Discover online gambling in West Virginia with our informative guide, tailored to the state’s licensed operators. Being one of the more open markets in the country, we aim to provide helpful reviews focusing on user experience, mobile apps, game variety, and player safety. Our goal is to offer practical information to assist you in choosing which of the best online gambling sites in West Virginia is right for you.

Jessica Whitehouse, Editor at online-gambling.com

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Jessica Whitehouse is among the professional online-gambling.com editors in charge of ensuring that our readers get the best and most reliable news and details from the online gambling world. Her focus is on blackjack and roulette reviews, lottery, and more.

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Types of Online Gambling in West Virginia

If you want to gamble online in the state, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. Residents and visitors alike can legally gamble at online casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports sites. We have conducted thorough testing to ensure that we recommend only licensed websites that are safe to play at. We have also assessed the selection of games, bonus offers, mobile compatibility, and all other key factors that make the best online gambling sites in West Virginia worthwhile.

Casinos

West Virginia legalized online casino gaming in 2019, with the passing of the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. The first online casinos in the state opened for business the following year and many software providers continue applying for licenses.^[2]. Among the most popular games to play online are slots, blackjack, and roulette. You can also play for big-money prizes with progressive jackpots. The best online casinos in West Virginia offer generous welcome bonuses for beginners, as well as some tailored promotions for existing players.

Live Gambling in West Virginia

Playing casino games online in West Virginia is a convenient way to enjoy real money gaming. Still, some players may miss the atmosphere and excitement of playing in a real casino. For such players, live dealer games offer the ideal solution. You can play popular table games online with real dealers, for a more immersive and authentic real casino experience.

Live gambling in WV is not limited to casino games. All the best sports betting sites in West Virginia offer live gambling options. In-play betting offers the most exciting way to bet on sports. You can watch a sporting event streamed live on the betting site and place your bets as the game takes place.

Live sports betting offers more markets. It also gives you the chance to assess the action and put your observations to good use. You will also find that sporting events that are not available on TV can be watched through a sports betting site, making it a win-win situation for sports fans.

Sports Gambling

West Virginia legalized sports betting in March 2018. Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of PASPA, the law became active. The first sports bet in the state was placed in August 2018, and by 2019, online sports betting was launched.

At the best betting sites in West Virginia, you can wager on a wide variety of sports, including football, soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, and more. The top sites offer many betting markets with competitive odds. In addition, they are fully optimized for mobile devices.

Daily Fantasy Sports

West Virginia has allowed its residents to play daily fantasy sports since 2016. While paid daily fantasy contests have not been officially legalized through the passing of legislation, they are de facto legal in the state. In 2016, the state’s Attorney General declared that fantasy sports rely on skill and are not games of chance. As such, lawmakers decided that DFS in West Virginia should be permitted.

Poker

The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act of 2019 legalized online poker, as well as casino games. As such, WV became the fifth state to legalize online poker, following Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It also joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, allowing it to offer multi-state poker games.^[1] While online poker is legal in West Virginia, as of yet, no poker sites have been launched in the state.

Lottery

The West Virginia state lottery was approved in 1984 and legislation was officially passed in 1985. The West Virginia Lottery includes in-state games as well as popular multi-jurisdictional jackpot draws. However, WV residents can only buy lottery tickets from retail locations, as online lottery is not permitted in West Virginia. Despite the progressive approach the state has taken to legalizing online casino gaming and sports betting, there are no plans in place to legalize online lottery in WV.

Bonuses & Promo Codes for Gambling in WV

There is no denying the convenience of online gambling in West Virginia. Yet gambling online also has other benefits, most notably, bonuses. The best online gambling sites in West Virginia offer welcome bonuses to new players. Such offers give you extra value for your money, and more chances to win. You can find both bookmaker offers and casino bonuses in WV.

To find the best bonuses at West Virginia gambling sites, you need to delve into the promotional conditions. There, you will find the wagering requirement, validity, and what products you can use the bonus on. We have compared the offers that are currently available.

Online casino bonuses in WV usually match your first deposit with bonus funds up to a set maximum. You can also occasionally claim a no-deposit bonus, simply for creating and validating your player account. Sports betting bonuses often come in the same form as casino offers. Although, you can also find free bets and risk-free bets on offer at some sites.

Deposit Bonus Offers

Deposit bonuses are the most common types of offers you can claim at West Virginia online gambling sites. Upon making your first deposit at a gambling site, you will be rewarded with a bonus on top. Many bonuses offer a 100% match of your cash. So, you can make a deposit and play with twice as much. You can usually claim such a bonus with a minimum deposit of just $10. However, you should keep in mind that this is a one-time offer, and the more you deposit, the bigger the bonus.

No Deposit Bonuses

A no-deposit bonus is a great way to try out top online betting sites before you deposit and play with your own cash. Such offers are less common than deposit bonuses. Plus, they are usually much smaller in size. Still, it is always nice to get something for nothing, so these types of offers are worth taking advantage of. It would help if you kept in mind that while no deposit offers are free, you will need to complete wagering to withdraw any winnings.

