Hollywood Casino Mobile Sports Betting Coming In ‘Weeks’ For West Virginia

The mobile sports betting app of Hollywood Casino Charles Town is nearing its release, with company management stating that it should be launched prior to the arrival of winter.

“In the upcoming weeks, we anticipate the release of our mobile app,” stated Erich Zimny, vice president of racing and sports operations, during a webinar. “While we don’t have a specific date yet, it won’t be happening next week nor take several months. Our aim is to have it operational as soon as possible.”

West Virginia will become the third state in the country, since the federal ban was lifted, to offer online sports betting if the casino can adhere to Zimny’s announced timeframe. Currently, only Nevada and New Jersey permit their citizens to place bets on sporting events using their devices.

Although it cannot be confirmed, it is highly likely that William Hill, the prominent European sportsbook company, will supply the technology for Hollywood Casino’s sports betting app. Given their existing partnership for the casino’s physical operations, it is reasonable to expect a similar collaboration for the mobile sports betting app.

Hollywood Casino continues to lead the way

It is rather unexpected that the imminent release is happening so suddenly. Unlike New Jersey, West Virginia does not have a legally required delay in releasing a mobile sports betting app.

Of all the gambling options available in West Virginia, Hollywood Casino is the most probable licenseholder to venture into both land-based and online operations.

The biggest among the five casinos in the Mountain State is Hollywood. Situated in the far eastern region, it is conveniently less than an hour’s drive away from both Baltimore and Washington DC.

The state of Hollywood witnessed the introduction of the very first casino to provide sports betting services. On August 30, during its soft launch, the casino received its initial wager, and just two days later, it celebrated its grand opening.

Despite being close to two major cities in West Virginia, the property still maintains a sense of seclusion from the rest of the state. The introduction of its mobile sports betting app will enable it to connect with residents all across West Virginia, regardless of their location.

The distinctive geography of West Virginia can also present added prospects for a successful mobile sports betting application. Due to the state’s narrow northern panhandle, its lands are conveniently located within reasonable driving distances from cities such as Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

A WV mobile sports betting app may finally apply some pressure to the competition

The state’s other four casinos may be prompted to take action by these extra opportunities. Compared to other states, West Virginia has shown more caution and restraint in its approach to online gambling expansion.

Hollywood had an exclusive three-week window to run a sportsbook on its own. Even after that period, the sole competition it faces is a limited-access small resort casino.

Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island, two of the remaining casinos, were granted sports betting permits a month ago. However, their operations have not yet commenced, and recent reports reveal that the launch of these two facilities has been further postponed.

The Mountaineer, a modest property situated in the northernmost part of the state and owned by Eldorado Resorts, has shown minimal progress in implementing sports betting. While it is expected that the casino will eventually offer a sportsbook, there seems to be no immediate rush to make it happen.

It is possible that a mobile app could generate significant profits, catching the attention of the remaining four casinos. Alternatively, considering the courteous nature of people in West Virginia, they might simply acknowledge HCCT’s luck and carry on with their own endeavors.