Two choices of DraftKings casino apps
DraftKings has launched its online casino product in West Virginia in partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races, the third state in which the company has made its offering available. Games can be played via the DraftKings sportsbook app or a standalone mobile casino app on both iOS and Android.
West Virginia is now just the fourth state to have legal online casino gambling, after New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Michigan has also legalized online gaming, but no products are expected to go live until late this year or early next year. Nevada has online poker, but has not authorized online casino gambling.
Live dealer games are expected in the future
According to Wednesday’s press release, DraftKings customers will be able to play blackjack, roulette, keno, three card poker, and “branded table games.” Slots are also mentioned as an offering, but reports out of the state indicate that they are not available on the app yet, likely because DraftKings is waiting on regulatory approval.
Live dealer games are expected in the future, as well. The company’s New Jersey casino app has live dealer games and the company says Pennsylvanians should also have access to them soon.
DraftKings all alone for now
DraftKings now has the first-mover advantage in West Virginia as the only online casino operator in the state at the moment. Online operators in the Mountain State must partner with one of the state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos in order to gain access to the market. As it stands, DraftKings should not expect much competition any time soon.
Flutter Entertainment is only other online gaming operator who is likely to give DraftKings a rival. Partnered with The Greenbrier, if it enters the online casino arena in West Virginia, it would likely be with its FanDuel brand. FanDuel’s solo casino app got to Pennsylvania before DraftKings’ product. It also beat DraftKings to West Virginia in the mobile sports betting space.
Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack has no online plans. Delaware North, which briefly had online sports betting before a falling out with its technology provider, Miomi, has not announced any plans for its two casinos, Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and Wheeling Island. It is now working with IGT, so an internet casino is possible at some point.
Over a year in the making
Online casino games and poker became legal in West Virginia in late March 2019 after Governor Jim Justice opted not to act on legislation that made its way to his desk. By not doing anything, the bill automatically became law.
No operators have indicated any intention of launching online poker in West Virginia
The initial internet gaming license for each operator costs $250,000 and is valid for five years, provided the operator remains in good standing. Renewals cost $100,000 and also last for five years. The online gambling revenue tax rate is 15%, while the sports betting revenue tax rate is 10%.
No operators have indicated any intention of launching online poker in West Virginia, though it is legal.