West Virginia Casinos

West Virginia online casinos

Online casinos are growing fast in several US states, including West Virginia. With over 1.78 individuals residing in West Virginia, the state makes its mark as one of the pioneers of online casino gaming in the United States. Although retail casinos were legal and existed for longer, online casinos in West Virginia were legalized in 2019.

This was a great move, not just because the world was tilting to technological adaptations in all endeavors. West Virginia also generated a reasonable revenue in tax charges. This money is then used for infrastructural developments, education, and more.

Table of Contents

Pros and cons

How to choose the best online casino

Online casino games

Mobile gaming

Bonuses

Payment methods

History

Faq

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West Virginia gambling

Although with limited providers, West Virginia has some of the best online casinos in the country. The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates online casino gambling. The lawful age to participate in e-wagering is 21 years, and bettors are subjected to a state tax rate of 2% to 5.75% on winnings.

This article will delve deeper into West Virginia online casino wagering and how to get started. Other aspects dissected in this article include the pros and downsides of e-wagering in WV, what to consider when choosing WV casinos, the betting options available to WV players, and more.

We've also included some interesting history and facts about casino gaming in WV, so you know how it started. If you seek fast answers, you can jump to our FAQs section.

Pros and Cons of wagering online in West Virginia

Some of the pros of wagering on a web-based casino in West Virginia are:

Convenience and flexibility

Players have been wagering at retail bookmakers long before the introduction of online casinos in West Virginia. However, web-based wagering has a different feel to it. Bettors can easily place their bets conveniently without visiting a retail bookmaker. This saves you a lot of time, especially if your preferred bookmaker is far from your location.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night and wanting to book your bets. It will take a lot of work to achieve through retail bookmakers. However, employing online resources is feasible as you can place your wagers with your mobile device in minutes.

Safety and privacy

Nothing beats privacy. You can place wagers online without anybody knowing. On the other hand, wagering at retail bookmakers places you in a position where other people will know you gamble.

There have been instances where bettors are assaulted and robbed of their winnings when leaving a retail bookmaker. E-wagering saves you from scenarios like that.

Multiple betting options

WV players have a plethora of betting alternatives to choose from. Bettors can play blackjack, roulette, slot, poker, sports betting, live casino games, fantasy sports, and more. You can explore any of these options meticulously and not waste anybody's time at the bookmaker.

Easy bet monitoring

Bettors that wager online can easily monitor the progress of their bets. All you need is to login into your betting account and navigate the open bets section.

Multiple payment options

Online WV casinos provide a lot of payment options to their customers. You can check the betting options on your preferred WV casino and decide which one to use.

It is noteworthy that bookers will usually payout using the same deposit method, so make sure you access your options carefully.

Bonuses and promotional offers

The best thing about web-based bookmakers in West Virginia is the bonus and promos they offer customers. Players that wager online have a better chance of being eligible for these bonuses and promos. Some common bonuses are free bets, no deposit, welcome, and referral bonuses. You'll be positioning yourself for big gains if you can leverage these bonuses.

As there are advantages to online WV casinos, some downsides also follow, such as:

Payout delay

Withdrawing your winnings can take time and effort. Most online bookmakers only allow bettors to withdraw their winnings through the same payment method. Also, they may require further verification when a payout is initiated, which could be quite frustrating for the bettor.

Transaction fees

It can be quite hard to keep all your money if you gamble on a web-based WV casino due to the charges incurred when depositing and withdrawing. This may be frustrating, especially when you're dealing with small amounts.

Addiction

Since it's easy to wager online, bettors may spend too much time gambling. Don't get us wrong. It's possible to be addicted to gambling even if you use retail bookmakers. However, the direct access that a web-based WV casino provides can easily get you addicted.

If you can control yourself, you'd have no problems. Otherwise, you can contact the West Virginia Gaming & Racing Association or other gambling bodies for support.

West Virginia online casinos

Criteria to consider when choosing an online casino

We advise our readers to consider their options carefully before settling for a WV casino. Ensure that the bookmaker addresses your own betting needs. Choosing bookmakers can be tough, especially if you're a beginner.

