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Landlocked states aren’t usually my first choice since there’s no marine life to explore. But West Virginia? It’s an exception! With stunning nature, rich history, and casino-friendly gambling laws, it’s a destination worth talking about.

West Virginia took its time to legalize online gambling, officially launching its first platforms in 2019. Since then, the industry has grown, offering residents a fantastic variety of legal casino games.

In this guide, I’ll break down the WV gambling market, share top casino recommendations, and touch on tax obligations for your winnings. Let’s dive in!

Overview of West Virginia’s Online Gambling Laws

As I previously said, West Virginia is one of the rare states where online gambling is legal. However, the gambling industry has passed a turbulent period in reaching today’s achievements. Laws were not always “that friendly” towards this activity. The process started nearly 100 years ago! 

Legalization History

It all began in 1931 with horse and greyhound betting. Fast-forward to the 1980s and 90s, and major milestones included the 1984 state lottery and video lotteries in racetracks by 1994. The big splash came in 2001 with the legalization of video poker.

By 2009, table games joined the mix, thanks to a second referendum. The tide truly turned with the legalization of sports betting in 2018 and online gambling in 2019, setting the stage for today’s thriving industry.

Regulatory Authority

The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees licensing and operations, ensuring fairness and safety. In the past five years, their efforts have kept the gambling waters clean and well-regulated.

Licensing and Regulation

Securing a license in WV isn’t for small fish. Applicants pay a $100 application fee and submit proof of income, business plans, and background checks.

If approved, there’s a hefty $250,000 license fee, valid for five years. Renewal costs $100,000. The commission also inspects casinos for data protection, fair RNG software, and responsible gambling initiatives.

It’s a rigorous process, but for players, it ensures a safe and reliable gambling environment!

Types of Legal Online Gambling

So, which types of casino games are legal in West Virginia? Things are not as different as in some other states. This includes: 

  • All casino games
  • Lottery
  • Poker and video poker
  • Sports betting

The 3 Best Online Casinos in West Virginia in 2024

I am glad that people now understand that online gambling is entirely legal in WV. Unfortunately, that won’t mean anything to them if they do not find the best gambling platforms. Their number isn’t big, but I strongly believe three deserve more attention. Let’s analyze them!

DraftKings Casino

DraftKings shines with its slot selection, featuring titles like Book of Ra, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, and Starburst, many boasting an RTP over 96%.

Its live casino section is equally impressive, offering blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and game shows like Dream Catcher.

New players can claim a 100% deposit match up to $100 with a low $5 minimum deposit and a 1x wagering requirement—unmatched in the market.

DraftKings also rewards players with crowns for real-money wagers, redeemable for credits and prizes. Additionally, it features an invite-only VIP program for loyal players.

Caesars Palace

This online casino offers 1,000 games, including hits like Guns N’ Roses, Dead or Alive II, and Ozzy Osbourne, from top developers like Pragmatic Play and IGT.

New players receive a $25 no-deposit bonus and a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, plus 2,500 reward credits redeemable for online or on-site prizes.

Payment methods include credit cards, Trustly, PayPal, and Apple Pay, providing flexibility and convenience.

FanDuel Casino

FanDuel offers a risk-free first day, refunding up to $1,000 in losses as non-withdrawable funds within 24 hours, plus 350 free spins for Cash Eruption.

The platform is accessible on PC and mobile without downloads, though apps for Android and iOS are available for those who prefer them. Navigation is simple, and the design is space-efficient.

With an average RTP of 96.27%, FanDuel’s library includes slots, table games, and live dealer titles from developers like Microgaming, IGT, and NextGen Gaming.

Top 3 Social Casinos Available in West Virginia

Yes, gambling at social casinos is also entertaining. You can have fun without spending real money. Some people may claim this isn’t an adequate source of entertainment, which I disagree with. If you want to test this alternative, here are three top social platforms to test in West Virginia! 

No Limit Coins

No Limit Coins offers two currencies: Gold Coins for fun and Super Coins redeemable for real prizes. Both are free but can also be purchased.

New players get 100k GC upon signup and 1,800 SC after verifying their identity. For a limited time, your first purchase includes a 50% discount, allowing you to buy 4M GC + 1,500 SC for just $10.

Deposits are supported via MasterCard, VISA, and Discover, while withdrawals use PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards.

