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West Virginia Online Poker

West Virginia Flag iconIn West Virginia, poker can be found in multiple land-based locations, as well as, through licensed offshore poker sites tailored for WV players. West Virginia does not offer state licensed online poker gambling at this time, therefore, these licensed offshore WV online poker operators are WV player's primary legal option.

Our team put together this guide to inform bettors regarding legally approved WV online poker options. Here players can find insight into how these licensed offshore poker sites function and material on potential domestic online gambling legislation.

Is It Legal To Play Poker Online In West Virginia?

Legal Icon - GavelWest Virginia has not passed any laws regarding domestic online gambling, despite being able to do so since 2011, however, the state does have legislation pending to allow online casino gambling. Unless this legislation passes, WV players may not see domestic poker sites emerge anytime soon.

WV gambling laws do not mention anything about licensed offshore gambling sites being illegal. As long as the poker site is licensed and regulated via an international jurisdiction, WV residents are not in violation of any state or federal laws when playing real money games at these destinations. However, gambling through an unlicensed state-based or offshore poker room is considered illegal in WV.

Top-Rated WV Online Poker Rooms To Use

The table below comprises our team’s top picks for licensed offshore poker websites. All of these sites have been vetted for their licensing and regulatory credentials to mark them as legitimate options for US residents. If you would like to examine these sites for yourself, use the links provided in the table to view their features, bonuses, and more.

Site NameBonusRatingTypeUSAVisit Site
Bovada Sportsbook And Casino$5005 Star RatingPokerVisit Site
Full Review
Betonline Sportsbook And Casino$1,0005 Star RatingPokerVisit Site

Other West Virginia Gambling Pages






Where Can I Play Poker In West Virginia?

Poker can be found at state-licensed land-based casino and racetrack establishments. West Virginia is fortunate enough to have multiple brick-and-mortar destinations, giving residents plenty of options. Players can find physical poker table games at the following locations:

  • Mardi Gras Casino & Resort – Cross Lanes, WV
  • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – Ranson, WV
  • Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort – New Cumberland, WV
  • Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack – Wheeling, WV
  • The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, WV

Does West Virginia Have Any Domestic Online Poker Options?

West Virginia’s domestic online poker market has yet to take off. The state has been looking at legalizing online poker for over six years now. Since 2017, a bill has been filed twice in hopes of launching domestic online casinos -whether or not the bill is amended to include poker remains to be seen.

However, at the moment WV does not support any state licensed and regulated online poker platforms. This leave WV poker players with licensed offshore online poker options as their primary avenue for legal online poker.

Other popular licensed offshore online wagering games available to West Virginia residents include WV online bingo, WV online casinos, and WV online sportsbooks.

How Does The Land Based Poker Scene Look?

Local poker options are quite accommodating in West Virginia: The River Poker Room at the Mountaineer has 24/7 poker action available and the Hollywood Casino has nearly 50 poker tables and also offers 24/7 poker gameplay. Land-based poker rooms licensed by the state offer daily tournaments and various promotions offered throughout the week to entice bettors. However, these tournaments and promotions cannot compare to the offerings found at licensed offshore online poker sites.

Are Home Poker Games Allowed In West Virginia?

Social poker games are not allowed under WV law. However, the likelihood of authorities coming to make arrests at local residential poker games is quite low unless the host and players have spread the word of their game. However, if WV players begin operating a large-scale poker game on a regular basis with high jackpots, then they run the risk of facing criminal charges upon violating WV gambling laws.

When Did Poker Became Legal In West Virginia?

Casino table games were officially added to the list of legal games of chance and skill back in 2007. Poker was included in the legislation's allowed casino table games. This legislation allowed racetracks to pump up their offerings with table games and initiated the expansion of state-licensed casino gaming establishments.

Who Regulates Poker Gambling In West Virginia?

WV poker is regulated by the West Virginia Gaming Control Board which is divided among the West Virginia Racing Commission and the West Virginia Lottery Commission. This group oversees regulation for all commercial casino and racino locations, as well as, lottery and sports gambling operations.

FAQs

What Poker Games Can I Play Online?

The games most commonly found at online poker sites include Texas Holdem, Omaha, and Stud.  You will find multiple variations and buy-ins for these games.  Some sites also include more exotic poker games such as HORSE, Caribbean Stud, RAZZ, and others.  These sites allow features you won't find in brick and mortar poker rooms such as speed play, the option to play multiple hands at once,

How Do Online Poker Bonuses Work?

Licensed offshore poker sites have promotions of their own that rival those found in state-licensed land-based casinos. For example, players can have their deposit matched by a percentage up to a specific amount—otherwise known as a match bonus. These commonly are presented as Welcome Bonuses or Reload Bonuses, to incentivize bigger deposits.

However, poker bonuses are issued to players incrementally, meaning they must play more hands in order to accrue their full bonus amount. Which normally are hefty and worth the while including low tournament buy-ins, and leaderboard status. Players can also find promotions given out for daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments. Tournaments fluctuate in game types, the number of seats, buy-ins, etc.

Are Poker Tournaments Available Online?

Yes.  All of the online poker sites listed on this page offer an active tournament schedule, a strong variety of buy-ins, numerous tournament promotions, and qualifiers to live events.

Is There A Free Play Option For Playing Poker Online?

Free play mode is a recent development for the online poker platform.  Some poker sites also offer this option through their mobile application.  Another way to play for free is through 'freeroll' tournaments, which also give you a chance to win prizes and/or cash.