West Virginia Race Wagering

West Virginia's horse racing industry includes live thoroughbred horse and greyhound racing and simulcasting. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing is overseen and regulated by the West Virginia Racing Commission. Video slots (VLTs) and table games are also permitted at the state's four racetracks; however, they are overseen by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.

On 18 June 2013, the Racing Commission unanimously approved an agreement with the Lottery Commission, which will allow it to request assistance from the Lottery for specific services. The Racing Commission must pay the Lottery for any services used such as accounting, auditing and investigative, according to hourly rates set by the agreement.

In 2009, Gov. Joe Manchin introduced legislation that would have combined the Racing and Lottery commissions. However, it was defeated in the House because of opposition from the thoroughbred and greyhound owners, breeders and trainers. The groups were concerned the deal may lead to the Lottery Commission taking over regulation of pari-mutuel racing in West Virginia.

In 2013, West Virginia adopted legislation that increased the number of restricted thoroughbred horse races each day from two to three and allowed for up to two restricted races per day at a pari-mutuel thoroughbred racetrack if certain conditions were met.