The Act has however provided the West Virginia Lottery with a deadline of June 2020 to finalize a framework of regulation for online gaming. A likely debut for West Virginia online casinos is February of 2021. When West Virginia online casinos do eventually go live, licenses will be restricted to five land-based casinos in the state. West Virginia gave start to its gambling industry back in 1931, when the state’s regulator the first WV gambling laws established the West Virginia Racing Commission. In 1984, The West Virginia Lottery was officially legalized and had been successfully running ever since. Casino Gambling Age in West Virginia In West Virginia people as young as 18 years old are able to bet on bingo, lottery and horse racing. But in order to enter a casino the minimum age is 21. Is Online Casino Legal in West Virginia? The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act legalizes online casino gambling sites in the state. Jim Justice did not ratify or veto it but allowed it to pass into law without his signature after the 15 days window elapsed.

1. History Of Gambling In West Virginia
2. Casinos In West Virginia Charleston
3. Best Gambling In West Virginia
4. Where Is There Gambling In West Virginia
5. Gambling In Pennsylvania

Types of Casinos in West Virginia

West Virginia is home to five casinos: one resort hotel and four pari-mutuel facilities (racinos).

Shown below is a list of all casinos in West Virginia. Click on a casino name to see a page of detailed information about that particular casino.

Want to See a Map of all casinos in West Virginia?

Visit our West Virginia casinos map page to see a detailed map showing all casinos in that state.

Details on Casinos in West Virginia

The Greenbrier is the only resort hotel in West Virginia with a casino. The casino is only open to overnight resort guests, members of the hotel’s sporting clubs, or the participants of a convention or an event that are staying off-property (only when all 400 rooms are occupied). Keep in mind that there is a dress code requiring jackets for men after 7 p.m.

All casinos in West Virginia feature live table gaming and VLT’s (video lottery terminals). Video lottery terminals are the same as regular video gaming devices. They are called VLT’s because the state’s lottery commission regulates them and receives a share of each machine’s revenue. VLT games include: blackjack, keno, slots, and several versions of poker.

All casinos in West Virginia also offer the following live table games: roulette, craps, blackjack, and three card poker. Optional games include: pai gow poker, four card poker, poker, mini-baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, Mississippi stud, Spanish 21, and big 6 wheel.

The minimum gambling age in West Virginia is 21 (18 for pari-mutuel betting).

West Virginia Sports Betting

There is legal sports betting in West Virginia casinos. Be sure to check each individual casino’s listing page to see if it offers sports betting.

Slot Machine Payback Percentages at West Virginia Casinos

West Virginia gaming regulations requires all VLT’s to return a minimum return of 80%, and a maximum return of 95%.

West Virginia gaming regulations require information on the average payback percentages of electronic gaming machines to be released to the public. Click here to see a list of slot machine payback statistics for all West Virginia casinos.

Video Lottery Terminals at Bars, Restaurants and Fraternal Clubs in West Virginia

Besides casinos, bars as well as restaurants that serve alcohol are allowed to have up to five VLT’s. Fraternal organizations are also allowed to have up to 10 VLT’s. All of these machines are the same as those that can be found at the state’s racetracks.

Planning a visit to West Virginia casinos?

For West Virginia tourism information call (800) 225-5982 or go to: www.gotowv.com

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TOP THINGS TO DO IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia features some of the most magnificent and rugged scenery in the east coast and it is filled with year-round outdoor adventure destinations. This state is a paradise to outdoor lovers as it is filled with wild mountain country, rivers, densely-forested wilderness area which is suitable for camping, hiking, rock climbing, caving, boating, whitewater rafting, and fishing. If you travel to the state during winter months you can visit ski resorts filled with a wide range of snow sports that you can try out. Some of the best things to do in West Virginia are listed below.

