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Can I offer contests that involve international sports in West Virginia? What are the requirements?

Offering Contests Involving International Sports in West Virginia

West Virginia allows sports wagering activities only when conducted in accordance with the provisions of the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act [1.3]. The Act authorizes sports wagering at licensed racetrack facilities and historic resort hotels [1.3]. The Act also allows operators to accept wagers from individuals physically located within the state using a mobile or other digital platform or a sports wagering device [1.1]. However, the Act does not provide any specific information regarding contests involving international sports.

According to the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act, all sports wagering authorized by this article shall be West Virginia Lottery games owned by the State of West Virginia [1.2]. Therefore, it is unclear whether offering contests involving international sports is allowed in West Virginia.

It is recommended that you consult with a legal expert or contact the West Virginia Lottery Commission for further guidance on this matter.

Requirements for Sports Wagering Activities

If you plan to conduct sports wagering activities in West Virginia, you must be licensed to do so consistent with the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act and its rules [2.1]. The Act requires operators to conduct all sports wagering activities and functions in a manner that does not pose a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the state and does not adversely affect the security or integrity of the West Virginia Lottery [1.5]. Operators must also hold the commission and the state harmless from and defend and pay for the defense of any and all claims that may be asserted against them arising from their actions or omissions while acting as an agent of the commission operating West Virginia Lottery sports wagering pursuant to the Act [1.5].

Additionally, operators must comply with the regulations adopted by the commission, which may include provisions prescribing the form, length, and terms of an agreement entered into by the commission and another government, including provisions relating to how taxes are to be treated by the state and another government, revenues are to be shared and distributed, and disputes with patrons are to be resolved [1.6]. Operators must also prevent any person from tampering with or interfering with the operation of any West Virginia Lottery sports wagering and ensure that it occurs only in specific locations within designated gaming areas approved by the commission or using a commission-approved mobile application or other digital platform that utilizes communications technology to accept wagers originating within the state, or on a sports wagering device [1.5].

Conclusion

It is unclear whether offering contests involving international sports is allowed in West Virginia. If you plan to conduct sports wagering activities in West Virginia, you must be licensed to do so consistent with the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act and its rules. It is recommended that you consult with a legal expert or contact the West Virginia Lottery Commission for further guidance on this matter.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

West Virginia