West Virginia Online Casinos

West Virginia Online Gambling Overview

West Virginia Online Gambling Laws

Representative Jason Barrett submitted to the House HB 2934, the bill that served as a base for West Virginia's Interactive Wagering Act, on February 8, 2019. After passing the House, the bill was introduced to the Senate later that month.

The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act passed without Governor Jim Justice’s signature on March 28, 2019, but the bill didn’t come into effect until June 7, 2019. The state’s first online casino launched on July 15, 2020, as the DraftKings WV casino app went live. Today, the West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees the regulation and licensing of all WV online casinos.

While the Mountain State legalized online casino gambling in 2019, West Virginians have enjoyed land-based casinos since 1994. Regulations allowed for only one casino in each of the five licensed cities: Danville, Bristol, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Richmond.

West Virginia gambling laws require every online casino to partner with one land-based casino. However, land-based operators can partner with up to three online operators. While retail and online casinos provide very similar games, online casinos can’t offer certain games, such as bingo.

How to Play With WV Online Casinos

WV online casinos provide a simple registration process but require you to provide personal information. Read our step-by-step guide to signing up for West Virginia online casinos to ensure you have everything you need:

1. Choose one of the top West Virginia casino sites recommended on this page.

2. Choose the 'register' or 'sign up' option. Enter your full name, address, phone number, email, and date of birth.

3. Add the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some operators may require more information or ask you to set up security questions and answers.

4. Email your photo ID, proof of address, and bank statement copies. The verification process usually takes up to two days but is often completed sooner.

5. You can register and get verified from outside of the state but won’t be able to gamble at a WV online casino until you are within West VA’s borders.

6. Many online casinos offer bonuses you can redeem when registering. Enter the promotion code when prompted during signup to redeem these offers.

Accepted WV Online Casino Banking Methods

If you want to play for real money at an online casino, you must add money to your casino account. West Virginia casino sites make this process easy and safe by offering a wide range of popular payment methods. Follow the steps below to make a deposit and quickly fund your WV casino account:

1. Visit your online casino and log in to your account.

2. Visit the cashier section of the site.

3. Choose your preferred payment method from what the operator provides.

4. Choose the amount you wish to deposit.

5. You will also have the option to enter a West Virginia online casino bonus code. If you do not have a code, continue registering, as many bonuses do not require a code.

6. Check your information and complete the deposit.

If you are playing at an online casino that provides a welcome bonus, you may need to make a qualifying deposit to claim it. Ensure you are depositing enough, and you should automatically receive your bonuses once your deposit is complete. Some online casinos offer no deposit bonuses, which don't require this step.

West Virginia's online casino payment methods are very similar to those in other states. However, certain banks may restrict which debit/credit cards are available to players. For example, banks like American Express often block transactions to online gambling sites.

These banks haven't created new policies for casino operators since online gambling started becoming legal across the US. Most operators accept Visa and MasterCard deposits, but the availability of withdrawals with bank cards is limited.

Who Can Play at Online Casinos in West Virginia?

West Virginia's online gambling laws are similar to other US state legislation. You must be 21 years old and physically located in the state to play online casino games. Players who don't live in West Virginia can also visit the state to play games.

The West Virginia Lottery Commission requires all online casinos to use geolocation services to ensure players are within the state's borders.

What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for WV Casinos?

To play at a West Virginia online casino, you must verify your identity with the operator to prevent identity fraud and underage gambling. An online casino will ask you to provide copies of your photo ID and proof of your address. You can email these documents to the casino or upload copies directly when you register.

You may also need to send a bank statement to prove a payment method. Casinos request this as a responsible-gambling measure to ensure you play within your means.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees both retail and online gambling in West Virginia. Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, the Commission was created in 1985 to assist and advise the Lottery Director on the State Lottery. Any online casino that wants to operate in West Virginia must pass the Commission’s strict testing.

The Top Legal Games to Play at WV Online Casinos

Online gambling laws in West Virginia are very open to different kinds of gambling, which gives players a wide variety of options to browse. Online slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, lottery, video poker, online poker, and live dealer games are just some options you will find at West Virginia online casinos.

Online Slots

Online slots typically offer higher Return to Player (RTP) rates than land-based slot machines, and thousands of different options are available to play online. You can find games in almost every theme imaginable. Whether you enjoy titles based on films and TV shows, ancient Egyptian or Grecian games, or even Vegas fruit machines, you can find a slot to match. Online slots also feature bonus games and different jackpot types to suit every player.

Roulette

Standard online roulette games have an RTP of 97%, higher than the industry average. You can find these games at online casinos, along with roulette variations and larger maximum payouts also available. WV casinos offer several online roulette variants, including American, European, and French. You can find a title to suit your preferences at most West Virginia online casinos.

