Since their legalization in 2019, online casinos have been setting up within the Mountain State, with DraftKings being the first to open to the public in July of 2020. As of right now, there are some excellent offerings available for players and a total of five online casinos to play at.
Online casinos make for a great alternative to visiting land-based casinos, as they typically offer slots and games with higher RTP’s, the ability to play anywhere within state borders, hundreds of games, and much, much more.
This page will highlight some interesting facts about the history of gambling within the state, the role of the West Virginia Lottery Commission, and the process of online gambling legalization within the state.
We will also explore some of the WV online casino sites licensed by the Commission, which offer great sign-up offers for new customers and a great selection of casino titles to indulge in, and also some land-based alternatives.
Full T&Cs Apply. To be eligible, players must be at least 21 years old, playing within the state of West Virginia. Players must make a single deposit of 10. The bonus money has a 1x wagering requirement.
Online casinos have been legal in West Virginia since 2019. The first to arrive on the scene was a partnership with Hollywood Casino Charles Town and the ever-popular DraftKings platform, which was made open to the public in July 2020.
The reason it took so long was due to the complicated legal process that organizations must go through to receive a license to operate. This procedure ensures gambling platforms operate securely and fairly, giving huge importance to player protection.
Sports betting was the first type of online gambling to be legalized in the state. But since July 2019, players can also participate in online casino games and online poker.
Through partnerships with colossal names in the iGaming market such as IGT, NetEnt, Konami, and more, online casinos can provide their customers with hundreds of titles that have gained popularity across Europe over the years as well as new brand new titles made for the US market. Furthermore, these titles are tested for fairness and are all fully audited and legal.
What is the gambling age in the state?
Like every other casino provider in the United States, it is both federal and state law that casinos must require players to be of at least 21 years of age to play at either land-based or online casinos.
Players will be required to prove their age via a government-issued photo ID in land-based establishments. They will be required to provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number on registration to online sites.
Are gambling winnings taxable in the state?
The only winnings that are taxable in West Virginia are lottery winnings. The state does not tax profits from casinos and sports betting. However, this does not exclude players from federal taxes, which are set at 24% throughout the US.
The Role of West Virginia Lottery Commission – Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Governor James ‘Jim’ Justice is the 36th and current governor of West Virginia, serving since 2017. Jim Justice is part of the Justice Family Group LLC, which owns the Greenbrier Hotel in WV, one of the five locations given the ability to apply for online casino licenses.
The West Virginia Interactive Wagering Act, passed in 2019, paved the way for the framework allowing WV gambling online. The state’s four racetrack casinos and the resort casino at the Greenbrier were all given the ability to apply for a license to create up to three online casino platforms. This Act made West Virginia the fourth state to offer online casinos, joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The Commission is in charge of regulating online iGaming within the state, processing licensing applications, and collecting licensing fees.
This means the Commission is responsible for ensuring that the organizations they license follow strict protocols in order to ensure player safety, including the protection of their personal details, finances and ensuring that games are not rigged by any casino.
What’s the process for new operators?
There were initially five licenses up for grabs, one for each race track in the state and one for the Greenbrier Casino Club. Each of these licenses grants the licensee the ability to create up to three online casino platforms for a total of fifteen in the state.
Each of these casinos paid an initial licensing fee of $250,000 for a five-year license, with a renewal fee for each license set to be $100,000 for another five-year period.
There is also a 15% privilege tax that all online casinos within the state will have to pay on any profits from slots and table games. The taxation element of these online casinos is one of the leading points the supporters of the Act used towards legalization.
A Brief History of Gambling in West Virginia
1987 - Video lottery makes its way to Mountaineer Park!
In 1987 the state decided to grant Mountaineer Park racetrack the license to house video lottery terminals at their property. These were the first type of standalone gambling devices in the racecourse.
1994 - Lotto terminals to boost the horse racing industry
Due to the slowing industry, West Virginia allowed all four racecourses in the state to house video lottery terminals like the ones at Mountaineer Park.
