Wv Online Gambling

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Casinos in West Virginia Current WV Online Casinos. DraftKings Casino is the only live WV Online Casino at the moment, having launched in the. Retail Casinos in the Mountain State. As we wait for the official launch of legal, real money online gambling services. West Virginia Online Casinos. West Virginia already has online sports betting apps. The enactment of the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act opened the possibility of online casinos, which officially launched in July 2020, and online poker. Read more on West Virginia Online Gambling. West Virginia Online Gambling Laws Early 2019 found gambling in West Virginia being given quite the shock, after the approval, on fast-forward, of the bill which legalizes West Virginia online gambling. This makes it the fifth state to take this stance.

History of West Virginia online gambling

Wv Online Gambling

West Virginia wasn't one of the earliest states to begin discussing internet gambling. However, the legislature's interest piqued when New Jersey challenged a federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) in 2016. Best online uk betting sites.

WV was one of five states to join New Jersey in this fight. They triumphed when the Supreme Court abolished PASPA in May 2018.

Real Money Online Casino » Online casinos in West Virginia, USA. Online casinos in West Virginia, USA Online Gambling and Casinos in WV. For a very short time now, gamblers located in West Virginia can legally play at online casinos. It was only recently when legislative changes were made that made West Virginia legalize online casino play. West Virginia Online Casinos West Virginia is quickly and quietly becoming a major destination for gambling in the eastern portion of the US. Along with five casino properties, you can now gamble at an online casino in WV. West Virginia's ascendance into the ranks of the gambling elite may surprise casual observers. West Virginia was at.

Politicians preemptively passed a bill on the matter in March 2018. The WV Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415), which allows land-based and online betting, went into effect after PASPA's fall.

The now-defunct BetLucky accepted West Virginia's first official online wager in December 2018. Today, multiple other operators serve the WV online sports betting market.

Gaming

In 2019, Del. Jason Barrett introduced a lottery-backed bill that called for legal online casinos and poker sites. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (HB 2934) passed in both houses in early 2019.

Gov. Jim Justice made the legislation official with his signature on March 9, 2019. DraftKings launched the state's first online casino in July 2020.

West Virginia online sports betting

West Virginia currently features three legal online sportsbooks:

Online
  • BetMGM (in partnership with The Greenbrier)
  • DraftKings (in partnership with Hollywood Casino)
  • FanDuel (in partnership with the Greenbrier)

FanDuel and DraftKings weren't the first bookmakers in the market after launching in August 2019. However, they were the first two operators to gain meaningful market share in the Mountaineer State.

BetMGM online launched in January 2020 to capitalize on Super Bowl LIV. It also appears to have staying power in the market.

Each of West Virginia's five land-based casinos can form partnerships with up to three online bookmakers (15 total). However, given the failures of BetLucky and other early operators, WV likely doesn't have enough liquidity for up to 15 betting sites.

West Virginia online casinos

WV offers the following legal online casinos:

  • BetMGM Casino (The Greenbrier)
  • DraftKings Casino (Hollywood Casino)
  • Chumba Casino (no partner—social gaming)

Tip: To follow the latest casino updated see the West Virginia online casino guide.

DraftKings was the first regulated internet casino to launch in West Virginia in July 2020. Much like with sports betting, BetMGM joined the party later in August 2020.

BetMGM and DraftKings are currently the only legal real-money casinos in the Mountaineer State. They accept real-money wagers and pay cash winnings.

Chumba, meanwhile, is a legal social gaming site. It sees players win coins that they can use to enter sweepstakes contests.

West Virginia poker sites

The Lottery Interactive Wagering Act allows for up to five WV poker sites. At the time of this writing, though, no legal online poker sites are available in West Virginia.

The state has been slow to work out all of the legal kinks with internet poker. Furthermore, it has yet to approve any applicants.

Operators are likely hesitant to jump into the WV market. After all, online poker is a game that heavily relies on liquidity to succeed.

West Virginia is only the 38th most-populous state in America. It would need to join a multi-state compact and share its player pool to create any meaningful liquidity.

Assuming internet poker does take off in WV, BetMGM and PokerStars (Flutter Entertainment) are two likely candidates to launch sites. PokerStars is especially significant, as it features more online poker customers worldwide than any other entity.

Requirements to obtain a WV online gambling license

Licensing costs

West Virginia requires operators to initially pay $250,000 for an internet gambling license. Licenses last for five years and come with a $100,000 renewal cost.

