The Best Gambling Experiences in West Virginia
There are tons of gambling options in West Virginia even though there are only five land-based casinos. The gambling options range from casino games to sports betting and everything in between. Our team of experts have put together a guide to help you navigate the amazing gambling offerings found in the Mountain State. We do thorough research to present bettors and players with the best gambling options around.
Gambling Laws and Regulations in West Virginia
Any form of gambling you can think of, is probably available in West Virginia. Lotteries, sports betting, casino games, poker and more have all been legalized in the state. There are five land-based casinos in the state and each of them has partnered with a sports betting operator to offer retail sports betting. Additionally, West Virginia is also one of the very few states that also offer legal, real money, online casinos.
Online Gambling
The state of West Virginia has been accepting online sports wagers since 2018. However, there was some interruption in this service in the same year when the only online sportsbook in the state had to shut down. Online sports betting would return in 2019 after better regulations were mapped out and was launched again with DraftKings and FanDuel at the helm.
The online gambling market in the state has grown significantly since then. Along with six online sportsbooks, the state also offers six online casinos and there is hope that there are more to come. Each land-based casino has a license that allows them to partner with a maximum of three online skins. So, that means that eventually there could be as many as 15 online casinos live in the state.
Gambling Taxes
When you gamble in West Virginia, the federal tax will automatically be deducted from your winnings. However, there are still state taxes to be considered and this can range depending on your annual income. So, we advise that you keep a well-organized record of your gambling winnings for when you need to file your tax return.
Oversight
All gambling operations in the state are regulated and overseen by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. So, all forms of gambling fall under the same banner for more control over the gambling industry in the state. The regulations also state that for gambling options such as horse race betting, lotteries and bingo you need to be 18 years old and for all other forms of gambling in the state you need to be at least 21 years old.
The Best Online Casinos in West Virginia
Online casino gambling is legal in West Virginia so you won’t have to search for a great way to enjoy real-money casino games. All the legal online casinos come from great operators but we have taken the time to review and rate which are the best in the state. Take a look at the list below to find out which online casinos impressed us the most.
Reviewing and Rating The Best Casinos
Several criteria are assessed before we recommend any online casinos to players in West Virginia. We take a close look at what each online casino has to offer then we review and rate them. Here are some of the most important aspects we look at.
Customer Support
Top-rated online casinos will have a great selection of contact methods that can get you in touch with the customer support team with ease. This provides more comfort to a player given that they know they always have help and it is just a click away. A good FAQ section also helps in supporting a player.
Security
An extensive background check is done to see if the brand is trustworthy. We also look for certifications from respectable, independent groups that routinely test and audit the operating systems and applications. High-level encryption should also be used to ensure that player information is always kept private.
Payment Options
To ensure that online transactions are conducted with convenience and security, the online casinos need to offer dependable and trusted payment solutions. When you withdraw your winnings, it shouldn't take too long and there should be a sufficient amount of possibilities.
Bonuses and Promotions
The most reputable online casinos offer players fantastic bonuses, particularly a welcome bonus. We also value the fact that the casino offers devoted patrons additional promotions. A higher rating is achieved if the online casino regularly hosts tournaments and other events to keep things exciting and enjoyable. Things may be even better if the online casino includes a VIP or loyalty program.
Collection of Games
The games that are offered should be of the greatest caliber, especially when there aren't many options. We look at the selection of games the online casino provides and whether they were created by recognized game developers. These games also need to be frequently examined by a trustworthy auditor in order to ensure that the random number generators are working properly and offer a true and random gaming experience.
Mobile Compatibility
We test all the online casinos on a variety of smartphones and tablets to see how well they perform on mobile devices. We want to see the same level of performance or better on a mobile device when compared to the gaming experience on the desktop version of the website.
Best Online Casinos in Detail
West Virginia is not the biggest state, but the online casino gambling market is thriving and bigger than many other states. Remember that West Virginia is only one of five US states that offer legal online casinos. We find this to be very impressive and want to let you know more about the online casinos you will find in the state. Here is some more information on the operators in the Mountain State.
Caesars
This online casino is backed by one of the best casino brands in the US. In West Virginia, there are more than 800 casino games to enjoy which include liver dealer games, online slots and a great variety of table games at your fingertips. What makes this casino even better, is that it has a great rewards program and also has ongoing promotions that allow you to benefit from more than just the welcome offer.
