Top rated casinos in west virginia you need to try online or in-person

Updated on November 30, 2023_

The Mountain State has plenty of exciting things going for it, especially when it comes to gambling entertainment. With five land-based casinos currently open, that number set to increase, WV residents and visitors have no shortage of great venues to choose from.

We’ve taken a closer look at each of them to help you pick out the ones deserving of your attention. Alongside our list of the top casinos in West Virginia, we’ll also review online WV casinos, the games you can play, and how everything compares to other US gaming hotspots.

Best Casinos in West Virginia Locations

Wondering where are the casinos in West Virginia? The Mountain State is home to several resort casinos which are spread all over the map. Although many are located close to big cities like Charleston and Morgantown, some are hidden away in more rural locations. This selection of shows just how varied the region is.

  • The Casino Club Mediterranean is tucked away on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington.

  • Chesterwood Beverly Hills - Casino & Hotel is found on the city’s main street.

  • Casino Club Cal-Nev-Ari is located just outside of town.

  • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is situated slightly to the west of the city.

  • The Meadows Racetrack and Casino is found on Main Street in Washington Pa., just across the border in Pennsylvania.

  • Mardi Gras Casino & Resort is perched on the waterfront in Narragansett.

  • Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­ Racetrack is right next to the Ohio River in Wheeling.

  • Atlantic City Country Club Annex is located just off the famous boardwalk.

  • Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is found on Renaissance Pike.

  • Oceans Casino Resort is situated on the boardwalk.

  • Resorts Casino Hotel is right on Ocean Avenue.

  • Tropicana Atlantic City is located just one block back from the beach.

  • Aria Resort and Casino sits on Las Vegas Strip.

  • Bellagio is found on Las Vegas Strip.

  • Bellagio Hotel and Casino is located on Las Vegas Strip.

  • Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is on Las Vegas Strip.

  • MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.

  • The Venetian Resort is on Las Vegas Strip.

  • Wynn Las Vegas is situated on Las Vegas Strip.

  • Casino Campeones is set back from the beach.

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  • Casino Santiago is found just north of the city center.

  • Casino Joya is located near the marina to the east of the city center.

  • Casino Rio is situated on Avenida Mexico.

  • Hotel Ballystanford Casino is on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

  • Hotel Calle Fuerte Casino Cafeteria Y Bar is on Calle 13 Norte.

  • Hotel El Mortero Casino is situated on Calle 9 Sur.

  • Hotel Mar y Sol Casino is found on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

  • Hotel Oasis Casino Y Bar is on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

  • Hotel Playa Bonita Casino is set just off the beach.

  • Hotel Plaza Colombia Casino Y Bar is situated on Calle 9 Sur.

  • Hotel San Quintin Casino Y Bar is on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

  • Hotel Santa Lucia Casino Y Bar is found on Calle 9 Sur.

  • Hotel Torre Sur Casino Y Bar is located on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas.

  • Club Hollywood Casino is set within the West Virgilia Downs racetrack.

  • Delaware Park is found on Silicato Road.

  • FanDuel SportsBook at The Meadows is located on Main Street.

  • Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races is situated close to the Capitol Complex in Charleston.

  • Mardi Gras Gaming & Entertainment is found on Route 60.

  • Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is located just off Interstate 84.

  • Monongalia County Race Track is situated between Downtown Morgantown and Wills.

  • Wheeling Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is found along the Ohio River frontage road.

  • Williams Racetrack & Casino, Inc. is on Williams Road.

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Best Casinos in West Virginia – Overview

It’s not just geography that sets these casinos apart. Each offers its own blend of slots, table games, poker, sports betting, dining options, entertainment, promos, and hotel amenities. We have rated each category on a scale of one to five stars, making it easy to see which venues excel in certain areas.

When we visited in October 2023, Chesterwood Beverly Hills – Casino & Hotel was the highest-ranked resort overall, with five stars in each category except hotels (four stars). Mardi Gras Casino & Resort was a close second. It scored five stars in six categories but only three stars in terms of slots selection.

