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Table Of Contents

Five down, 45 to go.

The battle for online poker to be legalized in the United States took a positive turn on Wednesday when West Virginia became the fifth state to pass legislation regulating the activity.

As for when online poker players in the state can expect to be dealt hands, local outlets put forth an estimate of some time next year.

'Even in an aggressive timeline, it would seem like 2020 would be the earliest a launch would take place,' wrote Grant Lucas.

Specifics of the Bill

Both West Virginia's House and Senate passed online gambling legislation by wide margins, the latter vote coming on March 8. That sent the prospective law to Gov. Jim Justice's desk with the opportunity for it to become law with his signature.

While that step in the legislative process has been a sweat recently — see what happened in Michigan — what actually wound up happening was absolutely nothing. Justice took no action on the bill, and after 15 days, per West Virginia law, that meant his opportunity to veto had passed and the bill automatically became law.

Gov. Justice allowed sports betting to pass in a similar manner last year after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the long-standing laws preventing its spread outside of Nevada.

Under the new law, five licenses will be set aside, one for each of West Virginia's five casinos: Hollywood Casino Charles Town, Casino Club at The Greenbrier, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Wheeling Island, and the Mountaineer Casino.

Each venue can pay $250,000 for a five-year license, with $100,000 renewals good for another five years. Online gaming will be taxed at 15 percent.

Online slots, table games and poker are all covered under the bill.

Online Poker in West Virginia

While another state taking the leap and legalizing online poker is nothing but good news for U.S. online poker players, the questions of what sort of impact West Virginia will have, and what sort of market it can even support, remains open.

West Virginia is one of the smallest states in the country, ranking 38th with a population under 2 million, and it ranks as one of the 10 poorest as well. It is estimated the entire online gambling market would be worth around $40 million, with poker representing only a fraction of that.

Given that, it's not certain that West Virginia can support much of an online poker market on its own.

Instead, it would likely rely heavily on inclusion into the multi-state online player pool, which currently encompasses Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada. Pennsylvania is the other state with online poker legislation, but it has yet to launch.

Unfortunately for West Virginians, there's currently a massive cloud over all such player pool sharing between states due to the lingering uncertainty over what's going to happen with the Justice Department's re-interpretation of the Wire Act. If no gambling is allowed over state lines, as the Department's new opinion appears to proclaim, it's possible West Virginia online poker never gets off the ground.

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  Online PokerPoker and the Law

As a mostly rural state, it’s not easy for gamblers in West Virginia to get to one of the state’s five retail casinos. Most residents who want to play table games or slots regularly, in fact, are well out of range. Fortunately, there’s now another option in West Virginia – online casinos.

West Virginia legalized sports betting including live and online/mobile betting in 2018. A year later it became the fifth state to legalize online casino gaming. State regulators didn’t anticipate online casinos going live until 2021 but the Coronavirus pandemic changed that outlook.

The WV Lottery Commission announced emergency rules in June 2020 to fast track online casinos and go live with some platforms by July. The state delivered on that promise on July 15. DraftKings Casino was the first platform in WV to offer legal online casino gaming. Rival casino BetMGM (Greenbrier) has also now launched and FanDuel will follow soon.

Best WV Online Casinos

Texas Holdem Charles Town Wv Map

Current online casinos in WV

With the launch of DraftKings Casino, WV officially entered the online casino club. Here’s a look at DraftKings and some other online casinos expected to launch in the Mountain State.

DraftKings Casino WV

DraftKings has offered sports betting in WV since 2019 through its partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. That includes a live sportsbook at the casino as well as an online sportsbook and sportsbook app.

DraftKings launched in 2012 as a Daily Fantasy Sports company, but in recent years branched out to include sports betting and online casino. DraftKings is now one of the largest online gaming operations in the country; it also offers online casino gaming in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

As the first online casino in the WV market DraftKings has the early edge with new players although table games are the only games available so far. Slots and more games will be added soon.

BetMGM Casino WV

BetMGM is the online gaming arm of MGM Resorts International, one of the largest gaming companies in the world. The company also partners with The Greenbrier in WV, and offers mobile sports betting in Nevada and New Jersey.

The company also offers real money online poker in New Jersey through its partnership with partypoker, which includes the Borgata Poker and BetMGM poker skins. In New Jersey, that also includes online casino – allowing for a seamless transition among sports betting, poker, and casino gaming.

