West Virginia Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in WV

Find the best online poker rooms in WV and learn about gambling laws in The Mountain State

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Legal online poker sites are licensed and regulated by West Virginia’s authorities.
  • Offshore poker sites aren’t illegal. They operate in a gray zone within West Virginia’s laws. However, the best offshore gambling sites offer online sports betting and poker to customers based in WV.
  • Some offshore poker sites offer more flexibility on promos and bonuses than some state-licensed domains.
  • Very few offshore sites shut themselves off from the West Virginia gambling market.
  • Join top international poker rooms to play in tournaments that are worth $1 million or more.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in West Virginia

  • Ignition – Best poker room overall in West Virginia
  • Everygame – Most generous rakeback deals in West Virginia
  • Bovada – Best native mobile poker app

Reviews of the Top Three Online Poker Rooms in West Virginia

Ignition Poker

Ignition Poker Room

Ignition opened in 2016 with a select choice of Hold’em and Omaha options for US-based players. The poker site also finds space for Omaha and Stud among its many cash game variants.

Big-money tournaments are the name of the game at Ignition Poker. The Golden Spade Open is easily the biggest tournament in town when you play at Ignition. This behemoth offers a guaranteed prizepool worth $1m. However, you can also shoot for a slice of $250,000+ in the Gumball 3,000.

Make Ignition Poker your home today to claim a 100% match, which can double your deposit to the tune of up to a grand. Any deposit made using credit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies will work out fine. Moreover, you can take advantage of a $2.5k freeroll every week at Ignition Poker.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker emerges as a commendable platform for poker enthusiasts in West Virginia. Offering classics like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and a variety of tournaments and Sit ‘n’ Gos, it caters to a wide range of players. Stakes start at a modest $0.01/$0.02, appealing to casual gamers, while high-limit tables entice the more seasoned players.

The standout feature is the generous Welcome Bonus, presenting a 200% match up to $1,000 on the initial deposit, extended over 90 days. This bonus cushion is enticing for newcomers to the online poker realm, allowing ample exploration time.

Furthermore, the tournament scene is vibrant with offerings like the Sunday Sundowner and monthly freerolls, providing a mix of competitive and rewarding play.

With accessible payment options and solid support, Everygame Poker sets a favorable stage for a satisfying poker journey in West Virginia, making it a worthy consideration for players in the Mountain State.

Bovada Poker

Bovada

Another top site to head to, if you seek to play poker online in West Virginia, is Bovada. Formerly known as Bodog, Bovada is home to some massive tournaments, not least the Monthly Millions. This rival to PokerStars’ Sunday Million also offers a $1m-GTD prizepool to players.

Like all the best legalized online poker sites, you can jump onto fast-fold tables (Boost Poker) or Jackpot SNGs (Windfall Poker). Want something regular? Bovada spreads cash games throughout the week on Hold’em, Stud, and Omaha Hi/Hi-Lo.

Get started with a 100% deposit match deal right now. Enter the code PWB500 to access a deposit match bonus worth up to $500. You can make your first deposit by using Visa, MasterCard, or an eligible cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

Online Poker Site Laws & Regulations in West Virginia – Is It Legal?

West Virginia is home to some of the most flexible and friendly gambling laws to be found anywhere in the United States. Arguably, the online gambling laws in WV are more liberal than those you’ll find in Las Vegas.

Under sweeping legislation, West Virginia has legalized not only most forms of casino gambling, but also WV online sports betting, poker, and a state lottery (run by the Virginia Lottery Commission).

If you want to play West Virginia online poker, you’ll be delighted to hear that there is a growing number of offshore gambling sites available. Alternatively, social poker sites let you purchase daily free coins to join unique sweepstakes poker games.

There are currently no regulated online poker sites covered by the West Virginia Code (Section 61-10) or the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. However, the first regulated poker rooms will likely go live soon.

For now, there is a good selection of offshore poker rooms available. You won’t be penalized for accessing offshore sites, but we always advise caution as they are unregulated in West Virginia.

You must be aged 18 to bet on the lottery, video lottery games, bingo, and horse racing. The age to bet on sports, poker, casino, and online games is set at 21. Online gaming sites from gambling commissions like the Malta Gaming Authority are not readily available in West Virginia.

How to Play Online Poker in West Virginia

If you’re ready to delve into the online poker world within West Virginia, here’s a systematic guide to get you started on Ignition Poker, a reputable platform accessible to West Virginia players:

1. Choose a Poker Site

Ignition Poker is a reliable choice for residents in West Virginia. For more insight on its offerings, you can check out online reviews or browse through their website.

2. Create Your Online Poker Account

Visit Ignition Poker’s homepage and click on the ‘Join Now’ button. Fill in the registration form with your name, address, and other necessary personal details. Once completed, submit the form and verify your account through the confirmation link sent to your email inbox.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose Welcome Offer

Log into your poker account, navigate to the cashier page to select your preferred payment method, and specify the deposit amount following the on-screen instructions.

Ignition Poker’s Welcome Bonus might automatically activate upon your initial deposit, or may require a unique bonus code which can be found on the promotions page of their site.

4. Start Playing Poker for Real Money

Head over to the lobby where a range of gaming options including cash games, tournaments, or Sit ‘n Gos awaits. Review the minimum and maximum stakes, pot rules, and buy-ins for the real-money games available before making a selection.

If you’re a newcomer, consider starting with a freeroll or the play-money tables to familiarize yourself with the platform and enhance your poker skills.

When will West Virginia Legalize Online Poker?

West Virginia has already legalized online poker through the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act signed in March 2019. The act enables the regulation and operation of online poker and casino games within the state. The West Virginia Lottery Commission is overseeing the establishment of a regulated online poker environment.

