The online gaming giant WynnBET continues to expand into new jurisdictions. The operator, owned by global hospitality company Wynn Resorts, now has market access in West Virginia, adding to its other recent procurements.
The operator has partnered with global hospitality company Delaware North to provide online sportsbook and casino services in the Mountain State. West Virginia becomes the 18th state that WynnBET has a presence in, having previously launched in Louisiana and Arizona earlier this year.
Delaware North owns two casinos in West Virginia: Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. It already operates one sportsbook in West Virginia under the Betly brand.
WynnBet currently has online sportsbooks live in seven states: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. It has secured market access in another eight states and has ongoing discussions in an additional nine.
If they all come to fruition, the company will increase its reach from 44% of the US adult population to 77%. It is aiming for 55% by the end of 2022.
Autumn strong for sports betting in WV
When West Virginia legalized sports betting back in 2018, it was the fifth state to do so. Wagering in the state has proved reliably popular during that time.
September was a particularly good month, with the sports betting handle coming in at a cool $60 million – no doubt boosted by the start of the NFL and college football seasons. Of that figure, more than $45 million was generated via online sportsbooks.
It also proved to be a record month for revenue, bringing in $7.1 million. By comparison, sports betting grossed $2 million in August. September 2021 was also $600,000 higher than the previous high set in December 2020.
Sports fans should not have to wait long for WynnBET’s sportsbook to go live in other states, although additional launches depend upon meeting regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction.
Once it launches in West Virginia, WynnBET will go head-to-head with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment, which are all already live in the state.
2021 was a massive year for WynnBET
The foray into West Virginia caps off a year of tireless expansion for WynnBET.
In July, the operator announced a partnership with the San Carlos Apache Tribe, thereafter obtaining its license in Arizona. At the time, it was the 16th state in its growing portfolio.
Then, a little over a month ago on September 30, the company revealed it had also gained approval to offer online gaming in Louisiana, partnering with one of Caesars land-based casinos. Although ostensibly rivals, there is a precedent for this – WynnBet joined forces with Ceasars previously in New Jersey.
According to Nasdaq.com, Wynn Resorts is hoping this focus on sports betting will foster continued expansion. Earlier in the year, Wynn Interactive merged with Austerlitz Acquisition Group – bringing in $640 million to spur further growth.
It is a gameplan that looks to be working: shares in Wynn Resorts have leapt 15.8% in the last 12 months.
