(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

You’ve heard the expression “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” but one wonders how Gov. Jim Justice will handle a situation in which it seems as though several people in and working with his administration either are, indeed, ignorant of the laws pertaining to their field of administration or are very good at pretending to be.

It seems nearly impossible that more than one official with the West Virginia Lottery would be unaware it is illegal — in all 50 states (even Nevada) to bet on elections. It seems even more unlikely representatives at FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings didn’t understand they were asking Mountain State officials to break the law, but figured it was worth a shot.

“We certainly understand and respect that it’s been an area you all have tread lightly on thus far … I realize this would be new ground for us and Lottery but, as you could imagine, in the struggle for markets to bet into these days, we’re looking for what’s out there that could entice some interest,” Erich Zimny, vice president of racing and sports operations at Hollywood Casino (a Jefferson County facility that offers DraftKings sportsbook) wrote in an email to the Lottery April 6.

It sounds a lot like someone who knows they are asking for a bending (breaking) of the rules because they have fallen on hard times … and, incredibly, Lottery officials went for it.

In fact, a betting market to place wagers on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election was open for approximately two hours before someone at the Lottery finally woke up and asked the betting apps to pull the plug.

It is simply unacceptable for officials charged with administering the agency that regulates gambling in our state to have such a poor understanding of the law and/or a willingness to break it in times of stress.

Justice has a lot on his plate right now. But though he might have found the situation “ludicrous,” “ridiculous” and “humorous” when he was made aware of what happened, surely he understands he will have to clean house (again) at the West Virginia Lottery before too much time passes.