Gambling in West Virginia
West Virginia is better known for its beautiful mountains and rich coal mining past; recent gambling expansions have made WV progressive beyond its years.
It’s worth mentioning that while the WV approach to things is typically more conservative, the Mountain State has accepted online gambling with flying colors. Keep reading to get the scoop on what forms of gambling are legal in West Virginia.
Best LEGAL WV Gambling Sites
| Sportsbook | Casino |
|---|---|
| William Hill Sports Book | Golden Nugget Online Casino |
| BetMGM Sports | William Hill Casino |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | BetRivers Casino |
Not only do we recommend some fantastic and legal WV gambling sites, but all of them have been put through a strict ranking system. For example, here is a list of some of the criteria we use to make our final decisions:
- Game or Odds variety
- Bonus offer
- Customer support
- Interface
- Payment methods
Legal Online Gambling in WV
Currently, West Virginia has a large number of legalized gambling types both online and in person. Let’s go through the different variations, including the laws and regulations of each one.
Types of Gambling in West Virginia
According to the current legal status of gambling in West Virginia, the following forms are legal or illegal.
| Type | Online | Land-based |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Games | Legal | Legal |
| Sports Betting | Legal | Legal |
| Horse and Dog Racing | Legal | Legal |
| Poker | Illegal | Legal |
| Fantasy Sports | Legal | N/A |
| Bingo | Illegal | Legal |
| Lottery | Illegal | Legal |
As you can see, West Virginia is well aware of the positive effects of gambling, mainly the potential tax revenue.
Casinos
Moving further, casinos in WV have been legal for quite some time. Historically speaking, casinos style games have been permitted in different increments since the early 2000’s.
Firstly, one thing to take note of is that since 4 out of 5 casinos in WV are racetracks, these casinos are technically called racinos. Separately, racetracks have a more extended history, but slots and other casino style games were added in 2004. In 2007, casinos began offering full table and poker games.
To end, thanks to the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, each one of the state’s five casinos can launch online casinos.
WV Sports Betting
Surprisingly, West Virginia was the fifth state in the US to legalize sports books. While WV sports betting was actually legalized in 2018 via S 415, things did not take off until 2020.
Alas, the first two years also had a rough start because of problems with BetLucky. There were initial complications as BetLucky changed hands several times over the years, and eventually, the service agreement was diminished. So, BetLucky was technically the first online sportsbook legalized in WV, but they are no longer operational.
Sports betting in West Virginia is legal online and in retail settings at the existing five casinos. Most importantly, bettors can place bets on collegiate sports teams, such as the local Mountaineers.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
2016 was a benchmark year for West Virginia in terms of nontraditional gambling types. Essentially, daily fantasy sports started a fantastic trend for some more open-minded gambling regulations within WV.
The most popular fantasy sports operators in West Virginia are:
Bingo
Moreover, like many other states nationwide, bingo falls under a charitable gaming category in West Virginia. Originally brought to attention in 1980, bingo was passed with majority vote. Anyone interested in applying for a bingo license must apply through the WV Secretary of State.
Similarly, this also means that WV bingo can only be found at in person events, such as bingo halls and other charity organizations. Regretfully, online bingo is not currently legal in the Mountain State.
Horse and Dog Racing in WV
Perhaps one of the earliest forms of legalized gambling, WV horse race betting was legalized in 1933. While substantially less popular in this day and age, greyhound racing was legalized in 1975, and the first dog track was opened shortly after.
Both forms of racing are still legal in WV and can be seen at four casinos, as well as a simulcast.
The four casinos that allow dog and horse racing are:
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | Horse Racing |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack | Horse Racing |
| Mardi Gras Casino and Resort | Greyhound Racing |
| Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack | Greyhound Racing |
Lottery
Certainly, the one that has been carrying the rest of the team, the WV lottery has been around since the mid 1980s. Voters voiced their opinions to allow a state lottery program, and it officially started in 1986.
When the lottery launched, the profits went to the state general fund. However, the fund allocation changed in 1989 when it was decided that the profits would be used for education, tourism, and senior citizen programs.
Although the West Virginia online gambling scene is doing wonderful so far, this does not include online lottery sales. To purchase any WV lottery tickets, it must be done at a retail location.
