Best Online Casinos in West Virginia
There are 12 brick-and-mortar casinos in West Virginia, but there are 13 casinos online because some land-based operators offer an online companion app. If you’re new to the Mountain State, you might be curious about its relationship with gambling and when it all started.
After reading our page dedicated to casinos in West Virginia, you’ll have no problem distinguishing between the and which games you can play at each one.
Advantages
The most noticeable advantage of casinos in West Virginia is that they are within a short driving distance of several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Kentucky. It makes them easily accessible for players outside of West Virginia.
Excellent Real Money Casinos to Win On in 2023Additionally, the state implemented iGaming to supplement their land-based establishments after being heavily impacted by the , limiting in-person gatherings. The addition of online gambling extended their reach even further and allowed them to compete with neighboring states that also .
Furthermore, gambling revenues from both online and land-based casinos help fund various programs in the state, such as tourism, the senior citizen’s refundable food credit, the wheelchair accessible hunters blind hunting program, and more. They even provide funding for early childhood education, which helps bridge the gap for families who cannot afford it.
Disadvantages
One significant downside is that West Virginia does not have any casinos in its major cities. For example, Charleston (the state capital) and Morgantown (home of West Virginia University) do not have any casinos. Instead, they are primarily located near interstates, making them easy to access but not particularly convenient for residents in certain parts of the state.
In addition, the state’s focus on commercial casinos has led to fewer job opportunities and smaller economic benefits compared to other states with a mix of commercial and tribal casinos. Finally, the state’s decision to limit the types of gambling allowed has also resulted in some missed revenue opportunities.
For instance, West Virginia does not currently allow sports betting at its racetracks or off-track betting facilities, unlike many other states that see this as a valuable source of additional revenue.
History of Gambling in West Virginia
Racetrack gaming machines were established first by the Legislature in West Virginia in 1994. The very first licence was issued in Wheeling, and by the end of 1994, four racetracks had installed the machines.
Then-Governor Bobby J. Bauer signed the lottery bill into law on March 25, 1994. The West Virginia Lottery began sales on October 1, 1994. The first winning ticket was a Quick Draw that gave $20,000 to Walter Herdman of Fairdale. Since then, the Lottery has generated over $12 billion in total sales, providing more than $10 billion for 3rd editionPriority to**; in FY22, it contributed over $867 million.
On March 9, 1994, Senate Bill 182 was introduced. This bill created the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association, which would regulate video lottery gaming machines at the state's racetracks. It also authorized up to five full-service "destination resorts," similar to those found in Nevada and New Jersey.
Then-Governor Joe Manchin IIIsigned the bill into law on January 16, 1994. However, due to a court challenge, the first resort did not open until the end of 1995. On September 18, 2007, The Racetrack District Act was signed into law by Governor Manchin. This act permitted Magnum Casino & Racebook in Hancock to install slot machines since it wasn't near a larger racino.
On April 4, 2012, DraftKings and FanDuel went live. The two companies would change the face of sports betting in West Virginia and beyond. Then-Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed the West Virginia Lottery Study Committee Bill on March 28, 2012, creating a study committee to examine whether to expand the West Virginia Lottery to include products like keno and scratch-off tickets. The first meeting of the committee was held on June 27, 2012.
West Virginia became the eighth state to legalize online lottery ticket sales on Monday, March 30, 2015. Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Jeffrey Beard, Kansas's Lottery secretary, all attended the press conference at the State Capitol announcing the launch of the iLottery.
Then-Governor Tomblin signed House Bill 2716 into law on March 22, 2019. This law legalized sports betting in West Virginia and daily fantasy sports. The Delaware North-operated Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races was already prepared to provide sports betting since they had applied for a license in 2018. Mountaineer Casino, Horseshoe Casino, and The Mardi Gras Casino & Resort followed suit shortly after.
Simple Tips on How To Become a Casino DealerOn April 4, 2019, BetMGM became the first online operator to go live in West Virginia. Also, DraftKings Sportsbook launched in the state on August 1, 2019. Then-Governor Jim Justice declared Friday, October 15, 2021, as “WV Lottery Anniversary Day” in recognition of the Lottery’s $13 billion in overall profits.
How Many Casinos in West Virginia Are There?
