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Is online poker legal in West Virginia? True or false.
That’s correct. However, the absence of online poker options in the state doesn’t reflect that fact.
If you are curious about the launch of online poker in West Virginia and want to stay updated, you have come to the right source. We provide the most recent information on the status of online poker in West Virginia. Additionally, if any progress is made on this matter, we will promptly share it here. Keep reading to stay informed about the latest news on online poker in West Virginia.
Best sweepstakes poker in West Virginia
Latest word on WV online poker
Since March 2019, West Virginia has permitted online poker, which was legalized alongside online casinos in the state in 2020.
Currently, regulators are indicating that they are awaiting expressions of interest from online poker rooms. The rooms are likely hesitant due to West Virginia’s small population, but they may become more involved if West Virginia joins the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association.
For over three years, online poker has maintained its legal status, but it has yet to be introduced in West Virginia. Due to the fact that online poker relies on human players, the state’s relatively small population may not provide sufficient activity to warrant the launch of a poker site. However, the possibility of a launch increases if West Virginia forms a partnership with other states.
More on WV online poker
- A quick overview of online poker in West Virginia
- Possible online poker sites in West Virginia
- WV online poker law
- WV online poker games
- Live poker in WV
- WV online poker FAQ
WV online poker at a glance
Currently, there are no online poker sites functioning in West Virginia. However, here is a comprehensive overview of all aspects concerning online poker in WV.
| Is online poker legal in West Virginia? | Yes. It has been legal since 2019. |
| What poker sites have launched in West Virginia? | Not so far. |
| When might poker sites launch in the state? | No earlier than 2025, and probably later. |
| What sites are most likely to launch? | PokerStars and BetMGM Poker. |
| How old would I have to be to play? | 21 or older. |
Potential WV online poker sites
Currently, any discussion regarding the potential launch of online poker sites in West Virginia is purely speculative. There is no substantial indication from either companies or government entities to indicate an imminent debut. Therefore, the following sites listed are merely our estimations, taking into account their affiliations with the state or their history of operating in other states.
BetMGM Poker
- Chance of launch: Probable
Due to its strong ties to West Virginia and financial resources, BetMGM Poker is highly likely to be introduced in the state. MGM already has a partnership with The Greenbrier for sports betting and online casino games, making it a logical step to integrate online poker into their platform. Furthermore, if West Virginia were to join the MSIGA, BetMGM would have the opportunity to merge its player pool in the state with those of BetMGM and Borgata in New Jersey.
PokerStars
- Chance of launch: Probable
If online poker sites start to launch in West Virginia, one of the potential options could be PokerStars. It has been a popular choice for online poker globally and within the United States for a while. Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of PokerStars, already has a partnership with The Greenbrier Resort. The combination of FanDuel and PokerStars that the company could provide to West Virginians would probably be highly successful for the sites.
Other sites that may launch
If online poker becomes a reality in West Virginia, while the aforementioned two sites are currently leading the race, there are other potential contenders that may consider offering their services in the state.
- WSOP.com, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, represents the renowned poker tournament series and is closely associated with the game itself. While Caesars Entertainment is currently not present in West Virginia, WSOP.com boasts extensive experience in operating across multiple states in the US. This gives it a potential advantage over other online poker platforms in terms of expertise.
- Partypoker is a classic app with a rich history dating back to the poker boom in the early 2000s. After a brief period of hiatus, it regained its legitimacy and is now under the ownership of Entain, a prominent multinational gaming corporation. However, despite its potential suitability for West Virginia, Entain may not prioritize its pursuit in the region due to its existing partnership with BetMGM Poker.
WV online poker law
In March 2019, the passing of HB 2934 in West Virginia not only legalized online casinos but also opened the door for online poker. Despite the absence of explicit mention of poker in the legislation, the intentionally ambiguous language of the law effectively eliminates any significant doubts regarding its inclusion. This paved the way for West Virginia to enhance its gambling offerings through interactive wagering.
It is worth noting that the law grants the West Virginia Lottery, which acts as the gambling commission in the state, the power to establish partnerships with other jurisdictions. This provision opens the opportunity for West Virginia to become a member of the MSIGA, thus paving the way for online poker in the state.
