West Virginia Gambling Laws

If you’re interest in West Virginia gambling laws just read this short overview and get to know all the legal gambling opportunities in the state.

West Virginia gambling laws

West Virginia gambling laws belong in the middle tier of US gambling laws, based on their strictness. Currently there are five casinos in West Virginia: four racinos and a historic casino resort. “The operation of a gaming facility at no more than one well-established historic resort hotel in this state […] will serve to protect and enhance the tourism industry, and indirectly other segments of the economy of this state,” puts the West Virginia Code.

The mentioned resort hotel is The Greenbrier, an AAA Five Diamond Award winner venue with exceptionally rich history. Since its establishment in 1778, 26 presidents have stayed at The Greenbrier. In 2008, Greenbrier County residents approved casino gaming at the hotel. The owners promised that gambling at The Greenbrier will be tasteful and available only for the hotel’s residents. The Greenbrier casino offers classic casino games like blackjack, poker, craps, and baccarat.

The racinos also offer table games and poker rooms as well as pari-mutuel betting on horseraces. The conduction bingo and raffle type games are limited to nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, West Virginia gambling laws don’t touch on the topic of social games, held at home.

Online Gambling in West Virginia

West Virginia gambling laws don’t mention online gambling. However, internet casinos are not on the list of authorized gaming organizations. Therefore, it is safe to say that online gambling in West Virginia is not regulated or legal. West Virginia residents should choose from legal gambling opportunities, such as the licensed casinos or the lottery.

Lotteries in West Virginia

The West Virginia lottery was approved by the state’s voters in 1984. The Lottery Act was signed into law in 1985 and the tickets went on sale a year later. The West Virginia Lottery produces more than USD 1,2 billion yearly, which is used to better the life of citizens. Players can choose from 40 instant games and multi-state lotteries, such as Powerball and Mega Millions.

Daily Fantasy Sports in West Virginia

In February 2016, senators passed a bill that declares daily fantasy sports legal in West Virginia. If the bill is signed into law, operators like DraftKings and FanDuel will be allowed to operate legally if they comply with the imposed requirements. Therefore, it might be only a matter of months until the regulation of daily fantasy sports in West Virginia.