Online casinos and poker sites must cover a 15% tax rate. Meanwhile, internet betting operators pay a 10% rate.

List of eligible WV land-based casino partners

Internet gambling operators must partner with one of West Virginia's land-based casinos. The state's five brick-and-mortar casinos are:

  • Hollywood Casino (Charles Town) - Owned by Penn National, this racino features over 2,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room.
  • Mardi Gras (Cross Lanes) - Owned by Delaware North, Mardi Gras offers almost 1,000 slots and a poker room.
  • Mountaineer (New Cumberland) - Mountaineer features a poker room, a thoroughbred racetrack, 1,100 slots, and over 30 table games.
  • The Greenbrier (Greenbrier County) - Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier resort received permission from the state to launch a private casino in 2008.
  • Wheeling Island (Wheeling Island) - Also owned by Delaware North, Wheeling Island spreads over 1,100 slot machines and a poker room.

Who regulates online gambling in West Virginia?

The West Virginia State Lottery regulates both land-based and internet gambling in the Mountaineer State. It reviews applications, approves operators, and accepts licensing fees.

Deposit & withdrawal options

West Virginia online gambling sites boast a variety of deposit and withdrawal options. Therefore, you should experience little trouble funding your account and receiving payouts in WV.

Deposit options

Wv Online Gambling Websites

  • ACH (e-check) - This option lets you link a bank account to a gambling site and send funds to your account.
  • Cash at the cage - Visit a land-based WV casino and deposit directly at its cage.
  • Credit/debit card - Deposit using branded cards from Visa and Mastercard.
  • E-wallet - Skrill and PayPal are both available for gambling deposits.
  • PayNearMe - Fund your account through your local 7-Eleven.
  • Prepaid card - You can use these casino-issued cards like a gift card.

Withdrawal methods

  • ACH - Withdraw money to your linked bank account.
  • Cash at the cage - Receive instant cashouts from a brick-and-mortar cage.
  • E-wallet - Use PayPal and Skrill to collect payments.
  • Paper check - Request a paper check, which may take up to 14 days to arrive.
  • Prepaid card - Load funds back onto your casino-branded card.

West Virginia online gambling bonuses

Given that it hasn't launched yet, online poker doesn't currently offer bonuses. However, WV online casinos and sportsbooks feature some or all of the following deals. To see bonuses on legal sites in other states within the USA, check out the US online gambling guide.

No-deposit bonus

A no-deposit bonus becomes available after you register for an account. For example, you might receive $25 after signing up at a casino or betting site.

From here, you gamble to satisfy terms and conditions. You keep whatever is left from the bonus—plus any winnings —after meeting T&Cs.

Here's an example:

  • You receive a $20 no-deposit bonus.
  • Rollover is 10x.
  • $10 remains after you satisfy T&Cs.
  • You can either cash out the $10 or keep gambling with it.

Deposit bonus

A deposit bonus matches a percentage of your deposit up to a specified amount. You get to withdraw the bonus after meeting terms and conditions.

Here's an example:

  • A WV gaming site offers a 100% match bonus worth up to $500.
  • You deposit $300, thus qualifying for a $300 bonus.
  • You can cash out the $300 after satisfying all terms.

Cashback

Exclusive to online casinos, cashback allows you to win back a percentage of your losses. Cashback typically applies to losses accrued over a specified period (e.g., seven days after depositing).

Here's an example:

  • A casino offers 10% cashback on your first deposit.
  • The offer covers the first seven days following the deposit.
  • You lose $100 within the first week.
  • 100 x 0.1 = $10 in cashback

VIP rewards

WV online casinos and bookmakers may also offer loyalty benefits. These rewards apply to all of your real-money wagers.

Depending on the gambling type, you may be privy to some or all of the following:

  • Comp points (exchange for cash)
  • Deposit bonuses
  • Free bets
  • Free slots spins
  • Land-based casino comps

Free bet

Online bookmakers offer free bets when you sign up and deposit. A free wager lets you win back potential losses stemming from your first bet.

Here's an example:

  • An internet sportsbook offers up to a $500 risk-free wager.
  • You place a $250 bet and lose.
  • You can earn the $250 back by meeting T&Cs.

FAQs

Is online gambling legal in West Virginia?