If you’re primarily interested in slots, Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack is the one to visit. This venue shares fifth place with Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. Both offer five-star ratings for slots availability and variety. However, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort slipped to last place due to its low scores in the other categories.

So far, seven of West Virginia’s land-based casinos have reopened following COVID-19 closures. As such, we haven’t been able to properly assess their health and safety protocols. However, all casinos are now operating at reduced capacities to allow social distancing. Enhanced cleaning procedures are also in operation.

Although none of our reviewed casinos accept online wagers on their partner’s platforms at this time, that could soon change. Proposition 2 could be put before Maryland voters as early as November 2022. If approved, mobile betting would be allowed throughout the state. We’ll continue to monitor events and update our rankings accordingly.

Top Online Casinos in West Virginia

While there aren’t any real money online casinos based in West Virginia at this moment, if you want to gamble online, you certainly can. There are , and you can read about them below.

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We have created a detailed rating system in order to determine the best online casinos in West Virginia. The first thing we check out are the available games, since a good online casino must provide a wide range of high quality games. BetOnline does an outstanding job providing an extensive collection of over 500 different games. MyB Casino lags behind just a little bit with around 300 games.

Another feature that is absolutely essential for an online casino platform is bonuses and promotions. All sites listed above give you the chance to double up or even triple up your bankroll. Gambling with someone else’s money is much more fun, so make sure you claim those bonuses and rewards, whether you are from West Virginia or .

Payments are another important aspect to consider and all of our recommended online casinos provide you with a wide range of options for deposits and withdrawals. Additionally, they all offer top notch customer support service, reliable safety features as well as a user friendly platform, allowing you to find your way around easily.

How We Ranked the Best Online Casinos in WV

Our reviewers know what to look for when assessing online gaming platforms. When putting our list of the to the test, we followed a set of criteria to ensure objectivity. These include licensing and safety, banking options, game variations, bonus schemes, jackpots, mobile compatibility, and customer support. Below you can see the chart showing how we rate each area on our list of .

Once we had collated all of the data, we used our scoring system to give each site an overall star rating out of five. As you can see from the table below, some elements drew stronger scores than others on average. All sites scored five stars for licensing and customer support, four stars for mobile compatibility, and three stars for bonuses and payouts.

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However, there were variations elsewhere. Jackpots and payment methods both received top marks of five stars in some instances and three-star scores at the other end of the scale. Game variations attracted scores of between one and five stars, highlighting the fact that each site caters to a slightly different crowd.

Similarly, the dates on which we carried out our tests mean that these results only reflect the state of the online casino market in West Virginia as at October 2023. However, use our guidelines to check our reviews of the top mobile casinos if you want to keep track of how the rankings change over time.

Can West Virginia Casinos Operate Online?

Yes, they can. Governor Jim Justice signed the West Virginia Lottery Interim Rule on April 4, 2020. This allows the state’s five licensed casinos to offer electronic table games, online slot machines, and poker while the state remains in a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

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Each operator has until June 1, 2020, to apply for an interactive video device license and pay a $125,000 fee. Should the state legislature fail to produce online gaming regulations within 180 days of the interim rule being implemented, the lottery will revoke all licenses.

For now, however, the likes of BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have been given the green light to offer online sportsbooks in conjunction with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. These partners could go head-to-head with existing online operators BetOnline, MyB Casino, and Bovada, setting the stage for an exciting few months ahead.

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Slots are always popular, whether you play at land-based or . To find the best online slots sites, we compared welcome bonuses, ongoing promos, RTPs, house edges, payout rates, and the number of reel-spinning games available on each platform. Our research showed that BetOnline and MyB Casino offer the widest variety, with more than 400 slots apiece.

