Poker West Virginia
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Online poker is on its way to West Virginia, finally. The state was among the first ones to legalize sports betting in 2018. A year later, in August 2019, the first online sportsbooks went live in West Virginia. But while WV was quick to make its move with online sports betting, that wasn’t exactly the case for the other online gambling sites.
However, things seem to be moving the right way for now. In July 2020, DraftKings launched the state’s first legal online casino. This is a very important step towards the launch of the first online poker sites in West Virginia.
While there are no West Virginia online poker sites to play real money games at the moment, this is bound to change very soon. The state authorities made the move to legalize online gambling in 2019. This opened the door to online casinos as well as online poker sites.
Online poker is legal in West Virginia. However, WV online casino operators consider it cost-prohibitive because of the state’s relatively small population. In order for poker to work in West Virginia, it almost certainly needs to be part of a multi-state agreement. Such a process would be much easier with a reinterpretation of the Wire Act. West Virginia As one of only a few north-eastern states bordered by five others, West Virginia’s gambling and legal real money poker betting culture has been largely influenced by that of its closest neighbors.
Currently, all five land-based casinos in West Virginia hold an online gambling license issued by the West Virginia Lottery.
It might be a bit too early to say, but West Virginia online poker players have great things to look forward to. The state could soon enjoy the service from some of the best online poker sites. Let’s take a look at the current situation for online poker in West Virginia and what to expect in the future.
West Virginia Online Gambling
West Virginia legalized land-based casino operations in 2007. WV did have legal gambling in the form of state lottery, racetrack betting and video lottery terminals. The 2007 legislation allowed racetracks to offer a land-based casino, which included slot machines and table games. Poker was also legalized.
In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act unconstitutional. This opened the door to sports betting outside Nevada. And West Virginia was among the first states to legalize land-based sportsbooks. On August 30, 2018, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races opened the first sportsbook in the state under a partnership with William Hill.
Despite this, it still took a bit longer for West Virginia to allow online gambling sites. Although it seemed like a logical next step, WV only legalized online gambling in 2019. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act was passed into law in March that same year. On August 26, 2019, the first online gambling site in WV went live as FanDuel launched its online sportsbook. Two days later, DraftKings online sportsbook West Virginia also went live. The third and most recent online sports betting site launched in West Virginia was BetMGM, which went live in January 2020.
In July 2020, WV finally welcomed its first online casino. DraftKings, under its partnership with Hollywood Casino, became the first to offer online casino games in West Virginia. While it remains the only one for now, players in West Virginia can expect more in the future. And that includes online poker sites as well. While there are no currently known plans for online poker sites in WV, the door is definitely open for it to happen.
West Virginia online poker sites
Currently, there are no sites to play online poker in West Virginia. While the state gambling legislation does allow online poker, no sites have been announced yet. Of course, this does not mean that the situation won’t change in the future. It could only be a matter of time before the first online poker sites are announced for WV players.
While it’s not possible toplay real money online poker in West Virginia, you can play sweepstakes poker. These sites allow you to play poker for an in-game currency, sweepstakes. You can then exchange sweepstakes coins for actual cash. While it’s not real money online poker in a more strict sense, this is the closest experience available to real money online poker in West Virginia. Another option is to play social poker apps. These apps do not involve any cash aside from in-game purchases. Instead, you will be playing for coins that can only be used in-game.
West Virginia online poker partnerships
State legislation requires all online gambling sites in West Virginia to partner a land-based operation. This is also the case for poker sites. All five brick-and-mortar casinos in West Virginia hold online gambling licenses. There are no deals for online poker sites in West Virginia yet. However, all five land-based casinos will be allowed to offer online poker if they do manage to secure a tech provider.
The Casino Club at the Greenbrier
The Greenbrier has been around since 1913. In November 2008, a referendum allowed the hotel to operate a casino. It officially opened to business in July 2010. According to state gambling legislation, the hotel is only allowed to offer its casino games to guests. The Greenbrier was the first casino in WV to offer online gambling, in the form of online sports betting. It launched the FanDuel online sportsbook on August 26, 2019. In January 2020, BetMGM also went live under its partnership with The Greenbrier to become the third online sportsbook in the state.
Online Poker In West Virginia
Considering that BetMGM also offers online poker in New Jersey, it could be a potential candidate to launch an online poker site in West Virginia. However, there are no plans for it as of now.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
The Charles Town Race Track was inaugurated in 1933. In 1997, it was acquired by Penn National Gaming. The facility has offered casino games since 2009. In 2010, it was rebranded as Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Hollywood Casino was the first operator to offer sports betting in West Virginia. On August 30, 2018, it officially opened the land-based William Hill sportsbook. On August 28, 2019, Hollywood Casino became the second operator to offer online sports betting in the state after launching the DraftKings online sportsbook. It then ended the partnership with William Hill. Hollywood Casino has not announced any online poker partners yet.
