VIP Play Inc. is gearing up for a major milestone in 2025 as it expands its footprint into West Virginia’s lucrative iGaming and sports betting market. In partnership with Delaware North, a leader in hospitality and gaming, VIP Play plans to operate under the Wheeling Island Casino license, bringing internet gaming and sports betting to the state by the start of the collegiate football season.
The partnership between VIP Play and Delaware North includes terms that ensure mutual benefit, with VIP Play agreeing to share an undisclosed percentage of its net gaming revenue. Delaware North, known for its vast entertainment portfolio, operates the Mardi Gras Casino Resort and other properties across seven states, making it an ideal partner for VIP Play’s expansion strategy.
Leveraging Kambi Technology for Innovation
VIP Play’s entry into West Virginia will be powered by its partnership with Kambi Group, a leader in sportsbook technology. Having established this alliance in Tennessee, VIP Play will use Kambi’s Turnkey Sportsbook platform to deliver a personalized and innovative betting experience.
VIP Play CEO Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of the partnership, citing Kambi’s advanced technology as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to deliver top-tier sports betting services. Features such as customized betting options and promotional campaigns, including the successful Big Game Sweepstakes in Tennessee, are expected to resonate with West Virginia bettors.
This collaboration also introduces VIP Play as the second operator under the Wheeling Island license, joining Betly, an online sportsbook that rebranded from BetLucky in 2020.
Awaiting Regulatory Approval
Before its anticipated launch, VIP Play must secure regulatory approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission and other relevant agencies. If all goes according to plan, the company will go live in time for the 2025 collegiate football season.
As it prepares to enter its second U.S. market, it aims to replicate its Tennessee success and position itself as a formidable player in the country’s burgeoning iGaming and sports betting industry.
West Virginia’s Growing Appeal to Operators
Despite its small population, West Virginia remains an attractive market for gambling operators due to its early adoption of iGaming and sports betting. As one of only seven states to fully legalize online casino gaming, it offers a promising landscape for expansion.
Since 2018, the state’s legal sports betting market has generated $41.3 billion in handle and $3.4 billion in revenue. The regulatory framework allows each license holder to partner with up to three brands, creating opportunities for operators like VIP Play to establish a foothold.