1999 - Take a spin at the racino
Now sometimes dubbed racinos, the four licensed racecourses in WV were permitted to house full-blown slot machines for players.
2001 - Bar Bar Bar!
The sound of winnings started ringing through the state in 2001 as the state provided the framework to allow bars to house slot machines so long as they met licensing requirements.
2018 - Online sports? You bet!
In December 2018, online sports betting was legalized in the state, spurring the idea that if sports betting could be legalized to generate revenue for the state, so could online gambling!
2019 - WV lawmakers pave the way for online casinos!
Finally, in July 2019, the state laid out the requirements that organizations must meet before being granted a license. This includes a lengthy application process and a fee of $250,000 for the first five years.
2020 - DraftKings crosses the line first!
In July of 2020, the first casino that met these requirements, DraftKings, started taking customers! The other applicable organizations to whom the Commission offered a license then made their way through the application process, with the most recent online casino, FanDuel Casino, opening in May of 2021.
How Can You Choose & Start Playing at WV Online Casinos?
Choosing to play at an online casino in West Virginia can have some nice benefits over their land-based counterparts. Here are some things to consider:
You can play anywhere within state borders;
You will find unique and exclusive titles;
You will find higher RTP slots and games;
You can utilize gambling statistics to track your wins and losses;
You can utilize excellent sign-up offers, reload bonuses, and loyalty programs;
You can gamble entirely anonymously.
Online casinos in West Virginia make it really easy to get started. Here are the simple steps you may take in order to get started:
Find a casino that you feel has a valuable welcome bonus;
Ensure you are in the correct state;
Sign up to the casino following their easy steps;
Follow the terms of the welcome offer;
Enjoy!
Thanks to a highly diligent licensing procedure, players can expect a high level of identity and deposit protection when playing at licensed WA online casinos. Here are some of the things that are required of them:
The WVLC requires rigorous audits to ensure player safety.
Casinos monitor player behaviors via advanced AI software for your protection.
Casinos have excellent, industry-grade encryption protecting your data and finances.
Your safety while gambling online is essential. Here are some things you can think about when gambling online, especially for the first time:
Set a budget and stick to it; remember to keep gambling fun!
Protect your identity when playing live-dealer games with a live-chat option;
Try to recognize if you are developing what you feel to be a problem.
Some offshore casinos still exist for players to gamble on in the state, but players should avoid them at all costs as a matter of personal and financial protection. Here are some reasons why:
Offshore casinos have no requirement to commit to player protection;
Some offshore casinos may sell your personal information – your information is valuable to them;
Games are not tested or audited by third parties; they could be rigged.
Legal WV Online Casino Sites
Players have five options when it comes to West Virginia online gambling sites. Below we have a short mini-review of four of them, their new-player casino bonuses, and a bit about what they offer.
To clarify, these casinos have been selected as all four operate within the confines of state law and offer player protection as standard, along with a great selection of licensed games from partnerships with software providers such as NetEnt, IGT, Konami, and more.
So, if you are considering having a few spins on an online slot or trying your hand at blackjack, it is highly recommended to pick one of the four sites below.
DraftKings Casino
Entering the West Virginian market in July of 2019, DraftKings casino WV, through a partnership with Hollywood Casino Charles Town, became the first online casino in Mountain State.
DraftKings boasts one of the largest game collections across WV casinos, with hundreds of slot titles from top providers such as NetEnt and IGT and various blackjack, roulette, craps, and video poker titles. Players can access these titles on the DraftKings app on Android and iOS.
They offer players a 100% deposit match welcome bonus from $5 to $2,000, with effective wagering requirements of 30x (15x original deposit & 15x bonus money). Most slots contribute 100% towards these requirements, with blackjack accounting for 20% and live-dealer table games offering 10% contributions.
They also offer customers up to $50 in ‘Free Credits,’ $25 of which is awarded upon registration.
As of the time of writing, the DraftKings VIP program is by invitation only.