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort
Mardi Gras Casino and Resort opened in 1985 as Tri-State Greyhound Park. In 2008, it launched a land-based casino and was renamed as Mardi Gras. In 2018, the property was acquired by Delaware North from Hartman & Tyner, which had owned Mardi Gras since 1990. It currently offers land-based sports betting as well, under a partnership with International Game Technology (IGT). Mardi Gras Casino and Resort does not have any online poker partners yet.
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort
Mountaineer Racetrack was inaugurated in 1951 under the Waterford Park name. It was renamed as Mountaineer Park in 1987. In December 2007, Mountaineer added casino games as well. In 2018, the racetrack also added sports betting to its services, under a partnership with William Hill. Mountaineer has yet to announce any plans for online poker in WV.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino Racetrack
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino Racetrack opened in 1866. It became one of the first operators in the state to offer poker games, in October 2007. The property, then known as Wheeling Downs, was acquired by Delaware North in 1988. It currently offers land-based sports betting under a partnership with IGT, just like its sister property Mardi Gras. Likewise, Wheeling Island has not announced any partners to provide online poker in West Virginia.
West Virginia online poker games
While online poker isn’t available to play in Mountain State yet, players can expect it to offer the most popular and the best poker games. West Virginia poker sites will definitely offer plenty of variants to the state players. This list will definitely include Texas Hold’em variants, such as the popular No-Limit Hold’em. Other poker games available to play in West Virginia will include Pot-Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Low, Pot-Limit Omaha and Seven-Card Stud.
Of course, West Virginia poker sites will definitely offer cash games and Sit ‘n Go tournaments as well. These are very much the bread-and-butter for most online poker sites. And it won’t be any different for West Virginia poker sites either. For now, it isn’t possible to play for real money yet, so cash games aren’t available in the state.
A good alternative to play online poker games in WV is trying out social casino apps, or sweepstakes poker. You won’t be playing for real money, but these apps offer the same poker variants, especially Texas Hold’em.
West Virginia online poker deposit bonus and promotions
West Virginia poker sites will certainly have some of the best poker bonus offers for its players. All the best online poker sites nowadays offer great bonuses, and it won’t be any different for Mountain State.
Poker players in West Virginia will be able to claim a deposit bonus upon signing up for an account on their favorite poker site. The most common welcome bonus offer is a 100% match on the first deposit. In other words, you will be able to play with twice the cash from your first deposit. Other poker bonuses include cash for tournaments and even no deposit bonuses. Some sites will require you to enter a bonus code in order to claim the bonus, or to claim additional offers.
West Virginia players will also have access to exclusive loyalty programs. The best poker sites reward their regular users with VIP programs and exclusive prizes. We can safely expect WV online poker sites to do the same.
West Virginia online poker mobile apps
West Virginia poker players will also be able to enjoy their favorite poker on mobile. Online poker sites in WV will definitely offer apps for iOS and Android. These apps have the same games available to play on desktop, but allow you to play anywhere, on the go. Poker apps have great graphics and provide an immersive feeling to the users.
iOS users can download online poker apps directly from the App Store. Android users, however, need to download the apps from the websites, since Play Store does not allow real money gambling apps.
If you want to play mobile poker in West Virginia, social casino apps are a valid option. These apps do not allow you to play poker for real money, but you can still enjoy the same game variants.
West Virginia online poker traffic
Poker players pools in West Virginia are probably the biggest barrier right now. It might be one of the main factors keeping online poker sites on the fence about joining the West Virginia gambling market.
Because of how US gambling legislation works, online poker sites can only offer their services in the state. Some sites have managed to offer a shared player liquidity across the same poker network.
Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are currently part of a Multi State Internet Gaming Agreement. This allows all three states to share their respective player pools. For now, West Virginia isn’t part of any multi state agreements yet for shared player liquidity. It severely restricts player traffic, and likely keeps online poker sites from considering a move into Mountain State. Of course, this is far from being set in stone. While there are no plans for it, WV could still sign a similar agreement in the future. For now, any online poker sites that go live in West Virginia will only offer a restricted players pool.
West Virginia online poker FAQ
Is online poker legal in West Virginia?
Yes, online poker is legal to play in West Virginia. However, while legislation does allow it, there are currently no real money online poker sites operating in WV. If you want to play online poker in West Virginia, sweepstakes poker and social poker games are the only option available. These do not involve real money, as you will be playing for an in-game currency. Sweepstakes poker, however, does allow you to exchange its currency for real money.
Can you play poker online for real money in the US?
Yes, you can play online poker for real money in the US if you are at least 21 years old and physically located in one of the states that offer legal real money online poker. Currently, only four states allow it. These are Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Can I get in trouble for playing online poker?
