In the state of West Virginia, Video Lottery is the legal use of player interactive gaming machines similar to those commonly known as “slot” machines in the casino industry. As of 1994, video lottery was approved, with restraints set forth by law, at West Virginia’s four thoroughbred and greyhound racetracks. But definitely, completely different than a slot machine.” And there is a legit difference, even if the average player won’t necessarily notice. The math behind the scenes, Gomes notes, is completely different, based on old horse races and a pari-mutuel wagering system where players are all chipping in to a pot of money they’re playing for. Any person who shall keep or exhibit a gaming table, commonly called A.B.C. Table, or faro bank, or keno table, or any slot machine, multiple coin console machine, multiple coin console slot machine or device in the nature of a slot machine, or any other gaming table or device of like kind, under any denomination, or which has no name.

One of the most unexpected surprises of the start of 2019 came in the form of West Virginia online gambling legislation in the United States, somewhat out of the blue, after no previous bill or debate surrounding the subject. This state has always been seen as one of those unlikely to undertake such a modern approach, even though it was open to many other forms of betting, allowing from lottery scratch offs to a few West Virginia gambling casinos. This move, however, might be the key towards giving West Va casinos a competitive edge over the Philadelphia neighbouring establishments.

West Virginia Online Casino Sites

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Overview of Laws Pertaining to Wagering in WV

This state has been one of those that, at first glance, had a reputation as being biased against this particular market, with low odds of regulating in favour of the Internet-based betting. This was on account of never existing any sort of debate on the matter. It also has stipulated a large number of punishments for many situations where illegal wagering might have occurred.

In fact, West Virginia gambling market was always open to this sort of activity, welcoming the additional revenues, as long as it didn’t bring along an increase in criminal activity or other troublesome happenings.

The betting history started in the early 30s with race tracks, which became racinos in 1987 by including slots in their offer, now being seen as full rights casinos in West Virginia. 2007 has seen the best casino in West Virginia story come to life after the Greenbrier Hotel made up a plan to allow guests in playing wagering games on its premises. The fact that the term “guest” has a large meaning made it an even more incisive move on behalf of local lawmakers.

2018 was another key point in the field’s legislation, WV seizing the opportunity first-hand and deemed sports betting legal. This could have been the signal of the changes to come still.

West Virginia Online Gambling Laws

Early 2019 found gambling in West Virginia being given quite the shock, after the approval, on fast-forward, of the bill which legalizes West Virginia online gambling. This makes it the fifth state to take this stance. Following the model set before by neighbouring state Philadelphia, this bill allows casinos in West Va to apply for a license, which allows them to offer these kinds of services to state residents.
The decision was purely based on the previous experience of states such as Philadelphia, New Jersey or Delaware. The soon-to-be-created online casinos of West Virginia target customers from other close-by states, Ohio and Virginia, while also trying to keep business within state borders, avoiding seeing their residents going to PA in order to benefit from these services.

This is good news, no doubt about it, but there is an issue with the time frame when it will all come to effect. The first Internet, West Va casino, is not likely to open up shop anytime sooner than 2020, with 2021 being the most realistic deadline. Until that long-awaited time, WV citizens can enjoy West Virginia gaming the same way they did up to now, using the thoroughly reviewed betting websites, which accept US players. Most of them are based offshore like all the RTG casinos, which makes them good to go even now before the full effect of the new law takes place. In addition, it might just be a good idea to try out one of these secure websites, until the official ones appear, just so you can get the hang of the gameplay, the interface and a taste of what Internet wagering means. We found Bovada Casino as the most secure and trusted casino brand. Luckily, Bovada is legal in West Virginia and everyone can enjoy it.

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Offline Gambling in West Virginia

Brick-and-mortar

There aren’t that many WV casinos locations, given the fact that there are just 5 casinos across the state, 4 of them actually being of the racinos type. When it comes to classic resort and gambling casinos in West Virginia, there is only one such venue, the Greenbrier. This business started as a hotel, with the idea to offer its guests the additional facility of gambling, as a way to pass the time. Of the 5 establishments, this is the one with the fewest slot machines West Virginia has.

