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Local leaders gathered with Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack staff Friday morning to cut the ribbon at the facility's newly minted sports book.
The sports book at Wheeling Island and its sister facility -- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort at Cross Lanes, W.Va. -- opened sports betting at 3 p.m. Friday after hosting a soft opening Thursday. The casinos are owned by Delaware North. On the wall of the Wheeling casino, six large screens listed odds and payoffs for professional sports teams playing in the coming weekend.
Regional President & General Manager Kim Florence praised the timing of the opening, coinciding with end-of-year sports contests on tap.
"It's so exciting, not only for us but for the city, the state of West Virginia, and the county," Florence said. "We've been waiting for this, and it couldn't have happened at a better moment as we go into a big sports weekend. We're very happy."
Florence also expressed excitement about the BetLucky online and mobile app, which can be used to wager anywhere within West Virginia.
"It adds a whole new element to what we're doing," she added. "You certainly can come in and wager with a live teller, but … it provides a new element on how you can wager."
West Virginia became the fifth state to legalize sports betting in August, with a push being joined by local Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, who had championed the matter over the past several legislative sessions.
Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott was present Friday for the ribbon cutting and said he thinks the facility will draw more people into the casino and, by extension, Ohio County and Wheeling.
"I commend the Legislature for thinking ahead on this -- sports betting is something that'll bring more people into the casino," Elliott said. "That's good for the citizens, it's good for the overall economic climate. It's a different matter, because some people don't like to play the machines, they just want to come here and watch some sports. I think it'll be a nice addition."