You most likely won’t be in legal trouble for playing online poker. However, offshore sites are the only option available unless your state allows legal real money online poker. While this won’t necessarily get you into trouble, you are better off avoiding offshore gambling. These sites have very lax regulations and offer little to no player protection. In other words, the door is open for potential scammers. You should only play online poker at legal sites regulated by the respective state gambling authority.
Is online poker coming to West Virginia in 2020?
No, there are currently no known plans for online poker to come to West Virginia in 2020.
As one of only a few north-eastern states bordered by five others, West Virginia’s gambling and legal real money poker betting culture has been largely influenced by that of its closest neighbors. Simultaneously embracing Kentucky’s love of live casinos, Virginia’s caution and Pennsylvania’s aggression, the Mountain State is one state where the issue of regulated online gambling and Internet poker websites could go one of several different ways. On one hand, some WV state officials are arguing that iGaming real cash Internet poker gambling is the future and must be considered as part of the state’s long-term revenue streams, while others are content to focus on its burgeoning land-based casino and live poker betting industry.
If anything, the biggest hurdle facing proponents of legal Internet poker gambling is West Virginia’s relatively small population of 1.855 million. Paling in comparison to neighboring Virginia and Pennsylvania, West Virginia’s sparse population demands that interstate Internet poker compacts be formed before the online poker websites scene in the Mountain State could thrive.
Making a wager on the virtual green table whilst in The Mountain State is easy as long as you know the right real money US poker sites to play at.
West Virginia Lottery Director Speaks in Favor of Online Gambling Legislation
Quick Jump
- 4 The Facts
In order to broaden its appeal, Musgrave believes West Virginia should offer forms of online gambling not readily available in other states. (This would probably not include games like Internet poker.) For instance, he feels that residents should be able to purchase Powerball and other lottery tickets from a mobile real cash gambling application [1].
Other legal real money gambling spokesmen in WV have noted that there is revenue potential for other online games, including Internet poker. However, legislation that calls for the regulation of such activities has yet to been considered by state officials in West Virginia. It appears that WV gambling lawmakers are more concerned with the state’s newly-expanded land-based casino and real cash poker room operation than with lawful Internet poker gambling.
Can Players from West Virginia Play Online Poker?
While we can’t guarantee that you won’t be the victim of a bad beat at top poker websites, residents of West Virginia should have little problem registering an Internet poker account at one of many real cash poker websites. Take a look at our homepage, where we regularly update our list of the best poker websites, all of which readily accept Texas Hold’em and other poker players from West Virginia.
Our most highly recommended real money poker websites accept multiple forms of payment, including credit cards and MoneyGram, and are known for their fast, reliable payout speeds.
- U. S. Poker Site
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Is Online Poker Legal in West Virginia?
Because there is no Internet poker legislation that specifically addresses the issue of playing for real cash at online poker gambling websites, its legality remains in question.
West Virginia’s gambling and poker betting laws are particular vague and confounding, and thus, it is recommended that you seek legal counsel to help you better understand your Internet poker options. And while we’re no authority on the subject of legal real money poker websites, we have thoroughly examined the state of WV’s gambling statures and dug up several points of interest for Internet poker gambling fans. Hopefully our research helps you make a more informed decision:
- West Virginia’s gambling statues use the words
gambling,
gaming
andgaming device
quite liberally. Unfortunately, definitions for these terms are notably absent, leaving much of the law about poker betting up to individual interpretation. - The law is very specific regarding gambling losses, stating that:
If any person shall lose to another within twenty-four hours ten dollars or more in real money, or property of that value, and shall pay or deliver the same, or any part thereof, such loser may cover back from the winner the real money or property, or in lieu of the property the value thereof, so lost, by suit of court.
It goes onto state that the losses can only be collected from the winner, and not a third party. Chapter 55-9-2. - According to Chapter 61-10-1, anyone who possesses a gambling table like a Texas Hold’em poker table, slot machine or other device used for gambling purposes is subject to a misdemeanor. If someone knowingly permit[s] a gaming table, bank or device, they shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be confined in West Virginia jail not more than one year, and be fined not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars.
- Chapter 61-10-5 outlaws games of chance, although what constitutes a game of chance is never defined and it’s unclear if real cash poker gambling falls into this category.
- Establishments that permit gambling or poker betting, whether public or private, are subject to penalty, leading one to infer that home real money poker games are technically illegal in the state, even if they do not take a rake.
- Like Virginia, West Virginia frowns upon cheaters. Regardless of whether a gambling or poker betting activity is legal or not, cheaters are guilty of a misdemeanor, and can be confined in jail not more than one year and fined not less than five times the value of the money or thing won or acquired.
In reality, no resident of West Virginia has been arrested for playing poker online at Internet poker websites.
To read the full length version of West Virginia’s gambling and poker betting statues [2], please refer to the References section.