With that being said, some retail locations have video lottery terminals where players can take advantage of several games. Each retail location, such as a bar or restaurant, is allowed up to 10 video lottery terminals.
Poker
Even though poker in West Virginia was passed in 2007, the online poker addition became legal in March 2019 as part of the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (H-2934). However, online poker sites have not launched in WV just yet.
According to the rules set by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, each master license is only allowed one online poker skin, making it a total of 5 possible partnerships.
While there is no multi-state poker regulation, it would be a great addition to the online gambling lineup.
Fortunately, if you’re in the market for some in person poker, all five WV casinos have active poker rooms. Some are smaller, but the Mardi Gras Casino has an astounding 18 tables.
Most importantly, operators are not putting WV online poker at the top of the priority list due to the low number of residents. Truthfully, online poker still has a way to go.
West Virginia Gambling Law
There have been some hurdles in the overall process, but West Virginia fully legalized most gambling types.
Below is the timeline for some major events in WV gambling history:
| 1933 | Horse Racing is legalized |
| 1985 | WV Lottery is created |
| 1987 | Video Lottery Terminals are installed in Mountaineer Park |
| 1994 | Racetrack Video Lottery Terminals were approved |
| 2001 | Video Lottery Games (VLG) approved in retail locations |
| 2007 | Casinos began offering full table and poker games |
| 2016 | Daily Fantasy Sports started in WV |
| 2019 | Online Casino Gambling legalized |
| 2020 | Online Sportsbooks opened but were legalized in 2018 |
Local License Holders
Only the existing casinos are allowed master licenses. Likewise, each casino is allowed to have three skins under their brand.
Basically, operators can apply to partner with the WV land-based casinos, but the possibilities are capped at three. All of these skins include mobile apps, online casinos, poker, and in the case of sports betting, retail locations. Additionally, each master license is also only allowed three sports operators.
Out of these five locations, The Greenbrier Casino Club is a private club owned by the current WV governor, Jim Justice. Since it is a private club, only members can enter the physical casino, and everyone must abide by a dress code.
| WV License Holder | WV Gambling Sites | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | Casino: ▪️DraftKings Casino | 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 |
| Sportsbook: ▪️DraftKings Sportsbook | ||
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort | Casino: ▪️Bet365 Casino ▪️William Hill Casino ▪️BetRivers Casino | 71420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047 |
| Sportsbook: ▪️William Hill Sports Book | ||
| Mardi Gras Casino & Resort | Casino: ▪️TBD | 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 |
| Sportsbook: ▪️Betly powered by IGT | ||
| Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack | Casino: ▪️TBD | 1 S. Stone St., Wheeling, WV 26003 |
| Sportsbook: ▪️Betly powered by IGT | ||
| The Greenbrier Casino Club | Casino: ▪️BetMGM Casino ▪️Golden Nugget Online Casino | 101 Main St. West, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 |
| BetMGM Sports |
Minimum Legal Gambling Age in West Virginia
The minimum legal gambling age in West Virginia is pretty standard with the rest of the US. Casinos, sports betting, and poker all require players to be at least 21 years old. Equally important, this gambling age requirement is for both online and in person betting.
| Casino Games | 21 Years Old |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | 18 Years Old |
| Sports Betting | 21 Years Old |
| Horse Racing | 18 Years Old |
| Lottery | 18 Years Old |
| Bingo | 18 Years Old |
| Poker | 21 Years Old |
Upon sign up, WV sports betting or casino operators may ask for your government issued ID as well as your full Social Security number for further verification.
Auditors and Regulators
West Virginia boasts a standard list of auditors and regulators. For the most part, the West Virginia Lottery Commission is in charge of the gambling activity within the state.
Naturally, the Governor regulates the WV lottery sector. He also works with several professionals who represent the organization.
Also, the West Virginia Lottery Commission operates as an extension under the Department of Revenue.
| Casino Games | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
| Sports Betting | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
| Bingo | West Virginia Charitable Organizations Division |
| Lottery | WV Governor |
| Horse Racing | WV Racing Commission |
| Poker | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
WV Bonus and Promotions
Since WV is still in the growing stage of its online betting business, the competition isn’t as large. Once more online casinos and sportsbooks start opening up, we can expect to see many welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions added to the lineup.
