In the last few years, West Virginia has distinguished itself from most other US states by pivoting its land-based casino market to the online sphere. West Virginians can now enjoy both online sports betting and online casino gambling among several other exciting internet gaming options.
| WV Online Gambling Sites | Welcome Bonus | Gaming Types | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.BetMGM | $2,500+$50 Free Play + 50 Free Spins |
|
wv.betmgm.com |
| 2.Caesars Palace | $2,500Deposit Match |
|
caesars.com |
| 3.DraftKings | $100in Casino Credit |
|
draftkings.com |
| 4.BetRivers | $500In Casino Losses Back |
|
wv.betrivers.com |
In this guide to West Virginia online gambling, we’ve explored the wealth of legal and licensed gaming options that locals can enjoy. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, find the state’s best gambling sites listed below.
Due to the recent change in gambling laws, there is no need to take part in unsafe online gambling in West Virginia. Instead, local gamblers are free to enjoy some top online gambling options that have been licensed by WV regulators. All of the recommended gambling sites that feature on this page have secured this licensing.
If you’re new to WV online gambling, this guide will take you through all of the major features of the West Virginia gaming industry, including the differences between the land-based and online markets. We’ve also provided some exciting bonus offers for new players at online casinos and sportsbooks.
Types of Online Gambling Activities Legal In West Virginia
In 2019, West Virginia lawmakers amended gambling laws to authorize a number of new online gambling options. These changes saw online casinos and online poker legalized, with daily fantasy sports (DFS) and online sports betting legalized in 2016 and 2018 respectively. West Virginians have had access to the online casino market since July 2020.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll look into the available online gambling options for each legal activity, and provide the top recommended sites for each category. Feel free to jump to each section by clicking on the links below, or simply keep scrolling to discover all of the best West Virginia online gambling sites.
Best Online Casinos in West Virginia for 2024
In 2019, the West Virginia legislature decided that all five of its land-based casinos could open three online casinos each. While only two WV casinos have been launched in 2020, it’s expected that the remaining 13 will be soon to follow. This is exciting, considering the existing sites already offer great bonuses, games, and online platforms.
| WV Online Casino | Welcome Bonus | Games | Secured By | Trusted Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. BetMGM | $2,500 +$50 Free + 50 Free Spins |
|
Cloudflare Inc | wv.betmgm.com |
| 2. Caesars Palace | $2,500 Deposit Match |
|
Sectigo, RSA | caesars.com |
| 3. BetRivers | $500 in Casino Losses Back |
|
Trustwave, SHA256 | betrivers.com |
| 4. DraftKings Casino | $100 In Casino Credit |
|
Sectigo, RSA | draftkings.com |
The law means that most land-based casinos must partner with online operators to launch their sites. So far, the Hollywood Casino Charles Town has launched the DraftKings Casino, while The Greenbriar has launched with BetMGM Casino. Below, you can find links to the West Virginia online casinos.
In many casinos, the best West Virginia gambling sites will allow you to play free demo versions of games before you play for real money. The top sites will also offer online slots and table games that have been created by award-winning software developers known for creating high-quality, fair titles.
Below, you will find a list of a number of game types that can be enjoyed at West Virginia’s top online casinos:
- Online Slots
- Video Poker
- Roulette\Blackjack
- Online Table Games
- Jackpot Games
- Baccarat
Another perk of online casinos you may not be aware of is the new player welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses can award you free spins on top slots, matches on your first-time deposits, and much more. It’s highly likely that WV online casinos will implement the loyalty reward systems of their land-based counterparts, too.
For this reason, you can expect to have a fully integrated online and land-based gambling experience in West Virginia, where you can win top real-life rewards for your online gameplay.
Top West Virginia Sportsbooks
In 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state in the US to legalize sports betting. This included the authorization of mobile sports betting, which has resulted in a highly competitive and fair local sports betting industry. Due to the regulation of online sportsbooks, there is no reason ever to sign up with untrustworthy offshore sites.
| WV Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Markets | Sports Betting App | Trusted Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Caesars Sportsbook | $1,000 First Bets on Caesars |
|
App | caesars.com |
| 2. BetMGM | $1,500Back in Bonus Bets |
|
App | wv.betmgm.com |
In some states, sportsbooks have affiliated with top local professional sports teams. As there are no WV major league teams, the top West Virginia online sports betting sites have not been able to collaborate with local teams. That being said, this hasn’t stopped the sites from offering top betting products to West Virginians.
Just as with our best casino sites, all of our top recommended sportsbooks have been licensed by a local regulator. This has ensured that all of the best sites listed above will always offer competitive odds, and offer several different bet types and products, such as money lines, in-play, and parlay bets.