Yes. Online sports betting, poker, and casino games are all legal in the Mountaineer State.
The WV Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415) makes internet betting legal. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (HB 2934) allows for online poker and casino games.

Gambling
Is West Virginia online gambling safe?

The West Virginia Lottery regulates all internet gambling in the state. It works to guarantee that only qualified companies can operate in WV.
The state lottery also ensures that operators live up to the standards set forth by S 415 and HB 2934. It reserves the right to fine or even revoke the license of operators that break the rules.

What's the legal online gambling age in WV?

You can gamble online in West Virginia if you're at least 21 years old. You must verify your age when signing up at an internet casino or sportsbook.

Do I have to live in West Virginia to gamble online?

No. You can enjoy WV internet gambling as long as you're located within state lines at the time.
West Virginia online gambling sites use geolocation to determine where you are. As long as the software establishes that you're in WV, you're good to go.

Do I have to pay taxes on online gambling winnings in West Virginia?

The state only taxes winnings gained through the West Virginia State Lottery. Therefore, online casino and betting winnings aren't subject to WV taxes.
However, people do need to list the following gambling wins on federal tax forms:
1. Online slots - Wins of $1,200 or greater
2. Online sports betting - Wins of $600+ (without TIN) or $5,000+ (if TIN is provided)
3. Online poker tournaments - Wins of $5,000 or greater

When will WV online poker be available?

Internet poker is legal in West Virginia as of 2019. However, the market has been slower to form than the online betting and casino markets.
The Mountaineer State will likely feature one or more poker sites in the future. No timetable is available on when this will happen, though.

All across the United States, citizens seem to have a deep curiosity if not love of gambling. Something about the heroic image of a gambler played by someone like Paul Newman has permeated the culture and given Americans from coast to coast a deeply romantic view on gambling, and the hard working people in the coal mining state of West Virginia are certainly no exception. Understanding West Virginia gambling laws will ease your mind about joining the action.

While romantic fantasies rarely match reality, those who maintain a healthy, regular and responsible gambling habit can tell you that as a regular hobby, gambling can offer great fun as well as the opportunity to earn a few extra bucks so long as the gambler shows some skill and has a little bit of luck on their side. While it's obviously not for everyone, there are a distressingly high number of people who have an interest in gambling who do not participate under the mistakes assumptions that placing so much as one bet on the blackjack table will have them rotting away in a jail cell.

Federal law dictates that the act of placing bets or wagers on games of chance or future events is within a US citizen's right, even if the facilitation of illicit gambling is a very serious crime. Most of the 50 states in the union, including West Virginia, use this as a solid template from which to write and enforce their own laws regarding gambling.

The rest of this page will guide readers through the entire landscape surrounding the legislation in West Virginia on gambling. The purpose will be not only to help West Virginia residents understand both the letter and intent of their laws that much better, but to help them find outlets through which to gambler that are as safe as humanly possible.

West virginia online gaming

West Virginia wasn't one of the earliest states to begin discussing internet gambling. However, the legislature's interest piqued when New Jersey challenged a federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) in 2016. Best online uk betting sites.

WV was one of five states to join New Jersey in this fight. They triumphed when the Supreme Court abolished PASPA in May 2018.

Real Money Online Casino » Online casinos in West Virginia, USA. Online casinos in West Virginia, USA Online Gambling and Casinos in WV. For a very short time now, gamblers located in West Virginia can legally play at online casinos. It was only recently when legislative changes were made that made West Virginia legalize online casino play. West Virginia Online Casinos West Virginia is quickly and quietly becoming a major destination for gambling in the eastern portion of the US. Along with five casino properties, you can now gamble at an online casino in WV. West Virginia's ascendance into the ranks of the gambling elite may surprise casual observers. West Virginia was at.

Politicians preemptively passed a bill on the matter in March 2018. The WV Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415), which allows land-based and online betting, went into effect after PASPA's fall.

The now-defunct BetLucky accepted West Virginia's first official online wager in December 2018. Today, multiple other operators serve the WV online sports betting market.

In 2019, Del. Jason Barrett introduced a lottery-backed bill that called for legal online casinos and poker sites. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (HB 2934) passed in both houses in early 2019.

Gov. Jim Justice made the legislation official with his signature on March 9, 2019. DraftKings launched the state's first online casino in July 2020.