For example, some of the welcome bonus offers WV players should expect to see are:
- No deposit bonus
- Deposit match bonus
- Leaderboard promotions
Truthfully, new players should always take advantage of a no deposit bonus, mainly because these offers do not happen often. It’s a fantastic bonus to try out a new casino or sportsbook in WV!
Besides the welcome bonus offers, be on the lookout for any promotions geared towards your player account and even promotions centered around holidays or WV sports events.
Responsible Gambling
Although all gambling forms are permitted in West Virginia, the Mountain State takes responsible gambling very seriously. One of their most readily available resources is set up online for players who want to know the rules of responsible gambling, and how to see the signs of a problem.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any difficulties with gambling, visit 1800gambler.net for the following help:
- 24 hour helpline
- Crisis counseling
- Free in person consultation with a therapist
- Support group referrals
- Phone, email, or online chat with staff
WV Gambling Tax Rate
Different from its neighbors, the Keystone State, West Virginia has very small tax rates for gambling operators.
Particularly, the key tax rates are:
- Sports Betting 10%
- Online Casinos 15%
- Table Game Revenue 35%
- Gaming Machine Revenue 53.5%
All in all, the Lottery Commission allocates the tax revenues to a number of state programs, but 46.5% of the revenue is the operators.
Though, players have some different tax rules. WV does not withhold and taxes from winners, but there is a stipulation. If the winner does not provide proper identification for some reason, the state must collect 6.5%.
Also, once players fill out the appropriate identification, the qualifications for the withheld tax include:
| Type of Gaming | Regular Withholding If Winnings are: | Backup Withholding If Winner Does Not Fill Out Paperwork: |
|---|---|---|
| Bingo | N/A | More than $1,500 |
| Slot Machines | N/A | More than $1,500 |
| Lotteries | More than $5,000 | $600-$1,500 |
| Sports Wagers | More than $5,000 | $600-$1,500 |
| Poker Tournaments | N/A | More than $5,000 |
Payment Methods in WV Gambling Sites
The best part about betting at a legal WV online casino or sportsbook is the safety and security of your funds. Not to be taken lightly, West Virginia betting sites make it easy for players with a large variety of payment methods.
Notably, even though the payment methods listed may not be available for both deposits and withdrawals, they are among the most popular. Here is a sampling of the payment methods you might encounter at WV betting sites:
| VISA | PayPal | PayNearMe |
| MasterCard | Play+ | ACH/VIP Preferred |
Also, each betting site will have its own rules and regulations regarding limits and processing times.
The Future of WV Online Gambling
Players in West Virginian are in for a treat! Definitely, online gambling is bringing some big names to the Mountain State, and more importantly, some vital revenue. In particular, there will not be a need to compete for the spotlight with Pennsylvania much longer.
The Mountain State has a bright future in the gambling industry, especially considering its great foundation regarding licensing and tax rates.
To end, this is exactly the boost that wild and wonderful West Virginia has been longing for.
WV Online Gambling FAQs
Is online gambling legal in West Virginia?
Yes! As a matter of fact, online casinos as well as online sports betting is legal in West Virginia. Even though there are a few options that are not legalized yet, the majority is.
Is Sports betting legal in WV?
Yes, as a mater of fact, sports betting is legal in West Virginia. On top of of the retail locations, sports betting is also allowed online.
Thankfully, college sports betting is legal in WV, meaning players can use any legal sports book to place bets. Bettors must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets.
How do I bet on WV college football?
Thankfully, college sports betting is legal in WV, meaning players can use any legal sportsbook to place bets. Bettors must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets.
Is FanDuel legal in WV?
Yes, FanDuel is one of 3 legal fantasy sports sites in WV. Alongside FanDuel, DraftKings and Monkey Knife Fight are also allowed.
Can I purchase West Virginia Lottery tickets online?
No, unfortunately players cannot purchase WV lottery tickets online. Players are more than welcome to purchase tickets in countless retail stores located throughout the state.
Do I need to live in West Virginia to gamble online?
No, players who want to gamble in West Virginia have to be located within the state. This does not require players to reside in the Mountain State.
What’s the minimum gambling age in WV?
Depending on the type of gambling, the minimum legal gambling age changes in West Virginia. In fact, poker, casino games, and sports betting all require players to be 21 and older. The rest of the gambling types only require players to be older than 18.