However, when it comes to bonus credits, no one comes close to , which gives you up to $7,500 in credits plus 20 free spins when you sign up. Wild Casino is almost as generous, providing up to $5,000 worth of funds to new players. Ignition Casino and Bovada round out our top five.

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All of our featured sites accept a range of payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Money Global, Person2Person, Check, and Wire Transfer. They also offer 24/7 customer support via email and ticketing systems. However, if you prefer to call, Wild Casino is the pick; it is the only site to offer toll-free phone support.

Mobile Compatibility

Just like the top casino apps in New Jersey, Delaware Park, and Pennsylvania, the best West Virginia casino apps allow you to play your favorite games on the go. However, not all platforms are compatible with iOS devices or Blackberry phones. You may also need to update your operating system before installing the app.

MyB Casino is one of the most accessible platforms around. Its site states clearly that “no download or updates are necessary” if you use Android or Blackberry devices. It also suggests that iOS users can play instantly in their mobile browser. Meanwhile, the likes of BetOnline and Wild Casino say their apps are suitable for devices running iOS 10.0+ or Android 5.0+.

It is worth pointing out that, whereas some competitors offer native apps that you can download straight onto your phone or tablet, Bovada only provides a web app. However, our found that this model works well. Web apps do not take up any precious storage space and can be accessed directly through your mobile browser.

No matter which online casino you choose, you can enjoy a wide selection of mobile-friendly slots and table games. You can also access customer support, make deposits and withdrawals securely, and claim bonuses while on the move. Just remember to enable location services to comply with state and federal laws.

History of Casinos in West Virginia

The history of gambling in America is long and convoluted. Games of chance have been enjoyed by settlers, soldiers, cowboys, and civilians alike since the earliest days of European exploration. Card games were particularly popular, and gentlemen gambled freely on plantations, aboard navy ships, in frontier saloons, and wherever else a deck of cards could be laid out.

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Slots arrived later. The operated like today’s fruit machines but featured five reels rather than the three you’ll find at most online and land-based casinos in the US. Despite featuring a liquid cure, battery power, and a photographically illustrated operating card, it failed to catch on and eventually vanished from history.

Lotteries became popular during the 1800s and were used to finance roads, churches, colleges, and other public projects. The Western Virginias Polytechnic Institute (now West Virginia University) was founded using lottery proceeds in 1865. However, lotteries fell out of favor toward the end of the century, and all forms of gambling were outlawed across the state in 1891.

This remained the case unless certain exceptions until the 1930s. The West Virginia Parimutuel Association Act of 1931 permitted betting on horse races. The West Virginia Racing Commission was established in 1974 to regulate the industry and is still active today. The West Virginia Limited Video Lottery Act was passed in 1994 to legalize limited stakes video lottery machines at the Mountaineer Racing Grazing Commission and Racetracks.

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These venues were renamed as The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort and Mardi Gras Gaming & Entertainment in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Further amendments were made to state law in 2007 under Bill 2801. This bill created the West Virginia Lottery Interim Rules – Table Games and allowed four casinos (plus the two racing Slingso casinos) to offer up to 25 table games apiece.

The West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association was formed in July 2008 to oversee activities. Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack added wheel of fortune slots and added roulette, craps, and Texas Hold’em tables when they opened in December 2009. However, legal action ensued after management at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races alleged that Wheeling Island was breaking the law by offering too many games.

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A judge ruled in their favor in March 2010, giving Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack 180 days to reduce the number of tables and VLTs in operation. The casino appealed, but the West Virginia Gaming Facility Location Act was passed in March 2012 to permit Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races to add extra tables and slots.

It also paved the way for up to five destination resorts measuring at least 250 acres or five hotels measuring at least 200 rooms. These facilities could offer up to 255 table games and 10,000 slots apiece plus a range of other gaming options. Governors gave official approval to five destinations in February 2015, leading us to the diverse selection of casinos you can visit in West Virginia today.

