West Virginia Casinos - FAQ
West Virginia Casinos bring a lot to the table. From slots and blackjack to roulette and poker, visitors will find no shortage of games.
The Mountain State is home to multiple casinos, each offering a unique gaming experience. Most casinos also offer restaurants, hotels, and other amenities. In addition, many casinos offer live entertainment, making them a great destination for a night out.
Is Gambling Legal in West Virginia?
Yes. Gambling at licensed casinos, racetracks, and sportsbooks is legal. Land-based casinos became legal in 1994. West Virginia went on to legalize online gambling by passing the West Virginia Interactive Lottery Act.
As of 2022, it is legal to participate in these forms of gambling;
- Casino games at race tracks
- State lottery, including video lottery terminals.
- Pari-mutuel wagering
- State-approved bingo games and raffles.
Despite the Mountain state’s progressive gambling laws, it is illegal for persons under the legal age to gamble at the state’s casinos.
It is also illegal to:
- Cheat at gambling. Convicted persons are guilty of a misdemeanor charge, and may spend up to 12 months in jail.
- Participate in an illegal gambling facility
- Act as a watch out or look-out for an unlicensed gambling facility.
- Operate an illegal banking operation for casinos.
What West Virginia Cities Have Casinos?
Casino players can find WV land-based casinos in multiple cities, including Wheeling, Chester, Nitro, Charles Town, and White Sulfur Springs.
The Casino Club at The Greenbrier
101 West Main Street
White Sulfur Springs, WV 24986
Phone: (844) 837-2466.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Charles Town
Jefferson County, WV 25414.
Phone: (800) 795-7001.
1 Greyhound Drive
Cross Lanes, WV 25313
Phone: (304) 776-1000.
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort
1420 Mountaineer Cir
New Cumberland, WV 26047
Phone: (888) 945-8205.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
1 South Stone Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 232-5050
What is the West Virginia Lottery Commission?
The West Virginia Lottery Commission is the official agency that oversees all gambling-related activities within the state. It regulates gambling activities, such as casino games, lottery, horse and hound racing, and sports bets.
As a subsidiary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue, it collects taxes on all gambling winnings from both the players and casino license holders. Under §29-25-9 Commission Duties and Power, the WGCB covers the following functions:
- Establish the minimum standard for gaming devices and facilities;
- Approves and modifies the game of play for all lottery and casino games;
- Determines the eligibility of prospective casino license applicants;
- Can access a gaming facility without notice to ensure all compliance with the rules and guidelines.
In addition to this, this agency issues licenses to land-based and online casino operators. The WGCB will only issue licenses to applicants that currently own or leased a well-defined space in a hotel resort. Furthermore, the applicant must have the financial capacity to maintain the facility for the duration of the license. Applicants must also submit and get approval for the floor plan of the facility.
How Many Land Casinos are in West Virginia?
As of 2022, there were five land casinos in West Virginia. The list of WV land-based casinos includes;
- Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
- Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort
- The Casino Club at The Greenbrier
Each of these WV land casinos features unique gambling experiences for all players. For example, the Hollywood Casino features the Charles Town racetrack, one of the top thoroughbred tracks in the U.S. So, players get to bet live on horse and greyhound racing alongside casino table games. Currently, the casino provides access to over 2,500 slot machines and 98 table games. Spas, concerts, and restaurants are also additional perks for visiting this facility.
On the other hand, the Greenbrier Casino is a luxury resort for those who prefer privacy while playing casino games. Furthermore, it features a fewer number of casino games and races than the Hollywood Casino. Non-gamblers can access the resort’s golf course and other attractions like bunker tours, escape rooms, and concerts.
Is Poker Legal in West Virginia?
Playing poker (online or offline) is legal in West Virginia. Interested players can visit the state’s licensed land casinos to access poker variants like Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, LetItRide, and 3 & 4 Card Poker. Furthermore, card poker tournaments are also accessible to eligible players. For example, WV players can play Pot Limit Omaha and 7 Card Stud at the Hollywood Casino.
Note that it is illegal for players less than 21 years old to play poker games in West Virginia. Thus, WV casinos will require a form of identification before players can access their facilities.
Who Owns the Casinos in West Virginia?
The list of WV casino owners includes;
- The Gaming Leisure and Properties inc, the owner of Hollywood Casino.
- The Justice Family Group, (The GreenBrier Casino)
- Delaware North(Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, and Wheelhouse Casino, Racetrack, & Resort)
- Eldorado Resorts (Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resorts)
Are Online Casinos Legal in West Virginia?
Online casinos are legal in West Virginia. The legislators legalized online gambling in these casinos via the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. Nevertheless, players must be above 21 years old to gamble on these platforms. Note that WV online casinos are only accessible to those physically present within the state.
Does West Virginia Have Table Games and Slot Machines?
There are table games and slot machines in WV land-based or offline casinos. In most cases, these casinos may offer hundreds of slot and table game categories to interested players. Common casino game categories include Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Dice, and Craps. WV casinos also feature slot tournaments in addition to different slot themes.
Furthermore, players may find popular varieties of these categories. For example, Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack features over eight variations of card poker games.
Which Land Casino has the most slot machines?
With over 2,00 functional slot machines, Hollywood Casino has the most slot machine in West Virginia. Visitors to the gambling facility will find popular slot machine selections like 88 Fortunes, Joker's Riches, Mammoth Power, Maximus, Black Diamond, and Shikibu. There are also progressive slot jackpots in this casino.
The Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack comes close in terms of the number of slot machines. As of 2022, the casino has over 1,100 slot machines.
What Casinos Pay Out the Most in West Virginia?
The highest paying casinos in West Virginia are:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town races
- Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
- Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers the most bonuses and payouts in the state. From time-sensitive bonuses to loyalty programs and welcome bonuses, the casino offers a lot of incentives to both new and veteran players. More so, it partners with DraftKings online casino to provide numerous incentives to both online and offline players. For example, 30 in-person bettors with the most accurate sports prediction are eligible to receive $500 in free slot play. Players who use the Mychoice card can participate in the $70,000 progressive
The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort also offers up to $1,00 in Freeplay to new users. Players must join the casino’s North Club to access this offer.
How Do I Place a Bet Online in West Virginia?
WV players can place online bets with the state’s licensed casinos via these general steps:
- Create an account with your preferred West Virginia casino
- Understand the rules and gameplay of online casino games
- Input at least the minimum deposit fee
- Place your bets and utilize bonuses or promotions, if available.
Are Drinks Free in West Virginia Casinos?
No, not all drinks are free in West Virginia casinos. Although these casinos will offer soda and coffee to their players, some may charge for alcoholic drinks. The Greenbrier is the only exception since it offers complimentary champagne to its club members.
Can you smoke in the Casinos in West Virginia?
Most WV casinos will have dedicated indoor areas for smoking. The following casinos feature dedicated areas for smoking:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
- Mardi Gras Casino and Resorts
- Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack
- The Greenbrier
- The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resorts.
Does West Virginia Have Casinos?
As of 2022, West Virginia had five casinos; Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Mardi Gras Casino and Resorts, Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack, The Greenbrier, and The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resorts. Also, there are 15 online and licensed casinos in the state.
What is the Oldest Casino in West Virginia?
The Wheeling Island Hotel Racetrack Casino is the oldest casino in the state. It was established in 1866. Most WV casinos and resorts were established before the state legalized casinos in 1993.
What is the Largest Casino in West Virginia?
The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is the largest in the state. The gambling facility and resorts sit on a 184,000 sq ft property, which also includes a 0.75 miles racetrack and a 153-room hotel. Players can also find numerous restaurants, gyms, and spas in this casino.
On the other hand, the Greenbrier is the second-largest casino in West Virginia.
