The relatively small state of West Virginia has a lot to offer if you’re interested in casinos and gambling attractions. This state, known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Appalachian Mountains and many outdoor recreational opportunities, presents many types of gambling prospects, such as lottery games, casino games and horse racing, with an average annual gaming revenue of no less than one billion dollars. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the best casino table games and online casino games.
So what are the top casinos and gambling attractions? Read on to find out.
History of gambling in West Virginia
Legalized gambling began in West Virginia in 1931 with horse and greyhound racing. However, the passing of the West Virginia Lottery Act in 1994 allowed for the creation of a state lottery and laid the groundwork for the expansion of gambling in this state. In 2007, West Virginia expanded its gambling offerings to include table games and video lottery terminals (similar to slot machines,) as well as racetracks and casinos. The state has also recently legalized online casinos, making online slots and live dealer online casino games an enjoyable reality.
The first casinos in West Virginia
These days there is a wide variety of casino games online, but imagine the excitement when the first land-based casinos were established in the 1990s in West Virginia. These early casinos were located in the cities of Charles Town and Wheeling and offered a variety of games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette and craps.
The best West Virginia casinos
If you’re playing live dealer online casino games, you can enjoy the fun from the comfort of your own home. However, if you are keen on visiting a land-based casino rather than playing online slots, what factors should you consider? The variety and quality of the games on offer are very important. So, too, is the level of customer service and amenities provided. The overall atmosphere and ambiance of the casino, and the accessibility and convenience of its location, are well worth assessing. The best land-based casinos often have a strong reputation and a long history of providing positive gaming experiences for their customers.
With these factors in mind, and if you’d like a more immersive atmosphere than is provided for by casino games online, these are some of the best casinos that West Virginia has to offer.
1. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Not only can you visit the Jefferson Museum, the famous Bozzo Family Vineyards and the River Riders Family Adventure Resort, but you can also take a turn at the famous Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. With nearly 1,900 slots, over 100 table games, thoroughbred racing, live entertainment and award-winning dining options, what’s not to like?
This casino is actually known as a “racino” – that is, a casino built in combination with a race track that hosts regular horse races. This unique opportunity is not available at other gambling venues.
2. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
Located on Wheeling Island in the middle of the Ohio River, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack has been a powerful force in Wheeling for more than a century. It was originally created in 1866 as a site for thoroughbred and harness racing. Now, it’s one of the largest tourist attractions in West Virginia with its 151-room hotel, 1,100 slot machines, a 1,000-seat showroom, meeting and banquet services, plus casual and fine dining restaurants, a food court, gift show and plenty of parking and amenities. There’s also a full complement of table games, including poker, blackjack, craps and roulette, and the venue has an enticing tropical theme. If you feel like a change of scene, you could even play some of the best online slots for real money by the pool.
3. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
This casino, found in the Charleston area of West Virginia, has more than 20 live table games, including poker, blackjack and roulette, and the most popular game titles on nearly 1,000 slot machines. You can also experience the excitement of live and simulcast greyhound racing and multiple dining choices, from food on the go to fabulous fine dining experiences.
The rising popularity of online casinos
The great thing is that there are so many options for enjoying your favorite casino games. But why are online casino games, like online roulette, so popular? There are a number of key reasons, but the main one is the convenience they offer. With casino games online, players can enjoy their preferred games from the comfort of their own homes, without needing to travel to a physical casino. In addition, online casinos often offer a wider variety of games than land-based casinos, and many of them have generous bonuses and promotions that make the gaming experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, many online casino games, like live dealer casino games, can also be played on mobile devices.
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