West Virginia Gambling Apps

If you want to enjoy online gambling in West Virginia, you are not restricted to playing on a desktop PC. All the best online gambling sites in West Virginia offer players the option to gamble on the go. Most WV gambling websites are fully mobile-responsive, so you can bet on sports and play casino games directly in your mobile browser.

Many operators also offer downloadable apps for different products. Such apps are designed specifically for iOS or Android and can be installed on your device. These types of mobile betting apps are much the same as web apps, yet they give you one-click access to your preferred gambling platform.

Our featured WV gambling app is available for iOS and Android. You can play in a browser or download a native app onto your phone or tablet. It features a stable, secure, and reliable platform where you can bet on sports and play casino games. You can deposit and withdraw through the app. Plus, you can claim online gambling bonuses on the go.

Deposits and Withdrawals at Gambling Sites in WV

If you are wondering how to deposit at West Virginia online gambling sites, rest assured that there are many secure and convenient options available. All reliable gambling sites accept major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Other online payment options include online banking, electronic transfer, and e-wallets such as PayPal. When you deposit at a trusted online gambling site, SSL encryption ensures that your payment is secure and protected. Yet some payment options, such as PayPal, offer enhanced security and privacy protection. Online gambling deposits are usually processed instantly and without fees. However, you should keep in mind that credit card providers may charge a cash advance fee.

You will need to create a player account before you can deposit at a West Virginia gambling site. Once you have registered and validated your account, you can make a deposit. Depositing is a quick and simple process. Simply open the banking cashier and fill in the required details. Once you confirm the payment, your player account will be funded instantly, and you can start gambling with real money online.

When you want to withdraw your winnings, the process is also simple to complete. Fill in the required details in the banking cashier, then submit it for operator approval. You will usually cash out using the same method used to deposit. Withdrawals take longer to process than deposits and processing times depend on the payment method used. For the fastest withdrawals, e-wallets are the best option.

Payouts and Odds

If you want to play for real money at online casinos in WV, then you need to understand payouts and odds. Each casino game at West Virginia online gambling sites has a payout percentage listed in its rules. This payout percentage also referred to as RTP, tells you about its expected profitability.

RTP is presented as a percentage, and it tells you the proportion of all bets on a game that will be paid back to players as winnings. The return to player rate is calculated over many thousands of game rounds. As such, your actual profits or losses in a single gaming session can deviate from the theoretical payout rate. Still, it is a good indication of how well a particular game pays out.

The same concept can be found in sports betting. Online bookmakers will calculate the odds they offer on each sport and market to ensure that they maintain an advantage and make a profit. Given that RTP impacts your chances of winning, many savvy gamblers opt for gambling games with the highest payout rates. Below, we have listed the average payouts you can find for casino games and sports betting markets at WV gambling sites.

The Payout Levels for Casino Games and Sports Betting:

Video poker isn’t in the table above, but it’s worth mentioning. With an RTP that varies between 95 to 99.2%, the game gives you excellent winning chances. The gameplay is simple but very entertaining. If you visit any of the online video poker sites in WV, you can explore many titles with appealing bonus features and a low house edge.

When it comes to sports betting, the odds and payouts can fluctuate between different operators. So, if you know the type of sporting bet you want to place, it is always worth comparing the odds offered at different betting sites. Casino game payouts, on the other hand, are determined using mathematical probability principles. As such, the listed RTP of a game will not fluctuate. For the best chances of winning, online blackjack is a good choice, as it features the highest RTP of all casino games.

How to Start Gambling in West Virginia

If you are new to online gambling, perhaps you are wondering how to get started. Whatever type of gambling product you are interested in, the process is similar across the board. The first step is to choose a reputable gambling site licensed and legal in West Virginia.

All legit WV online gambling sites require account validation before you can start gambling. This is a licensing requirement that is in place to ensure that underage gambling does not take place. If you can deposit and gamble without confirming your identity, then the site is not to be trusted. We have put together a simple guide on how to gamble online in West Virginia:

As you can see, it is simple and easy to start online gambling in West Virginia. There are plenty of exciting activities that you can participate in at gambling platforms in WV. However, whenever you play with real money online, you gamble responsibly. Set yourself a budget and never be tempted to spend more than you can afford.

Responsible Gambling in West Virginia

The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia is a service provider that is funded by First Choice Health Systems. First Choice, in turn, receives its funds from the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BBHHF). The Help Network offers a 24-hour problem gambling helpline, which connects sufferers to certified counselors. There are also face-to-face assessment options and treatment services, plus funded support groups to ensure responsible gambling.

All licensed gambling sites in WV must list contact details for the organization clearly in the footer of their website. The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia can be contacted through their helpline (1.800.GAMBLER). You can also visit the official website, www.1800gambler.net to get help, support, and advice about gambling addiction.