You can use the following criteria as the yardstick when choosing casinos in West Virginia:

Best online casino bonuses

Compared to other states like Pennsylvania, online casinos in West Virginia are limited to a few options. This means there is fierce competition between bookmakers to keep customers. So what is a better way to keep customers than offering them mouthwatering bonuses?

However, this is good for bettors as they can leverage the bonus offers to win more. However, don't go for bonuses alone. Always consider quality service first.

Safety and support

How safe is the WV casino? What kind of experiences do other players have with customer support? These are some of the questions you should answer when assessing the casinos West Virginia offers.

Safety is critical when wagering online, as your personal information can be easily leaked to scammers and hackers. Therefore, your information should be protected. The first step to doing so is selecting a trusted and safe casino.

Mobile options

A casino in West Virginia can offer an amazing web experience to users but a poor user experience on the mobile app. On the other hand, some players prefer using the app to the website because it's relatively easier and safer to access your account through the app. Whichever your preference is, ensure your casino has a great web and mobile app.

Game options

As a bettor, you want full flexibility, which can only be achieved when there is a wide range of betting options. You want to choose something other than a bookmaker that offers only slots when you are also interested in sports betting once you find an all-inclusive casino in WV that suits your needs.

Payment flexibility

One important aspect of e-wagering is payment flexibility. When taken away, wagering online becomes a struggle as you're limited to a few payment options, which may not be convenient. However, with several payment options, you can easily select one or two options you're comfortable using.

For instance, a customer may be very comfortable using PayPal for your payments, while another bettor may prefer bank transfers. The casino will accommodate both sets of individuals due to its diverse payment methods.

WV online casino games

WV Players have a plethora of betting alternatives to explore. Let's take a look at some of them.

Table games

Many players believe that the best odds can be found in table games. Just as the name suggests, they take place at the table. Of course, it's quite different when you're playing online, but it's practically the same as retail table games. Some casinos in West Virginia even offer free table games. With this, you can practice and get better at them.

Some of the popular table games are baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

Live dealer

Live Dealer games can be compared to online video games. Here, you're not playing the system but a real human. Online casinos are built in such a way that players can interact with each other without actually seeing themselves. You can play live dealer games like baccarat, roulette, three-card poker, and more.

Online poker

Online poker rules are the same as physical poker. The only difference is that online poker takes less time and is less risky, as you can wager peanuts on it. There are a variety of poker games, so ensure that whichever game you choose, you understand the rules.

Lottery

Bettors that wish to participate in the online lottery must be at least 18 years of age. Different from table games, it's a hard task to find free lottery games. However, some casinos may offer you a small number of free bets to try your hand at table games. The downside is that they usually have high waging requirements, so be ready.

Some popular lottery games online casinos WV offers are scratchcards and Keno. To play lottery games, visit the website or app of your desired WV casino.

Bingo

Bingo is one of the oldest lottery games and has existed since 1530(but it wasn't called bingo then). The basic idea behind bingo is to cross out your numbers on your card as it's being called out. Online bingo is quite easier, as you can use the automatic cross-out feature. Also, the minimum age required to participate in an online bingo is 18 years.

Slots

West Virginia online casino offers several unique online slot games. In traditional slot machines, the games are often ordered based on the number of bets wagered on them. The case is quite different in online slots, as you can place any desired amount. Players can also use the auto-spin feature instead of continuously pressing the slot button.

There are two varieties of online slots–the progressive jackpot and the fixed jackpot. In a progressive jackpot, the prize increases as the jackpot are played and not won. (it collects the wagered amount and adds it to the existing prize). For the fixed jackpot, the prize amount is predetermined.

West Virginia mobile gaming

Players can skip visiting a retail bookmaker to place their wagers thanks to the internet. Instead, you can now wager from your devices. One of the perks of mobile gaming is that you can do things faster and at your convenience.