BetMGM
This is the online gaming arm of MGM Resorts and the company has partnered with Entain to bring West Virginia one of the best online casino gaming experiences available in the state. There are 800 real-money casino games to choose from along with a generous welcome bonus to make gambling with this casino worth your while.
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings already had a foothold in the state and grew its brand by offering daily fantasy sports and sports betting options. In 2020, the operator got the go-ahead to launch its online casino as well. There are tons of games to choose from that come from some of the best software developers in the industry. There is also a lucrative welcome bonus for players to enjoy.
FanDuel
This brand was one of the first sports betting operators in West Virginia and is also known as one of the most successful gambling operations in the country. The brand’s online casinos have also been a huge success and offer players a great variety of online casino games. Beyond the welcome bonus, there are additional promotions to take advantage of as you return to enjoy more of what the operator has to offer.
BetRivers Casino
This is one of the latest online casinos to join the online gambling community in West Virginia. The casino offers players a great welcome offer and also has a rewards program to give back to its players. There is a great selection of online casino games where new titles are regularly added.
Gambling Games in West Virginia
There is a great variety of gambling options available in the Mountain State which is better than states that have dozens of casinos. West Virginia is a forward-thinking state and it shows in the variety of gambling options that are on offer to bettors and players. Whether you prefer gambling at home or visiting a land-based casino, this state has something for every type of gambler out there. The convenience when it comes to real-money gambling is unparalleled. Here are some of the gambling options you will encounter in the state.
Land-Based Casinos
While the online gambling market in West Virginia is thriving, we cannot forget about the great land-based gambling options available as well. Each of the land-based gambling facilities is a racino and each of these locations makes it possible for online sports betting and casinos to be available in the state. While five casinos aren’t that many, these gambling facilities offer the best in gambling entertainment and are definitely all worth checking out. Here is some more information on the casinos you will find in West Virginia.
Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack
If you find yourself on Wheeling Island in the Ohio River, then this casino is one that you should visit. Take your time and spend it in one of the rooms at the hotel or watch the races at this location’s racetrack. When you make your way to the casino floor, you will be greeted by several poker tables, more than 20 table gaming options as well as a great selection of more than 1,100 slot machines. This is the whole package where there are great entertainment and dining options available.
1 S Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, USAPlay Now+1 304-232-5050
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Located in New Cumberland, West Virginia, this casino boasts over 1,500 slot machines, a decent number of poker tables as well as nearly 36 table games. There is a lot to do at this location as the resort offers great activities, there is a racetrack as well and you can even place bets at the sportsbook. This casino has also partnered with Caesars as its operator for the online casino in West Virginia.
1420 Mountaineer Cir, New Cumberland, WV 26047, USAPlay Now+1 800-804-0468
Mardi Gras, Casino & Resort
You will find this casino located in Cross Lanes, West Virginia that is equipped with a great hotel and, of course, a racetrack as well. Place bets on your favorite races or sports at the retail sportsbook with ease. You will also have access to several poker tables, approximately 30 table games and over 1,000 slot machines to enjoy. There is so much to do inside and outside of the casino as the resort also has a number of great entertainment options available to all its guests.
1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, MI 25313, USAPlay Now+1 304-776-1000
The Casino Club at The Greenbrier
A location that was first developed in the 1700s has been passed through the hands of many owners over the years. The casino offering is modest with just over 300 slot machines, 35 gaming tables as well as poker tables on the casino floor. The main attraction is the building itself which includes a hotel and resort with a range of entertainment and dining options. There is also a racetrack on-site as well as a golf course.
101 W Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USAPlay Now+1 844-837-2466
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
This is one of the largest casinos in West Virginia and offers its guests more than 2,500 slot machines, approximately 100 table games and several poker tables. When you make your way to the racetrack you will find that there are casino games available as well.
750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414, USAPlay Now+1 800-795-7001
Responsible Gambling in West Virginia
Even though gambling is considered a recreational activity, some people may find it hard to manage responsible gambling habits. The operators and the state have put their best foot forward and created tools and resources to assist those in need. Find out more about the assistance available in the state if you or someone you know suffers from a gambling addiction or is struggling to maintain good gambling habits.