Explore Harpers Ferry

This spot is where the Shenandoah River meets with the Potomac River and it was the site where the abolitionist John Brown raided the United States arsenal in 1859. This historic event lead to the breakout of the Civil War. You should be sure you to not miss this attraction if you are a history lover. You can visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park which is filled with historical exhibits, museums, and programs, plus a diverse range of hiking trails. You should also visit St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church and the old cemetery located on the hill behind it. For a more unique experience, you can visit the Appalachian Trail Visitors Center where you can go on a hike on the Appalachian Trail to see beautiful views of the town and rivers. Another fun activity to try out are the tubing excursions on the river.

The closest casino to this attraction is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

Step back in time at Cass Scenic Railroad

The population of West Virginia boomed in late 1800 because of the natural resources that were extracted to feed the Industrial Revolution. One of the best things to do for history lovers is to visit the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. At this park, you will see what life was like during the time loggers came to cut the trees and enjoy the mountain views on the steam engine train that takes you up the mountain. For a more adventurous experience, you can even book a stay in the former company town.

The closest casino to this attraction is Casino Club at The Greenbrier.

Visit Blackwater Falls State Park

This park is named after the dark waters of the river which was colored by tannic acid that fell from the surrounding hemlock and red spruce needles. The highlight of the park is the Blackwater Falls which drops 60 feet over the sandstone ledges before it then flows through an 8-mile-long gorge. The park features step and viewing platforms which make the falls accessible all-year-round. Some of the other notable falls not to miss are Elakala Falls and Pendleton Falls. You should also make sure to visit Lindy Point which is among the most enchanting places in the state to enjoy stunning views of the Blackwater Canyon. You can also visit the Pendleton Point Overlook for scenic views. There is also a lake in the park suitable for boating, swimming, fishing, and camping.

The closest casino to this attraction is Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

Explore Snowshoe

This is a great destination to go all year round in West Virginia. It is popularly known for its skiing and it features three separate areas that you can choose from. Snowshoe features an 800-foot vertical drop and you will find 38 trails that cover all experience levels. It is served by seven lifts such as a high-speed detachable quad. You can also go night skiing at some of the trails, it is surely a paradise for tourists that want to try out winter sports. You can also visit during other seasons where you can try out activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic chairlift rides, climbing, geocaching, zip-lining, pedal boats, canoeing, trampolining, hiking, golfing, fishing, and so on. You should also visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory located not far from Green bank.

The closest casino to this attraction is Casino Club at The Greenbrier.

Go sightseeing at West Virginia State Capitol

The Capitol building in West Virginia features a 293-foot golden dome that is five feet higher than the dome of the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The building can be found in Charleston and it reflects Roman and Greek architectural influences. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert who designed the Woolworth Building in New York City which was the tallest building in the world when it was built. The Capitol building was built between 1924 and 1932 with over 700 carloads of Indiana limestone used. The interior was designed with white marble from Vermont and Italian travertine. You can join a tour of this building if you are an architecture lover.

The closest casino to this attraction is Mardi Gras West Virginia Casino Resort.

Visit West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center

One of the top things that you can do for free while in West Virginia is to explore this museum to get an insight into the culture, art, history, archaeology, paleontology, and geology of the state. The highlight of the museum is a pair of dressed fleas from the 19th-century flea circus. You are going to find well-designed exhibits where you can learn about the history of the state and it how it began as a stone and dirt road to a paved highway. You will feel like you are transported back into the past during this experience. Some of the artifacts that you will find here include everyday implements like a telescope that was used to survey land in West Virginia by George Washington. You will also get an insight into John Brown’s raid at Harpers Ferry, plus much more.

The closest casino to this attraction is Mardi Gras West Virginia Casino Resort.

How many casinos are in West Virginia?

There are currently 5 casinos located in Arizona. • Casino Club at The Greenbrier • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races • Mardi Gras West Virginia Casino Resort • Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort • Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center

What is the gambling age in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the minimum gambling age is 21 years old.