Since online gaming was legalized in West Virginia in 2019, casinos have adopted and integrated e-gaming with their services. All you need is an account and an internet-connected device.

Casino bonuses in West Virginia

Bonuses have always been an integral part of gambling in the US. Many bookmakers offer customers several kinds of bonuses to persuade them to wager. A bettor can reduce risk with bonuses while expecting higher potential returns. So, instead of wagering a high amount of money on a bet, you can use bonuses to boost your returns.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro gambler, you should take advantage of the bonus. One of the tricks highly profitable gamblers employ is using bonuses. To prevent the exploitation of bonuses, bookmakers may include some wagering conditions. For instance, you may need to wager a bonus five times or more to withdraw the profit.

Let's analyze some of the common bonuses you will come across on casino WV online:

Welcome bonus

A welcome bonus is a one-time bonus that is awarded to new players. Once a bettor signs up on a betting platform, such a bettor will be eligible for a welcome bonus–if offered by the bookmaker. As the name indicates, it's awarded in a bid to urge fresh customers to place their wagers.

Note that most welcome bonuses usually have strict wagering conditions and an eligibility period. If you're new to gambling, you can use this bonus to test the waters before wagering with your hard-earned cash.

Odds boost

This is common when it comes to sports betting. The higher the probability of an event happening, the lower the odds. Likewise, the lower the probability of the event occurring, the higher the odds.

An odd booster increases the anticipated payment on your stake. For instance, a bookmaker offers a 1.2 odd of the Toronto Raptors defeating the Boston Celtics in an NBA game. To win $10, you must stake $50 (for a total payout of $60). The same $50 bet can yield $20 with an odd booster ($200 payout).

Risk-free bet

Who wouldn't want to try something out risk–free?

With risk-free bets, players can be eligible for a total refund on their bets within a specific period(usually a day). Bettors can also be eligible for a percentage reimbursement of their initial wager if the bet is lost. For instance, an online casino might offer refunds of up to $5 on lost bets.

Referral bonus

WV casinos may have a referral program to bring in new customers. When you refer a bettor to the betting platform, you will be awarded a referral bonus(perhaps $100 per successful referral). The casino may also attach an eligibility condition to the bonus. For example, your referral may be required to fund their account and also wager with the money.

Deposit bonus

Ordinarily, you'll need to fund your betting account to wager. However, some bettors may be reluctant to fund their accounts. Therefore, casinos in West Virginia offer a deposit bonus, usually on the first deposit. Players may also be offered a deposit bonus at intervals depending on the bookmaker.

Deposit bonuses do have a cap to prevent gamblers from exploiting them. For example, there might be a $200 cap on your deposit. So, whether you fund your account with $200 or $1000, you will still receive the $200 cap in bonus.

No deposit bonus

Bettors are not required to fund their accounts to qualify for this bonus. Usually, WV casinos target new and inactive players to encourage them to place wagers. A no-deposit bonus is a great opportunity to explore the betting site before making any financial commitment.

Payment methods at WV online casinos

In WA, bettors have a plethora of payment methods when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. Since you're wagering online, you wouldn't be confined to a particular payment method. However, most casinos have a deposit and withdrawal limit, so you want to consider that before you decide to move forward.

Some of the payment methods you'll find a casino in West Virginia offering are:

PayPal

Millions of people trust PayPal all around the world. The payment provider was founded and headquartered in the United States, which is another reason it's preferred in the country. PayPal makes it easy to fund and withdraw from your betting account. All you need is to sign up for an account on the website and link your bank card.

To fund your wagering account, you'll need to first fund your PayPal account before transferring it to your betting account. However, the process is quite fast, so don't fret. Neteller is also another e-wallet that you can consider.

Visa/mastercard

Card deposits and withdrawals are also popular in the US. To deposit money using your Visa/Mastercard, sign in to your online gambling platform and choose card payment. You'll need information like the card number, card name, CVV, and expiry date to complete your payment.