One important characteristic of West Virginia’s online sportsbooks is that, like online casinos, they must also have a physical land-based sportsbook in order to earn a mobile license. Other than that, WV sports bettors are relatively unrestricted when it comes to what sports events and leagues they can bet on.
For example, West Virginians can bet on major professional sports leagues as well as collegiate division games. Unlike many states with legal sports betting, this doesn’t exclude games played by West Virginia college teams. This is likely due to the popularity of college football in the state.
The only leagues that aren’t permitted for betting are high school division games. Below, you can find a full list of the most popular legal sports and leagues to bet on in the state.
- NFL
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- College Basketball
- College Football Betting
- Premier League
- UFC/MMA
- Tennis
Great West Virginia Online Poker Sites
When the West Virginia online gambling expansion bill was passed in 2019, the law also permitted online poker to commence in the state. However, the state has still yet to launch its first online poker sites, with most industry commentators expecting a launch in early 2021.
It is expected that BetMGM will be the first to offer its online poker product, and already, players can enjoy virtual poker at BetMGM’s WV casino. The major difference between these games is that online poker games pit player-against-player, while virtual games are against computers.
The announcement that online poker would be considered a legal West Virginia online gambling activity is great news for both amateur and professional poker players. Poker is an exciting game of skill that can be mastered to great success, so we imagine the new market could attract some top poker talent to the state.
We have little doubt that West Virginians will soon be able to access a variety of top poker cash games and tournaments for games such as Texas Hold’em, Stud, and Omaha. Be sure to watch this space for any developments, as we will be sure to feature the top bonuses and features in the state.
Recommended Bingo Sites for WV Players
While bingo is played across West Virginia, it is by no means the most popular gambling option. For this reason, online gambling operators are yet to debut any legal online bingo options in WV. However, there are no laws that are stopping from this happen, so we believe that this will only be a matter of time.
In states with locally regulated bingo options, there are several perks to playing bingo online. Unlike many other WV online gambling options, online bingo games tend to be extremely social, and feature built-in chat rooms to promote conversations. They also frequently include free or real money slots that can be enjoyed while bingo balls are called.
As online gambling in West Virginia expands, we look forward to the day when we can recommend some top local bingo sites, and we assure you, we will.
Other Legal Online Gambling Options in West Virginia
In addition to the thriving new online casinos and sportsbooks launching across the state, there are several other exciting and fair legal gaming options in West Virginia. These legal and licensed activities include pari-mutuel horse-race betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting.
There are a number of trustworthy gambling sites that offer these games to West Virginians. Since 2016, companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings have offered DFS platforms to WV players over 18 years old. Horse race betting can also be done at several off-track and national licensed online betting sites.
Advantages of Online Gambling in West Virginia
If you’re wondering whether you should choose to gamble online rather than at land-based casinos, let us outline a few advantages for you. Firstly, online casinos provide welcome bonuses for new players and accept numerous payment methods. Games also appeal to a wide variety of budgets and are compatible with mobile devices.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Exciting Bonuses for New Players | Loses Atmosphere of Land-Based Gambling |
| Numerous Payment Methods | No Free Drinks |
| Bet Limits for All Budgets | Slower Payments |
| Mobile Gambling Apps | Possibility of Technical Issues |
| Licensing Tailored to State Needs |
That being said, there are also several disadvantages to choosing online gambling sites over land-based options. These mostly revolve around the loss of atmosphere that you get in a casino or sportsbook, as well as the free drinks service. Payouts are also delayed with online sites, and you need to be more conscious about security.
Online New Player Welcome Bonuses
Perhaps the most alluring thing about online gambling sites are the welcome bonuses for new customers. These can be claimed at the sign-up stage at the best West Virginia gambling sites, and offer perks such as free slot spins and deposit matches at casinos, and free bets and deposit matches at sportsbooks.
These bonuses are a great way to test out new slots or table games that you’d otherwise not try, or introduce you to new sports betting types without risking your own finances. And if the perks don’t interest you, it’s fine — claiming welcome bonuses is not mandatory.
Do you find the bonus offers for multiple sites appealing? Then sign up to claim them all! There’s nothing stopping you from trying out a number of new betting sites to find out which you prefer. In some cases, you may be offered no-deposit bonuses, so these are a great way to try a site with no investment at all.
Just remember that bonuses will come with specific terms and conditions that will mandate how your bonuses can be used. It’s important not to look at these bonuses as free money, as turning them into cash winnings can prove difficult. For this reason, we suggest you always read the bonus terms.
Mobile Gambling Site Apps
All of WV’s currently launched sportsbooks and online casinos offer mobile gambling, which can either be accessed through a standalone real West Virginia gambling app or mobile browsers. This ability to play on-the-go anywhere in the state is by far one of the biggest perks to online play.
Whether you’re a slots fan, table games player, or avid sports bettor, there are several mobile gambling products in West Virginia that will cater to your needs. All you need is an iOS or Android device and an internet connection and you’ll be set to go.