MGM has plenty of experience in the online gaming industry and adding online casino in WV is another notch in its belt.

Expected WV Online Casinos

FanDuel Casino WV

This well-known Daily Fantasy Sports company was launched in 2009. Like DraftKings it has also now branched out to include sports betting and online casino.

FanDuel was purchased by Paddy Power Betfair in 2018, which has been rebranded as Flutter Entertainment and is one of the largest gaming operations in the world. FanDuel is a major part of that in the US.

That now includes PokerStars, FOX Bet, BetFair, and even the television channel TVG, where FanDuel hosts a Sunday NFL preview show. FanDuel launched WV sports betting in 2019 and seems a likely player in online casino gaming in the state.

FanDuel already offers sports betting in WV through its partnership with The Greenbrier private casino resort in the city of Sulphur Springs. The company also operates a live sportsbook at the casino.

Currently, FanDuel offers online casino games in New Jersey and Pennsylvania utilizing Flutter’s BetFair platform.

Wheeling Island & Mardi Gras Casino

The Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casinos are operated by the Delaware North company. These two casinos offer sports betting through a partnership with the international gaming company IGT.

IGT offers online gaming, slot machines, and other digital gaming products. In WV, the Delaware North-IGT gaming product is named betly. This sports betting arm offers live wagering at both the Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casinos.

However a betly online sportsbook offering seems likely, considering Delaware North was the first to offer online sports betting in the state with its short-lived BetLucky app. That offering was through a partnership with Miomni Gaming. That partnership fizzled after Miomni underwent a legal dispute with a third-party technology provider.

With that history, adding betly as a mobile option in WV seems a likely next step. However, it remains to be seen if that will include a complete online casino option.

WV Casino Apps

There’s just one option for now but WV bettors now have the option to play casino on their phones or tablets. A mobile casino app makes for much greater ease of use and portability.

You can play a couple hands of Blackjack or take a spin on a slot machine from anywhere. While only one online casino had launched as of July 2020, here’s a look at what to expect.

DraftKings Casino App

Not only did the launch of the DraftKings online casino open up casino gaming, the DK casino app makes for a seamless transition between sports betting and casino gaming too. Players can either:

• Download the standalone DraftKings casino app
• Access the DraftKings Casino via the DraftKings Sportsbook app

You’ll find a very easy-to-use app accented with the company’s signature blue and green colors. So far only table games can be played but there is a pretty good variety of them including:

• Blackjack (several variations)
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker
• Keno

More games will be added in the coming months. DraftKings also offers a rewards program similar to a live casino alongside numerous regular promotions. Some of those have included:

• Video Poker Bonuses
• Odds Boosts at the sportsbook

A $35 no deposit casino bonus is also available to new players. Cash outs are simple and fast and available directly in the app.

BetMGM Casino App

This app also makes making a sports bet or playing a casino game a simple process. The MGM app uses a nice gold, black, and white color palette, and pleasing aesthetics.

A slide near the top of the page scrolls through promotions and highlights. A horizontal bar in the middle of the screen makes switching among table games, slots, promotions, banking, and other options an easy process.

A menu bar at the bottom of the page is also handy – you can toggle between the casino, sportsbook, poker, and promotions. Some of the table games and slot options include:

• Blackjack (several options)
• Roulette (several options)
• Live Dealer games
• Casino Texas Hold’em
• Video Poker
• Progressive slots
• Mistress of Egypt
• Dancing Drums
• Cleopatra

FanDuel Casino App

The FanDuel online casino app isn’t available in WV app you can expect the signature FanDuel gaming experience when it’s launched. The casino app in other states has a long list of games available including:

• Blackjack (several versions)
• Roulette (American and European)
• Baccarat
• Live Dealer games
• Video Poker
• Divine Fortune
• Triple Red Hot 7s
• Guns N’ Roses
• Wheel of Fortune
• Progressive slots

You can also take advantage of the FanDuel Sportsbook via the casino app. Regular promotions have included free bets, cash back, odds boosts, and numerous others.