You can visit 12 land-based casinos in West Virginia, although one has only racing machines. Additionally, there are 13 online as five land-based casinos operate their own online platform. You could technically visit all physical casinos in a day if you really wanted, considering they’re spread across such a large area.
Instead, we recommend spreading your visits out over a weekend; stay at one of the attached hotels and enjoy all these casinos have to offer. The Mountain State may be small, but it packs a punch with its gaming options—whether you prefer slots, table games, poker, or sports betting, you won’t be disappointed.
Below, you’ll find a list of all 12 land-based casinos and their locations. We’ve also included a brief overview of each casino so you can decide which ones you want to visit first.
BetMGM Casino Canonical West Virginian Link
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DraftKings Casino Canonical West Virginiang Link
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Caesars Sportbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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FanDuel Sportbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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BetAmerica Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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BetOnline Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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🏆 Best Bet Rivers Casino PA Promo Code (& App Review) 2023MyBookie Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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Xbet Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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Everygame Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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Sportsbetting.ag Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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Bovada Sportsbook Canonical West Virginian Link
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Jazz 91
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Metro News
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WSAZ
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WOWK
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What is the Largest Casino in West Virginia?
The largest casino in West Virginia in terms of gaming space is Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. It offers more than 80,000 square feet of gambling excitement along with numerous entertainment and dining options.
However, in terms of slots and table games, the largest casino would be Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racetrack. It features more than 2,400 slot machines and 30 table games, making it a great destination for traditional casino enthusiasts.
Regardless of which casino you choose, West Virginia ensures that visitors have a variety of options to enjoy. You can also take advantage of the state’s recent move to legalize online gambling, allowing you to place bets from the comfort of your home.
Here are the 12 casinos in West Virginia:
- Delaware North at Mardi Gras Gaming & Hospitality
- Delaware North at Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort
- Mountaineer Gaming, LLC (Racing only)
- Magelli’s Casino Club
- Appalachian Casino Company (Racing only)
- Harrigan Entertainment Center dba Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack
- Elk Grove LLC (Racing only)
- Greenbrier Sportivity Co., dba Greenbrier Sporticity
- Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
- Horseshoe Casino Faro Boulevard, Hammon Ascend Gaming LLC
- Horseshoe Southern Indiana (Across the Ohio River from Tell City)
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Which Casinos in West Virginia Have Shows or Performances?
If you’re looking for a complete entertainment experience while visiting West Virginia’s casinos, here are three venues that regularly host concerts and shows:
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort offers something for everyone with their lineup of performers. Previous acts have included John Michael Montgomery, Collin Raye, Restless Heart, Ronnie Milsap, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride, and Lorrie Morgan.
They also welcome well-known comedians such as Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Dennis Miller, Rich Little, Randy Travis, and Frank Caliendo to their stage. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events.
Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racetrack
Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racetrack has previously hosted popular artists such as Charly McClain, The Gatlin Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Neal McCoy, Lorrie Morgan & Jamie O’Neal, Collinsons, and The Temptations. They also feature up-and-coming talent and comedy nights.
Wheeling Island Hotel – Frist National Bank Arena
Wheeling Island Hotel – First National Bank Arena has welcomed famous musicians such as Hank Williams Jr., Three Dog Night, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Starship starring Mickey Thomas, REO Speedwagon starring Dave Amato, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
In addition to musical acts, they have featured renowned comedians such as Rich Little, Randy Travis, Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Dennis Miller, Martin Short, Jay Leno, and Ken Jeong.
Other casinos occasionally host live music events, so it’s always worth checking their websites or contacting them directly. These three venues set the bar high with their impressive lineups of entertainers, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Are Casinos Open 24 Hours in West Virginia?
Most casinos in West Virginia are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that gamblers can indulge in their favourite activities around the clock. The following casinos operate nonstop:
- Delaware North at Mardi Gras Gaming & Hospitality
- Delaware North at Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort
- Harrigan Entertainment Center dba Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack
- Horseshoe Casino Faro Boulevard, Hammon Ascend Gaming LLC
- Horseshoe Southern Indiana (Across the Ohio River from Tell City)
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
- Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the operating hours with the individual casinos, especially during unusual circumstances such as holidays or unforeseen occurrences. Nonetheless, the majority of casinos in West Virginia provide around-the-clock gaming pleasure.
