Lottery officials have assured state residents that West Virginia sports betting is still on track for a September rollout despite delays in the approval of its rules. State casinos and racetracks are reviewing the sports betting rules before the state launches betting in September.

According to state lottery attorney Danielle Boyd, the West Virginia Lottery Commission issued the so-called internal control documents for sports betting on June 21. However, Boyd said it was only last week that the gambling operators were able to get a copy of the draft regulations.

Boyd attributed the distribution delays to the review that State Gov. Jim Justice conducted on the sports betting rules before they were sent to gambling operators on July 9.

Operators have been given up until July 30 to study the documents, after which lottery officials will hold a conference call with operators to get their opinion on the rules.

Despite the delay, the lottery attorney remains confident that sports betting will be up and running in time for the upcoming NFL season.

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