Notice: The West Virginia Lottery strives for accuracy in reporting of winning numbers; however we cannot be responsible for complete accuracy of information due to the possible unauthorized entries and edits of our material. The winning numbers on file at the West Virginia Lottery are the determining record for winning tickets. Unlike federal law, West Virginia gambling laws takes the time to define and outline a punishment for unregulated gambling, technically making the act against the law. Chapter 61-10-4 of West Virginia law defines the act of “playing or betting” on any popular casino games or future events as a misdemeanor.

The Hancock County Board of Health has voted to amend their current smoking ban in public places, which affects Mountaineer Casino & Racetrack and limited video lottery cafes. John Plesa, a member of Hancock County Health Board, brought forth the item to be voted on because he says this will have economic benefits and compete with nearby. . West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is responsible for general health and/or addiction services in this state, and may also have information on problem gambling. The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia is a program created by the West Virginia Legislature to identify and provide services to problem gamblers. West Virginia Casino Locations: Charles Town, Cross Lanes, Chester, Wheeling and White Sulphur Springs. Those are the prominent locations for West Virginia casinos. West Virginia was the first state in the region to legalize most forms of gambling. Horse racing dates back to the 1930’s, as does greyhound tracks.

One of the most unexpected surprises of the start of 2019 came in the form of West Virginia online gambling legislation in the United States, somewhat out of the blue, after no previous bill or debate surrounding the subject. This state has always been seen as one of those unlikely to undertake such a modern approach, even though it was open to many other forms of betting, allowing from lottery scratch offs to a few West Virginia gambling casinos. This move, however, might be the key towards giving West Va casinos a competitive edge over the Philadelphia neighbouring establishments.

West Virginia Online Casino Sites

Contents

Overview of Laws Pertaining to Wagering in WV

This state has been one of those that, at first glance, had a reputation as being biased against this particular market, with low odds of regulating in favour of the Internet-based betting. This was on account of never existing any sort of debate on the matter. It also has stipulated a large number of punishments for many situations where illegal wagering might have occurred.

In fact, West Virginia gambling market was always open to this sort of activity, welcoming the additional revenues, as long as it didn’t bring along an increase in criminal activity or other troublesome happenings.

The betting history started in the early 30s with race tracks, which became racinos in 1987 by including slots in their offer, now being seen as full rights casinos in West Virginia. 2007 has seen the best casino in West Virginia story come to life after the Greenbrier Hotel made up a plan to allow guests in playing wagering games on its premises. The fact that the term “guest” has a large meaning made it an even more incisive move on behalf of local lawmakers.

2018 was another key point in the field’s legislation, WV seizing the opportunity first-hand and deemed sports betting legal. This could have been the signal of the changes to come still.

West Virginia Online Gambling Laws

Early 2019 found gambling in West Virginia being given quite the shock, after the approval, on fast-forward, of the bill which legalizes West Virginia online gambling. This makes it the fifth state to take this stance. Following the model set before by neighbouring state Philadelphia, this bill allows casinos in West Va to apply for a license, which allows them to offer these kinds of services to state residents.
The decision was purely based on the previous experience of states such as Philadelphia, New Jersey or Delaware. The soon-to-be-created online casinos of West Virginia target customers from other close-by states, Ohio and Virginia, while also trying to keep business within state borders, avoiding seeing their residents going to PA in order to benefit from these services.

This is good news, no doubt about it, but there is an issue with the time frame when it will all come to effect. The first Internet, West Va casino, is not likely to open up shop anytime sooner than 2020, with 2021 being the most realistic deadline. Until that long-awaited time, WV citizens can enjoy West Virginia gaming the same way they did up to now, using the thoroughly reviewed betting websites, which accept US players. Most of them are based offshore like all the RTG casinos, which makes them good to go even now before the full effect of the new law takes place. In addition, it might just be a good idea to try out one of these secure websites, until the official ones appear, just so you can get the hang of the gameplay, the interface and a taste of what Internet wagering means. We found Bovada Casino as the most secure and trusted casino brand. Luckily, Bovada is legal in West Virginia and everyone can enjoy it.

• Top 1 USA online casino
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Offline Gambling in West Virginia

Brick-and-mortar

There aren’t that many WV casinos locations, given the fact that there are just 5 casinos across the state, 4 of them actually being of the racinos type. When it comes to classic resort and gambling casinos in West Virginia, there is only one such venue, the Greenbrier. This business started as a hotel, with the idea to offer its guests the additional facility of gambling, as a way to pass the time. Of the 5 establishments, this is the one with the fewest slot machines West Virginia has.

