How We Pick the Best WV Online Casinos
Coming up with top picks from a whole pool of West Virginia online casinos is more complex than you might think. For our list to be representative, we had to go through each of these sites and closely look into their most prominent features, including bonuses, games lists, accepted payment options, and other performance indicators.
LEGAL ONLINE GAMBLING IN WV
Since West Virginia has legalized online gambling, there’s no need for players from this state to look for rogue offshore casinos. While accessing offshore sites is still possible, we advise against it, as these platforms are usually risky, having shady licenses and unsecured payment protocols.
That’s why all casino sites you can find on this page have been fully licensed within the state of West Virginia. As long as you’re at least 21 years old), you can play on these sites entirely legally.
What’s more, legal WV online casinos also feature unparalleled safety. They employ high-level security measures that will keep your personal and financial information out of harm’s way.
Game Selection
One of the critical rating criteria for any given casino is its range of games. A worthwhile casino site must have hundreds of quality games powered by reputable software studios.
There also must be a good variety, letting players choose between slots, table games, live dealer games, and more.
Bonuses and Promotions
Every online player likes to start with a juicy bonus, and you’ll find no shortage of those in our recommended WV online casinos. All listed sites have intro promotions that will see you double or triple your initial deposit, while some of them might also throw a few free spins for playing their featured video slots.
Moving forward, you’ll get to take advantage of ongoing promotions that may come in the form of additional match deposit bonuses, free spins, cashbacks, tournament prizes, and other exciting and valuable deals. Moving forward, you’ll get to take advantage of ongoing promotions that may come in the form of additional match deposit bonuses, free spins, cashbacks, tournament prizes, and other exciting and valuable deals.
User Experience
Poor user experience annoys all players, which is why we made sure that all of our listed casinos have snappy websites and mobile apps characterized by excellent functionality, easy navigation, quick loading times, and clutter-free pages. Browsing through these casinos will be an enjoyable experience in and of itself.
Banking Options
It’s also important to us that you can deposit and cash out with ease while playing in our recommended WV online casinos. Websites listed towards the top feature various payment methods, from cards and e-wallets to secure online banking. They also ensure quick processing times, optimal limits, and minimal to non-existent fees.
Mobile Casino
All West Virginia online casino operators offer excellent mobile websites, while many also have apps that you can download for your iOS and Android devices. You’ll find that these mobile sites and apps are pretty much carbon copies of their desktop platforms, offering the same games and bonuses, all while allowing you to play on the move.
Customer Support
The casino’s customer support should be there to answer all of your questions and help you deposit, withdraw, unlock bonuses, or find desired games. It’s also good for a casino to have multiple modes of contact, including live chat, email, phone, and social media. The response times should be quick, and the support agents must reply in a friendly and professional manner.
History of Online Gambling in West Virginia
West Virginia legalized most forms of online gambling in February 2019, with House Bill 2934. However, it took time for the rules and regulations to be written, so it took more than a full year for the first online casinos to launch.
DraftKings was the first online operator to debut in the state, launching its online casino and sportsbook on July 15, 2020. As a rule, each of the state’s online casinos must be partnered with a licensed land-based gambling establishment (casino or racetrack). So far, that privilege belongs to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Mountaineer Casino, The Greenbrier Casino Club, Wheeling Hotel, Casino and Racetrack, and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort.
Several high-level online casino brands have entered the West Virginia market since launch, including DraftKings, BetRivers, FanDuel, BetMGM, WynnBet, and Caesars, with more expected to join soon.
All online casinos in West Virginia are licensed and regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The minimum age for participating in online casino games is 21.
West Virginia Online Casino Games
WV online casinos are full of various types of games. Better yet, as the state’s gaming control board approves more software developers, the libraries of games on casino sites are only expected to grow larger.
If you aren’t familiar with all the different types of games you can play on our recommended WV casino sites, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular ones.
Video Slots
Video slots dominate online casino libraries, not only in West Virginia but all over the world. Slots are so popular because they don’t require any prior knowledge of the game to play. They are also fast-paced, colorful, fun, and have a massive payout potential, especially if you opt for progressive jackpot slots.
Every video slot is different from the next. Titles can vary in theme, structure, number of paylines, betting limits, bonus features, jackpot sizes, and RTP (return to player). Slots are entirely luck-based, which is both good and bad. The good thing is that a beginner player has the same chance of hitting the jackpot as a veteran. The counterweight, however, is that you have no control over the outcome and can’t develop any sort of effective strategy.
