A West Virginia sports betting bill (House Bill 4700) aimed at discouraging frustrated bettors from harassing players, coaches, and officials is heading to Governor Jim Justice's desk.
The bill mirrors Ohio sports betting legislation that successfully passed in 2023. HB 4700 gives West Virginia's betting regulator the ability to ban people from wagering on West Virginia sports betting apps and at retail sportsbooks if they're found harassing players, coaches, or officials. The harassment could occur in person or online via social media.
The topic of player protection from angry sports bettors became a focal point for legislators and regulators during the 2022-23 college basketball season. Last year, Dayton men's basketball coach Anthony Grant used a postgame press conference to shed light on the harassment his players faced via social media from angry bettors.
Ohio legislators reacted to Grant's media availability with a bill to ban bettors who harass players, coaches, or officials. West Virginia attempted to pass its own bill in 2023, but that measure stalled. It gained traction this session, making its way through both the House and Senate.