After legalizing sports betting in 2018, Rep. Shawn Fluharty sponsored HB 2178, which would authorize both online poker and casino games in West Virginia. However, this is the third time a bill like this has been introduced to be approved.
With this any of the five casinos located in the state to operate online gambling sites. Each license would cost applicants $50,000 to obtain. Operators would be taxed 14 percent on gross gaming revenue.
This time the pass through a go and come process, were initially will be referred to a committee who will consider the bill and report back to the members of the House and Senate (pictured). It is read, amended, and then read a second time before being debated by the members of the legislature. If it is passed by one chamber, it moves on to the second chamber where the entire process is repeated. Only then could the bill go to Gov. Jim Justice to be signed into law.
It has been said between halls that the commission would take up the same duties for poker and casino gaming if the bill becomes law as they did with the sports betting legislation, were the regulatory responsibility was passed to the Lottery commission.