Sports Betting

Gambling in West Va has recently added to the offer, through a surprising decision in 2018, the sports betting service. But are there casinos in West Virginia where sports booking is available? The answer is yes. So far, the only casino in West Virginia to hold a license for it is the Greenbrier, but soon all the others are going to follow its lead.

Race Tracks

The original race tracks, two focused on horses, and two-centred on dog racing, have turned into WV online casinos, in 1987 after the decision to include slots games in their offer. Right now, they are the hub for West Virginia slot machines, with over 5800 such devices divided among the four of them.

Charitable

Although none of the Virginia casinos offers spaces specifically for bingo seats, there are a couple of bingo halls around the state. They are unusually popular, with an average prize pool allowed, limited to 10000 USD.

Social Gaming

The West Virginia gaming stage allows social gaming as long as it’s among friends, no rake or fee is accepted. As long as you don’t charge money the same way any West Virginia casino would, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you risk up to 2 years in prison for illegal organizing of gambling.

You Might Also be Interested in:

Virginia online gambling
KY state online casinos
OH online gambling
PA online gambling
Maryland online gambling

❓ Is gambling allowed in WV?

Almost every sort of WV gambling is allowed inside the borders of this state, with slot machines, poker and table games in West Virginia casinos, to horse and dog racing in racinos, buying tickets for both state and interstate lotteries, playing bingo and raffles and the newest addition to the list Internet wagering.

❓ Is West Virginia online gambling legal?

A law has recently passed which states that any WV casino can purchase a license to organize and own similar West Virginia online casinos.

❓ What do the West Virginia online gambling laws allow?

Following the lead other states provided, this newly adopted bill makes room for the opening of West Virginia online casinos, via a license that is to be purchased solely by the current existent casinos of West Virginia.

❓ What is minimum West Virginia gambling age?

The gambling age in West Virginia is of 18 for charitable gaming and lottery, while for casinos in WV is 21.

❓ Can I safely deposit or withdraw money from the offshore-based websites?

The only difference between the two, regarding the transfer of money to and from them, would be on the accepted means to do so. There are currently some restrictions in place in the case of offshore-based sites, as for example, the use of e-wallets not being an option. The expectancy is that the online casinos of West Virginia would be able to offer at least the same payment methods that their current West Virginia casinos counterparts do.

Additional Sources:

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=29&art=25
http://www.gettoknowgaming.org/sites/default/files/AGA_WestVirginia.pdf

West Virginia is a gambling-friendly state. You can find casinos, a lottery,
dog tracks, and practically all forms of gambling available in the state.

The future of West Virginia gambling sites also looks bright.

On this page, we offer a complete guide to the laws and situations related to
gambling in West Virginia.

Online Gambling and West Virginia Law

• Is Online Gambling Legal in West Virginia?
• Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in West Virginia?
• Is West Virginia Going to Legalize Online Gaming?
• How Do I Choose a Safe and Quality Offshore Gaming Site?
• Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in West Virginia?

Is Online Gambling Legal in West Virginia?

Online gambling is a gray area in West Virginia. Like most states, West
Virginia doesn’t have any laws that specifically talk about online gambling.

You can assume that the current gambling laws about land-based gambling can
be applied to online gambling as well, which would make betting on any game of
chance illegal.

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in West Virginia?

Getting arrested for gambling online in West Virginia is unlikely.

We’ve yet to find a case where a West Virginia resident was arrested for
gambling online.

It’s illegal to run an internet casino in West Virginia, and you’ll be
arrested if you do so.

In fact, most law enforcement in the United States focuses on taking action
against providers, not customers.

Is West Virginia Going to Legalize Online Gaming?

West Virginia has been considering legalizing online gaming for a while now.
In early 2017, a bill was introduced in West Virginia in an attempt to legalize
and regulate online gaming.

The bill would allow currently-licensed gaming facilities, like the ones
found at the state’s four racetracks, to have an internet gambling license.

West Virginia is known as a gaming state, and it’s possible that we will see
West Virginia gambling sites in 2017 or 2018.

How Do I Choose a Safe and Quality Offshore Gaming Site?