DraftKings Casino accepts the following deposits:
Visa/Mastercard/Discover
PayPal
ACH
Wire transfer
Play+ Prepaid cards
FanDuel Casino
FanDuel entered the online casino market of West Virginia in May of 2021, becoming the fifth and final online casino operating in the state.
The FanDuel casino platform is powered by gaming giant Betfair, which has partnerships with iGaming software providers such as GAN, IGT, and NetEnt to deliver a wonderful but relatively small collection of games. Games at FanDuel are also playable on both Android and iOS.
FanDuel has an interesting promotion for new players. Upon signing up, players will be eligible for a 24-hour risk-free period, where the casino will refund any net losses of up to $1,000.
That means if you play all day and are down any amount up to $1,000, you will be credited back the dollar amount in FanDuel credits. However, be advised that these credits carry a 1x wagering requirement.
FanDuel Casino accepts the following deposits:
Visa/Mastercard
ACH
PayPal
Online Banking
BetRivers Casino
In April 2021, BetRivers became the third online casino in WV, thanks to a partnership between Rush Street Interactive and Mountaineer Casino in West Virginia.
Players will find 129 slot titles, with top titles like BloodSuckers by NetEnt, two progressive slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and video poker.
New players at BetRivers can take advantage of the generous 100% deposit match of up to $250 that comes with an industry-leading wagering requirement of just 1x. That means you’ll be on your way to withdrawing winnings after playing through your money just once.
Existing players can also utilize the iRush Rewards program, a tiered program with various benefits for active players and a bonus shop for purchasing a variety of goodies.
At the time of writing, the BetRivers iOS app is still in development, but Android users can enjoy the convenience of playing on their cellular devices.
BetMGM became the second online casino in the state through a partnership with The Greenbrier in August of 2020.
They offer players a huge range of slots, including 18 progressive jackpot slots. In addition, you will find table games such as blackjack and roulette. Players will be happy to know new titles are being added regularly!
BetMGM casino WV has a pretty good sign-up offer for new players, too, with a 100% deposit match of up to $1,000 and wagering requirements at a modest 15x. They also give players a $25 FREEPLAY sign-up bonus, which comes with wagering requirements of just 1x.
Based on how much you play, M life Rewards will have you enjoying perks both online and throughout the many MGM resorts across the country.
Players looking for a dedicated app for their mobile devices are out of luck, although the site’s desktop version should work well on most modern smartphones.
BetMGM Casino accepts the following deposits:
Visa/Mastercard/Discover
ACH / VIP ACH
PayNearMe
Online Banking
BetMGM Gift Card
Banking Options at WV Online Casinos
The most common limits for withdrawals and deposits are a minimum of $10. Players should be able to withdraw their entire account, but those holding more significant assets may need to contact customer services.
What are the most common ways to deposit?
The most common deposits across WV casinos are credit/debit cards, PayPal, ACH, and online banking.
Credit/debit deposits are usually instant. Some credit card companies may charge a small fee of around 3%. In this case, the casino will notify you.
PayPal is an easy way to deposit, which is also usually instant. Players can deposit via PayPal with an account or as a guest.
ACH is a form of e-check that players can use, which can take up to 3-5 days to clear. Players can also use VIP preferred ACH, which is a type of ACH that allows players to track their transactions.
Online banking can be used through most major banks via their desktop website or dedicated app. Look for an option such as Pay Bill. Each casino will provide steps for players to follow, but be aware that all banks are slightly different.
Are winnings taxable?
In the State of West Virginia, only gambling winnings earned through lottery games are taxable by the state, at a rate of 6.5%. However, there are still federal taxes that players must pay at a flat rate of 24%.
Which Casino Games Are Available for West Virginia Players?
Players in West Virginia are in for a treat, thanks to some of the biggest names in iGaming teaming up with the five excellent casinos on offer within the state.
You will find software providers such as NetEnt, IGT, Everi Games, NextGen, Scientific Games, Big Time Gaming, Lightning Box Games, and more!