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Any of the top West Virginia casinos could lay claim to this title, but most residents seem to agree that Chesterwood Beverly Hills - Casino & Hotel is the best place to play. It received a perfect score of five stars in our table games category, indicating that it offers a wide range of classic casino games and enticing odds.

In addition to traditional fare like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, pai gow, Spanish 21, and Three Card Poker, this casino in West Virginia also features a poker room with No Limit Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi-Lo action. There are daily tournaments, plus cash and tiered tables to suit players of all budgets.

However, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is our editor’s choice for fans of thoroughbred racing. This venue is located close to Charles Town Race Track, which hosts more than 200 races each year. That that makes it one of the busiest raceways in the country.

You can watch the action from the comfort of your own home or enhance the excitement by placing bets throughout the day. The track also features live commentary, simulcast betting on races from across the US and Canada, plus fantastic views of the action whatever type of seating you choose.

Slot players are spoiled for choice in West Virginia. According to our research, Mardi Gras Gaming & Entertainment and have five-star ratings for slots availability and variation. Both venues have more than 400 titles in their libraries, ranging from classic reel machines to cutting-edge titles with innovative features.

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Top WV Casinos by Category

Now that you’ve seen what’s on offer in this state, you may be wondering which casino in West Virginia you should visit. The answer depends on the types of games you want to play. If you like slots, we recommend Hollywood Casino at Monongalia County Race Track or BetOnline (if you prefer to play online).

Perhaps you’d rather try to beat the dealer at blackjack or test your skills against fellow poker enthusiasts. In this case, we suggest Chesterwood Beverly Hills - Casino & Hotel, which scored highly across all of our categories, including table games and poker. Or maybe you want to visit Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races to combine your love of gaming with a passion for horses.

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If you can’t decide, why not visit them all? Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack is our most centrally located venue, so why not start there? From there, head north to Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, then cross into northern Maryland to visit Casino Fashion Outlets North.

Next, drive south to The Casino @ Salt Rock, then follow the Turnpike East to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Head south on I-81 to stop four, Casino Clinton, and then continue on US-50 to reach Hollywood Casino at Monongalia County Race Track. Finally, head west on US-19 to complete your journey at Delaware Park.

You can use our to check opening times, contact details, promos, menus, and more at each venue to plan your route and itinerary for the day. Bear in mind that these casinos often host special events like comedy nights, car shows, and seasonal celebrations, so it is always worth checking the local listings to see what extra attractions are on show during your visit.

Is Gambling Legal in West Virginia and What Are the Rules?

Gambling was outlawed in West Virginia in 1891, but the limits of legality began to loosen in the 20th century. Initially, parimutuel wagering on horse racing was permitted. Limits were relaxed again in 1994 to allow video lottery terminals at two racetracks, before Bill 2801 was passed in 2007 to expand gambling to four full casinos. The West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association regulates operations across the state, ensuring all revenues are taxed appropriately. Any unlicensed operators found to be accepting wagers from West Virginians could be prosecuted. If you want to stay on the right side of the law, only make deposits at fully licensed West Virginia casino and sportsbook sites. You can check each operator’s footer for its license number and click through to the regulator’s site to verify credentials. If a company doesn’t hold relevant licenses, don’t risk your money -move on to a more reputable operator. ### What Are the Resort Amenities Like?

Most casinos in West Virginia are fairly basic. According to our review scores, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is let down by its hotel, restaurants, and general amenities, receiving just one star in each category. However, Chesterwood Beverly Hills - Casino & Hotel is a luxury resort in its own right, earning top marks for accommodations, food, drinks, entertainment, and extras. If you prefer an all-inclusive resort, this is the best casino in West Virginia for you. ### Do West Virginia Casinos Require Dress Code?