Because there are so many different video slots out there, we can further divide them into several groups, including:
- 5-reel slots — These are the most common type of video slots. They feature five spinning reels, which are usually intersected by three rows. A typical 5-reel slot will often have one or several bonus games and many paylines.
- Classic (3-reel) slots — Old-school players who were introduced to slots before the age of online gambling in usa will surely appreciate classic slots. Instead of five, these games have three reels, making it more straightforward to keep track of the gameplay and payout mechanics. The simple fact that these titles have more streamlined gameplay doesn’t mean they pay less. As a matter of fact, some 3-reel slots have the highest RTPs in the industry.
- Progressive jackpot slots — Most video slots have fixed jackpot prizes, while some are labeled as progressives. Progressive slots feature ever-rising jackpots, which are linked between players and increase every time a player places a bet. The prize can rise indefinitely until one lucky player lands the right combination of symbols and takes the entire pot. You have the potential of winning millions of dollars while playing progressives, although this will usually require making the maximum bet.
- Clusters — Disregarding the reel structure of traditional video slots, cluster slots reward players when a set of identical symbols appear in a horizontal and vertical group, similar to Candy Crush Saga and other match puzzle games.
- Megaways — Megaways is an engine developed by Big Time Gaming. It randomizes the number of symbol positions on each reel. There are no paylines, as the wins are triggered by having identical symbols on consecutive reels. Due to this mechanic, Megaways slots offer hundreds of thousands of ways to win.
Table Games
Apart from video slots, every West Virginia online casino also has a fair share of table games. In this section, you’ll find all the classics, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, poker, and more.
Each game comes in several variations. For instance, you can find both American and European roulette, regular blackjack, and a few exciting blackjack forms with side bets and special rules.
Table games have more rules than video slots, but they are far from complicated. Most WV online casinos have rule pages explaining each game’s basics.
Live Casino
Table games allow you to play your favorite casino classics, but they are all RNG-based and don’t look very lively. To compensate for that, many software studios have developed live dealer games that feature actual dealers in casino-like studios instead of a computer-generated environment. Players can enjoy these games through HD live streams and enjoy the ability to change camera angles and communicate with others using live chat.
Apart from standard blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, and poker, live dealer games feature game shows, a mix between television-style shows and casino games. Because live casino games are more expensive to operate, you can expect the betting limits to be higher compared to regular table and card games.
Video Poker
Video poker machines have been an integral part of land-based casinos for the last 50 years, and their popularity among the online gambling crowd is just as strong.
These classic single-player draw poker games come in many variations, with some of the most common titles seen in WV online casinos, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Aces & Eights, and Joker Poker.
Other Games
Apart from the games that we discussed so far, a top online casino in West Virginia might also offer a few games that don’t fall into these categories, including keno, bingo, scratchcards, virtual sports, and more.
West Virginia Online Casino Bonuses
WV online casinos are continually battling each other for the players’ attention, and one of the most effective strategies includes offering rewarding welcome offers and other promotions.
No matter which West Virginia online casino you choose, you’ll be welcomed with an enticing intro promo and a wide variety of offers that become available once you become a regular.
If you don’t know much about online casino bonuses and how they work, here are a few words about each of the most popular types.
Welcome Deposit Bonuses
Welcome deposit bonuses are just what they sound like. As you register on a casino site and place your first deposit, the operator will reward you with a bonus. The value of the bonus is usually the same as the amount you deposit; the so-called 100% match bonus, although you may run into a fair share of 50%, 150%, or 200% bonuses.
So, if you deposit $100, for instance, you’ll get another $100 in the form of a bonus. Of course, you can choose to deposit more or less than that amount but note that the bonus has a cap and that there’s also a minimum deposit limit.
Reload Bonuses
A reload bonus is constructed similarly to the welcome deposit bonus. The only significant difference is that you can use it multiple times (once a week or once a month) and after you use your initial bonus.
Reload bonuses are often smaller than first deposit bonuses, giving you between 25% and 50% match.
No Deposit Bonuses
Although rare, no deposit bonuses in WV online casinos can be seen from time to time. These are also bonuses that are exclusively offered to new players. Once you create an account, you’ll be able to claim this offer without a prerequisite to lay down your first payment.
Because they are free, no deposit bonuses have little value and will usually include $10 to $20 or a few free spins. They also have high wagering requirements and restrictive cashout limits.
Free Spins
Casinos sometimes combine free spins with welcome bonuses or other promotions, but they can also be offered separately, especially when a West Virginia online casino is trying to promote its latest video slot.
