its sports betting software operations in Indiana. At present, William Hill runs the bookie operations at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort.
The lack of mobile sports betting option is a concern for the West Virginia lawmaker. In fact, its neighbor District of Columbia is preparing the launch of its sports betting market. It can eat up some of the market share West Virginia is enjoying right now, according to bookie pay per head experts.