Blackjack

Online blackjack lets you play different variations of the classic 21 game, including options with unique features and bonus games you can enjoy. You can access numerous variations of online blackjack at WV online casinos, including Atlantic City, Pontoon, Vegas Strip, and multi-hand varieties.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games allow you to experience table games with professional dealers over HD streams. These titles also feature live chat, so you can talk to dealers and other players while playing your favorite games. Many WV online casinos also offer live game show titles. If you're searching for that authentic casino atmosphere from the comfort of your home, live dealer games are your best bet.

Online Craps

Enjoy the same thrills from rolling the dice by playing online real money craps. Live dealer craps is unavailable in West Virginia, but many WV online casinos provide video craps games. You don't have to worry about finding a spot at a busy table when playing online. Simply log into your WV casino account and load up an online craps game on your mobile or desktop.

Video Poker

Your stake in online video poker determines the value of each hand type. Video poker gives you more control than other casino games, meaning you know exactly what you can win before the cards are dealt. Play your cards right, and who knows? You may walk away a winner.

Baccarat

Most WV casinos offer online baccarat in their live dealer portfolio or as a single-player video game. As one of the simplest card games, you can easily pick up the baccarat rules and find entertainment for hours at West Virginia online casinos.

Keno

The West Virginia Lottery Commission runs keno games every five minutes, and you can access these draws on its site. Alternatively, online casinos offer you more keno games to enjoy.

Lottery

Casino sites also offer a variety of instant-win casino games, including online lotteries. The prizes for these tickets can rival standard lotteries the West Virginia Lottery Commission offers.

WV Casino Apps for Players

Most West Virginia online casinos are available as apps you can download for iOS and Android devices. These should be available on the respective app stores, but you can also download them directly from the casino's site.

Registering with mobile casino apps is similar to signing up with a casino on a desktop. However, you must enable your mobile device's geolocation services to allow the casino to verify that you are in West Virginia. If you don't have your device's location detectable, the casino app won't work.

West Virginia Casino Apps for Android

You can download West Virginia online casinos using Android devices by visiting the Google Play Store. If your device doesn’t support the Google Play Store, you can also visit the casino’s site and download the app directly. The West Virginia online casino apps available on Android are listed below:

• BetMGM WV casino app

• BetRivers WV casino app

• Caesars WV casino app (No Google Play Store download)

• DraftKings WV casino app

• FanDuel WV casino app

• Golden Nugget WV casino app

• PointsBet WV casino app

WV Casino Apps for iOS

You will find many West Virginia casino apps on the Apple App Store for iOS devices. While you can sometimes download iOS apps directly from an online casino's site, this is less commonly available. Take a look at the list of casino apps available on iOS below:

• BetMGM WV casino app

• BetRivers WV casino app

• Caesars WV casino app

• DraftKings WV casino app

• FanDuel WV casino app

• Golden Nugget WV casino app

• PointsBet WV casino app

History of Online Gambling Laws in West Virginia

West Virginia legalized online gambling on March 28, 2019, when the state passed the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. After an original launch date of July 1, 2020, DraftKings launched its online casino on July 15, 2020, making it the first online casino regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission to launch in the state.

Every online casino must sign a partnership with a land-based casino in WV. There are five brick-and-mortar casinos, each with the potential for three online casino partners. Below is a list of all the online casino brands in West Virginia and each brand’s land-based partner:

Legal vs Offshore Casinos in West Virginia: What’s the Difference?

Online casinos in the Mountain State have been legal since 2020. West Virginia casino players can access both legal WV casinos and offshore sites. But what exactly are the differences between the two? Here are the essentials you need to know:

• Legal and Regulated WV Casinos: West Virginia casino players can access licensed online gambling sites operating within the state's borders. These casinos are all regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission and must adhere to its strict procedures.

• Offshore Casinos: Since these online gambling sites hold licenses with international regulatory bodies (or even no gambling jurisdiction), they are not required to follow West Virginia’s gambling regulations.

While you may find a wider variety of international regulated online casinos, these sites often have lower standards regarding data protection, player safety, and fair gaming. On the other hand, playing your favorite games at a legal and regulated West Virginia casino guarantees that your data is safe and all casino games are fair.

Take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of gambling at legal or offshore online casinos below.

It is important to note that any reputable international casino will not accept US players if their respective state doesn't regulate casinos. Accordingly, we always recommend playing in legal casinos that are fully legal and licensed by your state.

WV Online Casinos vs West VA Land-Based Casinos: Which is Better?

At the time of writing, there are seven online casinos in West Virginia compared to five land-based locations. Most WV players choose to use online casinos. For example, the total casino handle in the Mountain State was around $74,517,000 in December 2021. Approximately $59,760,000, or 80% of the betting handle, came from online operators.

Still, both forms of casino gambling come with various pros and cons, so our casino experts have summarized the key differences between the two in the table below.

