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License Cost

$25 processing fee (traditional retailer); $100 for occupational licenses; $10,000 for supplier licenses

Annual Fees

$10,000 for supplier and certain interactive wagering licenses; annual renewal required for all categories

Income Taxes

Standard West Virginia corporate and gaming tax laws apply

Player Winnings Taxes

Winners may be subject to state and federal tax reporting; no withholding by operator stated

Financial Guarantees

For traditional lottery retailers, a bond/account sweep fee is required ($50)

Liquidity Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Financial Reporting Requirements

Required as part of compliance; subject to regulator requests

Application Processing Time

Not specified in public sources

Required Documents

Application form, business license, club/beer license (as applicable), business registration, zoning compliance, lease agreement, fingerprinting, compliance documentation

Business Plan Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Internal Policy Requirements

Responsible gaming measures and AML compliance policies required

Testing Requirements

All gaming equipment must be tested and approved by independent labs

Certification Requirements

Certification by regulators and approved labs is required for equipment and software

Staff Qualifications

All key personnel must be of good character and background

Physical Office Requirements

Retailers must operate a business with premises in West Virginia

Local Representative Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Marketing Restrictions

Age and responsible gaming warnings must be posted; advertising to minors prohibited

Responsible Gaming Measures

Participation in state-approved problem gambling information, treatment, and referral support required

Self-Exclusion System

Must provide access to self-exclusion program for individuals with gambling issues

Age Verification Procedures

Minimum age for players is 21 for casino and video lottery games; 18 for traditional lottery ticket sales

KYC Procedures

Background verification required for licensees and staff; player verification as mandated by law

Customer Support Standards

Not specified in public sources

Complaint Handling Procedures

Commission maintains administrative appeal process

Player Funds Protection

Not specified in public sources

Payout Timelines

Not specified in public sources

Bonus and Promotion Regulations

Not specified in public sources

Permitted Games List

Traditional lottery, video lottery, table games, sports wagering, interactive wagering

Betting Limits

VLT limits determined by law; credit for gaming not permitted

RTP Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Jackpot Regulations

Not specified in public sources

Live Game Requirements

Table games require separate licensing and approval

Mobile App Compliance

Interactive wagering must operate within state and comply with regulations

Affiliate Program Rules

Not specified in public sources

Security Standards

Internal controls as required by regulator; lab-tested gaming systems

Encryption Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Backup Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Monitoring Systems

Regulator has authority to inspect, monitor, and audit

Operation Logging

Logs and records must be made available for inspection

Anti-Fraud Systems

Regulatory oversight and internal controls mandated

API Integration Standards

Not specified in public sources

Hosting Requirements

Not specified in public sources

CDN Usage

Not specified in public sources

Scalability Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Uptime Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Technical Support Availability

Not specified in public sources

License Duration

Licenses are issued annually; renewal required

Renewal Procedure

Renewal involves reapplication, updated background checks, and payment of annual fee

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines, suspensions, or revocation of license; civil penalties possible

Ownership Change Rules

Licensees must notify regulator of any change of control within 30 days

Mergers and Acquisitions Rules

Not specified in public sources

Subcontractor Regulations

Suppliers must be licensed; approved labs required for testing

Branding Requirements

Commission may require display of designated logos

Intellectual Property Protection

Not specified in public sources

Dispute Arbitration

Administrative appeal and civil enforcement available

Insurance Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Social Responsibility Programs

Required to provide access to problem gaming resources and display warnings

Charity Contributions

Not specified in public sources

Staff Training Requirements

Not specified in public sources

Innovation Support

Not specified in public sources

Sustainability Initiatives

Not specified in public sources

Accessibility Standards

Not specified in public sources

Multilingual Support

English primary

Cryptocurrency Support

Not permitted for gaming transactions

Esports Betting Regulations

Not specified in public sources

Fantasy Sports Regulations

Not specified in public sources

Social Gaming Regulations

Not specified in public sources

Official Address

900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302, United States

Postal Address

P.O. Box 2067, Charleston, WV 25327, United States

Fax Number

(304) 558-3321

Online Application Portal

https://business.wvlottery.com/licensing

Work Hours

Not specified in public sources

Emergency Contact

Not specified in public sources

Regional Offices

Not specified in public sources

Technical Support

Contact main phone or Licensing Division

Media Contact

Not specified in public sources

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/wvlottery

Twitter/X URL

https://twitter.com/wvlottery

YouTube URL

https://www.youtube.com/@WVaLottery

Departments

Licensing Division, Security, Finance & Administration, IT, Marketing, Table Games

FAQ Question 1

What is West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?

FAQ Answer 1

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.

FAQ Question 2

Which jurisdiction issues West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?

FAQ Answer 2

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).

FAQ Question 3

What is the cost of obtaining West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?

FAQ Answer 3

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.

FAQ Question 4

What are the main requirements for West Virginia Lottery and Gaming License?

FAQ Answer 4

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.