License Name
West Virginia Lottery License
West Virginia Lottery License
United States (West Virginia)
Traditional lottery, video lottery, table games, sports wagering, interactive (online) wagering
Local (State of West Virginia)
Good
Business must be licensed and authorized to do business in West Virginia
Not specified in public sources
Key personnel must be of good character and pass background checks; conviction for relevant crimes disqualifies applicants
Compliance with federal and state AML laws is required
Must maintain security and confidentiality of personal and gaming data; not subject to GDPR
Licensees must submit information and undergo regular reviews by the Commission
Subject to internal controls and possible audits by the regulator
Gaming software and equipment must be certified and tested by independent labs approved by the Commission
Required for video lottery terminals via approved independent labs
Must use payment systems compliant with state and federal laws; cashless gaming allowed; cryptocurrencies are prohibited
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
English
USD only
$25 processing fee for traditional lottery retailers, higher fees for other license types (see Financial and Operational Aspects)
Licensees must operate only in permitted gaming categories; separate licenses needed for different game types
Must comply with West Virginia tax laws
Maintain security and integrity of player data; commissions may request inspections
Not permitted; operations restricted to West Virginia
Fingerprinting and disclosure of prior licensing and criminal history required for all applicants
Licensing Division, West Virginia Lottery
Not specified in public sources
Charitable, fraternal, and civic organizations may be eligible retailers under certain conditions
Commission can enforce via civil action; administrative appeals process applies
$25 processing fee (traditional retailer); $100 for occupational licenses; $10,000 for supplier licenses
$10,000 for supplier and certain interactive wagering licenses; annual renewal required for all categories
Standard West Virginia corporate and gaming tax laws apply
Winners may be subject to state and federal tax reporting; no withholding by operator stated
For traditional lottery retailers, a bond/account sweep fee is required ($50)
Not specified in public sources
Required as part of compliance; subject to regulator requests
Not specified in public sources
Application form, business license, club/beer license (as applicable), business registration, zoning compliance, lease agreement, fingerprinting, compliance documentation
Not specified in public sources
Responsible gaming measures and AML compliance policies required
All gaming equipment must be tested and approved by independent labs
Certification by regulators and approved labs is required for equipment and software
All key personnel must be of good character and background
Retailers must operate a business with premises in West Virginia
Not specified in public sources
Age and responsible gaming warnings must be posted; advertising to minors prohibited
Participation in state-approved problem gambling information, treatment, and referral support required
Must provide access to self-exclusion program for individuals with gambling issues
Minimum age for players is 21 for casino and video lottery games; 18 for traditional lottery ticket sales
Background verification required for licensees and staff; player verification as mandated by law
Not specified in public sources
Commission maintains administrative appeal process
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Traditional lottery, video lottery, table games, sports wagering, interactive wagering
VLT limits determined by law; credit for gaming not permitted
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Table games require separate licensing and approval
Interactive wagering must operate within state and comply with regulations
Not specified in public sources
Internal controls as required by regulator; lab-tested gaming systems
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Regulator has authority to inspect, monitor, and audit
Logs and records must be made available for inspection
Regulatory oversight and internal controls mandated
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Licenses are issued annually; renewal required
Renewal involves reapplication, updated background checks, and payment of annual fee
Fines, suspensions, or revocation of license; civil penalties possible
Licensees must notify regulator of any change of control within 30 days
Not specified in public sources
Suppliers must be licensed; approved labs required for testing
Commission may require display of designated logos
Not specified in public sources
Administrative appeal and civil enforcement available
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
English primary
Not permitted for gaming transactions
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302, United States
P.O. Box 2067, Charleston, WV 25327, United States
(304) 558-3321
https://business.wvlottery.com/licensing
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Not specified in public sources
Contact main phone or Licensing Division
Not specified in public sources
https://www.facebook.com/wvlottery
https://twitter.com/wvlottery
https://www.youtube.com/@WVaLottery
Licensing Division, Security, Finance & Administration, IT, Marketing, Table Games
What is West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?
The West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License refers to permits issued to businesses for retail lottery sales, hosting video lottery terminals (VLTs), table games at racetracks, and interactive wagering—enabling them to operate state-authorized lottery and casino gaming services under West Virginia law.
Which jurisdiction issues West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?
These licenses are issued by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, under the West Virginia State Lottery Office. Regulation is conducted under Chapter 29, Articles 22A and 22B (for video lottery) and 29‑25 (for table games and limited gaming facilities).
What is the cost of obtaining West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?
For a retail lottery/VLT retailer license: there is typically a $500 non-refundable application fee, plus around $300 in initial equipment/communication and bond-related costs. Also a $25 processing fee is commonly required.
For interactive gambling (i‑Gaming) operator licenses: there is a $250,000 application fee and a $100,000 renewal fee every five years.
For a full limited gaming (casino/table games) facility license: renewal fees escalate—from $250,000 in year two, $500,000 in year three, and thereafter based on a percentage of adjusted gross receipts, with a minimum of $500,000 and maximum of $2.5 million annually.
Video lottery terminal manufacturers and suppliers may pay approximately $10,000 annual license fees, while supplier applications cost $100 annually, and interactive gaming suppliers pay $10,000 per year.
What are the main requirements for West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?
Key requirements differ by license type but generally include:
Submission of completed application forms and payment of fees for processing, equipment, bond, and application.
Background checks including fingerprinting and criminal/fiscal history for owners and key personnel.
Site inspection and provision of licensed lottery terminals and signage (retail/VLT). Installation by lottery staff and retailer training required.
Execution of a surety bond adequate to guarantee compliance and payment obligations for limited gaming facilities.
Compliance with operational standards: accurate revenue reporting (withhold state’s share), maintenance of internal control systems, audits by certified public accountants, equipment testing by approved labs, signage requirements (e.g., problem gambling warnings), minimum age enforcement (lottery 18+, casinos 21+), and other statutory duties.