West Virginia online sports betting

West Virginia currently features three legal online sportsbooks:

  • BetMGM (in partnership with The Greenbrier)
  • DraftKings (in partnership with Hollywood Casino)
  • FanDuel (in partnership with the Greenbrier)

FanDuel and DraftKings weren't the first bookmakers in the market after launching in August 2019. However, they were the first two operators to gain meaningful market share in the Mountaineer State.

BetMGM online launched in January 2020 to capitalize on Super Bowl LIV. It also appears to have staying power in the market.

Each of West Virginia's five land-based casinos can form partnerships with up to three online bookmakers (15 total). However, given the failures of BetLucky and other early operators, WV likely doesn't have enough liquidity for up to 15 betting sites.

West Virginia online casinos

WV offers the following legal online casinos:

  • BetMGM Casino (The Greenbrier)
  • DraftKings Casino (Hollywood Casino)
  • Chumba Casino (no partner—social gaming)

Tip: To follow the latest casino updated see the West Virginia online casino guide.

DraftKings was the first regulated internet casino to launch in West Virginia in July 2020. Much like with sports betting, BetMGM joined the party later in August 2020.

BetMGM and DraftKings are currently the only legal real-money casinos in the Mountaineer State. They accept real-money wagers and pay cash winnings.

Chumba, meanwhile, is a legal social gaming site. It sees players win coins that they can use to enter sweepstakes contests.

West Virginia poker sites

The Lottery Interactive Wagering Act allows for up to five WV poker sites. At the time of this writing, though, no legal online poker sites are available in West Virginia.

The state has been slow to work out all of the legal kinks with internet poker. Furthermore, it has yet to approve any applicants.

Operators are likely hesitant to jump into the WV market. After all, online poker is a game that heavily relies on liquidity to succeed.

West Virginia is only the 38th most-populous state in America. It would need to join a multi-state compact and share its player pool to create any meaningful liquidity.

Assuming internet poker does take off in WV, BetMGM and PokerStars (Flutter Entertainment) are two likely candidates to launch sites. PokerStars is especially significant, as it features more online poker customers worldwide than any other entity.

Requirements to obtain a WV online gambling license

Licensing costs

West Virginia requires operators to initially pay $250,000 for an internet gambling license. Licenses last for five years and come with a $100,000 renewal cost.

Online casinos and poker sites must cover a 15% tax rate. Meanwhile, internet betting operators pay a 10% rate.

List of eligible WV land-based casino partners

Internet gambling operators must partner with one of West Virginia's land-based casinos. The state's five brick-and-mortar casinos are:

  • Hollywood Casino (Charles Town) - Owned by Penn National, this racino features over 2,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room.
  • Mardi Gras (Cross Lanes) - Owned by Delaware North, Mardi Gras offers almost 1,000 slots and a poker room.
  • Mountaineer (New Cumberland) - Mountaineer features a poker room, a thoroughbred racetrack, 1,100 slots, and over 30 table games.
  • The Greenbrier (Greenbrier County) - Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier resort received permission from the state to launch a private casino in 2008.
  • Wheeling Island (Wheeling Island) - Also owned by Delaware North, Wheeling Island spreads over 1,100 slot machines and a poker room.

Who regulates online gambling in West Virginia?

The West Virginia State Lottery regulates both land-based and internet gambling in the Mountaineer State. It reviews applications, approves operators, and accepts licensing fees.

Deposit & withdrawal options

West Virginia online gambling sites boast a variety of deposit and withdrawal options. Therefore, you should experience little trouble funding your account and receiving payouts in WV.

Deposit options

Wv Online Gambling Websites

  • ACH (e-check) - This option lets you link a bank account to a gambling site and send funds to your account.
  • Cash at the cage - Visit a land-based WV casino and deposit directly at its cage.
  • Credit/debit card - Deposit using branded cards from Visa and Mastercard.
  • E-wallet - Skrill and PayPal are both available for gambling deposits.
  • PayNearMe - Fund your account through your local 7-Eleven.
  • Prepaid card - You can use these casino-issued cards like a gift card.

Withdrawal methods

  • ACH - Withdraw money to your linked bank account.
  • Cash at the cage - Receive instant cashouts from a brick-and-mortar cage.
  • E-wallet - Use PayPal and Skrill to collect payments.
  • Paper check - Request a paper check, which may take up to 14 days to arrive.
  • Prepaid card - Load funds back onto your casino-branded card.

