It is highly likely that if you have visited a casino or racino in West Virginia, you would have observed individuals engaged in playing video poker. Video poker machines have become a prominent feature in the majority of gaming establishments.
There are various reasons why people engage in video poker, and one of them is to enhance their abilities in preparation for competitions against other individuals. Additionally, video poker offers a refreshing alternative for those who typically find enjoyment in playing slots.
Gamblers in West Virginia can now experience unparalleled access to video poker, despite the already abundant availability of such machines in brick-and-mortar casinos for both residents and visitors.
In 2020, the introduction of online casino apps by DraftKings WV, BetMGM WV, and Caesars brought online video poker to West Virginia.
Are video poker games legal in WV?
Indeed, video poker games are permissible at all casinos and racinos in West Virginia. Additionally, playing video poker online is allowed in the state through licensed operators.
Video poker became legal in West Virginia in March 2019, following the amendment of the state’s constitution in 1994 to allow for brick-and-mortar casinos and the legalization of video gambling machines seven years later.
Due to this, all five of the state’s casinos and racinos provide a wide array of video poker machines for guests to enjoy. Nonetheless, individuals and organizations lacking gambling licenses are prohibited by law from operating video poker machines.
If one operates a gambling operation without a license in WV, they may face fines and imprisonment. The consequences also apply to individuals who engage in illegal gambling activities.
Playing video poker in WV is completely legal as long as the operator holds a license with the WV Lottery.
How to play video poker for free in West Virginia
For those who are new to playing, the idea of risking your hard-earned money at a casino or online can be intimidating. However, there are opportunities to learn the games without spending any money, except for your time.
Chumba Casino online is a well-liked choice for those seeking free online video poker games. However, it should be noted that the website has a somewhat limited selection, offering only the Jacks or Better poker product.
In any case, it serves as a useful tool for learning the game since it includes a percentage calculator that informs you of the likelihood of achieving a winning hand from your draw. This feature aids in comprehending various combinations and also allows for practicing different video poker strategies.
Once you have gained confidence, it’s time to level up and start aiming to win some money in the big leagues. There are numerous variations for you to explore and test your skills.
Can I play video poker games for real money in WV?
When it comes to playing video poker with actual money at any casino or racino in WV, the experience is very much akin to playing any other electronic game. In terms of the mechanics, it closely resembles the process of playing video slots.
When it comes to playing online video poker, there is a slight deviation as you need to create an account. This process is quite straightforward and only takes a few minutes of your time. All you need to provide are a few essential details, including your name, address, and Social Security number, which is necessary for tax purposes.
Once you have completed the registration process, you will be required to deposit funds into your online account. Online casinos commonly offer the following choices for depositing money:
- ACH, or e-check
- Visa/MasterCard
- Bank transfer
- PayNearMe (via 7-Eleven)
- PayPal/Skrill
- Wire transfer
During the registration and account funding process, it is important to be attentive to any promotional offers provided by the online casino. It is common for new accounts and initial deposits to receive bonuses.
West Virginia video poker apps
In order to comply with West Virginia legislation, online casinos must establish alliances with physical casinos or racinos within the state.
Currently, DraftKings Casino has launched in West Virginia, providing a range of video poker games. As online casinos progress, there is potential for the addition of more diverse games in the future.
You can find several video poker games at DraftKings Casino WV, with a minimum bet of 10 cents and a maximum bet of $200.
- Jacks or Better
- Video Poker – Double Double Bonus
- Live Three-Card Poker
The WV online casino app of BetMGM Online Casino was recently introduced in collaboration with The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. Nevertheless, it presently lacks video poker games, although there is a possibility of their inclusion in the future.
Golden Nugget Casino, another online casino app, has recently revealed its plans to launch in WV in early 2021. However, it remains uncertain if video poker games will be included in its offerings.
PokerStars is another potential player in the online video poker market in WV. This well-known brand has a tie-in with The Greenbrier through its ownership of FanDuel Sportsbook, both being under the same parent company.
The presence of PokerStars in the video poker industry of WV would be highly appreciated, considering its esteemed worldwide reputation as a leading brand.