Players will find notable titles such as 88 Fortunes by Scientific Games, the Eastern Asia-themed slot with four jackpots, 243 ways to win with each spin, up to ten Free Spins when you land three Scatters, and an RTP of 96%!
In another great title by NetEnt, Gorilla Kingdom will have you spinning through the jungle looking for a maximum payout of 5000x! With 96% RTP and 1,024 ways to win.
Megaways slots mean tons of ways to win, and you will find 117,649 of them in the Monopoly Megaways slot by Big Time Gaming! With stakes from just ten cents, players can expect to win up to a massive 14,700x with each spin, taking home an average of 96.5% RTP.
DraftKings also sports a comprehensive collection of games by IGT, including the well-reviewed Cleopatra series of slots!
Each casino has a different selection of table games, with such offerings as American, European, and French roulette by NetEnt available. Players will also be able to find blackjack, baccarat, keno, and video poker to keep the excitement rolling in.
It’s worth pointing out that live casino games such as live roulette and blackjack are not available within the state of West Virginia at the time of writing.
The Best Casinos in West Virginia – Based on User Reviews
There are currently five West Virginia land-based casinos, and each offers a variety of slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and more.
Covid affected each of the casinos in the state in various ways, with three of the five reporting losses in 2020 and two of the five reporting profits that were less than the 2019 fiscal year.
Even though the online casino movement has somewhat affected these land-based WV casinos in terms of footfall and desirability, each of them can apply for a license to host their own online platform.
If you still feel like taking a spin on a real slot machine, we have crafted a mini-review of each, with some contact information.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
With four out of five stars on Google reviews, Hollywood Casino at the iconic Charles Town Races houses over 1,300 slots, 64 table games, and a live poker room for players to enjoy.
Phone: +1 800-795-7001
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4 AM
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort is another casino rated four out of five across 4,000 reviews on Google. You will find 250 varieties of games and almost 1,000 slot machines, with denominations going up to $25 a spin!
Phone: +1 304-776-1000
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 AM
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
A three-star hotel-casino that has garnered four stars across 5,080 Google reviews, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack houses over 1,000 slots, table games, and a poker room!
Phone: +1 304-232-5050
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 AM
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Set on 77-acres, the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort has 78,000 square feet of gaming space that houses slots and table games, with 4,289 players rating the casino 3.9 out of 5.
Phone: +1 800-804-0468
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 AM
The Casino Club at The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is a luxurious five-star hotel with a Casino Club that is open 24 hours. 320 Slot machines can be found amongst 37 table games, along with restaurants, golf, and a spa.
Phone: +1 (855) 453-4858
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
FAQ
Is online gambling allowed in West Virginia?
Online betting in the form of a sportsbook has been available since 2018, with casinos joining shortly after when DraftKings became the first fully-legal WA online casino in July of 2020. Players are required to be present in the state when they place wagers but may be out-of-state when the result of the wager is revealed.
How many licensed W.Va. online casinos are out there?
There are currently five fully licensed casinos in West Virginia for players to enjoy. They are DraftKings Casino, BetRivers Casino, BetMGM Casino, FanDuel Casino, and Caesars Casino. Players should avoid any other online casino in West Virginia, as they are unlicensed and may not be secure with your personal information or assets.
Can players enter a gambling self-exclusion program in West Virginia?
Yes. A statewide WV self-exclusion program is available to players. By entering the program, you exclude yourself from all gambling activities, both offline and online. You can remove your name from the list of self-excluded persons no sooner than after one year from the moment of application.
What is the legal gambling age in West Virginia?
Federal law dictates players engaging in any kind of gambling, both online and in land-based casinos, must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Players in land-based casinos will be required to show government-issued photo ID, and players online will have to provide their Social Security Number to verify their age.
What kinds of games are available at WV online casinos?
Partnered with iGaming giants, the casinos operating in WA offer players an abundance of gaming options, such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and craps. However, at the time of writing, live-dealer games such as live-blackjack are not available within the state.