West Virginia has a relatively liberal policy towards online and offline gambling. The state has recently legalized online casinos, and its first operators are expected to launch by 2020. All players can also legally enjoy daily fantasy and sports betting. WV also offers legal racinos, several tribe casinos and pari-mutual facilities. As you can imagine, this means there are a lot of options for gambling in West Virginia.

Stay with us and keep reading this guide as we reveal your legal gambling options in the state. We will discuss the land-based casinos in the state, their legality, and the available WV sports betting options. Additionally, we will discuss the current status of daily fantasy, online poker, and lottery gaming. Moreover, we will cover important topics such as the responsible gaming institutions in the state, West Virginia’s gambling history, hotels, landscapes, and much more! For quick answers to questions, jump down to our FAQ section below.

Gambling in West Virginia: Where to Legally Bet

History Of Gambling In West Virginia

Contents

• Gambling in West Virginia: Where to Legally Bet
  • WV Sports Betting: Where to Bet on Sports
• An Overview of the West Virginia Gambling Market
  • Famous Gamblers from the Mountain State
• Frequently Asked Questions

As we have already mentioned, West Virginia has legalized several gambling activities, including sports betting, daily fantasy, online and offline casinos, and online poker. If you are looking for a convenient gambling venue, however, you can choose among various tribal casinos with sportsbooks and racinos. West Virginia also runs its own state lottery and even allows winners to remain anonymous. Eager to learn more? Stay with us as we discuss each product for gambling in West Virginia in the following paragraphs.

West Virginia Casino Establishments

West Virginia currently offers a total of five land-based casinos, four of which classified as racinos. The pari-mutuel facilities are rather popular among the players and offer several table games, slot machines, horse racing, and sports betting. Interestingly, until 2007, most casinos were allowed to offer solely electronic games. The situation eventually changed when an additional legislature was passed. Nowadays, the only classic casino in the state is located in The Greenbrier Luxury Resort and is exclusively available to its guests.

Please note that in order to visit any of the casinos in West Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old. The minimum age requirement for playing the lottery, bingo and horse racing, however, is 18 years. Most casinos in the state would request your ID card upon entering. Access to minors is strictly forbidden. Please also bear in mind that most casinos in West Virginia often run special promotions that all visitors can benefit from. Players will also have the opportunity to stay at elegant hotels, enjoy numerous shows and exquisite restaurants.

WV Online Gambling: Your Options

Even though all online casinos in West Virginia used to be illegal until recently, the state eventually decided to legalize the activity officially. The decision came out in March 2019, after the Senate approved the bill H 2934. According to the bill, five of the West Virginia casinos will launch their online platforms and will offer table games, slots, and poker. The new law suggests a 15% tax rate on online gambling revenue. The operators are expected to be regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Estimates indicate that the state’s online casinos could welcome their first players by the end of 2019, or by early 2020. The minimum West Virginia gambling age for all casino sites will be 21. West Virginia is currently the fifth state to legalize online casinos.

WV Sports Betting: Where to Bet on Sports

In August 2018, West Virginia sports betting became legalized making the state the fifth to offer sports betting. Only a few months later, in December 2018, the state decided to allow online sports betting. Currently, West Virginia sports gambling is available at three land-based casinos, which partner with some of the most popular companies such as FanDuel and William Hill.

Gamble on sports at the following WV sports betting locations:

WV is a sports betting haven at the moment. not only can you gamble at any of the state’s land-based bookies, people within WV boarders can also legally bet online. Many of the world’s greatest online sportsbooks have launched in the state and have struck up partnerships with WV casinos.

Some of the most popular WV sports betting apps are:

• FanDuel Sportsbook
• William Hill Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook

Daily Fantasy Sports: Legal in the State

West Virginia officially legalized daily fantasy sports back in 2016. The state based its decision on the fact that DFS is a game of skill, and not so much of a chance. Hence, there was no reason to keep daily fantasy sports banned. Currently, players can join many fantasy leagues and create their teams at some of the leading operator, such as DraftKings and FanDuel. The legal age for playing daily fantasy is, once again, 21 years. Players might be asked to provide identification upon registering.