• Licensing – Find out what regulations the site has to meet in order to
  receive their license. Some areas have stricter regulations and restrictions
  than others.
• Game Variety – Look at what games the site offers to ensure there’s enough
  variety to keep you entertained.
• Deposit Options – Check to see what deposit options are available before
  signing up for the site to make sure there’s an option you’re comfortable using
  to deposit funds. At the same time, take a quick look at the cash-out options,
  because they aren’t always the same as the deposit choices.
• Reviews – Research reviews from past and present members to get a feel for
  the legitimacy of the site and to learn about the good and bad of the site from
  the members’ point of view.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in West Virginia?

Yes, daily fantasy sports are legal in West Virginia.

Here’s what the ESPN website has to say about daily fantasy sports in West
Virginia:

“In a decision dated July 7, 2016, the West Virginia attorney general
concluded that: ‘West Virginia law does not prohibit the offering of or
participation in fantasy sports games, as they are defined in Senate Bill 529,
because state law prohibits only betting upon games decided predominantly by
chance.’ In reaching its decision, the West Virginia AG drew an analogy to
traditional sports betting, writing: ‘betting on sports is not something
predominately determined by chance, but rather by skill.'”

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in West Virginia

• Casino Games (Legal)
• Sports Betting (Pari-Mutuel Betting Only)
• Race Betting (Pari-Mutuel Wagering Only)
• Lottery (Legal)
• Bingo (Charitable Gaming Only)
• Social Gambling (Unclear)

Casino Games: Legal

Most casino games are found at the racetracks located in West Virginia.

Here’s what the West Virginia Lottery Racetrack Table Games says about
authorized and unauthorized games:

“The casino licensee shall not permit a table game to be played if the game
is not approved by the Commission.

The Commission shall authorize one or more variations of the following table
games to be played at the casino:

• Baccarat
• Twenty-one or blackjack
• Poker
• Craps
• Roulette
• Wheel of fortune
• and Other table games
  expressly permitted by the Commission.

The Commission shall not authorize the following games to be played at the
casino:

• Punchboard
• Faro
• Numbers ticket
• Push card
• Jar ticket
• Pull tab

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the West Virginia Lottery
Commission may license any casino to sell regular West Virginia Lottery games
authorized by W.Va. Code §29-22-1 et seq.”

The racetrack casinos are required to use a cashless system such as chips,
with the exception of video lottery games.

Here’s what the West Virginia state lottery website says about the video
lottery:

“In the state of West Virginia, Video Lottery is the legal use of player
interactive gaming machines similar to those commonly known as “slot” machines
in the casino industry. As of 1994, video lottery was approved, with restraints
set forth by law, at West Virginia’s four thoroughbred and greyhound racetracks.
The issue had to be approved by voters in the counties in which each track is
located.

In 2001, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill allowing for a limited
number of video lottery machines in adult environments. It is referred to as the
“Limited Video Lottery Act.” The measure outlawed pre-existing “gray” or “poker”
machines and restricted the number of Limited Video Lottery terminals to no more
than 9,000. The environments in which they are permitted are classified as
adult-only based on the fact that they possess a Class A, Alcohol Beverage
Control Administration (ABCA) license and meet various other legal
requirements.”

Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Wagering Only

Both greyhound and horse racing are legal in West Virginia, with pari-mutuel
wagering on the races allowed. Simulcast betting is also allowed.

Here’s what the West Virginia Code says about pari-mutuel betting:

“The pari-mutuel system of wagering upon the results of any horse or dog race
at any horse or dog race meeting conducted or held by any licensee is hereby
authorized if, and only if, such pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by the
licensee within the confines of the licensee’s horse racetrack or dog racetrack
and the provisions of section one, article ten, chapter sixty-one of this code
relating to gaming shall not apply to the pari-mutuel system of wagering in
manner and form as provided in this article at any horse or dog race meeting
within this state where horse or dog racing is permitted for any purse by any
licensee. A licensee shall permit or conduct only the pari-mutuel system of
wagering within the confines of the licensee’s racetrack at which any horse or
dog race meeting is conducted or held.”

West Virginia has two horse racing tracks and two greyhound racing tracks.

Lottery: Legal

West Virginia does have a state-regulated lottery.

Here’s what the West Virginia Lottery website says:

“West Virginia voters approved the Lottery Amendment to the State
Constitution on November 6, 1984 by a vote of 67% for the amendment. The West
Virginia Legislature passed the Lottery Act in April of 1985 and it was signed
into law that May by Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr.

West Virginia’s first instant tickets were sold on January 9, 1986 and more
than 1.5 million tickets were sold on that first day.”