West Virginia online gambling bonuses

Given that it hasn't launched yet, online poker doesn't currently offer bonuses. However, WV online casinos and sportsbooks feature some or all of the following deals. To see bonuses on legal sites in other states within the USA, check out the US online gambling guide.

No-deposit bonus

A no-deposit bonus becomes available after you register for an account. For example, you might receive $25 after signing up at a casino or betting site.

From here, you gamble to satisfy terms and conditions. You keep whatever is left from the bonus—plus any winnings —after meeting T&Cs.

Here's an example:

  • You receive a $20 no-deposit bonus.
  • Rollover is 10x.
  • $10 remains after you satisfy T&Cs.
  • You can either cash out the $10 or keep gambling with it.

Deposit bonus

A deposit bonus matches a percentage of your deposit up to a specified amount. You get to withdraw the bonus after meeting terms and conditions.

Here's an example:

  • A WV gaming site offers a 100% match bonus worth up to $500.
  • You deposit $300, thus qualifying for a $300 bonus.
  • You can cash out the $300 after satisfying all terms.

Cashback

Exclusive to online casinos, cashback allows you to win back a percentage of your losses. Cashback typically applies to losses accrued over a specified period (e.g., seven days after depositing).

Here's an example:

  • A casino offers 10% cashback on your first deposit.
  • The offer covers the first seven days following the deposit.
  • You lose $100 within the first week.
  • 100 x 0.1 = $10 in cashback

VIP rewards

WV online casinos and bookmakers may also offer loyalty benefits. These rewards apply to all of your real-money wagers.

Depending on the gambling type, you may be privy to some or all of the following:

  • Comp points (exchange for cash)
  • Deposit bonuses
  • Free bets
  • Free slots spins
  • Land-based casino comps

Free bet

Online bookmakers offer free bets when you sign up and deposit. A free wager lets you win back potential losses stemming from your first bet.

Here's an example:

  • An internet sportsbook offers up to a $500 risk-free wager.
  • You place a $250 bet and lose.
  • You can earn the $250 back by meeting T&Cs.

FAQs

Is online gambling legal in West Virginia?

Yes. Online sports betting, poker, and casino games are all legal in the Mountaineer State.
The WV Lottery Sports Wagering Act (S 415) makes internet betting legal. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (HB 2934) allows for online poker and casino games.

Is West Virginia online gambling safe?

The West Virginia Lottery regulates all internet gambling in the state. It works to guarantee that only qualified companies can operate in WV.
The state lottery also ensures that operators live up to the standards set forth by S 415 and HB 2934. It reserves the right to fine or even revoke the license of operators that break the rules.

What's the legal online gambling age in WV?

You can gamble online in West Virginia if you're at least 21 years old. You must verify your age when signing up at an internet casino or sportsbook.

Do I have to live in West Virginia to gamble online?

No. You can enjoy WV internet gambling as long as you're located within state lines at the time.
West Virginia online gambling sites use geolocation to determine where you are. As long as the software establishes that you're in WV, you're good to go.

Do I have to pay taxes on online gambling winnings in West Virginia?

The state only taxes winnings gained through the West Virginia State Lottery. Therefore, online casino and betting winnings aren't subject to WV taxes.
However, people do need to list the following gambling wins on federal tax forms:
1. Online slots - Wins of $1,200 or greater
2. Online sports betting - Wins of $600+ (without TIN) or $5,000+ (if TIN is provided)
3. Online poker tournaments - Wins of $5,000 or greater

When will WV online poker be available?

Internet poker is legal in West Virginia as of 2019. However, the market has been slower to form than the online betting and casino markets.
The Mountaineer State will likely feature one or more poker sites in the future. No timetable is available on when this will happen, though.

All across the United States, citizens seem to have a deep curiosity if not love of gambling. Something about the heroic image of a gambler played by someone like Paul Newman has permeated the culture and given Americans from coast to coast a deeply romantic view on gambling, and the hard working people in the coal mining state of West Virginia are certainly no exception. Understanding West Virginia gambling laws will ease your mind about joining the action.

While romantic fantasies rarely match reality, those who maintain a healthy, regular and responsible gambling habit can tell you that as a regular hobby, gambling can offer great fun as well as the opportunity to earn a few extra bucks so long as the gambler shows some skill and has a little bit of luck on their side. While it's obviously not for everyone, there are a distressingly high number of people who have an interest in gambling who do not participate under the mistakes assumptions that placing so much as one bet on the blackjack table will have them rotting away in a jail cell.