Online Poker

In March 2019, West Virginia took the decision to legalize online poker. According to our information, the first poker sites in the state are expected to launch in 2020. When this happens there will be yet another WV online gambling option. Based on the fact that WV has a rather small population, it is not clear whether it will be able to support an online poker market on its own. Thus, we expect the state to join the multi-state online player pool, which currently includes Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Gambling on the State Lottery

The West Virginia lottery was established in 1984, after a voter referendum. All residents of the state who are aged over 18, are allowed to play the lottery and buy tickets. Some of the most popular draws in West Virginia include Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lotto America, among others. Please note that the West Virginia lottery has the lowest payoff of any lottery in the States, and returns an average 15% to winners. Most of the lottery profits are used to support the state’s schools and education, senior citizen, and tourism and state parks.

An Overview of the West Virginia Gambling Market

As we have already mentioned, West Virginia has a rather liberal gambling policy. The state has several legally functioning racinos and one exclusive casino. In recent years, West Virginia has also focused on expanding its online gambling industry. In 2016, the state officially legalized daily fantasy and welcomed some of the biggest DFS operators in the US. A year later, in 2017, West Virginia introduced bill H 2751, which aimed to legalize and regulate sports betting at the state’s casinos. The bill initially failed but was once again introduced in 2018, when players were officially allowed to wager on sports. In 2019, the state also legalized online casinos and poker, and the first operators are expected to launch by 2020.

Important West Virginia Gambling Laws

West Virginia gave start to its gambling industry back in 1931, when the state’s regulator the first WV gambling laws established the West Virginia Racing Commission. In 1984, The West Virginia Lottery was officially legalized and had been successfully running ever since. The racing industry in the state is probably the most popular, as players have had access to it ever since 1931. Currently, they are permitted to bet on live horse and dogs. We must note that video lottery is also allowed in the state as well as video poker, slots, and keno. Please bear in mind that there is a 52% tax on the winnings of all video lottery machines.

When it comes to casinos, there are no specific West Virginia gambling laws that apply to resorts. The only exception is made for The Greenbrier, a popular resort located in White Springs. The casino resort offers numerous games and racetracks. The casino, however, is open exclusively for hotel guests and members of the private club. No local residents are allowed. The state’s gaming laws have set the official West Virginia Gambling age at 21+ years of age.

Resources for Responsible Gambling

The West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association promotes responsible gambling and encourages affected players to seek professional help. Various organizations in the state offer help with potential gambling addiction. All interested players can turn to the Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia – a state-funded organization, dedicated to providing free, confidential help to problem gamblers. Alternatively, players can also contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources may also be able to provide relevant information and direct you to the nearest problem West Virginia gambling therapist. Of course, you can also opt for contacting one of the self-help resources such as Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, and Gam Talk. Please note that there are various gambling West Virginia treatment centers in West Virginia, where you can find individual help with your particular case. Bear in mind, however, that most of them might be paid and not state-funded.

The History of Gambling in the State

As we have already mentioned, gambling was initially introduced in West Virginia in 1931 when horse and greyhound racing were legalized. The first tracks to offer races in the state were Charles Town Races, Mountaineer Race, Tri-State Race Track and Wheeling Racetrack. Each one of them now functions as a part of racinos, regulated by the West Virginia lottery.

Meanwhile, the state lottery was officially established in 1984 and sold traditional tickets for the first ten years. In 1994, West Virginia legalized video lottery, which could be found at the state’s four tracks. Similarly, video poker was officially introduced to West Virginia in 1990. The machines, however, were not regulated or controlled by the state. It was not until 2001 when West Virginia decided to legalize video poker under the Limited Video Lottery Act. The new legalization, however, came with certain requirements. All old video poker machines had to be removed from the state and replaced with new, licensed ones. The initial tax rate was 48% but was eventually raised to 52% in 2007.

