West Virginia has been a trailblazer in the United States for online gambling. Since the legalization of online wagering in 2018, the state has quickly established itself as a hub for online sports betting, casino games, and poker. This guide provides an in-depth look at West Virginia’s legal gambling landscape, featuring top gambling sites like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, sweepstakes casinos, and land-based venues. Our guide will help you navigate the diverse world of the top legal online gambling sites and apps for betting and casinos in West Virginia.
West Virginia Legal Gambling Overview 2024
West Virginia was quick off the mark when online gambling was made legal in the USA in 2018. By 2019, the state had passed the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. Within a year, the top betting sites began launching in the state.
| Gambling Option | Status in West Virginia | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | Legal | Launched in August 2018 with various licensed operators. |
| Online Casinos | Legal | Offering a variety of games; launched in July 2020. |
| Online Poker | Legal (Launch Pending) | Legalized but not yet operational; online services are pending. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Operational in Grey Area | Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are active. |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 | Applicable to all forms of online gambling. |
| Regulatory Body | West Virginia Lottery Commission | Oversees all forms of gambling in the state. |
West Virginia offers online sports betting, casino and poker to players across the state.
Gambling online is legal in West Virginia in 2024. Find the best betting and casino sites as well as some lucrative offers we have selected for you.
West Virginia’s Best Gambling Sites
While it would be incorrect to categorize West Virginia as a big-time player in the US online gambling industry on par with New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania, it would also be wrong to suggest that there aren’t big things going on with the industry in the state.
What they lack in quantity, West Virginia is making up in quality. As recently as March of 2024, more than $20 million was bet in online casinos across West Virginia, a single-month record for the state.
Here’s a look at some of the top online betting sites that you can access when in West Virginia.
FanDuel WV Sportsbook – Best for Live Betting
The FanDuel mobile app is considered the industry standard. It’s fast, sleek, easy to use and offers all the same bells and whistles as their desktop site. The FanDuel sportsbook delivers a mass of markets and bet types, with a special emphasis on same-game parlays. As for their casino, FanDuel is well-stocked in slots, table games and live dealer offerings.
DraftKings WV Sportsbook
At DraftKings, they cater to the recreational player, so it’s an ideal starting point for new West Virginia players. One of the best aspects of the DraftKings site is the easy to navigate format. There’s nothing fancy about it, but you’ll find what you want quickly. No site will outdo the DraftKings sportsbook for markets or bet types. It’s a similar experience with the DraftKings casino. There’s plenty of game options, including many unique experiences such as their crash gambling game DraftKings Rocket.
Caesars WV Sportsbook
Caesars gives West Virginia bettors multiple options. There’s the traditional Caesars sportsbook and casino, or the newer Caesars Palace option, which pays homage to their legendary land-based Las Vegas casino. They are known for their outstanding rewards program, which is considered to be the industry standard bearer.
Fanatics Bet – Best WV Sportsbook App
Taking over the Pointsbet operation in West Virginia, Fanatics is offering its unique FanCash bonus. With every bet you make in the Fanatics sportsbook or casino, you are awarded FanCash points, which you accumulate to acquire licensed sports apparel from the Fanatics store. They currently offer a bet $100, get $100 for 10 days welcome offer to West Virginia sportsbook players.
TOP West Virginia Online Casinos 2024
You’ll find a choice between 10 online casinos in West Virginia. They feature all of the major players in the industry, such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Caesars Palace, Golden Nugget, Hollywood Casino and BetRivers. Newcomers and lesser-known players on the West Virginia landscape include Fanatics and Betly.
These are among the best online casino options for players in the state.
BetMGM Casino West Virginia
In 2020, BetMGM was among three online casinos that launched in West Virginia, getting the ball rolling in the state. BetMGM welcomes new West Virginia players with $25 just for opening a new account. You’ll also get a 100% match of your first deposit to that account up to a maximum of $1000. BetMGM offers more than 200 slots, as well as table games, a live dealer area and video poker machines.
Golden Nugget West Virginia Online Casino
Inside Golden Nugget’s West Virginia online casino, you’ll discover almost 140 games. They include slots, featuring progressive jackpots and exclusive games, and table games like roulette, blackjack and video poker. Newcomers to Golden Nugget get a 100% matching first deposit that can reach up to $1000, along with 200 bonus spins.
West Virginia‘s BetRivers Online Casino
BetRivers will start off new players in West Virginia with a 100% refund of casino losses over the first 24 hours up to a maximum amount of $250. And as always with BetRivers, all bonus funds carry a minimal 1x playthrough requirement. BetRivers offers West Virginia players well over 100 slot games. Table games featured are blackjack, roulette, video poker and baccarat. The BetRivers live dealer studio offers blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker and football studio. Everyone is also welcomed into the popular iRush loyalty rewards program.
Games and Bonuses for Online WV Gamblers
These sites provide an excellent selection of online casino games in West Virginia. You could start by looking at hugely enjoyable slots such as Jimi Hendrix, White Rabbit, and Zeus: God of Thunder.
