Casinos in West Virginia

Jane Shaw By Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US Updated: January 16, 2024
Jane Shaw Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Map of Gambling Locations in West Virginia

West Virginia casinos have been around for a while, and several resorts have established themselves as worthwhile tourist destinations. Specifically, there are five establishments that offer full-fledged casino gaming in West Virginia, available to all residents of the state. For your convenience, we have marked them on the interactive map, giving you a clear idea of where each is located. This will allow you easily see which venue is the closest to you and help you plan accordingly.

West Virginia Casino Map

The Best Casino in West Virginia

There are a total of five casino establishments in West Virginia, spread out in various border cities. During the selection process, the licenses went to established US gambling companies. As a result, the West Virginia casino resorts are run by experienced corporations. Two of these stand out as the best casinos in West Virginia.

Multiple factors have contributed to our decision. Specifically, we chose these venues on account of the excellent service they offer. Visitors are treated not only to prime-quality gambling games but also to numerous entertainment options. Moreover, these establishments have the capacity to deliver an amazing experience, regardless of whether you are a gambler or not. In a separate ranking, we have listed the top real money online casinos in West Virginia that are worth considering.

West Virginia Best Casinos
Slots
2500
Special Services
  • Business Center
  • Fitness Center
  • Pool
Slots
1100
Special Services
  • Dining
  • Live concerts
  • Shows

The Biggest Casinos in West Virginia

If you are looking to find a Las Vegas-worthy casino experience, you might want to visit the largest West Virginia casinos or play from your mobile app at the online DraftKings Casino in WV, for example. Generally, the size of the gaming hall dictates the number of games a casino can host. Large venues are equipped to offer premium gambling options, including high-limit table games and poker rooms, but when you play online, you can find over a thousand games on a website.

Below, we have listed the biggest WV casinos, along with their respective number of table games. We took into consideration all gaming options, both slots and table games. Moreover, the availability of other gambling products also factored into our decision. At the venues below, you will find everything you need for a glamorous gaming experience.

West Virginia Biggest Casino

Are There Tribal Casinos in West Virginia?

Tribal casinos are those on Indian reservations that are owned, run, managed, and regulated by the governing body of the respective tribe. Tribal casinos are normally established by a tribe or conglomerate of tribes as a way of generating revenue that then supports the community by being allocated to things such as education, healthcare, job creation, and more. West Virginia does not play host to any Tribal casinos but offers four fantastic racinos and a commercial casino you’re bound to love.

Racinos

A 'racino' is a casino based around a race track that hosts regular horse races for para-mutual wagering as well as certain types of casino gaming. The racinos available in West Virginia give you the opportunity to witness horse races in person. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that is not available at most gambling venues. Of course, you can also try your luck at traditional casino games if you wish.

Of the four WV racinos, two stood out with an excellent betting service and the adjoining casino facilities. Specifically, the racinos in Charles Town and New Cumberland have been on the radar of any avid horse racing fan since they opened for business. Therefore, it is only logical for us to recommend them.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in West Virginia?

Riverboat and cruise ship casinos are a special kind of gambling business operated on a ship or another type of vessel. These came about as means to skirt local gambling laws in states where gambling was illegal. There was some variation in how they were run, but they were prevalent in jurisdictions where casinos were not available.

West Virginia has no need for such workarounds since casino gaming is fully regulated and legal. As such, gamblers can freely visit a venue of their choice without having to leave dry land. If you want to experience the joys of playing slots or table games out at sea, you can find plenty of cruises in neighbouring states. Virginia Beach, VA, is the docking location of several such cruises.

Full West Virginia Casino List

All five establishments for gambling in West Virginia have been listed below. Four of them are racinos, offering both horse racing and casino gambling, as well as other gaming products. Looking at the different casinos, we see that certain ones are aimed at particular players. Generally, most casinos are open between 09:00 AM to 04:00 AM, except The Greenbrier, which has varying working hours.

If you are thinking of visiting one of these resorts, we advise checking its location on the West Virginia casinos map. Additionally, we would also pay attention to the number and types of games available, as well as the accommodation offers.

Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Charles Town
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, 25414 Racinos
All Casinos in Cross Lanes
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort 1 Greyhound Dr, Cross Lanes, 25313 Racinos
All Casinos in New Cumberland
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort 1420 Mountaineer Cir, New Cumberland, 26047 Racinos
All Casinos in Wheeling
Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack 1 S Stone St, Wheeling, 26003 Racinos
All Casinos in White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, 24986 Racinos
 

Expected New Casinos

Currently, there are no plans for opening any new venues in West Virginia gambling cities. However, there has been a significant development recently. The state legalized web based gambling in 2019, and 2020 saw the launch of the first West Virginia casino sites. This is major news for WV gamblers, as they can now play from their desktop and mobile devices. On top of that, there are some very attractive casino bonuses and appealing welcome offers.

Gambling in West Virginia

Gambling in West Virginia is perfectly legal, provided that you visit a licensed operator. The state currently permits all major forms of gambling, including casino gaming, sports betting, poker, and more. To obtain a permit, the operator must comply with responsible gambling policies.

To gamble at casinos, a WV resident needs to be 21 years old. However, the minimum age requirement for pari-mutuel and charitable gambling is only 18 years. See more important details in the table below:

West Virginia Gambling Topics Gambling Facts for West Virginia
Number of Casinos 5
Casino Types Commercial, Racino
Casino Games Offered Slots, Casino Poker, Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments, Roulette, Blackjack, Dice Games, Other Games,
Age 21+ For Casinos, 18+ for para-mutual wagering and charitable gaming,
Smoking Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each West Virginia casino
Drinking Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served
Opening Hours
24/7 , Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
Betting Limit Min 0.01 – Max 1000
Taxation of Winnings Yes/No, for additional details click here

Casino Games in West Virginia

West Virginia casinos offer many different and unique games so whether you’re looking for the best online poker websites or identify as a craps fan, a blackjack enthusiast, or a slots lover, there’s a variety for you at any one of the five casinos in WV. You can also take part in betting as well as a number of charitable games and the state lottery. The best part about playing these games in WV is that, except for the lottery, you won’t be taxed on your winnings from any of them! Here’s a compilation of games and notable details of each.

Slot
  • 88 Fortunes
  • Joker's Riches
  • Mamoth Power
  • Maximus
  • Black Diamond
  • Shikibu
  • 4800+ Slot Machines
  • Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker
  • Slot Providers: Prestige Games, Aristocrat, WMS, Everi
Casino Poker
  • Limit Holdem
  • No Limit Holdem
  • 3 Card Poker
  • Fortune Pai Gow Poker

Additional DetailsThere are 61 poker tables spread between 5 poker rooms in WV

Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
  • Limit Holdem
  • NL Holdem
  • 7 Card Stud
  • Pot Limit Omaha
  • Fortune Pai Gow Poker

Additional DetailsHollywood Casino at Charles Town Races 16 table Poker cash tournaments and Mardi Grass Poker tournaments are hot popular among the people.

Roulette
  • American Roulette
  • Double-Zero Roulette
  • French Roulette
  • European Roulette

Additional DetailsMardi Gras is the number one go-to for roulette lovers.

Blackjack
  • Single Deck Blackjack
  • Double Deck Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • Blackjack
Dice Games
  • Craps
  • Hollywood is the preferred casino for craps
Other Games
  • Eletronic Blackjack
  • Mini-Bacarat
  • Video Poker
  • Big Six Wheel

Additional DetailsVideo Poker is particularly popular

Sports Betting
  • Football – NFL
  • Basketball – NBA
  • Baseball – MLB
  • Hockey – NHL
  • Golf - PGA
  • Most popular bets include
  • Parlays
  • Teasers
  • Totals
  • Moneyline
  • Point Spreads
  • Puck Line
  • Straight Bets
  • Futures
  • Robins