Advantages of online casino apps

Desktop or laptop computers are great to take advantage of the full casino software; casino apps boil the interface down to the basics and keep betting simple and easy-to-navigate. Here’s a quick list of advantages to using a casino app alongside the desktop casino:

• Portability – Playing some quick spins of the roulette wheel or taking a few shots on a Divine Fortune slot can be done from anywhere. The apps also offer everything you’d expect in a casino but with simplicity to play online. You can even play for virtual currency to learn the ropes and practice.
• Ease of use – The apps have simple icons and easy fluidity. Moving between differing gaming options is quick and seamless. Casino apps aren’t quite as cumbersome as using a mouse and keyboard.
• Simple download – Using an app only takes a few minutes to download, set up an account, and make a deposit. Once that’s complete, you’re ready to go. Take advantage of the USPoker bonus links on this page to earn some free cash.

Quick Cashouts, Security

Setting up an account and depositing at a legal online casino is a quick and easy process. Click on any link on this page to make use of the casino bonus codes and collect free cash when you start playing.

Legal, real-money online casino will ask you to provide a limited amount of personal information such as:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Username
• Password

After entering that, you’ll be ready to deposit or play for free with virtual currency. Regular deposit methods include credit cards, debit cards, echecks, and any other method approved by gaming regulators.

Skrill and PayPal deposits & withdrawals are also usually available. These are e-wallets that make transferring funds an even faster process. Some online casinos even allow cash deposits at the cashier of its land-based casino partner.

PayNearMe is another cash option available at thousands of retail locations around the country including 7-Eleven. Players can make use of an app using this deposit method.

Cashing out your wins quickly is also a simple and painless process. Navigate to the cashier tab on the app to make a withdrawal – usually via the same method you used to deposit.

Register & Claim Your Bonus Anywhere

One important note to remember: you don’t have to be a resident of a legalized gambling state to set up an account and make a deposit at an online casino. This process can be done from anywhere.

Then, when you’re in West Virginia, you can simply sign in and jump into your favorite game.

Players can trust their funds are secure with legal online operators. They undergo thorough vetting to secure a license, the same as a land-based casino. Online operators also use geolocation software to make certain a player is in a legal state.

This isn’t always the case with unregulated, offshore gaming sites. In regulated markets, player information and funds are secure. Your gaming money is kept separate from a casino’s operating funds.

No Download Casinos

If you don’t care to download the casino app you can always play the games via any standard web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Explorer) via desktop, laptop or smartphone.

You can expect much of what you’d find on the app including table games, slots, and even sports betting to function exactly the same. A browser-based system can also be an easy way to play a few hands of cards or mix it up at a slot.

These also still give players an opportunity to play for virtual currency to learn the game. Another advantage of playing online is that you’ll often find lower stakes than you might find at a traditional casino. This can help make those funds last longer as you learn the game.

No Deposit Casino Bonuses

Most online casinos offer no deposit bonuses just for signing up. That means you simply:

• Create a new online casino account
• Get free money to play real money casino games online – similar to a live casino’s “free play” promotions

There will be certain “play through” requirements for these funds, meaning the cash has to be wagered before it can be withdrawn. But this is indeed free money to play at the tables, slots, or sportsbook.

Online casinos also offer Deposit Bonuses and Match Bonuses for those looking to fund an account. You don’t need to make a big deposit to get started, either. Those interested in making just a small deposit at an online casino can find minimum deposit casinos as low as $5 or $10.

Use the links and bonus codes on this page to claim your no deposit bonuses. Here’s a quick look at what WV online casinos offer.

DraftKings Online Casino WV – $35 Free on Registration

• No Deposit Bonus – $35 free no deposit
• Casino Deposit Bonus – 20% deposit match up to $500 Bonus; risk-free first bet up to $200
• Sportsbook Bonuses – $25 no deposit bonus, up to $500 deposit bonus, $500 free bet
• Promo Code – no code needed, use this link

Free Casino Games in West Virginia

As noted earlier, traditional regulated online casinos allow players to play for real money or virtual currency. Using play money allows you to practice and become accustomed to the gameplay and casino app.

This is often called “demo mode” and allows you to play for free. At the new DraftKings online casino, players can check out table games right now in demo mode – from Blackjack and Craps to Keno and Three-Card Poker.

Slot machines should be added soon as well and you can also play these in demo mode. Players will find some of their favorites even available for free play.