Sports Betting

Gambling in West Va has recently added to the offer, through a surprising decision in 2018, the sports betting service. But are there casinos in West Virginia where sports booking is available? The answer is yes. So far, the only casino in West Virginia to hold a license for it is the Greenbrier, but soon all the others are going to follow its lead.

Race Tracks

The original race tracks, two focused on horses, and two-centred on dog racing, have turned into WV online casinos, in 1987 after the decision to include slots games in their offer. Right now, they are the hub for West Virginia slot machines, with over 5800 such devices divided among the four of them.

Charitable

Although none of the Virginia casinos offers spaces specifically for bingo seats, there are a couple of bingo halls around the state. They are unusually popular, with an average prize pool allowed, limited to 10000 USD.

Social Gaming

The West Virginia gaming stage allows social gaming as long as it’s among friends, no rake or fee is accepted. As long as you don’t charge money the same way any West Virginia casino would, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you risk up to 2 years in prison for illegal organizing of gambling.

You Might Also be Interested in:

Virginia online gambling
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❓ Is gambling allowed in WV?

Almost every sort of WV gambling is allowed inside the borders of this state, with slot machines, poker and table games in West Virginia casinos, to horse and dog racing in racinos, buying tickets for both state and interstate lotteries, playing bingo and raffles and the newest addition to the list Internet wagering.

❓ Is West Virginia online gambling legal?

A law has recently passed which states that any WV casino can purchase a license to organize and own similar West Virginia online casinos.

❓ What do the West Virginia online gambling laws allow?

Following the lead other states provided, this newly adopted bill makes room for the opening of West Virginia online casinos, via a license that is to be purchased solely by the current existent casinos of West Virginia.

❓ What is minimum West Virginia gambling age?

The gambling age in West Virginia is of 18 for charitable gaming and lottery, while for casinos in WV is 21.

❓ Can I safely deposit or withdraw money from the offshore-based websites?

The only difference between the two, regarding the transfer of money to and from them, would be on the accepted means to do so. There are currently some restrictions in place in the case of offshore-based sites, as for example, the use of e-wallets not being an option. The expectancy is that the online casinos of West Virginia would be able to offer at least the same payment methods that their current West Virginia casinos counterparts do.

Additional Sources:

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=29&art=25
http://www.gettoknowgaming.org/sites/default/files/AGA_WestVirginia.pdf

Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) or slot machines became legal in West Virginia in 1994. Initially, slots were limited to the two thoroughbred and two greyhound racetracks in the state.

But that changed in 2001, the West Virginia Legislature passed the Limited Video Lottery Act, allowing slot machines in adult environments that possess a Class A alcohol license. The law limited the number of VLTs to 9,000.

West Virginia Slot Machine Payouts

In 2010, after lawmakers allowed historic resorts to apply for a casino license, The Casino Club at The Greenbrier opened. It added 300 more slot machines to the state’s inventory.

In March 2019, the Legislature voted on expanding slot machines again when it passed the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. The law legalized online casino gambling in WV. Online slot machines are live in West Virginia, giving slot players access to hundreds of games ranging from classic favorites to pop-culture phenomenons.

This page includes information to help you enjoy online slots in the Mountain State. We will explain the different types of slots, show you how to play free and real money slots, and take you through the steps before you can take the first virtual pull of your favorite machine.

Best online casinos with slots in WV

Are slots legal in West Virginia?

Yes, slot machines are legal in West Virginia.

West Virginia legalized slots (VLTs) in 1994 at the state’s racetracks. Then in 1999, the first slots appeared at licensed WV racinos. The year 2001 saw another expansion of legal slots with the Limited Video Lottery Act, allowing slot machines at bars and restaurants. Online slots are also legal.

The legislature passed the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act in 2019. Since then, the lottery has been establishing the rules and regulations governing online casinos. The first online casinos with slots will launch in July.

Today, the Mountain State’s five casinos and 1,470 VLT retailers account for 9,000 slot machines.

According to the lottery, a casino customer must be at least 21 years old. To play online slots in West Virginia, the player must be located within WV state lines. However, a player is not required to be a resident of the state to enjoy online gambling.

Playing WV online slots for free

While online casinos feature online slots for real money, there is a risk-free option to play.

