Golden Nugget Creates Signature Move with Partnership for Online Gaming in West Virginia

• Golden Nugget Online Gaming marks the Greenbrier’s third online gaming partnership
• WV Gov. Jim Justice has long championed benefits of legalized gaming for the state
• Look for Golden Nugget building upon Illinois & WV deals to grow sports wagering

Topping the list of what West Virginia is known for is the beautiful Greenbrier Resort Hotel. What many do not know about it is how the historic property has developed as the state’s hub for online gaming and sports wagering.

On Monday, Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) announced an agreement with Greenbrier Hotel Corporation of West Virginia to launch sports betting and online casino games in the state, subject to the procurement of the required regulatory approval. The Greenbrier is partnered with three online gaming platforms including FanDuel, BetMGM, and now Golden Nugget.

The news for GNOG comes just days after it announced its upcoming entry into the Illinois market with Wilmot Gaming.

This project is somewhat different in that the deal in Illinois involves the construction of a new casino. The partnership with The Greenbrier will only involve an online casino and sports wagering app via The Greenbrier’s license. As part of the agreement, GNOG will pay the casino an unspecified share of the revenue, subject to a certain minimum amount.

“The partnership with The Greenbrier is an important milestone for the Golden Nugget online gaming expansion plans. We look forward to providing West Virginia players with our best-in-class product,” said Tilman J. Fertitta, owner, and CEO of the company’s online wing, GNOG.

Commenting on the new partnership, The Greenbrier president, Dr Jill Justice stated:

The new partnership is exciting and adds to the company’s casino offerings already in place. The Golden Nugget is a proven market leader in the industry. The Greenbrier is confident that the operator will deliver a product that matches the lofty standard that defines America’s Resort.”

No Barriers for Sports Wagering Growth in West Virginia

Unlike other US states that have incurred internal political disputes, West Virginia has a likely clear road toward building the path for sport wagering and online gaming to grow into the future.

Gov. Jim Justice (R) has long championed the economic benefits of legal gambling and fought aggressively for new legislation  The billionaire coal mining tycoon rescued The Greenbrier in 2009 after the historic resort filed for bankruptcy and listed debt up to $500 million. Justice purchased the property for $20 million, with a primary goal of keeping native West Virginians employed by the resort.

Justice became governor in 2017, and gambling in the state has subsequently expanded. Following the US Supreme Court’s PASPA reversal decision to strike down the prohibition of sports betting in May of 2018, West Virginia lawmakers that same year passed legislation allowing casinos in the state taking sports bets. Though Justice did not sign the bill, he allowed it to become law.

West Virginia then became just the second state behind New Jersey to legalize full-scale online casinos, including slot machines and table games, as well as sports betting. Again, Justice allowed the legislation to become law without his signature.

Breakout News for Golden Nugget and GNOG

Today the Greenbrier Casino Club offers 320 slot machines and 37 table games. The gaming venue additionally has a FanDuel sportsbook.

Along with its onsite sportsbook, FanDuel has a partnership deal with The Greenbrier allowing for sports betting. BetMGM also has a mobile/online sports wagering agreement with The Greenbrier.

The months ahead will hold more of the fortunes for Golden Nugget and GNOG determining how the company will expand beyond its traditional casino realm into the aggressive new world of online sports wagering. The latest moves involving Illinois and now into West Virginia with The Greenbrier may signal more news to look for concerning Golden Nugget soon.