Multi-State Internet Gaming Association
The acronym “MSIGA” represents the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, which comprises a coalition of states that have entered into an agreement to enable the sharing of player pools among different states.
For many years, the issue of betting between states has sparked controversy in the United States. The Wire Act, a law passed in 1961 to tackle organized crime by prohibiting interstate sports betting, continues to be an enforced federal statute today. Law enforcement at the federal level has made several attempts to broaden the scope of the Wire Act to include online gambling, but as of September 2022, this claim has been consistently rejected by the courts.
Therefore, it is highly likely that West Virginia will become a member of the MSIGA before online poker is introduced in the state, especially considering Michigan’s recent inclusion in the group.
WV online poker games
West Virginia residents will have a wide range of gaming options if one or more online poker platforms are introduced in the state. These platforms will offer games at various limits, allowing players to participate with stakes ranging from pennies to thousands of dollars per hand.
Online, you have access to various formats such as cash games, tournaments, and sit and go’s. Additionally, there are fast-fold games where you can swiftly move on to the next hand after folding or when a hand on another table concludes. Moreover, jackpot sit and go’s are available, featuring hyper-turbo three-person tournaments with a winner-take-all setup and incredible potential payouts.
Online, you can discover the following games within those frameworks.
- No Limit Texas Hold’em
- Pot Limit Omaha
- Limit Texas Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha Eight or Better)
- Seven Card Stud
- Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo
- Razz
- Badugi
- Short Deck
- Pineapple
- Crazy Pineapple
- Mixed
Each site does not offer every game. The only game that is guaranteed to be available on online poker sites is No Limit Texas Hold’em. Some sites may have Pot Limit Omaha, but not all of them. Only the largest sites will have games other than PLO on their list.
In addition, it is important to note that there might be games not listed in this compilation. Certain websites, such as PokerStars, occasionally introduce their unique games or variations.
Live poker in WV
Despite the anticipation for the launch of online poker in West Virginia, residents still have the opportunity to play poker in person with the presence of poker rooms in four land-based casinos within the state.
Of course, not all rooms are identical. Some rooms may only have a few tables available, and there may not be a wide variety of games being played. However, here are the legal live poker options in WV:
- At Greenbrier Resort’s Casino Club, you can find a selection of two tables specifically dedicated to playing No Limit Texas Hold’em.
- There are thirteen tables available at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offering a variety of poker games including No Limit Texas Hold’em, Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, and Limit Omaha Hi-Lo.
- At Mardi Gras Casino, you can enjoy playing Ten tables of No Limit Texas Hold’em and Limit Texas Hold’em.
- The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack offers a variety of table games including No Limit Texas Hold’em, Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and seven card stud. With a total of nine tables, guests can enjoy a thrilling gaming experience.
The permanent closure of the poker room at the Mountaineer Casino in New Cumberland has become a significant cause for disappointment. Previously boasting 37 tables, the room remained closed since the onset of COVID-19 and shows no signs of reopening.
Poker at online casinos in West Virginia
While dedicated online poker apps are currently unavailable in West Virginia, there are still alternative online platforms where poker can be enjoyed. West Virginia boasts over half a dozen online casinos, such as BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, that provide poker options for players.
In West Virginia, all platforms offer some form of online poker, with Texas Hold’Em and video poker being the preferred choices. While it may not replicate the experience of playing in real-time with live players, it still provides an entertaining means to enjoy online poker games within the state.
WV Online Poker FAQs
Indeed, the legalization of online poker took place in West Virginia during the year 2019.
None right now.
A launch is not expected until at least 2025, and it is highly likely to be delayed further. Currently, there are no signs indicating that a launch is imminent.
Playing on websites such as America’s Cardroom and Bovada, which are located outside the United States, means they are not bound by any US laws or regulations. Engaging in such activities on these platforms can potentially lead to various complications and provide limited options for resolution.
It is probable that online poker sites in West Virginia will be closely tied to interstate play, as suggested by poker room operators who have stated that the state must join the MSIGA for them to establish a presence there.