Video poker strategy tips
The strategies for winning in video poker are essentially the same as those used in traditional poker played at a physical table. Additionally, the rules for each specific five-card draw game remain consistent.
The goal of the game is to form a winning hand, but the specific cards required for a victory vary based on the particular variation of poker being played. In games like Jacks or Better, pairs of jacks, queens, and/or kings hold greater significance compared to other types of poker.
To excel in your preferred game, it is crucial to acquire extensive knowledge about the various potential hands. By doing so, you can proceed to implement a technique known as “playing flawlessly,” which is considered one of the most effective strategies.
Rest assured, engaging in such actions will not result in being expelled from casinos, unlike card counting at a blackjack table. The casinos operate on the assumption that you are playing flawlessly and design their games accordingly.
Playing perfectly simply entails playing the hand you’ve been given, maximizing its value according to the statistical probabilities. Every error made decreases your chances of winning.
The odds in video poker also depend on the amount you wager in each game. While most games require a minimum buy-in, raising your stake can lead to higher potential winnings in case of a victory.
Progressive payouts are a common feature in numerous games, increasing in value as you persistently play and achieve victories. Similar to any other form of gambling, it involves weighing the potential reward against the associated risk, considering the probability of winning.
Video poker games at WV online casinos
The variety of poker games available at a casino or online platform may seem overwhelming when you first approach a machine or log in. However, there is no need to feel intimidated as the differences between these games are usually minor adjustments rather than significant disparities.
You also have the chance to not lose all your gambling money. On average, video poker machines give back more than 96% of the money they collect as winnings. Below is a brief overview of a few games you may come across.
Jacks or Better
As mentioned before, this particular video poker casino game is the most widespread and exclusive choice available at Chumba Casino. Its popularity stems from its straightforward nature, making it easily accessible for players.
In order to emerge victorious, you need to create a hand consisting of two jacks or higher. This game is highly sought after due to its exceptional payout rate of 99.54%, which returns nearly every dollar wagered.
Similar to other games, the payouts in Chumba’s Jacks or Better game increase in proportion to the strength of each hand. The game offers payouts of either 7x or 5x depending on the hand’s level of strength.
Deuces Wild
This game, as its name implies, replaces the four twos with wild cards. By doing so, it significantly enhances the potential of hands and consequently raises the threshold for obtaining a payout.
To achieve victory in most games, a player typically requires a hand consisting of at least three identical cards or a stronger combination. Nonetheless, by executing flawless gameplay, one can greatly increase their chances of securing a rewarding outcome.
Simultaneously, the presence of four deuces adds to the challenge, making it necessary to play multiple hands in order to achieve a profitable outcome exceeding your initial investment.
Bonus Poker/Double Bonus Poker/Double Double Bonus Poker
Everyone loves a good bonus when gambling, but as is often the case in life, you can’t expect to get something for nothing.
By choosing Bonus Poker, you have the opportunity to boost your winnings, but it comes at the cost of reducing your chances of winning anything.
By incorporating bonuses for any quadruplet, these games successfully attain their objectives. Moreover, Double Bonus offers an even higher payout for a hand containing four aces.
The game of Double Double Bonus Poker offers varying payouts depending on the value of the fifth card, referred to as the kicker, in a hand with four aces. However, it is important to note that as the bonuses increase, the probability of winning them decreases.
Before beginning any poker game, it is crucial to grasp the rules. The fundamental principle in gambling is comprehending the potential risks in comparison to the promised rewards.
Promos and rewards programs
In West Virginia, the majority of physical casinos and racinos provide rewards programs to their customers, wherein playing video poker is a means to accumulate points within those systems. This also holds true for online casinos operating within the state.
While physical casinos commonly restrict the uses of your points to amenities such as dining and hotel accommodations, online casinos are more inclined to offer free plays. Certain companies, like MGM, have rewards programs that encompass both online and physical operations.
There are little to no reasons not to join these programs as they are mostly free to participate in. By doing so, you can earn points simply by playing video poker, even if you don’t win.
Gambling companies employ promotional bonuses as another tool to incentivize play. While these are primarily targeted towards new customers, casinos may also offer them periodically at their own discretion.
