NetEnt the First Independent Content Supplier to Enter West Virginia Market

NetEnt continues to increase its footprint in the US with entry into the regulated iGaming market of West Virginia. This accomplishment is even bigger since the brand is the first non-proprietary game studio in this newly regulated market.

The brand has rapidly become the top supplier in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and West Virginia was next on the list. The premium gaming products by this developer will now be available at DraftKings online casino too.

Following a successful technical integration with the operator and approval from the WV Lottery Commission...

…players from this state will be able to enjoy the range of the provider’s globally esteemed games, including titles such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Blackjack.

Strengthening Footprint

Although NetEnt is the first independent content supplier that entered the West Virginia market...

… this isn’t the first time the brand has breach the market. Its first entry into the iGaming market of the mountain state was via a partnership with BetMGM group in September 2020.

But the provider didn’t stop there. Just a month later, it had partnered up with DraftKings as well and became the first non-proprietary game studio in this newly regulated market, securing its position.

According to Brian Kraft, NetEnt’s Vice President Commercial Americas, this is an exciting step for the company:

“We are thrilled to be the first third-party supplier to launch our games in West Virginia. It’s fantastic to have some of our most popular titles from New Jersey and Pennsylvania now live in the West Virginia market for DraftKings’ players to enjoy”, said Kraft.

The Road to Legalizing Online Gambling in West Virginia

Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering have been popular in WV since the 1930s, but the launch of online gambling completed a journey that the state has been traveling since lawmakers passed the state’s Lottery Interactive Wagering Act in early 2019.

More than a year later, on April 29...

… the West Virginia Lottery Commission, tasked with overseeing all types of gambling in the state, approved a set of emergency rules related to the launch of online gambling sites. When the state Legislature reconvenes for the 2021 legislative session, they will have the opportunity to make the regulations permanent, but online venues are already beginning to launch in this state with the interim rules in place.

However...

… only existing land-based casinos in West Virginia can apply for master iGaming licenses. But since each casino can operate up to three skins under its master license, that means that operators outside this state can partner up with land-based venues to launch inside the state.

DraftKings partner up with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and was one of the first online operators in the state after the site’s launch in August 2019. Thanks to successful technical integration, the operator will now be able to widen its offer with an esteemed portfolio by NetEnt and provide its WV players premium iGaming content.

Source:

“NetEnt enters West Virginia as the first independent content supplier”, netent.com, October 15, 2020.