With free spins, you’ll get a set amount of plays on a specified video slot or a group of slots. The amount you win will count as your bonus, which you’ll need to wager a certain amount of times before being allowed to cash out the winnings.
Free spins are specifically designed for video slots; you can’t use them on other online casino games.
Loyalty/VIP Benefits
If welcome bonuses are meant to draw new players to a casino site, loyalty programs are designed to keep existing players engaged.
As you deposit and wager, you’ll collect tier points that will help you progress to the next tier level. Each new level unlocks a set of benefits that might include things like higher deposit and withdrawal limits, personalized bonuses, access to VIP tables and tournaments, giveaway prizes, dedicated account manager, VIP customer support, and more.
How to Register on WV Online Casinos
Every West Virginia online casino on our list lets you join and start playing within minutes. The registration process might differ slightly depending on the website, but it usually involves the following steps:
- Choose a WV online casino from our list and go to its official website.
- Click the Join, Register, or Sign Up button to create your account.
- Fill out the form with your details, including your legal name, social security number, address, email, and other information.
- Activate your account and log in.
- Go to the deposit page, select a preferred method, and input the deposit amount.
- Claim the casino’s welcome bonus (if necessary, make sure to use the bonus code).
- Regardless of the chosen deposit method, the money should go through almost instantly. From there, you can browse the casino’s library of games and start playing.
How to Withdraw From WV Online Casinos
Every once in a while, you’ll get lucky enough to win, and you may want to withdraw your hard-earned winnings. To do that, you’ll just have to follow these steps:
- Log in to your online casino account.
- Go to the cashier page and select the withdrawal tab.
- Choose a payment method and type in the withdrawal amount while minding the withdrawal limits associated with that method. If you’ve won using the bonus, make sure that you’ve cleared the wagering requirements first.
- Confirm the withdrawal. Depending on the method and the casino’s withdrawal policy, your winnings will arrive at your bank account within a few business days.
West Virginia Online Sports Betting
Apart from online casinos, West Virginia has also legalized online sports betting. Most casinos listed on this page also have a sportsbook section, meaning that you’ll be able to bet on your favorite sports and play casino games from the same account. Meanwhile, you may also find sites that exclusively offer betting on sports.
Top West Virginia sportsbooks feature a wide range of sports and betting markets, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, boxing, and more. Like their casino counterparts, they also offer a great selection of bonuses and promotions.
West Virginia Responsible Gambling
One of the most important things to bear in mind as a beginner gambler is that online gambling can cause addiction. Plenty of people struggle to keep their gambling habits under control, thus endangering their private lives, financial stability, and mental well-being.
To help prevent this as best they can, WV online casinos have partnered with various gambling prevention services and online help centers. If you or someone you know is showing signs of problem gambling, here are some helpful links:
- Gam-Anon
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Problem Gambler’s Help Network of West Virginia
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
WV ONLINE CASINOS
Are online casinos legal in West Virginia?
Yes, online casinos became legal in West Virginia in February of 2019 with the passing of HB 2934. The first online casinos in the state launched in July 2020.
Are WV online casinos safe and trusted?
Yes, all officially licensed online casinos in West Virginia are entirely safe, employing the latest security systems and protocols that serve to protect your information and banking details.
Who regulates online casinos in West Virginia?
Online casinos in WV are licensed and regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
What is the legal online gambling age in West Virginia?
To play in one of the listed online casinos in West Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old.
Do I have to be a resident of West Virginia to play in the state’s online casinos?
You do not have to be a resident to play, but you must be physically located in West Virginia.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do WV online casinos use geolocation?
Yes, geolocation tools are used to confirm your location. These tools are usually built into the casinos’ mobile apps, but you may be required to install them yourself when playing on a desktop computer.
Am I allowed to visit offshore sites from West Virginia?
Technically, you can visit offshore casinos from West Virginia, but we would not recommend it as it is illegal and very unsafe.
What information am I required to share when joining an online casino in West Virginia?
Some of the information you must provide during registration includes your full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and the last four digits of your social security number.
How do I claim my winnings from an online casino in West Virginia?
To withdraw from any West Virginia online casino, simply log in to your account, go to the cashier page, select the withdrawal tab, choose a payment method, and input the withdrawal amount. It will take some time for the casino to clear your request, usually up to 48 hours.
Can I play in West Virginia online casinos using my smartphone?
Yes, all West Virginia casino sites are compatible with mobile browsers, while you also may download their iOS and Android apps, if available.