Slot players can play their favorite games or try new ones simply by using the demo mode. Demo mode makes hundreds of slot titles available for free play.

Demo games do not collect historical data, which means you won’t know how much you win or lose. They will, however, let you check out all the features of a game, including these slot bonus features:

• Free spin bonus
• Pick game bonus
• Combo spin and pick game bonus
• Interactive bonus
• Skill-based bonus
• Choose-a-style bonus

Smart slot players play the demo slot for free to see which games they prefer, how the games pay out and the frequency of bonus feature activation.

How to play real money slots in West Virginia

Obviously, the first step to playing WV real money slots is to choose an online casino.

There are several criteria that you should consider when deciding at which online casino to play slots, including:

• Look of the online casino app
• New customer bonuses
• Casino loyalty program
• Payout percentage

In the end, the choice of online casinos is a personal one. To help you choose an online casino, we suggest you read all of our objective online casino reviews.

Then once you’ve made your choice, make sure to click one of our links before creating your account to get the best new customer bonus.

Most legal online casinos in WV may offer real cash bonuses without requiring a deposit. It is a great risk-free way to try out the casino and your favorite slot machines. The free spin offers are usually smaller ($10-$20) and come with playthrough requirements before you can withdraw any winnings.

Additionally, there is also usually a first-time deposit bonus for new players. The casino will match your first deposit amount up to a limit, doubling your money right away. There will also be playthrough requirements on this bonus money before you can withdraw it.

To get a new player or welcome bonus, click our link and register for your account.

The next step is depositing into your account. We expect WV online casinos to have similar deposit options to the state’s online sportsbooks. These include:

• ACH or bill pay
• Debit or credit cards
• Casino prepaid debit cards
• Cash via PayNearMe

Withdrawals after a big jackpot win will usually be credited back to the original deposit method. If that doesn’t work, then the online casino will provide an alternative option, usually a bank transfer or paper check.

It is important for customers to keep online slot play as fun entertainment. And to do that requires bankroll management. Set your limits and adjust your spin amount to allow the longest possible playing time.

Responsible gamblers know when they’ve reached their limit. And when they do, they end the session. If they win a jackpot, they cash out.

And if they have trouble maintaining their limits, they seek help from WV problem gambling resources.

What online casinos will launch in West Virginia?

If we look at the five casinos and their online sports betting partnerships, we can get an idea of which online casinos will launch in WV.

DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino and BetMGM Casino are highly likely to launch in WV. In fact, they will probably be among the first online casinos to open. All three casino apps are integrated with their WV sportsbooks, which are already operational.

Additionally, PokerStars may make an attempt to align with a casino in WV. The company has made it clear it is looking to expand across the US.

The online casino picture will become more clear soon. John Myers, the director of the West Virginia Lottery, recently told PlayWV that the launch of online casinos is imminent.

“We have had discussions with all of our casinos. We expect one could be in a position to launch in July if their suppliers achieve licensing approval.”

Playing WV slots on mobile devices

The launch of online casinos will bring casino apps to the Mountain State. Most slots will work fine on your phone, but ideally you will want your phone to be in the landscape position.

It is hard to know which apps will be available and if they are available for Android or iPhone / iPad until they launch.

One thing we do know, however, is most casino websites are responsive and can be used on your phone since they automatically adjust to the size of the screen.

Progressive jackpots in West Virginia

Progressive jackpots are the huge jackpots some slots accumulate. You will find progressive slot machines on the casino floor and at online casinos, with jackpots in the range of $1,000 to $20,000. Some can even get into six digits.

Progressive slot jackpots usually have different prize levels. Players will hit the lowest level more frequently and the grand prize level rarely, allowing the jackpot to continue to accumulate.

Big jackpots aren’t reserved just for progressive slots. Most slots have the potential for a big payout. Ultimately, a big payout potential is what attracts new customers.

What types of slots are available in West Virginia?

There are a wide variety of slot machines available in West Virginia. There are many different denominations, themes and sizes.

Denominations range from pennies to multiple dollars. The most popular themes are based on Greek mythology or mimic popular TV shows and movies.

Newer games have more bells and whistles because of the available technology. They offer more pay lines, special effects and bonus options than the standard three-reel slots of the past.