Staying vigilant for promotions and regularly monitoring your points while playing is crucial. These perks frequently come with expiration dates, so it is crucial not to overlook any rewards you have earned.
Video poker rules and hand rankings
After the dealer hands you five cards in a five-card draw style, you are faced with a decision in video poker. The specific variants of the game may vary depending on the options provided by the establishment.
You have the option to keep or discard any number of cards in your hand. The objective is to achieve the highest possible hand. Here are some of the commonly seen combinations, ranked from the strongest to the weakest.
- A royal flush is comprised of a 10, jack, queen, king, and ace, all belonging to the same suit.
- A straight flush is a hand in poker consisting of five cards in sequential order, all belonging to the same suit.
- Four-of-a-kind refers to a hand in which there are four cards with identical values, regardless of the suit.
- A full house consists of a pair and a three-of-a-kind.
- Flush: A hand consisting of five cards that all share the same suit.
- Straight: A set of five consecutive cards
- A set of three cards with identical values is referred to as three-of-a-kind.
- Two pairs: Two sets of cards that are not alike.
- Pair: Two cards with identical values.
In cases where players possess similar hands, the determining factor is often the “high card.” To illustrate, if one player holds a pair of twos while another has a pair of threes, the player with the higher pair will possess the stronger hand.
Payouts for numerous games are influenced by high cards. Additionally, specific games designate certain cards as wild and necessitate the formation of specific hands to receive payouts. Prior to commencing play, it is imperative to familiarize oneself with these regulations.
Video poker odds
To win at poker, it is crucial to understand that with only 52 cards in a deck, the number of possible combinations is limited. Therefore, success in poker primarily relies on mathematical calculations. Although the odds may vary due to game variations and the number of hands played, video poker players should be familiar with the standard benchmarks for different hands.
| Hands | Odds | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush (dealt) | 1/650,000 | 800 |
| Royal Flush (ending hand) | 1/40,400 | 800 |
| Straight Flush | 1/9,150 | 50 |
| Four-of-a-Kind | 1/423 | 25 |
| Full House | 1/90 | 9 |
| Flush | 1/89 | 6 |
| Straight | 1/86 | 4 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 1/13 | 3 |
| Two pair | 1/7 | 2 |
| Jacks or Better | 1/4 | 1 |
It is important for players to be aware that certain operators may modify payouts depending on the initial hands dealt. Therefore, it is always crucial to acquaint oneself with the house rules.
Playing online vs. video poker in WV casinos
Playing video poker at a brick-and-mortar casino or on your computer, phone, or tablet at home is essentially indistinguishable. In both scenarios, the casino simply offers the device for you to enjoy the games.
With online video poker, you can bid farewell to the concern of waiting for a vacant machine, as it is accessible round the clock, seven days a week at authorized WV casinos.
Where to play video poker in West Virginia
Video poker machines are now being considered as an integral part of casino offerings in WV. If you’re searching for video slots or table games, you can expect to come across them easily. Video poker consoles can often be found scattered alongside video slot machines.
Here are the addresses for the five casinos and racinos in West Virginia.
- The address for The Casino Club at Greenbrier Resort is 101 Main St W, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.
- The address for Hollywood Casino Charles Town is 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414.
- The address of Mardi Gras Casino is 1 Greyhound Dr, Cross Lanes, WV 25313.
- The address for Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
- The location of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is 1 S Stone St, Wheeling, WV 26003.
West Virginia gambling laws & video poker machines
Video poker machines, technically classified as video lottery terminals under West Virginia law, were authorized in 2001. The regulation and oversight of these machines fall under the jurisdiction of the WV Lottery.
Obtaining the necessary licensure from the lottery is a requirement for companies that want to provide video poker services, including those operating online.
It is highly probable that all five casinos and racinos in West Virginia will expand their operations to incorporate video poker, similar to their agreements for sports betting. Playing video poker within the state is completely legal as long as individuals are at least 21 years old, within the state’s boundaries, and not on any self-exclusion lists.
With the introduction of online casinos, West Virginia will become one of the top destinations for playing video poker in the United States. May luck always be on your side.