West Virginia Gambling Laws 2026: Online Casinos, Sports Betting & Casinos Guide
West Virginia offers a progressive gambling environment with regulated online casinos, sports betting, and land-based venues since the 2019 Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. Five commercial racinos and one private casino provide slots, table games, and poker rooms, while online options include iGaming and mobile sportsbooks. Real-money play requires geolocation within state borders and age 21+. Offshore sites remain in a gray area without state protections, though regulated platforms ensure player safeguards and contribute to state revenue.
Overview of Gambling in West Virginia
Regulated under West Virginia Code Chapters 29-22 (Lottery), 29-22A (Video Lottery), 29-22C (Racetrack Video Lottery), 29-22D (Sports Wagering), and 29-25 (Authorized Gaming Facility), gambling includes VLTs with 80-95% RTP, table games, sports betting, and iGaming. The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees licensing, taxation (15% on iGaming adjusted gross revenue), and enforcement. No tribal casinos exist, as the state has no federally recognized tribes. Five land-based facilities anchor the market, with online extensions via partnerships.
Land-Based Casinos in West Virginia
West Virginia features five racinos and one historic private casino, all offering VLTs (slots), table games, and select poker rooms. Key venues include:
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (Ranson): Extensive VLTs, tables, and poker room with 16 tables; partners with DraftKings for online sports and casino.
- Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort (New Cumberland): Features VLTs, tables, poker (14 tables), and William Hill-operated sportsbook.
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack (Wheeling): Offers VLTs, tables, and poker (9 tables); partners with Betly for sports betting.
- Mardi Gras Casino & Resort (Cross Lanes): Includes VLTs, tables, and largest poker room (24 tables); uses Betly for sports.
- The Casino Club at The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs): Private venue with limited tables (2 poker) and partners with FanDuel/BetMGM for online options.
These facilities combine racing, gaming, and entertainment, with no bet size limits on tables.
Online Gambling and Offshore Sites
Real-money online casinos launched in 2020 under the 2019 Act, permitting slots, table games, live dealers, and specialty games. Operators affiliate with land-based casinos, supporting up to 15 skins total. Active platforms include DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, BetMGM Casino, Caesars/Horseshoe, and others. Offshore sites accept WV players but lack regulation, exposing users to risks without recourse. Sweepstakes models provide legal alternatives.
Poker in West Virginia
Live poker operates at all major casinos, with Mardi Gras (24 tables) leading in volume, followed by Hollywood (16), Mountaineer (14), Wheeling (9), and Greenbrier (2). Games focus on No-Limit Hold’em cash ($1/$2, $2/$5) and tournaments ($55-$135 buy-ins). Online poker is legalized but has limited availability; BetRivers Poker launched in 2025, with potential MSIGA shared liquidity. Offshore online poker remains prohibited.
Sports Betting in West Virginia
Sports betting, legal since 2018, includes retail at casinos and statewide mobile/online via licensed apps. Operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Betly, ESPN BET, and others (9+ active). Geofencing requires WV location; age 21+. Pari-mutuel horse/dog racing continues via ADW platforms like TwinSpires. Revenue supports education and infrastructure.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS is legal, classified as skill-based per 2016 Attorney General opinion. Major platforms DraftKings, FanDuel, and others remain accessible to WV residents without restrictions beyond age 18+.
West Virginia Lottery and Bingo
The West Virginia Lottery offers Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto America, Daily 3/4, Cash 25, Keno, and scratchers exclusively at retail—no online ticket sales. VLTs operate statewide. Charitable and commercial bingo is permitted, with online versions restricted to regulated iGaming platforms where available.
West Virginia Gambling FAQ
What gambling options are available in West Virginia?
Legal choices include five land-based casinos/racinos (VLTs, tables, poker), online casinos, mobile sports betting, DFS, pari-mutuel racing, and state lottery. No tribal gaming exists.
Is online casino gambling legal in West Virginia?
Yes, regulated since 2020 with multiple operators offering slots, tables, and live games. Platforms require WV geolocation and 21+ age verification.
Do offshore gambling sites accept West Virginia players?
Many do, supporting cards and e-wallets, but they operate without state oversight, posing risks for disputes and enforcement. Regulated sites provide safer alternatives.
Will West Virginia expand gambling further?
Focus remains on current markets; online poker growth possible via MSIGA, but no major new expansions anticipated soon. Enforcement targets unlicensed sweepstakes.