Federal law dictates that the act of placing bets or wagers on games of chance or future events is within a US citizen's right, even if the facilitation of illicit gambling is a very serious crime. Most of the 50 states in the union, including West Virginia, use this as a solid template from which to write and enforce their own laws regarding gambling.

The rest of this page will guide readers through the entire landscape surrounding the legislation in West Virginia on gambling. The purpose will be not only to help West Virginia residents understand both the letter and intent of their laws that much better, but to help them find outlets through which to gambler that are as safe as humanly possible.

Legality of Gambling in West Virginia

Unlike federal law, West Virginia gambling laws takes the time to define and outline a punishment for unregulated gambling, technically making the act against the law. Chapter 61-10-4 of West Virginia law defines the act of 'playing or betting' on any popular casino games or future events as a misdemeanor. That's all the bad news. If one were to be convicted of this crime, the punishment is a fine that ranges from $5 to $100 and up to one year of probation.

At this point, one may be wondering what the point of even trying a crime with such a trivial punishment is, since in barely even accounts to a traffic ticket. That's the good news. This is an obviously antiquated law which only helps confirm what anyone who peruses the history of arrests in the Mountaineer State will surely suspect: this is not a law that is even enforced in West Virginia anymore. It's important to understand that the spirit and intent of the law was, is, and always has been to break up large, organized crime syndicates and not to punish otherwise honest residents who merely wish to place a bet. This is why upon inspection of arrests in West Virginia, one will find that no one has ever been arrested and brought up on charges merely for the act of gambling.

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However, this does not mean that all gambling activity in West Virginia will go unnoticed or unpursued by state law enforcement agencies. Residents need to take special care not to 'keep' and gambling devices on their premises or operate them, because this is a serious crime in the eyes of the law. Not only is it highly likely to be discovered and prosecuted, but the penalties for these crimes are much steeper. In accordance chapter 61-10-1, while the crime is still a misdemeanor, it is punishable by 2-12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. While this is not as steep a punishment as is found in some states, it should still be avoided at all potential costs.

Gambling In Wv

Playing vs. Keeping a Gaming Table or Device

With such a stark difference in how these two acts are perceived by West Virginia gambling law, it's well worthwhile to take an in-depth look at how what these two acts entail.

'Playing' a game in which one places a bet is not an act that will garner much or any attention from law enforcement officials, but it does take two parties to do so. While the first simply needs to show up and hand over money in return to place a bet, there needs to be someone present to take the bet and/or operate the game in question. This second party is probably guilty of 'operating' the gaming device, if not the owner of the property, which would also mean that they are 'keeping' the game.

Whether the guilty party is the owner or merely an employee of a larger entity, West Virginia views these infractions as largely the same. This is not to say that anyone who hosts some friends in their home for a game of cards and some beers after work is guilty of 'keeping' a gambling game however, there is one more quality necessary to fully qualify for the steeper penalty and jail time: the guilty party must profit from the gambling event.

'Profiting' from gambling, as defined by law, does not entail making wise bets or wagers and coming out ahead, but rather putting oneself in a position to profit from the wagers without actually participating themselves. Some of the most popular ways to do this are by charging admission for the privilege to play in the game, operating any traditional casino games as the 'house who, by definition, always has the best odds at winning, operating a sportsbook in which money is collected from losing bets and distributed to winners, (usually at a profit to the bookkeeper) or collecting a small percentage of each pot from a poker game as a profit to the house. This is often called a 'rake.'

Just so long as a resident of West Virginia avoids these very specific actions, they should be able to avoid any and all legal attention related to West Virginia gambling laws.

Laws For Gambling In West Virginia

West Virginia Sports Betting Laws

In accordance with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that passed in 1992 through the federal court, sports betting may not be sanctioned in any state save the four that were grandfathered an exception from this rule. Unfortunately, since West Virginia was not one of these states, it's not possible to sanction any sports betting within state borders. This means that any land based sportsbooks a resident may run into are illegal operations that are incredibly unsafe to bet with, not only by virtue of the criminal element inherent in them, but due to the high likelihood of the state shutting them down as seizing all funds associated with them.

