Handle Plunges To Lowest Level In Six Months Without WV Mobile Sports Betting
For the week ending April 6, West Virginia sports betting experienced its lowest overall handle in quite a while, with the total amount reaching just over $2.3 million in the Mountain State.
Since mid-October, when sports betting was still relatively new in the state, this is the lowest recorded handle in WV.
The absence of an online betting platform continues to contribute to the decline in sports betting figures, even after the conclusion of major events like March Madness.
No significant progress has been made on a new mobile option since Delaware North ended its partnership with the BetLucky app.
It’s worth noting that two out of three active WV sportsbooks managed to remain profitable once more. This marks the seventh week in a row that the sports betting market has generated positive revenue.
The report for this week encompasses the activity of all five WV sportsbooks from March 31 to April 6.
- Hollywood Casino Sportsbook
- Mountaineer Sportsbook
- The Greenbrier is home to the FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Mardi Gras Sportsbook
- Wheeling Island Sportsbook
Despite the suspension of Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island, they are still honoring and paying out winning bets.
WV Sports Betting Summary
Since August 2018, the WV Lottery has released the most recent figures on WV sports betting revenue tracking.
- Handle: $101,703,023.59
- Revenue: $10,256,579.73
- Taxes: $1,025,658.06
The week starting April 6 marked a significant slowdown in WV’s acceptance of sports wagers, with a handle of $2,385,379.21. This figure represents the state’s lowest in 25 weeks and reflects a 31% decrease compared to the previous week.
There was also a notable decline in revenue with a substantial drop of 45% from the previous week, resulting in a total earnings of $193,729.15.
WV sports betting revenue for the week ending April 6, 2019
A Closer Look At WV Sports Betting Handle
When analyzing the sports betting handle for the week, this report reveals an unattractive picture. The overall figures are disappointingly low, and unfortunately, the individual breakdown does not bring good news for WV sportsbooks either.
Once again, the Hollywood Casino’s sportsbook remains the dominant choice for most bettors in the state, accounting for the majority of the total wagers placed. However, despite its impressive performance this week with a little over $1.7 million in bets, this outcome is not promising.
Hollywood’s handle has hit a new low, reaching its lowest point in five weeks. This is only the fifth time in the past 27 weeks that it has dropped below the $2 million mark.
The Mountaineer also experienced a decline in activity, with its handle continually decreasing and dropping below $600,000 for the first time in a month.
The Greenbrier experienced a notable decline in handle too. Despite two consecutive weeks of good performance, its handle fell below $100,000.
The lack of significant sporting events is gradually revealing the vulnerability of the West Virginia sports betting market. Without a dedicated betting app, residents are evidently less inclined to engage in wagering unless there is a compelling reason to visit a physical sportsbook.
The upcoming report for next week might show an increase due to the Masters tournament. However, it is unlikely that the handle figures will improve in the long run without the presence of an online betting platform in the state.
Regrettably, the West Virginia Lottery is temporarily suspending license approvals as it seeks clarification regarding the recently revised Wire Act.
If handle and revenue continue to decline, legislators may experience increased pressure to address their stance on the new Wire Act opinion and authorize the introduction of additional mobile sportsbooks.
These are the rankings of the WV sportsbooks based on their weekly handle.
- The amounts for each casino are as follows: Hollywood Casino – $1,721,386.86, Mountaineer Casino – $572,816.85, The Greenbrier – $91,175.50, Mardi Gras Casino – $0, Wheeling Island – $0.
A Closer Look At WV Sports Betting Revenue
Despite being unimpressive, Hollywood Casino still managed to lead in revenue. However, the sportsbook’s earnings of over $150,000 marked Hollywood’s lowest revenue in six weeks.
The Mountaineer Casino is the only other sportsbook that finished the week with positive results. It generated close to $60,000 in profits, which signifies a remarkable recovery from the previous week’s losses.
After a successful three-week run, The Greenbrier experienced a decline in revenue, resulting in a loss of nearly $15,000.
Even though no new bets were accepted, Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras Casino still paid out approximately $2,500 in settled wagers.
Given the downward trajectory of the betting handle, it is highly probable that the revenue figures will also decline.
In order to attract a larger number of bettors during weeks without major sporting events, the sportsbooks will need to offer promotional incentives to increase their desired betting volume.
These are the rankings of the WV sportsbooks based on their weekly revenue.
- Hollywood Casino ($151,465.70)
- Mountaineer Casino ($59,783.20)
- Wheeling Island ($-910.90)
- Mardi Gras Casino ($-1,648.85)
- The Greenbrier ($-14,960.00)
On the board for WV Sportsbooks
NBA playoffs
The NBA playoffs commenced over the weekend, with the Golden State Warriors aiming to secure their third consecutive championship. While the Warriors are strongly favored to triumph once more in The Finals, the Eastern Conference has become wide open following Lebron James’ departure.
The odds to win the Eastern Conference this year, as listed by the FanDuel Sportsbook in New Jersey, are as follows:
- Milwaukee Bucks +120
- Toronto Raptors +280
- Boston Celtics +390
- Philadelphia 76ers +500
NHL playoffs
Currently, the first round of the NHL playoffs is underway. The previous year’s playoffs witnessed an electrifying performance by the Vegas Golden Knights as they made an exceptional run towards the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season. FanDuel’s future bets present the following odds for teams to secure victory in the Stanley Cup:
- Washington Capitals +550
- NewYork Islanders +700
- Nashville Predators +900
- Vegas Golden Knights +950
WV horse racing
With the arrival of spring, the thoroughbred horse racing season in WV kicks into high gear. Don’t miss out on the exciting live racing events happening at the tracks located within the Hollywood and Mountaineer casinos.
Don’t miss out on the Charles Town Classic this weekend in Hollywood! Head down on Saturday, April 20th for an unforgettable experience.
With 13 races scheduled, the event holds the distinction of being one of the most lucrative horse races for older horses on dirt in the United States. The action will kick off promptly at 12:30 p.m.
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