West Virginia Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of West Virginia. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in West Virginia. West Virginia legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
LEGALThe minimum gambling age in West Virginia is 18 for most forms of gambling including lottery and some casino games. State law permits gambling at age 18 for certain forms (lottery, bingo, pari-mutuel).
Casino Minimum Age
18+ for most gambling; 21+ at some venues
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor.
Minimum Gambling Age
18+
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALWest Virginia legalized online casino gambling and online poker in 2019 under the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act (W. Va. Code § 29-22B-1 et seq.). The West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates licensed online casino and poker operators.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online casino and poker software is legal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale and operation of licensed online casino and poker platforms is legal under W. Va. Code § 29-22B-1.
Penalties
N/A for licensed operators; unlicensed operations face misdemeanor or felony charges.
Minimum Age
21+ for all online gambling activities.
West Virginia legalized online sports betting and online casino gambling in 2018 under WV Code § 29-22D. Licensed operators can offer both online sports betting and online casino games.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession and use of licensed online gambling apps is legal.
Licensed Operators
Only licensed operators approved by the West Virginia Lottery Commission may offer online gambling.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face felony charges under WV Code § 61-8-15.
Minimum Age
21 years old.
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in West Virginia as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in West Virginia. No significant changes since the launch in 2018.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. West Virginia launched sports betting in September 2018 under the West Virginia Lottery Sports Wagering Act. Online/mobile and retail available. Operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers through partnerships with licensed casinos.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos (Hollywood Casino, Mountaineer Casino, Wheeling Island, Mardi Gras Casino, Greenbrier). Operator tax rate: 10% of gross revenue.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+