Flexible Payment Options
Another major perk to online gambling is that transactions can be made through a variety of different methods that are guaranteed to be secure due to strict regulations. In West Virginia, players can use major credit cards, bank transfers, and e-Wallets such as PayPal to make deposits and withdrawals.
Deposits at online casinos and sportsbooks tend to be processed instantaneously, meaning that you can start wagering as soon as your identity has been verified by a site. However, withdrawals may take between two to seven days depending on what payment method you use, so it’s important to choose your method wisely if fast payouts are important to you.
Diverse Table Limits
At land-based casinos, it’s standard for table games such as blackjack and roulette to have starting buy-ins from $5 per bet. These minimums tend to increase at different times, which can make it difficult for players with lower budgets to enjoy these games. Thankfully, online casinos cater to all budgets.
In some cases, virtual table games may even allow players to place wagers from as little as one cent per bet, and these limits won’t change depending on the time. That being said, there are still table games with higher limits too, so high-rollers won’t need to make any sacrifices if they want to bet big.
West Virginia Online Gambling: Regulated Locally
In order for an online sportsbook or casino to offer legal West Virginia internet gambling, sites must first be granted a license by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. However, according to the legalization bills, only land-based casinos can apply to create legal gambling websites.
Licensing ensures that websites only offer games that are fair, will payout winnings in a timely manner and that players who show addictive behaviors can access state problem gambling resources. Not only is it illegal to join unlicensed gambling websites, but it is also unsafe as all of the above measures can not be guaranteed.
Final Thoughts on WV Online Gambling
Over the last several years, West Virginia has become one of the most exciting states for online gambling in the US. Currently, there are a number of great gambling sites in state for casino and sportsbook betting, though we expect this list to grow much longer over the next year.
There are several perks to online gambling in West Virginia, including a wide range of legal betting types from DFS to horse race betting, top mobile options, and fast and secure payment methods. Of course, there are always generous welcome bonuses to claim for new players, so be sure to try these out once you sign up.
| #1BetMGM | $2,500+$50 Free Play + 50 Free Spins |
|
wv.betmgm.com |
Common Questions About WV Online Gambling
It’s possible that at this stage of our guide, you still have some lingering questions about the West Virginia online gambling market. That’s why we’ve dedicated this section to answer some frequently asked questions about the local gambling market. We’ve covered everything from how to sign up to some relevant laws, so do yourself a favor and keep reading.
Is it legal to online gamble in West Virginia?
Yes, it is legal to gamble online in West Virginia. There are a number of top gambling sites that have been licensed in the state to offer online casino games, sports betting, horse race betting, and daily fantasy sports. These sites are all guaranteed to be safe and secure while offering generous rewards and bonuses.
How do you gamble online in West Virginia?
Whether you’re wanting to sign up to top casinos or the best sports betting sites, you will first need to create a new account with your chosen sites. This process is easy. First, provide your personal information such as name, address, and date of birth. Once your identity is verified, you can make your first deposit.
Make sure you choose a payment method that offers fast transaction times. From here, you can claim your welcome bonus and start taking the site for a spin.
When did West Virginia legalize online gambling?
The effort to change the West Virginia gambling laws to allow for legal online gambling happened over a few years. Different legal gambling types were introduced at different stages, with daily fantasy sports first legalized in 2016. In 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state in the US to legalize sports betting, and the following year, online casinos and poker were legalized. The first online casinos debuted in 2020.
What is the legal online gambling age in West Virginia?
West Virginia offers the lowest gambling age in the country, with players able to gamble at 18 years old. This goes for all gambling activities, whether at land-based casinos or on mobile sites, including casinos, sports betting, the lottery and horse race betting. Elsewhere in the US, most states require players to be at least 21 years old to enjoy gambling.
How do I know if a West Virginia online casino or sportsbook is legit and safe?
The only way to know that an online gambling site is legal and safe in West Virginia is by checking that it holds a license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission. This agency ensures that license holders are offering fair products to customers, including legitimate games, fast payouts, secure transactions, and have implemented responsible gambling features within their sites. Licensing is essential for all fair and legal sites.
Are all bets legal in West Virginia, or are some bet types illegal?
West Virginia offers a particularly unrestricted betting market, with almost all betting types, sports events, and leagues permitted for legal betting. Betting on high school games are the only events that are prohibited from betting on. Outside of this, casino wagering and several other gambling options are open to gamble on as long as the sites have been approved by the state.
More Good Gambling Guides for West Virginians
On this website, we’ve created a number of informative guides about a wide array of gambling topics. Whether that’s a discussion on top casino software or which payment methods you should choose, there’s a lot of helpful information that is well worth knowing. Below, you will find some of the most important guides for West Virginia gamblers to read.