Famous Gamblers from the Mountain State

Considering the well-developed and constantly progressing gambling industry in West Virginia, it comes as no surprise that various successful poker players have unleashed their gaming skills at the Mountain State. Wondering who are the most famous gamblers from West Virginia? You can find more about them in the following paragraphs.

Jason Koon

Jason Koon is a professional poker player, born in Weston, West Virginia. His roommate taught him how to play Texas Hold’Em while he was still studying at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. Koon realized he could make a lot of money playing poker, and back in 2006 started playing online under the alias JAKoon1985. His first significant success came in 2009 when Jason Koon won $300,000 from the Spring Championship of Online Poker. In 2009, Koon played in his first WSOP, where he cashed twice. Some of his other wins include significant rewards from the World Poker Tour main event, an “FTOPS” event, and Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, among others. The total amount of his poker winnings exceeds $28 million.

Lee Childs

Born in Charles Town, West Virginia, Lee Childs is another professional poker player, whose winnings reach $1.5 million. Even though he does not have a WSOP bracelet, Childs has won more than $1 million from the tournament and has registered 33 wins. His most significant success came back in 2007, in the WSOP event when he finished seventh and won a total of $705,229. Nowadays, Childs contributes to the Ante Up Magazine and represents Blue Shark Optics. He has also founded Inside the minds – an agency that provides training sessions for poker players. Even though Lee Childs has not been particularly active poker player in recent years, we hope that he would make his comeback in the future.

Key State Facts

Casinos In West Virginia Charleston

West Virginia is famous not only for its gambling industry but also for its many mountains, which attract plenty of tourists each year. However, West Virginia remains the least populous southeastern state. Many residents even live below the poverty level than the national average, and the state has the fifth-worst economy in all US states. Still, recent statistics show a gradual improvement in the economy and employment rate of West Virginia. Eager to learn more? We have stated some of the most essential facts about West Virginia in the table below:

West Virginia is famous for its beautiful nature, majestic mountains, and great architecture. It is also the only state in the US to have acquired its sovereignty by proclamation of the President of the United States himself. Mother’s Day was also first observed and celebrated in West Virginia back in 1908.

Gambling in West Virginia – Final Overview

To sum up, West Virginia has a rather liberal gambling policy and legal systems. All residents and visitors of the state can currently choose among five excellent casinos, many sports betting options, an state lottery, and horse racing. West Virginia has also legalized daily fantasy, online casinos, and online poker. The state is planning to launch its first poker and casino sites by the end of 2020. The online sports betting options are also in development after the state’s only betting app ceased to function. While no legal gambling changes are expected in the future, we expect the state to keep perfecting its gambling industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that our West Virginia gambling guide has been useful and informative for you. Still, we realize that as the state’s gambling industry continues to grow, some topics might become slightly confusing for you. We will gladly resolve your doubts by answering some of the most popular gambling questions in West Virginia.

What Is the Legal Gambling Age in West Virginia?

If you want to enjoy gambling in West Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old. Minimum age to bet on lottery, bingo or horse races, though, is 18. Underage gambling is not tolerated nor by brick and mortar casinos nor by online operators and bookies. Keep in mind that you must pass verifications before to start playing!

When Did West Virginia Pass Gambling Law?

Best Gambling In West Virginia

The very first one was back in 1931 when West Virginia established its Racing Commission. In 1984, also lottery was legalized. Things kept on improving when in 2001, the state accepted video poker as legal too. The final fight was won recently, with online betting passing all the tests and becoming regulated in West Virginia as well.

Where Is There Gambling In West Virginia

How Many Casinos Does West Virginia Have?

Currently, there are five land-based casinos in the state of West Virginia. Unfortunately, there are no Indian casinos in the territory, but those five options can give you everything you might require. They are also spread around the state, so you can choose a location that fits your taste the best.

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