Best Casinos in West Virginia
Rachel Elam | February 28, 2020 | Updated on: November 28th, 2023
Looking for casinos in West Virginia? Well, you have come to the right place! Below we have a look at all things gambling in the Mountain State. This includes an in-depth look at the state’s gambling laws – what is allowed and what isn’t, in addition to the process laws need to go through in order to be ratified. We also list all the legal types of gambling available in West Virginia, so that you can see whether or not there is an option that is applicable to you. If that wasn’t enough, we also list all the best online casinos in West Virginia, so that you can get started with some online gaming if that’s more your speed. Finally, if you’ve still got some questions about gambling in West Virginia, scroll on down to the end of this page to find a dedicated question and answer section providing all the info you need to know about gambling in this wonderous state!
Top West Virginia Online Casinos
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24/7 live chat and telephone customer service
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Play on any mobile and desktop device
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Bitcoin supported
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90% Cost coverage, no annual limit
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Easy, straightforward claims process
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No annual or lifetime limits
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Great selection of casino games
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Wide variety and selection of bonuses
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All licensed vets are covered
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Up to 90% reimbursement
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VetConnect™ 24/7 helpline
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Save 40% for eligible multiple bets
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Great range of RTG slot machines.
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Reliable and experienced gaming operator.
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Networked RTG progressive jackpots.
West Virginia Gambling Laws
Gambling laws in West Virginia require that any new form of gambling be added as a constitutional amendment. This means that the public will need to vote in favor or against the addition of a new gambling game through a statewide referendum.
At the moment, several types of gambling are legal in the state. This includes the lottery, casino gambling, bingo, and racing. Players need to be 18 to play the lottery and bingo games or bet on racing whereas video lottery and casino gambling games have a minimum age of 21. Video lottery terminals are available in bars, pubs, and racetracks throughout the state. It is important to note that there are strict laws prohibiting businesses from using a name that is any way related to gambling. By law, games also need to maintain a payout percentage between 80% and 95%.
Whereas establishments that serve alcohol are restricted to only offering video lottery games, racetracks may also offer table games. Unlike other states with legal gambling, there are no restrictions on the types of games that can be played, so games like roulette and craps are available at video slots casinos.
West Virginia casino sports betting is also live. Bettors looking to place bets on their favorite sports can do so at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town or through online sportsbooks, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Charity gambling is allowed but organizations need to alert the state of events at least 60 days ahead. The restriction on how many games can be played is quite loose with it simply suggesting that events not be held every single day.
Types of Gambling in West Virginia
The following types of gambling are available in West Virginia:
- Sports Betting – under this area we include both horse and greyhound racing as well as sports betting as a whole. Bettors are able to bet online or on-site.
- Casino Games – gambling establishments have no restrictions on what types of casino games they can offer. The selection includes but is not limited to games such as slots, blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, and baccarat, among others.
- Lottery – the state lottery has been running since 1984. It includes traditional keno-style lottery games, scratch cards, and video lottery terminals.
- Fantasy Sports – the state has yet to contest the operations of DraftKings and FanDuel within the state, so many just assume it’s probably legal.
- Charity Gambling – charity organizations are allowed to run bingo and keno draws on the regular if they provide the state with a schedule 60 days in advance.
List of Casinos in West Virginia
Looking for the best casino in West Virginia? Well, we suggest that you get started with one of these. Each has a wide range of games that are sure to meet all your needs!
| Casino | Address | Website |
| Casino Club – Greenbrier | 300 W. Main St. | www.greenbrier.com |
| Mardi Gras Casino – Cross Lanes | 1 Greyhound Dr. | www.mardigrascasinowv.com |
| Hollywood Casino – Charles Town | 750 Hollywood Dr. | www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com |
| Wheeling Island – Wheeling | 1 S. Stone St. | www.wheelingisland.com |
| Mountaineer Casino – Chester | 1420 Mountaineer Circle | www.moreatmountaineer.com |
Evolution of WV Casinos
Gambling found its beginning in West Virginia in 1931 in the form of horse and greyhound racing. At the time only the Mardi Gras Casino (then known as the Tri-State Racetrack) and the Wheeling offered state residents the chance to bet on horse racing.
For a very long time, racing was the only legal form of gambling in the state. This changed in 1984 when voters approved the introduction of a state lottery. About a decade later, video poker machines started creeping into the state. Much like with fantasy sports in many states, there was a debate regarding the legality of these machines. They would only be officially ratified in 2001. The tax rate on these machines is pretty huge at 52%.
At around the same time, huge developments were made with the state lottery and casino games at racetracks. The 1990s saw the introduction of video lottery machines increasing player potential. It also saw the appearance of the first slot machines in West Virginia racetracks. This would expand to table games in 2007. West Virginia’s gambling market was pretty huge for some time but then neighboring states begun legalizing gambling. It started with Pennsylvania and has since grown to include Maryland and Ohio. The result of this has been a steady decline in revenues.
West Virginia Casinos FAQs
Several types of gambling are legal in West Virginia. The list includes casino games, sports betting, and the lottery, among others.
Some forms of online gambling are legal in West Virginia. The state allows for off-track betting on horse and greyhound races, and online sports betting. There are currently no laws banning daily fantasy sports, so DraftKings and FanDuel offer their services there too.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. Bettors are currently able to place bets through casinos, such as Hollywood Casino or through online portals, such as the DraftKings Sportsbook or Bet MGM.
Yes, there is a lottery. Players are able to play in state-wide keno-style lottery games, scratch cards or video lottery terminals.
Yes, the state has several casinos. In fact, gambling was a pretty big industry in the area until neighboring states started legalizing gambling in their areas.
The state has seven casinos but it may be important to note that the casino at the Greenbrier is only available to patrons and that local residents are not allowed to visit it.
Practically every casino game you can think of. This includes slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, video poker, baccarat, and pai gow poker, among many other titles.
Yes, all major casinos in West Virginia feature a dedicated poker room that allows players to have a go at popular variations of the game.
In West Virginia, you need to be 18 to bet on bingo, lottery, and racing but 21 to play video lottery games or visit a racino.
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