Retail vs. Online Gambling in WV

Choosing to gamble online in West Virginia has various advantages. Perhaps the biggest benefit is the chance to gamble and win real money conveniently, without the need to visit a land-based casino or sportsbook. Still, land-based gambling also has its advantages. In the table below, we have compared online vs offline gambling in WV:

Whether online or offline gambling is better comes down to personal preference. Playing in a real casino offers a more social experience, allowing you to interact with dealers and other players. Yet online gambling offers the chance to win real money anytime and anywhere across West Virginia.

Land-based Casinos and Racinos

West Virginia is home to four racinos and one land-based casino. The Greenbrier Casino Club is the exclusive land-based casino in the state. It offers around 300 slot machines and 37 table games. The casino is available to registered guests and club members only.

If you fancy a flutter on the horses, then the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort and the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races are the best options. Both offer thoroughbred horse racing. The Mountaineer Casino features around 1000 slot machines and table games spread over 78,000 square feet of gaming space. While the Hollywood Casino boasts more than 2200 slots, 74 table games, and a live poker room.

Greyhound racing is available year-round at the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino. Both racinos boast around 1000 slot machines each as well as popular table games including roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. All five of West Virginia’s commercial casinos and racinos offer a sportsbook, where you can bet on a wide variety of sports.

Throughout West Virginia, there are around 1200 Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) located in adult environments, such as bars and taverns. Retail locations must possess a Class A Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA) license to offer VLTs in West Virginia. Land-based gambling is also available on the West Virginia Lottery. West Virginians can buy lotto tickets at over 1480 retail locations throughout the state.

West Virginia Gambling Laws

West Virginia gambling laws are among the most progressive in the country. All types of land-based gambling are permitted. West Virginians can play casino games, and bet on sports, greyhound racing, and horse racing across the state’s four racinos and exclusive casino resorts. WV has also operated a state lottery since 1986.

West Virginia was ahead of the game in terms of sports betting legislation. In anticipation of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal ban, WV passed a bill legalizing sports betting in March 2018. This put the state in an advantageous position to launch sports betting as soon as PASPA was officially struck down.

The Mountain State has also embraced online gambling, becoming the fifth state to legalize and regulate online casino gaming. Gaming tax revenue is a major source of funding for state schools, services, and community projects, with gaming tax revenue totaling $287.8 million in 2019. The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees the gambling industry. The Commission is responsible for maintaining the integrity of gambling in WV.

Legal Gambling Age in WV

Much in line with the other states that offer various forms of legal gambling, different minimum ages depend on the type of activity. In West Virginia, players must be over 18 to participate in the lottery, bingo, or to make pari-mutuel wagers on horse or greyhound races. However, you must be over 21 to play casino games, place sports bets, or play daily fantasy sports.

Penalties for underage gambling in WV can include fines for players. Any operator that allows minors to gamble could also risk losing their license. When you enter a casino or place a sports bet, you will be asked to provide proof of age. West Virginia online gambling sites, likewise, will request age verification before allowing you to gamble with real money.

• Legal Gambling Age
  The legal gambling age for casino and sports betting in WV is 21 years.
• Legal Drinking Age
  The legal drinking age in West Virginia is 21 years.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Cannabis is illegal in West Virginia, except for medicinal use.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

West Virginia is one of the most liberal states when it comes to online gambling. Having legalized online casino gaming and sports betting, there are few changes expected in terms of online gambling laws in the state. Given that online casinos are newly launched in the state, we expect the West Virginia Lottery Commission to assess how the existing legislation pans out.

We are closely monitoring the development of the online gambling industry in West Virginia for any amendments to the current legislation. As and when there are any new developments to report, we will keep you updated on this page. If you want to stay on top of the legislation developments, you can keep track of the WV bills in real time.

History of Gambling in West Virginia

West Virginia is largely in favor of gambling in many forms, starting with wagers on greyhounds and horse racing dating back in 1931. There was a wait for the next flurry of legalization, which saw the lottery legalized in 1985 and launched the next year. Almost every milestone in the history of gambling in West Virginia has been to expand the state’s gambling industry. We have listed the key events in the history of WV gambling below:

State Facts and Figures

The Mountain State may not have the largest population, but it does have a lot of other things going for it – particularly if you like the outdoors. One of the most scenic states in the country, its land is 75% covered in trees, and it has some of the best caving around. WV is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain region.

Conclusion: Plenty of Options for Gamblers in West Virginia

Players from West Virginia can now access America’s best legal gambling sites. Most of the licensed online casinos opened in 2020, and ever since the very start, they have been offering high-class gambling entertainment. Players can enjoy popular casino games, lottery, sports betting, poker, daily fantasy sports, and many more gambling games. Besides the easy-to-navigate gaming sites, every operator has prepared unique bonus offers and playing-on-the-go options.

What’s Legal Nearby?

• Online Gambling in PA
• Sportsbooks in MD
• Online Gambling in KY
• Sportsbooks in Ohio

References

1. (November 15, 2023), West Virginia Set to Enhance Online Poker Market With Multi-State Agreement, Gaming Intelligence, Retrieved January 18, 2024
2. Fletcher, Robert, (November 14, 2023), Hacksaw Expands Into Us With West Virginia License, iGaming Business North America, Retrieved January 18, 2024