West Virginia Bill Could Required Sharing of Player Betting Data
West Virginia Gambling Data Sharing: Gambling Addictions a Focus
Could betting data for West Virginia residents soon be up for sharing?
Technically speaking, yes.
A new bill is on the table in the state legislature that would require gambling operators to release player data with academics. Known as House Bill 5668, the “West Virginia Responsible Gaming and Research Act” would give such information to West Virginia University for research purposes.
What should West Virginians know about this bill? Here is more information on the latest West Virginia gambling data sharing proposal.
Researchers Want New Window into Data
Proponents of HB 5668 say the data would be anonymous, ensuring the personality security of West Virginia bettors.
Sheila Moran, director of marketing and communications with First Choice Services, a West Virginia-based organization promoting well-being and behavioral and social services, says new information is needed to assess the impact of gambling accurately.
“So, people ask us all the time, ‘How big of a problem is gambling addiction in West Virginia?’ And we think it’s a pretty big problem,” Moran said via wtrf.com. “But that’s based on help line data and communications with people in the community. So, we can’t say for certain because there’s never been a real prevalence study done here.”
The gambling landscape has fundamentally changed within the last few years, to say the least. In August of 2018, West Virginia became the fifth U.S. state to legalize online sports betting.
The state now has a handful of mobile operators for bettors to choose from, including industry leaders DraftKings and FanDuel, along with BetMGM and William Hill.
Twenty-four states, plus Washington, D.C., have since followed in West Virginia’s footsteps, as technology advances and the societal norms around gambling shift. Coming March 11, North Carolina will launch as the next legal sports betting state.
West Virginia is also one of six states that have legalized online casinos, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel are among the top operators in that market for West Virginians. This form of gaming allows players to play many of their favorite games, such as video poker, blackjack, roulette, and dozens of different slots.
Payouts are instantaneous, which appeals to players looking to cash out or transfer their money to their online sportsbook and odds calculator.
New Report Could Arrive in 2026
Proponents expect more states to adopt online casino gambling within the next year, as it has proven to be a strong source of revenue. However, it is also widely seen as a more serious form of gambling, which concerns some critics about addictive behaviors.
If HB 5668 were to pass, the data could allow researchers to compile a report as soon as 2026.
The hope is that it would provide a clearer picture on the effects of gambling, giving organizations such as First Choice Services more ways to address gambling-related addictions.
Stay tuned for more updates on legislation for West Virginia gambling data sharing.
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