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Poker Rooms in West Virginia: A Guide for Poker Enthusiasts
While Atlantic City has long been hailed as the gambling mecca of the East Coast, there are actually hidden gems nestled within the picturesque state of West Virginia — not as popular, but not less awesome. And while there are lots of ways to play online poker in WV, nothing can be compared with the real action that happens around the table.
If you’re looking for a place to show off your bluffing skills and well-calculated moves, join us on a journey to the West Virginia poker rooms. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, there is something for everyone: poker games, tournaments, and lots of fun.
The Mountain State’s Poker Rooms – Facts and Highlights
- There are a total of 34 poker tables across WV’s three casino poker rooms, with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races housing 15 of them;
- Mardi Gras Casino Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’Em starts at just $1/$2;
- All three poker rooms in the Mountain State offer tournaments, with Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras serving up events with prize pools of up to $300,000. Controversially, these are also the only two casinos in the country with live greyhound racing;
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers five varieties of poker, the highest in the state.
Map of Poker Rooms in West Virginia
Best Poker Rooms in West Virginia
At the moment, there are five land-based casinos in West Virginia, but only three of them have poker rooms. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Poker Room at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
| No. of Tables | 15 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 3 AM |
Located in the historic town of Charles Town, the Hollywood Casino Poker Room offers a premier poker experience. The Charles Town poker room offers 15 tables and a variety of poker games, including Limit and No-limit Texas Hold ‘Em, Limit and Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better, and Pot-Limit Omaha.
The Charles Town Casino poker room is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 3 AM, with the operation time prolonged to 6 am on Friday and Saturday. The casino does everything so that the players don’t get bored in the poker room (in case it’s even possible). There are regular promotions, like Royal Flush Bonus or Full Stack Pay Back, and Charles Town poker tournament events attract gamblers from all over the state.
Poker Room at Wheeling Island Casino
| No. of Tables | 9 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours |
|
Also known as the Wheeling Downs Casino, Wheeling Island Casino in Wheeling, WV, offers a small and cozy poker room perfect for players who are not into large and crowded casinos. There are only 9 tables, and the game list includes Limit and No Limit Texas Hold‘Em, Seven-Card Stud, and Omaha.
If you want more action, the casino hosts a series of Great American Poker Tournaments, where players have a chance to win up to $300,000, as well as other large poker events.
Poker Room at Mardi Gras Casino
| No. of Tables | 10 |
|---|---|
| Open Hours |
|
The Mardi Gras Casino Poker Room in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, is a true hub of excitement for poker players.
Mardi Gras Casino is rather quiet on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so there are usually up to 4-5 active tables, but this number increases to 9-10 on Fridays and Saturdays when there are more players. The Mardi Gras Casino WV poker room is open 4 PM – 2 AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1 PM – 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The most popular game here is Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em starting at $1/$2, but other games are also available on the player’s request. Don’t forget to check the event calendar: there are regular Mardi Gras casino WV poker tournaments held in the casino, with the prize fund sometimes reaching $300,000.
Best Poker Tournaments in WV
In West Virginia casinos, you’ll find an array of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. Whether you’re a fan of no-limit, limit, or pot-limit, there’s a game to suit your style. And if you’re looking for a little more thrill and action, you can play all these games in one of the best poker tournaments WV has to offer.
The tournaments are held in all three casinos available for WV players. The Hollywood Casino West Virginia poker tournaments are held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Charles Town Casino poker tournaments are small and local, with $150-$300 prize pools. If you’re in the mood for something bigger, keep an eye on the calendar for the events like the Labor Day poker tournament with the 25k chip bounty. The casino updates its poker tournaments schedule monthly, so be sure to check it out before visiting the poker room.
The Wheeling Island poker tournaments are held every Sunday at 1 PM. It’s a Texas Hold’em tournament with $150 buy-in ($15 admin) + $20 Dealer Appreciation for a double stack. The casino is also a home for a series of Great American Poker Tournaments held every year. You can check their poker tournaments schedule page for regular updates. These are one of the most lucrative poker WV events with the prize pool up to $300,000. Some of the GAPT events are also held in the Mardi Gras casino, where there are no regular tournaments other than that.
Wrapping It Up
The West Virginia poker scene is quite rich, with three great casinos keeping the doors of their poker rooms open. From the vibrant atmosphere of the Hollywood Casino to the exciting tournaments at Mardi Gras and the coziness of Wheeling Island, the players have a chance to play and win.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, poker in West Virginia will bring you unforgettable times at the tables. So, shuffle the deck, embrace the thrill, and embark on a poker adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of West Virginia. The cards are waiting to be dealt, and the possibilities are endless in the West Virginia poker rooms.
FAQ
Is it legal to play poker in West Virginia?
Yes, both offline and online poker games are 100% legal in West Virginia, provided you are playing in licensed casinos/poker rooms and are of the legal gambling age of 21.
What types of poker games are typically offered in West Virginia’s poker rooms?
West Virginia’s poker rooms offer a variety of popular poker games to cater to different player preferences. You can expect to find games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud in most of the WV poker rooms, but you can always ask the dealer for other game variations.
How can I ensure a fair and secure gaming experience at poker rooms in West Virginia?
The best way to ensure a safe and legal poker experience in West Virginia is to play in one of three licensed poker rooms: the ones in Hollywood Casino, Wheeling Island Casino, and Mardi Gras Casino.
What is the buy-in cost for the Hollywood Casino WV poker tournament?
The buy-in cost for Hollywood casino tournaments usually varies between $150 and $300, depending on the event.
Are there any age restrictions for participating in poker tournaments in West Virginia?
Yes, you need to be 21 or older to take part in any poker tournament in West Virginia, as per WV gambling age laws.
Do I need to be a resident of West Virginia to play in these tournaments?
No, guests of the state are welcome to play in WV poker rooms and take part in the tournaments.