Deposits are usually instant. However, withdrawals may take longer time to process due to verification. In addition, most online casinos will only allow withdrawals through the deposit method. For instance, if you use Neteller to fund your account, you may only use it to withdraw your winnings.

Gift card

Gift cards are pre-funded cards of a particular amount. They can be in dominations of $50, $100, $200, or more. For example, suppose your casino West Virginia supports gift card funding. In that case, you can purchase your desired amount and redeem the balance with the concealed code on the card.

Play+prepaid card

Play+ was particularly established to make iLottery payments easier. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation covers it, and WV e-betting platforms accept it. Once you sign up on Play+, you can fund it and link it to your iLottery account. Some casinos may also offer special prepaid cards that you can use on their platforms. The best aspect of Play+ is that there are very minimal fees associated with it.

Bank transfers

Funding your account with a bank transfer is quite direct. You can send the fund directly from your bank balance to your gambling balance at low fees; no intermediary is needed.

History of West Virginia casinos

WV launched online casinos as part of the second push for the authorization of internet gambling. The pioneering push was attempted in 2018. In early 2019, Mountain State legislators began focusing on online poker and internet casinos after initially supporting WV sports betting. The West Virginia Lottery, Interactive Wagering Act, was endorsed by both chambers of the West Virginia State Legislature.

It was then up to Governor Jim Justice to determine the next step. He could either approve, reject, or allow it to pass without his approval. Governor Justice opted for option three, just as he had with the sports gambling law a year before. In West Virginia, online gambling became lawful in March 2019. However, things were slow after this development.

The West Virginia Lottery is the body responsible for regulating gambling in West Virginia. It oversaw online casinos and was entrusted with developing regulations to control the emerging sector. However, the West Virginia online sports gambling business was experiencing a crisis at the time (the BetLuck controversy involving the first bookmaker that launched in the state). Thus the lottery committee was unable to set the laws immediately.

Additionally, it was important to avoid making another error, so the commission applied the brakes. The commission eventually laid down some rules for casino wagering, including prohibiting sports that involved underaged individuals. As a result, WV bettors wager most on horse and dog racing (as it's been existing for the longest time).

WV online casinos are required to pay a 15% tax according to the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (Article 22E of the West Virginia Legislature). Legalizing online casino gambling also meant that players could wager on poker, slots, Keno, video lottery, bingo, baccarat, blackjack, esports, and fantasy sports.

The abolishment of PAPSA(the Professional and Amateur Protection Act of 1992) by the Supreme Court also contributed to online gambling in West Virginia. PAPSA limited sports betting to a few states in the country. Now, everyone of legal age in West Virginia can wager in all available casinos but one. Only the resort's guests and members of its private club are allowed to wager there.

FAQ

Why should I play on a legal WV casino vs. offshore?

There are several reasons you should only use a legal casino. First, your safety and privacy are guaranteed to some extent when you use a legal casino. Use an offshore bookmaker, and something goes wrong. The state may not be able to protect your consumer rights as the offshore bookmaker may not be bound by the WV lottery law. Secondly, you use illegal offshore bookies. In that case, you are opening yourself up to financial loss as the state's laws already deemed the offshore bookie illegal. Besides, WV bookmakers are more than sufficient to tend to your betting needs, so we see no reason to use offshore bookmakers. Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Can I play online casino games on a tablet or mobile device?

Thanks to the internet and the legalization of online casinos in 2019, you can engage in any form of online wagering as long as you meet the required minimum legal age (21 years). In addition, bettors can use their tablets or mobile devices to access the web or app version of the bookmaker, depending on their preference. If you want to bet in WV, you must be within state lines. Casinos have geolocation software that automatically detects where you're accessing their services.

Can I win real money at online casinos in WV?

Of course. Many people make extra cash from e-wagering. Bettors can wager on sports, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and more. You're good to go if you're using a reputable bookie and go about your wager in the required manner.

How many online casinos are in West Virginia?

There are currently six online casinos in the state. Bettors can use any of the six options for their wagers.

Katarina Oakshore

Editor | Casinos and Gambling