Legit Online Casinos in West VA

Any legitimate online casino in West Virginia requires a license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The Commission carries out strict testing on player safety measures and background checks on the operator’s key personnel. There are currently seven licensed online casinos, with the potential for another eight to launch in the state. Below we have listed some of the top online casinos in WV and benefits you can get from them for registering:

FanDuel Casino WV

FanDuel started as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider in 2009 but has expanded to offer an online casino, online sportsbook, and horse racing betting platform. Entain, one of the biggest gambling operators worldwide, obtained FanDuel in 2018. The FanDuel welcome bonus is one of the best you can find at a West Virginia online casino, ensuring you get off to a good start when registering.

What are the Best Land-Based Casinos in West Virginia?

Five retail casinos operate in West Virginia, spread across five different cities. The best casinos in West Virginia offer resorts complete with spas, entertainment venues, and multiple restaurants to suit all tastes. If WV sports betting is what you're after, two of these casinos offer race tracks for greyhound and horse racing.

Wheeling Island Casino

• Address: 1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003

• Website: https://www.wheelingisland.com/

• Phone Number: (304) 232-5050

• Operator: Delaware North

Wheeling Island Casino offers more than 1,100 slot machines, along with table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. Greyhound races run at the casino, and you can wager on other racing events using simulcast betting. Wheeling Island also has a food court that offers various options. A sports bar and higher-end restaurants, like the Pointe, are also available.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, & Resort

• Address: 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047

• Website: https://www.cnty.com/mountaineer/

• Phone Number: (800) 804-0468

• Operator: Century Casinos

The Mountaineer Casino has more than 78,000 square feet of gaming space and provides smoking and non-smoking areas. Around 1,000 slot machines offer a range of price limits, including a high-limit area with $100 per game.

Table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette are available every day from 10 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, these games run until 4 a.m. Mountaineer Casino offers more than just casino gambling, with a retail Caesars sportsbook and a racetrack.

Mardi Gras Casino West Virginia

• Address: 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313

• Website: https://www.mardigrascasinowv.com/

• Phone Number: (304) 776-1000

• Operator: Delaware North

The gaming space at Mardi Gras covers 90,000 square feet and provides around 1,000 slot games. There are also 20 live table games and live poker games. Mardi Gras offers a rolling jackpot that can reach seven figures, and any player can win themselves a portion.

You can visit one of several restaurants in the casino, including its sports bar and the French Quarter. There are also greyhound racing and simulcast betting options available.

West Virginia Land-Based Casinos

What Casinos Will Open in West Virginia in the Future?

When West Virginia launched casinos, the regulation stated the five cities selected could host one casino each. Given all five cities have land-based casinos now, it's unlikely more casinos will open in WV soon.

How We Rate WV Online Casinos

Our experts examine every aspect of an online casino against our review process. We value the most important factors to you and test each online casino based on strict criteria. Below are some of the factors our experts consider when reviewing a West Virginia online casino.

Casino Bonuses

We only promote online casinos that offer bonuses in line with the regulations set out by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. Along with checking the number of promotions an online casino advertises, we also dive into their terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, to see the actual bonus value.

Security & Safety

The West Virginia Lottery Commission regularly checks and tests all licensed WV online casinos for player safety and security. In addition, many online casinos welcome testing from third-party organizations.

Variety

Our experts value gambling sites with a wide range of online casino games to ensure our players are satisfied with their gaming experience.

Mobile Gaming

Alongside checking whether an online casino has a mobile app, we compare its mobile experience to its desktop offering. The best online casino will provide a betting platform that works equally well on a desktop, an app, or a mobile browser.

Fast Payouts

Players want to get their hands on winnings as quickly as possible. An online casino that provides fast processing speeds across a range of trusted payment methods will be ranked highly by our experts.

Player Testimonials

Part of our review process is investigating player reviews, especially financial mistreatment. If we find a pattern of fraudulent behavior against players, we add that online casino to our blacklist.

Entertainment

Online casinos are all about entertainment. Players want games with premium graphics, original themes, and bonus features, so we actively look for online casinos that can deliver.

Avoid These Blacklisted Online Casinos

Trustworthiness is an essential factor for any online casino. We take any reports of WV casino sites refusing payouts, featuring subpar games, or limited customer service from our players seriously.

The West Virginia Lottery Commission has regulations to prevent malpractice, so regulated online casinos are trustworthy and reputable. Check out our list of blacklisted casinos to find out which sites to avoid.

Responsible Gambling in West Virginia

If you wish to take control of your gambling habits, many organizations in WV provide responsible gaming support. These include helplines, live chat, or in-person meetings:

• The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia – (800) 426-2537

• National Council on Problem Gambling – (800) 522-4700

• Gambler’s Anonymous – (800) 222-5542

Online casinos in WV are required to offer players guidance to these organizations. West Virginia also offers a self-exclusion program that gamblers can choose to join. This prohibits them from registering with online casinos across the state or receiving gambling marketing material.