Gamblers in the US and the rest of the world come to Betastic.com for the most accurate betting-related information. But while we want you to win, we don’t want you to get into trouble. That’s why we’ll first ascertain whether or not West Virginia online gambling is legal.
We’ll begin by exploring the legal journey West Virginia has traveled with gambling. Our guide then looks at the types of gambling that are currently legal in the Mountain State. We’ll round off the article with information on who regulated online gambling and operators who are currently licensed to operate.
West Virginia gambling legal history
The one question burning on many gamblers lips in the Mountain State right now is, can I gamble online in West Virginia? In this article, we’ll provide you with the latest news and fill you in on the current legal situation on gambling in the US state of West Virginia.
The history of gambling laws in America has been a long-drawn trek. US casino and sportsbook operators have encountered a variety of challenges. The following will take you through a sequence of the most significant events that took place on the legal gaming landscape, leading up to the legalization of online gambling in West Virginia.
The 90s
Way before gamers could ever imagine online gambling in West Virginia, US congress introduced the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), an act seeking to regulate all forms of sports betting on a national level. PASPA exempted betting on Jai Alai, horse racing, and dog racing. In 1994, on a positive note, the West Virginia authorities approved VLGs or Video Lottery Games or slots at horse track venues across the state. The introduction of slot machines in the 90s transformed the four racetracks into racinos.
2000 to 2010
The brand-new millennium ushered in Video Lottery Terminals at lottery retail outlets in 2001. The government permitted bars and other public places to operate slot machines. In 2007, gambling in West Virginia reached a new milestone as racetracks facilities or racinos launched poker and table games. The state finally had fully legal land-based casinos offering all types of games.
2011 to present
By 2010 iGaming had become extremely popular around the world. But it took a bit of work for online gambling in West Virginia to come to life. In 2016, the state-approved Daily Fantasy Sports and websites such as DraftKings launched in West Virginia. If you’re a fan of DFS, you should read our DraftKings review to see exactly what this great site can offer players. 2018 came with a very important breakthrough. The house approved online sports betting in March 2018.
In the same year, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to pave the way for legal sports betting in the Mountain State. Finally, in 2019, the state legalized online casinos. West Virginia joined the shortlist of the American States that now have an extensive selection of legal gaming options.
Types of legal gambling in West Virginia
Gamblers aren’t always able to leave their homes and drive to a brick-and-mortar casino. With the introduction of more adaptive software, online gambling is now one of the most popular ways to enjoy a fun-filled gambling experience. Although the state has made tremendous strides to legalize online gambling, West Virginia is yet to permit all forms of gaming. So, let’s look at some of the game categories that make up online platforms in West Virginia.
Casino gaming
The state now permits casino-style games such as slots, following the introduction of the West Virginia Interactive Wagering Act. West Virginia online casino operators can offer their services to residents of the mountain state who have reached the gambling legal age of 21. There are 5 different West Virginia online gambling sites to choose from.
Sports betting
Betting on sports is increasingly becoming relevant on a global scale and the need for online and mobile platforms has been on the rise. In terms of legal gambling, West Virginia has made significant breakthroughs, with West Virginia online sports betting also getting the green light. The patrons have to be over the age of 21 years.
Poker
West Virginia approved table games for online gaming but left out poker. Currently, the game is available only in-person and accepts players 21 years and above. Hopefully, online gambling in West Virginia will soon incorporate the game of poker. Bookmark Betastic.com to keep informed about that and other issues.
Horse and greyhound racing
Horse racing is, by far, the oldest form of gambling in West Virginia, having been legalized in the 1930s. As such, four of the five traditional casinos in West Virginia were originally racetracks. These venues have hosted numerous race events throughout the years. Yes, horse racing and greyhound racing are available online to residents above 18 years of age.
Bingo
Bingo is only available as a charity-based game and available from land-based outlets only. Fans of bingo still have to drive a few miles to get access to real money action. The gaming attraction is extended to patrons above the age of 18 and is regulated by the Secretary of State.
Lottery
State lotteries are very popular all across the globe. The lottery is usually the only form of gambling available in jurisdictions with stringent gambling laws. However, West Virginia online gambling sites do not offer the lottery. The great thing, though, is that you can get lottery tickets from various retail outlets around the state. This makes it quite convenient for fans to access and enjoy their hobby.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports are an innovative form of entertainment and the first form of legal online gambling West Virginia has ever offered. DFS went live in 2016. Only gamers 18 years and above are permitted to sign up and play.
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Regulators and license holders
Licenses are issued by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, the West Virginia Racing Commission, as well as the Charitable Organization Division. The legal framework for West Virginia online gambling sites stipulates that all casino and sportsbook platforms must be tied to one of the traditional brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. These include Greenbrier, Wheeling Island, Mardi Gras, Hollywood Casino, and Mountaineer.
Each casino is allowed to host a maximum of 3 online platforms. With such fierce competition, legal casinos go all out to attract customers, meaning some exceptional welcome offers up for grabs, take a look at the Caesars bonus, which is just one example of what you can expect. This means that when fully established, West Virginia’s iGaming industry will have only 15 platforms. At the time of writing, there were a total of 6 legal websites in West Virginia, most of which are reviewed on Betastic.com.
Conclusion – the wrap-up of the legal landscape of West Virginia
The lawmakers on the beautiful Mountain State have advanced West Virginia online gambling, ushering in a bevy of new and exciting opportunities. Following a winding timeline, the history of gaming laws in the USA has been quite complex. However, West Virginia is proud to be one of the few American jurisdictions to unveil an almost complete range of legal gambling structures. The state has mandated 5 local land-based casinos to each host 3 online gambling platforms. So far, a total of 6 online casinos are operational. Refer to Betastic.com for the latest information and news on the iGaming industry in West Virginia and other locations.
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West Virginia online gambling FAQs
🔞 What’s the legal age for gambling in West Virginia?
Gambling, whether online or at physical locations, provides responsible adults with an opportunity to engage in an exciting pastime. The government and relevant authorities work together with casino operators in various jurisdictions to prevent minors from accessing gambling activities. For online gambling, West Virginia operators have put in place strict KYC policies that help them to positively identify their clients and thus eliminate underage gaming.
🥇 What is the best legal online casino in West Virginia?
There is a limited number of operators legally offering their services online in West Virginia. So, gamblers would assume that there isn’t much of a competition. The reality is that whenever there is more than one service provider there is bound to be rivalry. The online platforms available to West Virginia are all reputable since the state closely regulates online casinos and requires them to be tied to established land-based casinos. To find the most ideal West Virginia online gambling platform, check out our tips on how to find the perfect casino for you.
💸 Can I get a no deposit bonus at West Virginia online casinos?
Online gambling in West Virginia is still fresh off the shelf and a lot of residents in the state are still figuring out what to do with this brand-new privilege. Naturally, all bettors look for the best bonuses on offer and try as much as possible to get a real kick out of all the other promotions a website has to offer. However, make sure not to fall into a trap and claim a bonus that will not do much for you. It is wise to always read the terms and conditions and understand what your obligations are. Find out more about bonuses and promotions at Betastic.com.
🏈 Can I bet on the NFL online in West Virginia?
Sports betting is proving to be one of the most important forms of entertainment on American soil. The various online casinos available to bettors located in West Virginia offer a wide range of betting markets incorporating the most popular sporting events. Our sports gambling guides at Betastic.com will help you spot the best West Virginia online gambling sites where you can bet on your favorite sports events.