There is no statewide dress code for West Virginia casinos, but individual venues may request that you cover up. Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack asks guests not to wear cut-offs, towel wraps, and wet bathing suits. You should also cover up at The Casino @ Salt Rock and Delaware Park. However, Hollywood Casino at Monongalia County Race Track invites guest to “kick off your flip flops and join us for the finest in table games, poker, and slot machines,” suggesting that more informal attire is accepted. ### Where Can I Find 24 Hour Casinos in West Virginia?

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Many casinos in West Virginia are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to our research, the following five venues never close:Chesterwood Beverly Hills – Casino & Hotel, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, The Casino @ Salt Rock, and Delaware Park all received maximum scores of five stars for hotel service, dining options, slots selection, table games, and overall score. However, we should point out that these scores were collated prior to COVID-19 closures, so we cannot guarantee that these casinos are definitely open 24 hours a day. You can check each venue’s website for the latest information. ### Which Casino Has the Loosest Slots in WV?

Wheeling Island Hotel­­–­­Casino­­­–­Racetrack and The Meadows Racetrack & Casino have the loosest slots in West Virginia, according to our research. Both venues received five-star ratings for the availability, variety, and payout rates of their slots. However, if you prefer to play online, Bovada and Ignition Casino are two of the and can pay out instant rewards when you hit the jackpot. ### Are Tips for Dealingers and Other Employees Customary in West Virginia?

Tipping is customary in West Virginia casinos. Dealers generally receive $1-$5 per shoe or hand, plus an extra tip if you have a winning streak. If you win big, consider leaving a larger tip. Similarly, $1 per hour is a standard rate for workers who change slot machines or clean your hotel room at the resort. But again, feel free to leave more if you are pleased with the service provided. ### What Kind of Promotional Incentives Exist at the Best Casinos in WV?

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All of the best casinos in West Virginia entice you to sign up with a welcome bonus, giving you extra funds or free spins when you make your first deposit. Examples include 125% matches worth up to $3,000 at Bovada and Weloopaly, plus no-deposit bonuses worth $35 at DuckyLuck Casino. You can compare deals on our page dedicated to the . Ongushing promotions include cashback offers, loyalty schemes, reload bonuses, free spins, and prize giveaways. ### Does West Virginia Collect State Income Tax?

Yes, it does. The West Virginia personal income tax applies to individuals earning more than $3,600 per year. The West Virginia corporate net income tax applies to businesses earning more than $30,800 per year. The exact amount you pay depends on your tax band, and there are various deductions and exemptions available. For the latest info, check out the official from the Department of Revenue. ### Can Casinos in WV Refill Your Drink While Playing?

Yes, they can. Walking around with an empty glass may seem like a good way to prevent yourself getting drunk, but West Virginia casinos are among those that permit servers to refill your drink while you play. However, remember that alcohol can affect your judgment and decision-making abilities, which is not ideal if you are hoping to win big at the tables. So, why not have fun responsibly and use a promo code for extra safety? ### Why Do Seniors Enjoy Playing Slot Machines in WV?

Senior citizens seem to account for a large proportion of slot players in West Virginia. Some suggest this is because older people tend to have more free time on their hands and less fear of losing, plus more experience interpreting slot machine features and symbols. Others argue that retirees simply enjoy playing. Whatever the reason, seniors can enjoy a range of at all of the top casinos in West Virginia. ### Do Casinos Have to Serve Food in West Virginia?

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No. Concessions stands may be required, but West Virginia casinos do not have to serve food. However, many choose to include eateries in their resort to provide hotel guests with convenient meal options and give external visitors an excuse to enjoy a break from the slots and tables. If you fancy a burger, steak, or slice of pizza whilst gambling in West Virginia, you’ll find plenty of options at the state’s top casinos. ### Can Casinos Discount Room Rates for Certain Occasions in WV?

Yes, they can. West Virginia casinos are allowed to operate resorts comprising at least 200 hotel rooms or 250 acres, plus one hotel with at least 200 rooms. In line with international hotel standards, many casinos in the state offer discounted room rates to attractions and events within a 15-mile radius.