West Virginia Casinos And Sports Betting
West Virginia boasts five casinos, with four of them being special “racinos” that feature both a casino and a horse or dog racing track. The unique fifth casino, known as The Greenbrier, holds the distinction of being the sole privately-owned casino in the entirety of the United States.
Since 1933, West Virginia has been home to racing events. The Charles Town Races in Charles Town were the pioneers, being the first track to open.
Originally, all four racinos were established as racetracks. The Mardi Gras Casino, which was the final one to open, initially started its operations in 1985 under the name Tri-State Greyhound Park.
In 1994, the introduction of slot machines, also known as video lottery terminals, was authorized by the West Virginia legislature for five locations. Mountaineer Casino was the initial establishment to house these machines on its premises.
In West Virginia, bars and restaurants are permitted to have up to five video lottery terminals, commonly referred to as VLTs, within their premises. The regulation and supervision of all gambling activities, including WV online poker and casino gambling, fall under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Lottery.
West Virginia Casinos
Below is a comprehensive list of West Virginia casinos and their respective schedules for launching online sports betting platforms:<br><br>1. Casino A – Launch Date: <br>2. Casino B – Launch Date: <br>3. Casino C – Launch Date: <br>4. Casino D – Launch Date: <br>5. Casino E – Launch Date: <br><br>Please note that these launch dates pertain to online gambling in West Virginia.
Hollywood Casino Charles Town – DraftKings Sportsbook WV and DraftKings Casino WV
In 1933, the Charles Town Races, now known as Hollywood Casino Charles Town, became the pioneer casino in West Virginia. Staying true to its roots, Hollywood Casino Charles Town recently achieved another milestone by introducing sports betting, making it the first casino in the state to do so. The sportsbook had a soft opening on August 30, 2018, followed by a grand opening just two days later.
Ever since then, Hollywood’s sportsbook has dominated the West Virginia market by a significant margin. Up until recently, its only rival was the exclusive Greenbrier.
In West Virginia, Hollywood has expanded its offerings to include online sports betting through its collaboration with DraftKings Sportsbook. On August 28, 2019, the WV online sportsbook received its inaugural bet. Additionally, Hollywood joined forces with DraftKings to introduce DraftKings Casino, the very first online casino in West Virginia.
Nevertheless, the casino could be relying on its geographical advantage compared to the majority of West Virginia’s other casinos, as it stands as the nearest property to Baltimore and Washington, DC.
In addition to its sportsbook, Hollywood Casino Charles Town offers a wide array of entertainment options, including 2,500 slot machines and 75 table games.
The Casino Club at Greenbrier Resort – FanDuel Sportsbook WV and BetMGM Sportsbook WV
The Casino Club at Greenbrier Resort stands as the sole exclusive casino across the United States, with access limited to its members and hotel guests exclusively.
The resort, owned by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, upholds strict guidelines for attire and conduct.
On September 13, 2018, The Greenbrier commenced its sports betting services, becoming the sole casino in West Virginia to host two online sportsbooks. This accomplishment was made possible through its collaborations with FanDuel and BetMGM.
After a 5-month break, FanDuel Sportsbook WV made a comeback and reintroduced online sports betting to West Virginia by releasing its inaugural mobile sports betting app on Aug. 26, 2019.
Shortly before the 2020 Super Bowl, BetMGM launched its virtual betting windows, significantly boosting The Greenbrier’s position in online sports betting within the state.
The retail sportsbook, staying true to its exclusive nature, operates as one of the most compact establishments. It is more aptly described as a lounge, offering limited seating and a handful of televisions for patrons to enjoy.
FanDuel personnel manage the lone table where wagering takes place. Behind them, a compact odds board displays the different betting options.
Located in White Sulphur Springs, the Casino Club at Greenbrier Resort boasts an impressive selection of 320 slot machines and 37 table games.
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort – Mountaineer Sportsbook
On May 19, 1951, Waterford Downs, a horse racing track, marked its grand opening and later evolved into Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.
Mountaineer Park was renamed by Bill Blair after he acquired the property in 1987. Subsequent purchases and name changes further transformed the casino into its present state.
In 1994, Mountaineer took a significant step by introducing slot machines to its property. The subsequent addition of table games further transformed the casino, ultimately leading it to its present state.
Mountaineer defied expectations when it became the third casino in West Virginia to introduce sports betting, surprising most spectators. Prior to submitting its license request a month ago, Mountaineer appeared to be trailing behind its four other in-state rivals.
