This bill amends the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act to introduce fixed odds wagering on dog and horse racing. It defines "fixed odds wagering on dog racing" and "fixed odds wagering on horse racing" as the acceptance of wagers on live races with predetermined odds, which can only be conducted by licensed operators and gaming facilities. The bill requires compliance with the Interstate Horseracing Act for any out-of-state wagering content and mandates consent from local racetracks and recognized horsemen's groups. Additionally, it establishes the West Virginia Lottery Fixed Odds Horse Racing Wagering Purse Supplement Fund, which will receive 10% of the adjusted gross wagering receipts from horse racing, with specific distribution guidelines to support thoroughbred racing purses.

Moreover, the bill creates the West Virginia Lottery Fixed Odds Dog Racing Wagering Purse Supplement Fund, which will receive 50% of the 10% collected from dog racing wagering receipts and a portion from parlay wagers involving dog racing. It mandates that all collected funds be deposited into this interest-bearing account, with interest credited to the fund, and specifies annual distributions to the West Virginia Greyhound Breeding Development Fund. The bill also introduces new penalties for unlawful sports wagering operations, including misdemeanors and felonies for violations such as tampering with equipment or allowing underage participation, while prohibiting wagers from individuals directly involved in racing events. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the integrity of dog racing and ensure proper funding for related activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-22D-3, 29-22D-4, 29-22D-21, 29-22D-15a, 29-22D-17a, 29-22D-17b