The Facts
The History of Gambling in West Virginia
Back when West Virginia was still considered part of Virginia, early settlers gambled on cards like poker betting games, dice and large underground lotteries, much like they did throughout the other colonies. Due to its western location, gambling and real cash betting spread slower in West Virginia than it did elsewhere, but by the 1700s it was still widely prevalent – so much so, that legislators made a series of attempts to outlaw legal gambling completely. But most of West Virginia’s residents chose to ignore early anti-gambling and betting laws.
In the early 1900s, the mob infiltrated the area. It was at this point that the state’s law enforcement agencies began to enforce anti-gambling and poker betting laws with vigor. By the middle of the century, most of the mob presence withdrew from the state of WV, seeking to establish underground real money poker gambling playgrounds elsewhere.
In 1926, West Virginia opened its first greyhound racing track, followed seven years later by a bill legalizing real cash betting on racing. It is believed that these measures were taken in response to the crippling effects of the Great Depression. During the 1930s and 40s horseracing thrived in WV, as it still does today.
An amendment legalizing real cash betting on the state lottery was passed in 1984. The West Virginia Lottery was quickly established, followed two years later by the launch of the state’s first legit and regulated lottery. Video poker real money games and other slot machines were installed in the state’s racetracks during the Great Recession of the early 1990s and in 2007, a referendum allowing for table games like Texas Hold’em poker in Ohio County passed by a nearly 2:1 margin. A similar referendum was rejected by the voters of Jefferson County on the very same day [3]. However, by 2010, the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races would also host table games, including real cash poker gambling [4].
Online poker players in West Virginia can enjoy some of the top online poker sites around even though Internet-based gaming is not sanctioned by the state.
Regulated Gambling Options in West Virginia
Despite the lack of online poker legislation and state sponsored lawful WV Internet poker websites, there is no dearth of regulated poker gambling and real money betting options in West Virginia. That’s not to say the state’s gambling sphere of influence extends as far as say Nevada’s, but West Virginia offers its inhabitants a modest host of betting activities, including Texas Hold’em poker.
Charitable gambling, pari-mutuel betting and placing real cash betting wagers on the outcome of horseraces are all deemed legal by WV state officials, in so long as the wagering is done at a regulated gambling facility. And as of 2007, commercial casinos and live real money poker rooms are also permitted. The commercial casinos currently operating in the state are:
- Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races – features Blackjack, Roulette and a 50-table real cash poker room
- Mardi Gras Casino and Resort – located in Nitro, it boasts the 24-table Charleston Poker Room for real money gambling.
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort – a thoroughbred racetrack and casino located in Chester sporting 50 table games and a legal poker room [5].
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – Lawful poker and other table games were added to Wheeling Island after the passage of a 2007 referenda.
- The Casino Club at The Greenbrier – An exclusive casino only available to guests of the Greenbrier.
West Virginia’s lottery is unique in that it sells traditional paper slips and also offers video operated real money betting terminals. The state lottery has proven to be a large source of revenue for West Virginia.
The one type of gambling not offered by West Virginia is Tribal gaming.
The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in West Virginia
The prospects of regulated online gambling and legit Internet poker coming to West Virginia looks neither look good nor bad. While it certainly won’t be among the next wave of states to implement iGaming real cash poker website gambling regulations, it shouldn’t lag too far behind either.
The Lottery Commission is currently examining the pros and cons of online gambling and Internet poker, with some officials concluding that despite the risks, iGaming poker websites are a worthwhile venture, and will inevitably make its way into West Virginia.
Total tax revenue from the state’s commercial casinos, legal real money poker rooms and racetracks exceeds $400 million – a number that would only grow if Internet poker and gambling was regulated.
The Bottom Line
Like so many other states on or near the east coast, West Virginia is adopting a wait-and-see philosophy towards online poker Internet poker websites. The economy is currently in the midst of a financial crisis, which prompted Lottery officials to examine the prospect of iGaming Internet poker more carefully. Their results of their research may very well manifest in legislative form before the end of 2020. The expansion of West Virginia’s brick and mortar casinos and real money poker venues only serves to reinforce this possibility.
So while it will likely be a few years before any real cash Internet poker legislature is signed into law, the odds of West Virginia entering the lawful poker websites market relatively soon are decisively in its favor. But even if it does, online Internet poker will have a hard time finding its footing without interstate poker website compacts in place – 1.8 million residents and low tourist appeal is simply not enough to keep a legit real money Internet poker market going.
References
[1] ↑Lottery director says online gaming needs to be discussed
West Virginia Poker Casino
[2] ↑West Virginia Code
[3] ↑West Virginia table game referenda results
[4] ↑Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
[4] ↑Mountaineer Casino
West Virginia Poker Rooms
Related Pages:
Poker Rooms In West Virginia
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