The New Cumberland property initiated sports betting on November 21, 2018, and currently runs its sportsbook in collaboration with Caesars Sportsbook, its strategic partner.
Surprisingly, as per statements made by casino management, the sportsbook is not anticipated to generate significant revenue for the casino. However, the true worth of introducing sports betting, as stated by company executives, lies in its marketing appeal and capability to attract a larger customer base to the casino.
In September 2020, the online sportsbook of The Mountaineer was unveiled, marking the fourth launch in the state of West Virginia.
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort – Mardi Gras Sportsbook
In 1985, the Tri-State Greyhound Park was established, which later transformed into the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. Over the years, the property has experienced various shifts in ownership and name, ultimately adopting its present identity in 2008.
With a name that clearly suggests its affiliation, Mardi Gras now embodies the essence of New Orleans. The casino graciously presents a wide array of entertainment options, including approximately 1,000 slots and an assortment of 30 table games to cater to its valued patrons.
Hartman & Tyner sold the property to gaming company Delaware North in March 2018. Delaware North, the owner of Wheeling Island and various casinos in different states, acquired the property.
In December 2018, Mardi Gras and its sister property introduced their sports betting services. These two West Virginia casinos were pioneers in providing mobile sports betting through their BetLucky Sportsbook app.
Regrettably, in March 2019, a contractual dispute between Delaware North and its sports betting provider, Miomni, led to the closure of both retail sportsbooks and the mobile app.
Delaware North is taking legal action against Miomni as it aims to terminate their contract and start searching for a new sports betting partner. The reintroduction of sports betting at Mardi Gras remains uncertain with no specific timeframe provided.
Located in Nitro, West Virginia, Mardi Gras Casino offers an extensive range of entertainment options including 250 slot machines, 30 table games, and a poker room. Serving customers from its premises, this property promises an exciting and diverse gaming experience.
Mardi Gras has partnered with IGT to reintroduce retail sports betting on Jan. 31, 2020. The property now features Betly-branded kiosks, and an online sportsbook bearing the same name is anticipated to be launched in the near future.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – Wheeling Island Sportsbook
In 1937, Wheeling Downs, a horse racing facility, was established and later transformed into Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 1962 led to the closure of the property.
Due to a decrease in attendance, the track made a transition from harness racing to greyhound racing during the 1970s.
In 1994, the casino incorporated slot machines into its establishment. Subsequently, over a period of 14 years, the property gradually expanded its range of amenities. By 2008, in addition to its previous offerings, the casino introduced table games and simultaneously underwent a name change to its present version.
As a result of Delaware North’s acquisition of Mardi Gras Casino, Wheeling Island has become a sister property. On August 17, both establishments obtained their licenses to provide sports betting services.
Afterward, the two properties have encountered an unfortunate setback in their sports betting introductions. This hesitation has given Mountaineer the opportunity to overtake and outdo both Delaware North casinos in the competition to acquire a sports wagering facility.
Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras have temporarily withdrawn from accepting sports bets as Delaware North looks for a new sports betting partner, following a little over two months of operation.
Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, Wheeling Island Casino offers an extensive range of entertainment options for its visitors. With 1,100 slot machines, a diverse selection of table games, and a dedicated poker room, this property is a prime destination for patrons in the vicinity.
On the day of Mardi Gras, Wheeling Island joyfully embraced the revival of retail sports betting. Similar to its sibling casino, it boasts Betly kiosks and plans to introduce a mobile app in the near future, all made possible through Delaware North’s partnership with IGT.
West Virginia Sports Betting FAQ
Indeed, five retail sports betting establishments are currently operating.
- Hollywood Casino Charles Town
- The Casino Club located at the Greenbrier Resort
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort has a variety of entertainment options for guests to enjoy.
- Mardi Gras Casino
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
Individuals who are 21 years or older are permitted to engage in gambling activities in the Mountain State.
Indeed, the four mobile sports betting apps that are currently accepting bets include FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.
Yes, the majority of fantasy sports companies are based in West Virginia.
Absolutely, it is possible to engage in NFL betting in West Virginia, and it is currently thriving. Whether you prefer the convenience of online platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel Sportsbooks, or the immersive experience of a live sportsbook, you have various options available. If you opt for the latter, you can visit one of the three casinos mentioned above.
Here, you can find our comprehensive guides to NFL and college football betting in WV.