West Virginia is still hoping to open up its casino market, currently reviewing a bill that would authorize online casinos. However, the state’s industry suffered a minor setback last Thursday. A bill that would have authorized satellite casinos in four counties has lost its momentum and won’t be considered any further.

House Bill (HB) 2901 sought to allow four racetracks in the state to open satellite casinos in the counties where they are located. Mainly, the bill was intended to help the Wheeling Island resort, which is expected to lose a substantial portion of its business while construction work is being done in the Wheeling area. That construction, spanning 26 bridges along Interstate 70, is expected to continue through 2021.

Those satellites would have been allowed in any building owned or operated by the casinos in their respective counties. No racetrack or hotel would be allowed – only table games, sports gambling, slot machines and, possibly, simulcast racing.

The construction is expected to cost the Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras venues in Cross Lanes as much as $8 million in revenue, according to their operator, Delaware North. The satellite operations would potentially raise $2.34 million, resulting in a net loss of $5.66 million.