Casino operators within the US state of West Virginia are now able to partner with International Game Technology (IGT), to participate in the fast evolving sports betting market across the country.
Passed earlier this year, and signed by Republican Governor Jim Justice in March, the bill permitting sports wagers saw analysts early predictions set at $5.5m for the first year, with a target of a September 7 start for the commencement of the National Football League.
IGT can now began to partner with the states casinos, after receiving an interim sports betting platform licence by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, to provide its PlayShot integrated sports betting platform in the State.
Enrico Drago, IGT senior vice president of PlayDigital, commented: “Receiving approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission, to deploy IGT’s PlayShot sports betting solution throughout the state, continues IGT’s momentum in pioneering sports betting across the US, and creates additional new market opportunities for IGT.
“This distinction acknowledges the reliability, security and market-readiness of IGT’s PlayShot solution, and creates opportunities for IGT to further differentiate our sports betting solution in the marketplace.”
This marks further developments for the New York listed gaming technology specialist within the US’ sports betting scene, most recently agreeing a deal with gaming and hospitality firm Boyd Gaming Corporation, as it made its debut within the post-PASPA environment.
Granted approvals from the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the deal relates to Boyd’s IP Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi, and Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica.
IGT powers the retail betting operations at both properties, allowing punters to place a variety of pre-game and in-play wagers over the counter.
Previous movement within the West Virginia market has seen the recently created FanDuel Group, formed with the mergers of FanDuel and Paddy Power Betfair’s US facing subsidiary, partner up with the state’s Greenbrier Resort.