West Virginia throws support behind US sports betting bill

The US Supreme Court will take into consideration a case that could potentially enable sports betting in all fifty states.

If the country’s highest court rules in favour of the legalisation, West Virginia is more than ready.

A bill to enable sports betting in West Virginia has been with the office of the state’s Governor and only needs federal approval to be acted upon. People in the mountain state can start placing bets on college and professional sports if and when the decision is made.

Under the proposed bill, the state can tax licensed bookmakers after all winners are paid out at a rate of at least 10 percent.

Shawn Fluharty, a member of the West Virginian House of Delegates, has been a big supporter of sports betting. He believes the new industry can drive tremendous revenue for the state and help the state attract tourists that want to dabble in a bet, like people do legally all around the globe.

The bills gives all revenue gathered by the state after the first $15 million to the Public Employees Insurance Agency, improving the safety net for thousands of citizens.