- Starburst – This is a popular slot from NetEnt and it features a space theme. The game is played on 10 paylines and payouts can be created from both directions. The game logo is the key to winning as it activates the Starburst Wilds feature.
- Butterfly Staxx – Also from NetEnt, this thrilling game offers 40 paylines. There are butterfly spins for top payouts along with wilds and scatters in the base game. Butterfly Staxx has a verified RTP of 96.8%.
The table games category gives more choice, with versions of blackjack, as well as roulette, three card poker, and more. Keno, video poker, and live dealer games offer alternatives that are worth checking out when you visit a West Virginia online casino.
When you start playing casino games in the Mountain State, a big bonus makes it easier for you to get started on one of these sites and start placing your wagers. It is no surprise to see that the online casinos in West Virginia give you a helping hand to get you started when you first register with them.
The BetMGM casino currently has a welcome offer that multiplies the first deposit that you make to your account. DraftKings will give you some bonus cash if you join them, allowing you to explore their game selection more easily and without staking too much of your own money.
Best Casino Apps in West Virginia
You can add freedom to your playing with either of these sites. The BetMGM and DraftKings casinos both have apps for smartphones and tablets. Simply choose the Android or iOS version and download it for free. You can then start playing your chosen West Virginia online casino wherever you go and at any time.
West Virginia Sweepstakes Casinos
Like the idea of playing casino games, but aren’t comfortable with risking your hard-earned money? Then sweepstakes casinos are for you. It never costs anything to play. You can wager for fun and entertainment with sweeps coins, or try to win prizes via gold coins.
Here are some of the sweepstakes casinos operating in West Virginia.
Stake.us Casino: There are hundreds of games to play and a stellar mobile app offered at this well-known global brand. Stake.us Casino delivers slots, table games, a live dealer area and several exclusive games.
Fortune Coins Casino: A unique aspect to Fortune Coins Casino is that they provide an invitation-only VIP area. Known for their progressive jackpot games, connect your Facebook account to Fortune Coins to receive a massive welcome bonus of 140,000 Gold Coins and 500 Fortune Coins.WOW Vegas Casino: There’s a massive collection of slots to play, more than 300 in total, and there’s new games added to the library every week. Each day, the WOW Vegas Casino is giving away 25 million WOW coins to players so they can enjoy their casino experience.
Top Land-based Casinos in West Virginia
You can enjoy a trip to a land-based casino in West Virginia, as well as play online. The following are three of the best venues.
- Mountaineer Casino, New Cumberland. Situated on the Ohio River, this West Virginia casino venue gives a full casino resort experience.
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. An elegant setting with over 1,300 slots and dozens of table games.
- Mardi Gras Casino, Cross Lanes. Greyhound racing is added to the usual casino games here.
West Virginia Online Gambling FAQs
Are online casinos legal in West Virginia? Yes, West Virginia is one of the few states that already allow online gambling, poker, and sports betting.
How old must you be to play casinos in West Virginia? To play any real money games at a WV online casino, players must be 21 years of age.
Can I sign up for more than one West Virginia online casino? Yes, you can join as many online casinos here as you want to, obtaining the bonus in each case and sampling their games.
How many online casinos can operate in West Virginia? West Virginia casino choices include five casinos that have all been given the go-ahead to open up to three sites each. Therefore, we could see a maximum of 15 sites being set up here over time.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in West Virginia? 21 is the minimum age for legal gambling at land casinos in the state. Bingo, lottery, and racing can all be enjoyed from the age of 18. Licensed sites for online casino in West Virginia have age restrictions stopping anyone under the age of 21 from playing there.
Can I play online poker in West Virginia? Although online poker was legalized, the launch of services is still pending. The state allows up to three online poker sites per casino, but as of now, none have been launched.
Tax When Gambling in West Virginia?
You can expect to pay tax on any gambling win over $5,000. This should be included in your IRS return. In terms of tax on lottery winnings, 24% is held back for federal taxes, and an additional 6.5% is held back for West Virginia state taxes.
Responsible Gambling in West Virginia
The WVLC not only regulates but also promotes responsible gambling practices. Resources are available for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, and self-exclusion options are provided on online gambling platforms.
West Virginia’s approach to online gambling is comprehensive, offering residents a diverse range of legal and regulated options. As one of the pioneering states in this area, it continues to evolve its gambling regulations and practices, contributing to a dynamic and growing online gambling market.
- West Virginia offers a wide spectrum of online gambling options, including sports betting, casinos, and DFS.
- The WVLC ensures a regulated gambling environment, promoting responsible gambling.
- The state’s online gambling market is steadily growing, with potential expansions in poker and other areas expected in the future.
- Staying informed about the latest regulations and responsible gambling practices is essential for all participants.
I think I have a gambling addiction in WV, what should I do? Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia Helpline can be reached at 1-800-426-2537. You can also call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
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