West Virginia’s Online Casino Market Sees Exponential Growth in April

Article by : Erik Gibbs May 15, 2024

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West Virginia’s online casino revenue substantially increased in April, reaching nearly $19.60 million, marking a significant uptick in the state’s iGaming sector.

This surge, while slightly lower than March’s record-breaking revenue of $20.68 million, demonstrates remarkable progress compared to April 2023, which saw a modest $13.03 million in revenue.

These figures, extrapolated from average daily activity reports released by the West Virginia gaming regulator, provide valuable insights into the evolving trends and financial performance of online casinos in the state.

West Virginia’s online casino industry has grown steadily since its inception in July 2020. While the initial years struggled to surpass the $10 million monthly revenue threshold, the latter half of 2022 witnessed a discernible uptick, culminating in the establishment of new monthly revenue records.

The first quarter of 2024 further solidified this growth trajectory, with January, February and March registering revenue of $16.36 million, $17.46 million and $20.68 million, respectively. These figures represent monthly increases of 3.24%, 14.07%, and 10.78%, showing the sector’s sustained momentum.

Since the start of the fiscal year 2024 on July 1, 2023, West Virginia’s online casinos have collectively generated an impressive total revenue of $156.66 million. Additionally, they have contributed approximately $23.50 million in privilege taxes and over $19.77 million to the state, highlighting their significant financial contribution to the regional economy.

Key players in West Virginia’s online gambling landscape include establishments such as Charles Town and Greenbrier, which have played a pivotal role in bolstering the state’s iGaming revenue.

In April, these entities continued to dominate the market, with three out of four licensed operators reporting slight month-over-month revenue declines.

A breakdown of April’s revenue reveals Mountaineer’s contribution at $3,183,333.75, followed by Mardi Gras at $736,849.57, The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town at $7,830,024.49, and The Greenbrier at $7,843,319.95. These varying financial footprints are proof of the diverse dynamics within West Virginia’s online gambling sector.

West Virginia’s participation in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement since November 2023 marks a significant development for online poker enthusiasts in the state. This agreement facilitates cross-state competition with counterparts in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada and New Jersey, expanding the scope and reach of online gaming activities.

While online poker was legalized in West Virginia nearly four years ago, the absence of operators offering the activity has created untapped potential within the state’s iGaming landscape.

However, the anticipated launch of online poker sites later in 2024 signals a promising development. John Myers, the West Virginia Lottery’s Executive Director, expects this launch to occur in the latter part of the year, acknowledging the procedural requirements that may impact the timeline for implementation.