You can find more information on each establishment's official website:
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Delaware North at Mardi Gras Gaming & Hospitality Website
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Delaware North at Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort Website
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Elk Grove LLC (Racing only) Website
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Greenbrier Sportivity Co., dba Greenbrier Sporticity Website
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Harrigan Entertainment Center dba Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack Website
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Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc. Website
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Horseshoe Casino Faro Boulevard, Hammon Ascend Gaming LLC Website
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Horseshoe Southern Indiana (Across the Ohio River from Tell City) Website
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Mardi Gras Casino & Resort Website
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Magelli’s Casino Club Website
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Appalachian Casino Company (Racing only) Website
How Do I Get to Casinos in West Virginia?
West Virginia’s casinos are dispersed throughout the state, offering visitors a chance to escape into the mountains and enjoy a unique gaming experience. While they are not located in major cities like Charleston or Morgantown, they are easily accessible via interstates.
I-68, I-77, I-79, I-64, US 50, and US 19 offer convenient routes for travellers coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Kentucky. This location provides easy access for individuals outside of West Virginia to enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway filled with excitement.
Additionally, the casinos themselves often have hotels on site, allowing guests to make a night of it without worrying about finding a place to stay. So, whether you’re planning a road trip through Appalachia or looking for a closer alternative to larger city casinos, West Virginia has everything you need for a memorable gambling adventure.
How Old Do You Have to be to Enter Casinos in West Virginia?
The minimum age to enter West Virginia’s casinos is 18 years old, except for Harrah’s Creekball Casino. At this establishment, the minimum age required to enter is 21 years old. Proper identification is necessary for all visitors, regardless of age restrictions.
It’s essential to remember that while you can enter the casino floor at 18, to redeem prizes from promotional giveaways, you must be 21 years old with valid identification.
So, whether you’re an experienced gambler or simply looking for some exciting entertainment, West Virginia’s casinos welcome you with open arms once you turn 18 (except Harrah’s Creekball Casino, where you must be 21). Just don’t forget your ID!
Types of Casinos in West Virginia
In West Virginia, destination resorts, racinos, historic horse racing (HHR), and online platforms are available for gamblers. Here’s a quick rundown of each type:
- Destination Resorts: These are large, integrated casinos similar to those found in Nevada and New Jersey. They offer a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, poker rooms, and sports betting. They also typically have hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and spas on site, creating a full vacation experience. Currently, there are four destination resorts operating in West Virginia: Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Racetrack, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort, and The Casino at The Greenbrier.
- Racinos: Combine horse racing tracks with video lottery terminals (VLTs)/slot machines. Visitors can enjoy live racing events and wager on simulcast races from other tracks. All West Virginia racinos offer electronic gaming devices, with some also featuring table games and poker rooms. These racinos are: Delaware North at Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort, Delaware North at Mardi Gras Gaming & Hospitality, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack, and Horseshoe Casino Faro Boulevard.
- Online Gaming Platforms: Following the legalization of sports betting in 2019, multiple West Virginia destinations resorts launched their own online platforms. Players can now enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their homes. Five physical casinos in West Virginia have their own online partners: DraftKings (at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel), BetMGM (Mardi Gras and Mountaineer), BetRivers (The Greenbrier), BetLucky (Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack), and William Hill (Horseshoe Hamiltonplace & Horseshoe Southbend).
- Historic Horse Racing: In 2014, West Virginia passed a bill allowing historical racing machines (HRMs), which display former horse races and enable players to bet on the outcome. These are essentially slot machines disguised under a different name. There are two establishments in West Virginia that offer Historic Horse Racing Machines: Magelli’s Casino Club and Appalachian Casino Company.
Overall, West Virginia’s diverse selection of casinos caters to every type of gambler, from thrill-seekers to those seeking a complete vacation package. Whether you prefer the excitement of a destination resort, the traditional charm of a racino, the convenience of online gaming, or the unique experience of historic horse racing, West Virginia has it all.
What Kind of Games and Slots Are Available in West Virginia?
West Virginia offers a variety of games and slots for both in-person and online casinos. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to find:
- Table Games: Including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, poker, and more.