Gambling Legal Situation in West Virginia

When was casino gambling legalized in West Virginia?
West Virginia has had a positive attitude towards gambling for a long time. The first land-based casinos were established in 1994, and video lottery terminals were made available at racetracks. In 2007, casinos were permitted to operate table games on the premises.
What is the legal gambling age in West Virginia?
The legal age for gambling in West Virginia varies depending on the specific gaming product. In order to play games at the best casinos in West Virginia, you have to be 21 years old. However, if you wish to place a pari-mutuel bet or take part in charitable gambling, the minimum age drops down to 18 years old.
Can you smoke in West Virginia casinos?
Tobacco smoking is not allowed in West Virginia casinos. However, there are outside sections dedicated to smokers. This is usually the case in today's day and age. Marijuana is strictly illegal under the current West Virginia substance laws, so you cannot light up at the casino.
Are there Horse racing / Off-Track betting locations in West Virginia?
There are four so-called 'racinos' – venues that host both races and casino games – where you can place bets on horse races. Specifically, these are located in border towns close to neighboring states. You can easily visit such a location and put down a wager on the races.
Are there Dog racing / Off-Track betting locations in West Virginia?
The Mardi Gras and Wheeling Island racinos have tracks dedicated to dog racing. These are the only two venues in the state that still allow the practice. However, there has been a push in recent years to do away with dog racing. As such, it is unclear how long it will persist.
Is charitable gaming offered in West Virginia?
According to West Virginia gambling laws, charitable gaming is allowed, though under strict regulations. Currently, the most common forms of charitable gambling include bingo and raffles. There are charitable gaming events taking place all over the state, and you can easily find one near you.
Are there other legal restrictions in West Virginia?
Generally, West Virginia is quite lax with its gambling laws. As such, most forms of gambling are permitted in the state. The only significant restriction concerns WV gaming platforms, which require you to be within state borders to play. However, this is the case with all US casino sites and is unsurprising.

Taxation of Winnings

West Virginia does not tax individuals on winnings made from gambling at a casino. The only taxable winnings are those made from the state lottery if the prize is above $5000. In this case, WV takes 6.5% as state tax in addition to the standard 24% federal income tax. For more on the federal tax, visit our homepage where we have a dedicated section on the taxation of gambling winnings.

Prize ($) State Lottery - $5000+ (any prize) West Virginia Gross Income Tax (%)24 Federal + 6.5 State

West Virginia Gambling Laws

The West Virginia state law is very tolerant of gambling compared to many other states and has been for a long time. Just about all forms of gambling are legal in West Virginia, including casino gaming, sports betting, horse and dog racing, poker, charitable gambling, and iGaming. WV has proven to be one of the most liberal states when it comes to the gambling industry. Below, we have outlined some of the most important gambling laws:

History

West Virginia has been on the gambling map for almost a hundred years already. Compared to other states, WV’s gaming history is fairly colourful due to the states more relaxed pre-disposition towards the idea of gambling and the laws that regulate it. Here’s a plat-by-play of all the developments that mattered in West Virginias gaming history.

One of the oldest cities in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry
West Virginia Liberty Bell replica and State Capitol building, Charleston WV Gambling was first legalized in West Virginia in 1931 through horse and dog races.
Dolly Sods Wilderness West Virginia.jpg
  • 1931 Horse races and greyhound races were both legalised. This was the first form of legal gambling in the state and quickly became very popular indeed.

  • 1984 In this year the people voted in favor of the state lottery and it was established. For ten years only normal tickets could be bought, but a decade after its founding, the lottery allowed for video tickets too. Following this, slots and video poker were permitted at the then four racetracks which later became full racino facilities.

  • 1994-2001 After the legalization of video poker in 1994, the terminals quickly spread throughout the state in bars, restaurants, and other places. This was also happening in surrounding states at the time. Questions started to be raised about the legality of many of the machines and so most states increased regulations and the enforcement thereof. West Virginia, however, took a completely different approach, and fully legalized them in 2001.

  • 2007 In 2007, live poker and table games were made legal and the existing casinos were given permission to offer them at their facilities.