Funrize Casino

A newcomer in 2024, Funrize features a unique tournament mode using Tournament Coins (TC) for free plays with no redeemable prizes. Alternatively, Promotional Entries (PE) enable prize redemptions. To buy PE, you must first purchase TC—a quirky but required step.

Thankfully, purchases aren’t necessary. Upon signup, players receive 125k TC + 400 PE, with additional rewards via daily packages, races, and the Bronze Wheel.

Stake.us

Stake.us stands out with its diverse game selection, including slots, table games, crash games, and a live casino with blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Players use Gold Coins for fun and Stake Cash for redeemable prizes.

Innovative payment methods are a highlight. Purchases are crypto-only, while withdrawals allow credit cards.

How to Get Started with Online Casinos in West Virginia

Starting the online gambling journey in West Virginia is effortless. All you have to do is pass through five simple stages:

  1. Casino account setup.

    Kick things off by completing the registration form with your details. Pick a unique username, provide your address, ID number, and other required information. Then, confirm your identity by uploading a photo of an official ID.

  2. Location verification.

    Casinos will request access to your location to verify you’re in WV. Licensed platforms guarantee your data stays confidential, so there’s no need to worry.

  3. Make your first deposit.

    Fund your account instantly using various options like credit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies.

  4. Claim your welcome offer.

    While optional, claiming the sign-up bonus is a smart move to explore the platform. Just be sure to review the terms and conditions beforehand.

  5. Play with responsible tools!

    Set limits on your session duration or spending for the day, week, or month. Personally, I always use these tools to keep my gameplay in check.

Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in West Virginia

As I said, West Virginia is beautiful. There are many cool locations tourists should visit. Logically, gambling enthusiasts will barely wait to enter some land-based casinos here. Check out these three WV land-based casinos!

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

This venue, owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Penn Entertainment, delivers top-notch entertainment.

The massive gaming floor boasts over 2,500 slot machines, 90 table games, and 24 poker tables, catering to all budgets with both low-stake and high-roller options. Plus, you can enjoy live and simulcast thoroughbred horse racing.

The complex includes a luxury hotel and a 1,200-seat event center hosting national acts. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors daily.

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

Their tagline says it best: “If you’re here for fun, you won’t be disappointed.”

This casino features 2,500 slot machines, ranging from penny spins to $100 per spin, and a progressive jackpot for big wins. For table games, you’ll find craps, blackjack, and roulette, along with poker variants like 3-Card and Caribbean Stud. Poker rooms operate on select days and hours.

Beyond gambling, the focus shifts to food and drinks with diverse dining options like The French Quarter Bar, Sports Bar, and Tiki Bar, offering flavors from around the globe. 

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort

This full-service resort and casino combines thoroughbred racing with a stylish 78,000-square-foot gaming floor. The casino houses 1,000+ slot machines with bets ranging from a nickel to $100 per spin. Additionally, there are 25 table games, including:

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 AM, and 24 hours on weekends. Whether you’re here for the races or the slots, it’s a must-visit for gamblers seeking variety and style.

Future of Online Gambling in West Virginia

Some of you are probably wondering about the future of online gambling in West Virginia. While it’s the second-smallest casino market in the US, I believe the industry here has plenty of room to grow.

Why? From my visits, I’ve seen firsthand how passionate West Virginians are about gambling. High demand inevitably attracts big sharks in the gaming world. So, expect new casino brands, better games, and enticing bonuses to surface soon.

As competition heats up, platforms will adopt cutting-edge tech. I’m betting on VR and AR to deliver immersive, almost ocean-deep gaming experiences. It’s all about making online gambling feel as real as stepping into a casino.

Another positive trend is the focus on responsible gambling. Brands are doing a solid job promoting tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits, helping players stay in control and avoid addiction.

Responsible Gambling Resources in West Virginia 

If gambling feels less like fun and more like a trap, reach out to the West Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. Don’t go deeper into the abyss—acknowledge the issue and seek help.

Take preventive steps to avoid trouble. Use self-exclusion tools if needed, and always set a budget. Remember, gambling is entertainment, not a ticket to millionaire status. Success stories are rare, so manage your expectations and enjoy the ride in West Virginia.

For additional tips, strategies, and educational resources, swim over to my website: Howtowinatthecasino.com. I wish you all safe, responsible, and exciting sessions!