Today the West Virginia Lottery sells over $1.1 billion every year, with more
than $520 million of that money going toward various things in West Virginia,
including schools, senior citizens, tourism, and state parks.

Here’s what the West Virginia Lottery website says about their games:

“The Lottery sells more than 40 different instant games a year, offers the
popular in-state online drawing games of Keno, Daily 3, Daily 4, and Cash 25,
offers the Multi-State Lottery games of Powerball®, Mega Millions® and Hot
Lotto, regulates limited video lottery, and regulates video lottery and table
games at the state’s four racetrack casinos and the Greenbrier Resort.”

Bingo: Charitable Gaming Only

Here’s what the West Virginia Charitable Gaming Laws says about bingo:

West Virginia Gambling Casino

“The legislature, in recognition of the recreational enjoyment the people of
West Virginia receive from playing bingo and of the need charitable and public
service organizations have for a practicable way of raising funds, declares its
intent to grant the privilege of holding bingo games to those organizations
which qualify for a license as provided below.”

Only qualified organizations can get a license to hold bingo games. The
organizations that qualify include charitable or public service organizations.

Here’s the definition of charitable or public service organizations according
to West Virginia Charitable Gaming Laws:

“a bona fide, not for profit, tax-exempt, benevolent, educational,
philanthropic, humane, patriotic, civic, religious, fraternal, or eleemosynary
incorporated or unincorporated association or organization; or a volunteer fire
department, rescue unit or other similar volunteer community service
organization or association; but does not include any nonprofit association or
organization, whether incorporated or not, which is organized primarily for the
purposes of influencing legislation or supporting or promoting the campaign of
any candidate for public office.”

Here are the prizes that may be awarded and the limitation on prizes:

“during the period of a license the average total prizes awarded by a
licensee, or in the aggregate by two or more limited occasion licensees holding
a joint bingo occasion, for any bingo occasion held pursuant to an annual or
limited occasion license, may not exceed ten thousand dollars in value.

Prizes may be money or merchandise other than beer, nonintoxicating beer,
wine, spirits or alcoholic liquor as defined in section five, article one,
chapter sixty of this code. If the prizes are merchandise, the value assigned to
them is their fair market value at the time of purchase.”

Social Gambling: Unclear

Social gambling laws are unclear in West Virginia.

Here’s what the West Virginia Code says about gambling on games of chance:

“If any person at any place, public or private, bet or wage money or other
thing of value on any game of chance, or shall knowingly furnish any money or
other thing of value to any other person to bet or wage on any such game, he
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less
than five nor more than three hundred dollars, and shall, if required by the
court, give security for his good behavior for one year, and in default of the
payment of such fine and the costs and the execution of such bond, if such bond
be required, shall be imprisoned in the county jail not less than ten nor more
than thirty days.”

Owning a gaming table or device and gambling on a game of chance are illegal,
but no laws in the West Virginia Code talk about games of skill, like poker,
being played in a social setting.

It’s common for low-stake poker games to take place at West Virginia homes,
and the law enforcement in West Virginia doesn’t seem interested in prohibiting
them.

Gambling Venues in West Virginia

1) Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort

1420 Mountaineer Circle

New Cumberland, WV 26047

(800) 804-0468

2) Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack

1 S Stone St

Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 232-5050

3) Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

750 Hollywood Dr

Charles Town, WV 25414

(800) 795-7001

4) Mardi Gras Casino and Resort

1 Greyhound Dr

Cross Lanes, WV 25313

(304) 776-1000

History of Gambling in West Virginia

The West Virginia Racing Commission is created to oversee the racetracks and pari-mutuel betting at them.

The Racetrack Veideo Lottery Act is passed which allows Video Lottery Terminals to be places in ractracks. Video lottery terminals are allowed in bars today also.

Table games are legalized at the four racetrack casinos in West Virginia.

The fifth casino in West Virginia and only one without a racetrack is opened.

Additional Resources

The Future & Your Views

Overall, West Virginia is a gambling-friendly state. The casino and racetrack
establishments offer a range of casino games, slot machines, and pari-mutuel
betting on horse and greyhound racing. A state lottery and charitable bingo
games are also legal in the state.

West Virginia gambling sites with state-regulated poker or other casino games
could be a thing of the near future. With a bill currently in consideration to
legalize online gambling in West Virginia, it’s possible to see West Virginia
gambling sites within the next year.

West Virginia Gambling Cafes London

Delaware has shown interest in partnering up with West Virginia if they
legalize online gambling in order to allow residents from their state to play on
each other’s state-regulated sites.