- Poker Rooms: Many casinos have dedicated poker rooms offering Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud cash games, tournaments, and special events.
- Slots: Electronic gaming machines featuring spinning reels and various themes. West Virginia allows both traditional slot machines and video lottery terminals (VLTs).
- Video Poker: A combination of slots and poker, allowing players to use their knowledge of hand rankings to win bigger payouts.
- Sports Betting: Legalized in 2019, visitors can place bets on various sporting events at physical casinos or their online counterparts.
- Live Racing: Some casinos offer live harness racing or quarter horse racing.
- Historic Racing: As mentioned earlier, Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) display past horse races and allow players to wager on the outcomes.
- Off-Track Betting: Facilities known as OTBs allow customers to place bets on races taking place elsewhere.
- Keno: A lottery-style game where players select numbers in hopes of matching those drawn randomly.
Online casinos typically offer a wider variety of games, including live dealer versions of table games and a broader range of slots. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just enjoying a night out with friends, West Virginia’s casinos provide endless entertainment with something to suit every taste.
West Virginia Casino Map
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Delaware North at Mardi Gras Gaming & Hospitality
0.0 miles 9500 State Route 16, Cross Lanes 1-877-626-7762 1-877-626-7762 -
Delaware North at Mountaineer Casino, Racino & Resort
0.0 miles 1266 Mountaineer Circle, Chester 1-877-675-9194 1-877-675-9194 -
Elk Grove LLC (Racing only)
0.0 miles Racer’s West, 2342 Grand Central Avenue, Wheeling 1-304-242-3207 1-304-242-3207 -
Greenbrier Sportativity Co., dba Greenbrier Sportacity
0.0 miles 101 Main Street, Lewisburg 1-304-645-1000 1-304-645-1000 -
Harrigan Entertainment Center dba Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Racetrack
0.0 miles 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town 1-304-725-6300 1-304-725-6300 -
Magelli’s Casino Club
0.0 miles 1212 Cameron Road, Wheeling 1-304-242-6292 1-304-242-6292 -
Appalachian Casino Company (Racing only)
0.0 miles 381 Tomlinson Run Road, Butler 1-304- Butler 1-304- Butler -
Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
0.0 miles 1 South Water Street, Wheeling 1-877-943-9462 1-877-943-9462 -
Horseshoe Casino Faro Boulevard, Hammon Ascend Gaming LLC
0.0 miles 7112 Farro Boulevard, Elizabeth 1-304-375-6292 1-304-375-6292 -
Horseshoe Southern Indiana (Across the Ohio River from Tell City)
0.0 miles 777 Casino Center Drive, Elizabeth, Indiana 1-812-385-8888 1-812-385-8888 -
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
0.0 miles 101 Heritage Court, Cross Lanes 1-877-626-7762 1-877-626-7762 -
Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
0.0 miles 1 South Water Street, Wheeling 1-877-943-9462 1-877-943-9462
While you can absolutely enjoy West Virginia’s casinos without knowing the local lingo, learning some regional phrases can add to the fun and help you feel more immersed in the culture. Here are a few common expressions you might hear:
- “Cabell’s Creek” – A nickname for Marshall University, named after former president Donald D. Cabell.
- “Coal Tattoo” – A term used to describe the black streaks left on miners’ skin by dust and sweat. It’s sometimes used as a symbol of pride in the coal industry.
- “Down Home” – Synonymous with “country” or “rustic,” implying a strong connection to Appalachian values and traditions.
- “Holler” – A smaller version of the word “hollow,” it refers to a narrow valley or valley with a few houses scattered about.
- “Longwall Mining” – A method of extracting coal from underground seams. It involves a long, mechanical arm that moves back and forth, breaking off chunks of coal.
- “Metropoleis” – A humorous way of referring to Charleston, the state’s largest city. With a population of around 51,000 people, it’s hardly a metropolis by most standards.
- “Mountain Mommas” – A playful name for West Virginia’s women, suggesting warmth, hospitality, and a deep connection to the region’s rugged landscape.
- “Nitro” – A town perhaps best known for its annual Nitro High School Basketball Naked Volleyball Game tradition, involving enthusiastic (but fully clothed) spectators.
These are just a few examples, but hearing locals use these phrases can add a charming and authentic touch to your time in West Virginia.