Here are some of the slot types found at land-based and online casinos:

• Traditional three-reel slots
• Three-reel slots with bonus
• Five-reel video and mechanical games
• Multimedia slots
• Slots reward programs

Loyalty programs exist at retail and online casinos to help attract new players and keep existing ones. A generous rewards program can increase a player’s bankroll and offer other benefits.

Slot players should consider loyalty programs and how their play will benefit them as they go about choosing their preferred casino.

Every loyalty program is different.

Some programs include both live and casino play, while others operate separate online casino and retail casino programs. You can redeem points for free-play and prizes. And depending on the casino, you can redeem points on site for hotel rooms or meals.

WV casinos with slot machines

Currently, there are five live casinos in WV. Four of the casinos have racetracks. The fifth casino, the Casino Club at The Greenbrier, is a private casino with access limited to members and hotel guests.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

• Location: 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414
• Number of slots: 2,136

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is near Harpers Ferry and is just a short drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. The thoroughbred racetrack opened in 1933 as Jefferson County Races. Voters approved slot machines at Charles Town in 1996, and Penn National, its current owner, purchased the property in 1997.

Today, you’ll find 2,136 slot machines (the most of all five casinos), 43 table games, a poker room, and a William Hill-powered sportsbook. Additionally, Hollywood Casino partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook for its sports betting app. Live horse racing continues at Charles Town. The first race post time is 7 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort

• Location: 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047
• Number of slots: 1,068

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort is located on the Ohio River. Until recently, it was owned by Eldorado Resorts and was recently sold to Century Casinos. The property first opened as Waterford Park by the Charles Town Jockey Club in 1951. It became Mountaineer Racetrack in 2001.

Mountaineer Casino has over 78,000 square feet of gambling space. It includes 1,068 slots, 25 table games, a poker room, and a retail sportsbook powered by William Hill. It currently does not have an online betting app. Mountaineer hosts thoroughbred racing on Sundays-Wednesdays with a first race post time of 7 p.m.

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort

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• Location: 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
• Number of slots: 664

Mardi Gras Casino, formerly known as Tri-State Greyhound Park, opened in 1985 with a primary focus on greyhound racing. In 2002, the property added an additional 57,000 square feet of gambling space and became an instant hit in the Charleston area. It was renamed Mardi Gras in 2008, one year after the addition of table games. Its current owner, Delaware North, purchased the property in 2018.

Mardi Gras Casino operates nearly 700 slot machines and 32 table games. It also has a poker room and an IGT-powered sportsbook using the betly platform. It is expected to launch an online casino and online sportsbook soon. Staying true to its initial focus, live greyhound racing takes place Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at 7 p.m.

Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack

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• Location: 1 S. Stone St., Wheeling, WV 26003
• Number of slots: 1,118

Wheeling Island is also owned by Delaware North. It was originally a site for thoroughbred and harness racing that predated the Civil War. In the 1970s, after a five-year absence due to fire, Wheeling Downs began the transition from thoroughbred to greyhound racing. In 1999, Wheeling Downs added VLTs or slot machines to an expanded 34,000 square feet of gambling space. Wheeling Island added table games and changed its name to Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack in 2008.

Wheeling Island currently has the second-largest slot offering behind Hollywood Casino, with over 1,100 machines. Its current portfolio includes 31 table games, a poker room, and an IGT-powered sportsbook. Like its sister property, Mardi Gras Casino, Wheeling Island is expected to launch an online casino and online sports betting soon. Live greyhound racing happens year-round seven days a week.

West Virginia Slot Machines

Casino Club at the Greenbrier

• Location: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
• Number of slots: 300

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Known as America’s Resort, The Greenbrier first opened its doors in 1778 in the Allegheny Mountains. The Casino Club didn’t open its doors until 2010, and at first, it only housed table games. Slot machines would soon follow. To this day, the Casino Club remains the country’s only private casino, requiring players to be a member or a hotel guest to gain entry.

West Virginia Slot Machine Locations

The Casino Club floor includes 300 slot machines, 37 table games, a poker room, and a FanDuel-powered retail sportsbook. The Greenbrier launched two of its three online sports betting skins with partners FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.