As a result, many residents of West Virginia have turned to legal online sportsbooks for all of their sports betting needs. Through the use of the internet, residents may place whichever bets they are most interested in both safely and away from any territory that would cause law enforcement agencies to stand up and take notice.

West Virginia Casino Gaming Laws

Fans of rolling the dice or flipping some cards for big winnings in West Virginia may rejoice because as of 2007, the state decided that it would sanction some forms of gambling and began erecting state sanctioned casinos. In these facilities, residents may take part in all manner of traditional table games and try their luck at the slot machines in what is obviously a completely legal and safe environment, given that the state itself sanctioned these facilities.

Still, four casinos spread out over the entire state is not a lot, and those who would prefer to save the time and gas associated with the long drives to these casinos are free to take part in legal online casinos for West Virginia residents. No matter the venue a prospective gambler prefers, it is possible to find safe and legal venues for all casino games in West Virginia.

West Virginia Poker Laws

Any of the licensed and sanctioned casinos in West Virginia should also offer all manner of poker games within their walls. Those who are fans of live action poker on the felt tables should have no trouble at all finding all manner of tournaments or sit and go games to take advantage of in these licensed facilities who often have upwards of 50 tables located within their premises.

To many residents' assurance, West Virginia also will not interfere in the sacred rite of poker home games. Whether one prefers playing in a small group of friends or quietly from their computer via an internet connection, residents are within their rights to do so just as long as the host of any private games does not collect a profit from the game.

West Virginia Gambling Age / Minimum Betting Age

There are many ways to legally gamble in the state of West Virginia, and one very simple way to mess everything up. West Virginia gambling laws set the legal gambling age in the Mountaineer State for any land-based casino is 21, and it is strongly recommended that all residents wait until they are at least of that legal age in order to do so.

Those who violate this law will find themselves facing steep legal fines as well as potential jail time for each offense. Obviously, it's well worthwhile to simply wait until one is over the age of 21 to gamble rather than leave themselves susceptible to these easily avoidable penalties.

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All Casinos In West Virginia

Where To Gamble In West Virginia

On-Land: Residents of West Virginia surely already know that their state is home to some of the most important horse races in the country, and that betting on them is a cultural staple that no law would dare to touch. However, as of 2007, West Virginia also began sanctioning some casinos. In addition to adding on to previously built race tracks, the state built new facilities that, all-in-all, have added more than 3,000 jobs to the state and helped drive in a great deal of new funds into the local economy. Residents of West Virginia are well within their legal rights to gamble in any of these facilities featuring both traditional casino games and poker tables. Unless something drastically changes in the federal courts as far as the PASPA goes, West Virginia has no prospects to offer land based sports betting.

Online/Web-Based: West Virginia residents have many reasons to turn to online gambling. Whether they are primarily interested in betting on sports (an activity not sanctioned by the state on land) or simply live too far away from a land based casino to make the drive worthwhile, legal online gambling sites for West Virginia residents are a convenient means of legal gambling.

Since these websites are located overseas, they are well outside of both West Virginia and US jurisdiction. This means there is no risk of these sites being shut down by the federal government or having the funds seized, something anyone who played with poker stars will surely appreciate. While the prospect of gambling with a foreign business may make some West Virginia residents nervous, there is no cause for alarm. In order to maintain operation as legal and legitimate businesses, these networks are held up to rigorous standards of fair play, financial security, and speedy payouts.

Best Gambling Sites For West Virginia

Trusted By Players All Over The United States

If you're looking for the most complete and secure gambling site in the world, you probably want to go with the one that has been satisfying clients in the US the longest, and you may rest assured that by these standards, no one has come close to touching Bovada. This West Virginia gambling site has been operating out of Canada for well over 20 years, and in that time has racked up an impressive list of achievements.

Most notable is the quality and execution of their cashier page. In addition to providing an airtight, secure connection, this legal online gambling network will grant all their members' one payout a month completely free of any fees associated with processing the check. That's as many as twelve checks a year delivered to your door with great haste, containing all your gambling winnings. Most times, not even dealing with a land based casino is that easy!

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What To Do If You Need More Help..

While we are confident that all the information presented on WestVirginiaGamblingLaws.com is accurate, we are not legal professionals and therefore it cannot be considered a consult concerning West Virginia gambling laws. Further questions should be directed to a legal professional or the state legislation at www.legis.state.wv.us which can be referenced under the bill numbers we have provided on this website.





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