Texas Holdem Charles Town Wv Casino

Real Money Online Casino vs. Social Casino

In the age of mobile phones and social media, slot and gaming-type games have become extremely popular. Players can battle it out in casino games for fun. These often often offer various virtual currencies to get in the action.

However, real-money online casinos function differently. Just like traditional casinos, these platforms offer a chance to win real money and even major jackpots. Players can cash out real winnings.

This is a critical difference. Players can expect a real casino gaming experience at sites and apps like the new WV DraftKings online casino.

West Virginia Live Casinos

Players looking at live gaming action have a few options to choose from. Here’s a quick look at the state’s live properties.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (750 Hollywood Dr., Charles Town, WV)

This Penn National Gaming property offers a wide range of gaming including 2,500 slots, numerous table games, sports betting, a 16-table poker room, and live and simulcast thoroughbred horse racing. The property is located near Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and is the largest casino in the state.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort (1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV)

This property, owned by Century Casinos, is located in the far northern panhandle right between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The facility features 1,100 slots, 32 table games, 14 tables of live poker action, live and simulcast thoroughbred racing, and a WIlliam Hill sportsbook.

The Casino Club at The Greenbrier (101 West Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV)

This is the only private club casino in the country although it is also possible for non-members to play. The casino is located in the southern section of the state near the border with Virginia. It’s small, but features 320 slots and 36 table games as well as a six-table poker room and a FanDuel sportsbook.

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack (1 South Stone St., Wheeling, WV)

This casino is located in the northern panhandle on the border with Ohio. Wheeling Island and the Mardi Gras are both operated by the Delaware North company. Wheeling offers all your favorite table games, 1,100 slots, a nine-table poker room, live greyhound racing, simulcast racing from around the world, and an IGT/betly sportsbook.

Mardi Gras Casino and Resort (1 Greyhound Dr., Cross Lanes, WV)

This casino is the sister property of the Mardi Gras and located in western WV near Charleston. The property features 1,000 slots machines, 20 table games, 18 tables for poker, live greyhound racing, simulcast race wagering, and an IGT/betly sportsbook.

West Virginia online casino timeline

The online gaming legalization process began in West Virginia in 2018 when the state legalized sports betting. That also included online and mobile wagering, setting the stage for more online gaming expansion a year later.

In February 2019, the House and Senate approved for the state lottery to begin regulating online gaming. That measure, officially known as the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, became law in March 2019.

Gov. Jim Justice (R) didn’t sign the bill but it didn’t matter in this case. Without signing, the bill became law after a certain number of days passed. Justice is actually the owner of The Greenbrier.

FanDuel launched an online sportsbook in the state in August 2019 and DraftKings quickly followed. Almost a year later, DraftKings became the first online casino in the state after launching in July 2020.

That allowed WV to officially enter the world of legalized online gaming – the fourth state to do so, not including only online poker in Nevada. Many in the state will be watching to see which platform might debut next.

WV Online Casinos FAQ

Can I play on WV online casinos from out of state?

No. Any casino licensed in WV can only be played within the state borders, although out-of-state players can travel to West Virginia and use the online casino as well. If you travel you can access legal casino or poker sites in the other legalized online casino states of New Jersey andPennsylvania.

Can you play on offshore casino sites in WV?

While offshore, unregulated sites are illegal, players often try to play on these. However, these don’t face any regulatory scrutiny and the loss of player funds has been a common complaint. Players would be much better advised to take advantage of legal US online casinos like those listed on this page or in other legalized gambling states.

Are sweepstakes casino sites open/safe/legal?

Sweepstakes casinos can be another option. VGW Holdings operates the Chumba online casino and Luckyland sweepstakes slots as well as Global Poker. These offer players a chance to play for fun with a chance at real winnings.

Sweeps cash online casinos are a cross between social casino apps and real money online casinos. You can play for a virtual currency called Gold Coins. You can also purchase more Gold Coins and will receive a certain amount of Sweeps Coins with each purchase.

This virtual currency can be used to play in separate Sweeps Coin games. Sweeps coins can then be exchanged for real cash prizes.

Chumba and Luckyland online casinos are owned and operated by Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia. The Malta Gaming Authority licenses both sites as well as the Global Poker platform, which operates in a similar sweepstakes format.

Chumba, Luckyland, and Global Poker are safe gaming alternatives and all three are available for players in the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec).