As one of the first states to legalize all forms of online gambling through the Interactive Gaming Act, West Virginia is a great place to gamble. All the way back in 1930, the state legalized horse racing but took another 50 years to allow bingo.
Still, if you want to enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports, online casino games, and off-track betting, then West Virginia will tax you for it. As it stands, the state is currently making $385 million on average from gambling. Since the Interactive Gaming Act is so new, this could rapidly increase after 2020.
So, check out our guide to the state casinos and gambling laws below for more information.
All online gambling in West Virginia is regulated by the state lottery, which oversees all operations within it. Any sportsbooks offered in the state have to be linked with land-based state casinos, so be sure to check for a WV certification before you bet.
Also, all types of casino games are allowed to be offered, but the only provider right now is DraftKings, which was approved by the state lottery in 2020. Any operators must be approved by legislators to provide gambling.
As for sports and off-track betting, there are a handful of operators allowed to take bets under current regulations.
Types of Live Gambling
In casinos across the state, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and other table games can be offered. This variety attracts gamblers from Virginia and Kentucky, since Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio legalized their own casinos.
Other types of live gambling allowed include lottery drawings, charity bingo, video lottery casinos, and horse race betting. However, video lottery casinos can’t use the words “casino” and “gambling” or look like casinos.
West Virginia Gambling Laws
To expand gambling in West Virginia, a constitutional amendment has to pass with a statewide referendum. Which is how the latest act passed and will remain the law of the land until another referendum takes place.
Anyone entering a casino or video lottery casino has to be over 21 years old. Though you can be over 18 to play the lottery, bingo, and bet on races.
Since we’ve already mentioned the other types of legal gambling, the last item on the list is charity fundraisers. Public organizations and charities can offer bingo games and raffles every other day.
List of WV Casinos
Below are the legal brick-and-mortar casinos operating in West Virginia:
Casino
Size
Address
Casino Club – Greenbrier
320 Slot Machines
300 W. Main St.
Hollywood Casino – Charles Town
2,700 Slot Machines
750 Hollywood Dr.
Mardi Gras Casino – Cross Lanes
1,000 Slot Machines
1 Greyhound Dr.
Mountaineer Casino – Chester
2,100 Slot Machines
1420 Mountaineer Circle
Wheeling Island – Wheeling
1,400 Slot Machines
1 S. Stone St.
Casinos & Gambling FAQs
What is the minimum gambling age in West Virginia?
To play casino games in the state, you have to be over21 years old. But, if you’re 18 and older, you can bet on racing, play bingo, and buy lottery tickets.
What is the West Virginia Video Lottery?
Simply put, it’s video poker, slots, and keno at bars all over the state.
What games are legal at West Virginia casinos?
All table games and slot machines are legal to play at casinos in the state.
Is online gambling legal in West Virginia?
Yes, as of 2019, it’s perfectly legal to gamble online within West Virginia.
Why is Greenbrier a restricted access casino?
Yes, as a location of historical significance, the resort has restricted access for residents.
Are there poker rooms in West Virginia?
Yes, all five casinos in the state have poker rooms you can visit.