West Virginia Online Gambling Overview
Essential WV Gambling Info
Status
Online Gambling Legalised: March 28, 2019
Online Casinos Legalised: March 28, 2019
Casino Operators Live in WV: BetMGM Casino, BetRivers Casino, Caesars Casino, DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, Golden Nugget Casino, PointsBet Casino
Available Casino Bonuses: Free spins, loyalty rewards, match bonuses, no deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses
Permitted Casino Games: Baccarat, blackjack, live dealer games, progressive jackpot slots, roulette, video poker, video slots
Online Poker Availability: Yes
Legal Gambling Age in WV: 21+
Accepted Payment Methods: Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, automated clearing house (ACH)
West Virginia Gambling Regulator: West Virginia Lottery Commission
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:
Choose one of the top West Virginia casino sites recommended on this page.
Choose the ‘register’ or ‘sign up’ option. Enter your full name, address, phone number, email, and date of birth.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Visit your online casino and log in to your account.
Visit the cashier section of the site.
Choose your preferred payment method from what the operator provides.
Choose the amount you wish to deposit.
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.
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:
– 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:
– 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.
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in West Virginia
– July 2020: DraftKings becomes the first online casino to launch in West Virginia.
– March 28, 2019: The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act passes.
– 2017: A first attempt to legalize online gambling fails.
– October 20, 2007: Racetracks in West Virginia start operating table games.
– 1994: West Virginia legalizes land-based casinos.
– January 9, 1986: Lottery tickets go on sale for the first time, and 1.5 million are sold.
– May 1985: Arch A. Moore Jr signs the West Virginia Lottery Act into law.
– 1984: A state referendum approves a State Lottery.
– 1931: The West Virginia Racing Commission regulates pari-mutuel horse and greyhound race betting.
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 internationally 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.
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:
Online Casino:
Pros:
– You can access online casinos anywhere in WV
– Exclusive online casino bonuses and promotions
– Wider selection of games
– Fewer distractions
Cons:
– Withdrawals can take several days to process
– Lacks the social element
Land Casino:
Pros:
– Exciting social atmosphere
– Amenities like restaurants and bars
– Can make instant withdrawals
Cons:
– Travel required
– RTP of land-based slot machines is usually higher
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:
– Best Feature: Welcome bonus
– Games: 250+ games
– Payout Times: 24-48 hours
– Casino App Availability: iOS and Android
– Live Dealer Options: 14+ games: baccarat, blackjack, roulette
– Game Companies: Bally, BTG, Evolution Gaming, IGT, NetEnt, NextGen Gaming, Red 7, Reel Play, Slingo, WMS
BetMGM Casino WV:
– Best Feature: Rewards program
– Games: 200+ games
– Payout Times: 24-48 hours
– Casino App Availability: iOS and Android
– Live Dealer Options: N/A
– Game Companies: AGS, Ainsworth, Big Time Gaming, Everi, Evolution, GVG, IGT, Incredible Technologies, Inspired Entertainment, Microgaming, NetEnt, NextGen Gaming, Playtech, Red Tiger Gaming, SG Digital, SG Gaming, Slingo, Spin Games, Williams Interactive
DraftKings Casino WV:
– Best Feature: Casino app
– Games: 500+ games
– Payout Times: 24-48 hours
– Casino App Availability: iOS and Android
– Live Dealer Options: 7+ games: baccarat, blackjack, game shows, roulette
– Game Companies: Amaya, Bally, Barcrest, BTG, Evolution Gaming, High5Games, IGT, Incredible Technologies, Inspired, Lightning Box, NetEnt, NextGen Gaming, PGsoft, Red 7, SG Interactive, Side City, Slingo, Spin Games, The Games Company, Wild Streak, WMS
5 Unique FAQs After The Conclusion
1. Can I gamble online in West Virginia in 2023?
Yes, West Virginian players have been able to gamble online with regulated online casinos in the state since 2020. You should be located within the state and be at least 21 years of age to gamble online in WV.
2. What is the legal gambling age in West Virginia?
You must be 21 or older to gamble in West Virginia. Many online casinos will require you to verify your age and identity to sign up.
3. Do I need to live in West Virginia to play casino games online?
You do not need to live in West Virginia to play casino games online. However, you must be within the state’s borders when playing.
4. Who regulates online gambling in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all gambling in the state. Any online casino that wants to operate in WV must get a license from this body.
5. Is online poker legal in WV?
Yes, online poker is legal in West Virginia. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act legalized online poker in the Mountain State. However, no WV online casino has launched online poker rooms or games at the time of writing.