  • 2018 In March of 2018, sports betting was also legalized by the West Virginia state government. One year later the online gambling was legalized.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

West Virginia has proven to be quite liberal where it concerns gambling. It is one of a handful of states to permit every major type of gambling – both online and at land-based venues. As of 2021, WV gamblers can legally take part in casino gaming, sports betting, horse race betting, poker, and more. Operators are licensed by the local West Virginia Lottery Commission. The only significant change we can expect is an increase in the number of available licenses.

West Virginia Casino Resorts and Trips

All the casinos mentioned on this page are part of a major resort. Here, visitors can enjoy a wide range of entertainment and gambling options. Moreover, there are offers suitable for guests of all budgets. Below, we will explore the different resorts and potential organized trips.

Casino Resorts

There are five total West Virginia casino resorts, as mentioned previously on this page. Each of them offers visitors high-class accommodation and gambling products. What's more, they are conveniently located in border towns, close to nearby states. This way, they can attract both local and out-of-state players.

Aside from casino gaming, these resorts also provide numerous other entertainment options, such as sports, nightlife events, restaurants, and bars. There are a lot of activities to take part in if you are not a gambler or want a break from the tables. Below, we have listed the top West Virginia casino resorts:

The Greenbrier
Number of Rooms710
Price Range ($)319-545
Special Packages"3 for 2 Special"
Additional ServicesSPA Pool Golf Course
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Number of Rooms354
Price Range ($)79-229
Special Packages"One Club Members Redemption Deal"
Additional ServicesSpa Fitness Golf
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Number of Rooms153
Price Range ($)199-329
Special Packages"Payback Fridays"
Additional ServicesFitness Business Centre Banquet Room

Casino Trips

Casino tours can be fun if you are in the mood for some serious gambling. Certain companies and casinos are more than happy to arrange transportation to a certain venue. This leaves all the planning to a third party, allowing you to fully enjoy yourself. As far as WV casino tours, players seem especially fond of organizing tours to the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town. See more details below:

James River Transportation  Visit Website
  • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Bus from Richmond and Fredericksburg
  • Cost & Bonus Package ($50.00 per person And bonus of $20.00 in slot play)
Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races  Visit Website
  • From Baltimore and Washington to the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town
  • Book with 30 people or more and qualify for bonuses and discounts

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed. For instance, the best online casino bonuses in West Virginia change regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax revenue does West Virginia make from casinos?

West Virginia does not tax individuals on their winnings. However, casinos themselves pay an annual average of $390 million in taxes. This number is expected to rise in the coming years as gambling becomes more popular in the state. The introduction of online casinos in West Virginia has proven especially profitable, contributing much to the state's yearly budget

Who regulates gambling in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all gambling activities in the state by law as of 1984. The best casinos in West Virginia all operate under the strict supervision of the Commission. This institution ensures that all gaming is fair and that players are afforded certain legal protections.

How old do you have to be to play at the casinos in West Virginia?

Based on West Virginia gambling laws, you need to be 21 years old to play at the available casinos. Other forms of gambling, such as charitable gaming and pari-mutuel wagering, are less strict. To participate in them, you have to be 18 years of age.

Am I allowed to bring pets to any casino in West Virginia?

It all depends on the West Virginia casino resort in question. Some allow for small dogs, whereas others forbid pets entirely. If you cannot find concrete information on their respective websites, it could be a good idea to phone and ask.

About West Virginia

Outline of West Virginia, including Wheeling, Weirton and Huntington
Capital Charleston 
Largest Cities Weirton, Huntington, Wheeling 
Size 24 038 mi² 
Population 1,792 million 
Time Zone GMT-4 
Abbreviation WV 

Conclusion

When all is said and done, West Virginia offers more gambling opportunities than most other states. It is perfectly legal to gamble at both web based and land-based locations in West Virginia. This makes the state a great gaming destination for any experienced gambler. While it does not enjoy the same glamorous reputation as Vegas or Atlantic City, West Virginia has more than enough to offer you. Here are some of the best features of WV casinos:

  • All Major Gambling Products Available
  • Accessible to the Neighboring States
  • Excellent Accommodation Options

If this sound good to you, do not hesitate to book a room. Above, we have listed the top WV casinos, and you can find links to their respective websites. From there, you will have no issue in finding the casino resort for you.

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