West Virginia has become the latest US state to legalise gambling within its borders, following the passage of the ‘West Virginia Sports Lottery Wagering Act’.

The hotly contested bill, previously known as Senate Bill 415, was signed into law by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice late on Friday evening.

It places regulatory responsibility on the shoulders of the West Virginia Lottery Commission, allowing the states five gaming facilities to offer sports betting on pro and collegiate sports, subject to a 10% taxation rate on their gross gaming revenue.

The state becomes the sixth state to legalise sports betting, following in the footsteps of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. Many more are considering legalisation, with bills winging their way through legislatures all over the US.

Issuing a press release following the signing, Governor Justice said: “After the US Supreme Court issues its decision on sports wagering, to address any provisions of the legislation that might be in conflict, I will ask the Legislature to look at the advantages of partnering with the major sports league.

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