Although the legal framework is set, the rollout has been gradual. Several operators are keen on entering the West Virginia market, promising a vibrant online poker scene in the near future. Meanwhile, players can access offshore poker sites, with numerous reputable platforms ensuring a secure gaming experience for West Virginia residents. The anticipation continues to grow as the state prepares for the full-scale launch of online poker platforms, ushering a new era of online gaming in West Virginia.

How to Choose the Right West Virginia Poker Site for Your Play Style

Take a look at our top tips to find the best sites that offer online poker to WV residents. Any of the following poker sites excel for the following reasons:

  • Cash game variety: BetOnline Poker
  • Betting limits: Bovada Poker
  • Freeroll availability: Ignition Poker
  • Poker welcome bonus size: Everygame Poker
  • Tournament variety: Americas Cardroom
  • Mobile betting: SportsBetting.ag Poker
  • Rakeback: Everygame Poker

What Varieties of Poker are Available Online in West Virginia?

You can play the following classics at our recommended offshore poker sites:

Texas Hold’em

Everybody’s favorite global poker game is found in abundance at our poker sites. Work your way through multiple betting rounds to form the best five-card hand from two hole cards and five community cards. The top poker sites offer Hold’em in a range of flavors, including No Limit, Pot Limit, and Limit.

Omaha/Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em but uses four hole cards instead of two. You must make the best five-card poker hand with two of your hole cards and any three community cards. The game is generally played as Pot Limit and features most widely in small-mid stakes cash games.

Also check out Omaha Hi-Lo, a variant of the game where half the pot may be won by a qualifying low hand. Again, this is a variation that’s most popular in a cash game setting.

Windfall Poker

Available in cash games and tournaments, Windfall Poker is a hit at top-name poker sites like BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag. The game uses a randomly-determined jackpot which is won by one player.

Boost Poker

Boost Poker is a type of online “fast-fold poker”, a unique cash variant that moves you tables following the end of your hand. You fold, you move, so it’s possible to increase your hand volume massively across the course of a session.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud was the world’s first major poker game to attain global popularity, and it’s still offered today in all our reputable and respected offshore poker rooms. Form a five-card hand across several betting rounds using the seven cards you receive to win.

A History of Online Gambling and Poker Legislation in West Virginia

Online poker sites are legal in West Virginia, but how did we get there? The history of gambling in West Virginia is quite short because everything has moved rather fast. Let’s chart the story of online gambling and West Virginia poker sites below:

  • 1931: Horse and greyhound racing are legalized in West Virginia.
  • 1984: The West Virginia Lottery is legalized, with the first state lottery being offered to players.
  • 1994: Video Lottery Terminals are legalized following a statewide referendum.
  • 2007: Slots are legalized, along with casino table games and live poker.
  • 2018: Sports betting is made legal in West Virginia.
  • 2019: The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act is passed and covers and poker sites and online casino games in WV.
  • 2020: The very first online gambling site launches in West Virginia. Major operators join suit, offering a mix of sportsbook betting and casino games. There is currently no licensed online poker site in the state.

Can You Play Online Poker for Free in West Virginia?

There is a free poker market for you to enjoy in West Virginia. We’re not talking about sweepstakes poker or playing on the best social poker room. Instead, we’re talking about bona fide poker games. Many of our trusted poker sites offer freeroll options, either for new players, weekly, or as loyalty rewards.

Mobile Online Poker in West Virginia

All our recommended online poker sites offer mobile-friendly cash games and tournaments. You can play via dedicated apps, but most offshore gaming sites run mobile games direct through a browser. iOS and Android users alike can play games on the go.

What Online Poker Tournaments Are Available to West Virginia Poker Players?

All our trusted online poker sites support tournament gameplay, so let’s introduce you to some of the most popular options below. These include:

Freerolls

Poker sites that support freerolls will allow you to enter tournaments without paying buy-ins or entry fees. You can still win real money, too, if you’re successful when playing.

Freezeout Tournaments

The most common tournaments at W. Virginia online poker sites are freezeouts. Don’t run out of chips, or you’ll find yourself out of the game.

Multi-Buy Tournaments

Multibuy competitions let you pre-buy several stacks of chips, and you can use those to keep yourself in the game.

Re-buys

You don’t need to buy multiple chip stacks outright with re-buys. Instead, you can stay in by re-buying in the early rounds of a tournament. After a while, that window shuts, though, leading to freezeout rules from there on out.

Guaranteed Tournaments

GTD tourneys have cash prizes determined by the host poker site, and whatever that value is set to is what can be won. The prize is often split between the most successful players, but there could be value in the form of “overlay”.

Online Satellites

Not everyone can grab a seat at a World Poker Tour or WSOP tournament. However, successfully winning satellites and qualifiers can bag you the tournament place you’re looking for.

Bounties

Bounties are effectively knockout tournaments that reward cash prizes when you eliminate your opponents.

Banking Methods at Online West Virginia Poker Apps

West Virginia online poker sites accept different payment methods. Cryptocurrencies, for instance, can only be found at offshore poker sites rather than legalized online gambling domains that are licensed by the state.

In addition, deposit limits, transaction fees, and processing times vary depending on the site you choose to play at. Our reviews will tell you everything you need to know.

Rakeback at West Virginia Online Poker Rooms

If you sign up at one of our online poker sites that supports rakeback, then you can receive a form of cashback (bonus) based on your activity. Rakeback can be used to play games at WV poker sites, and in some cases, you may be able to withdraw it directly.

Top 4 Brick ‘n Mortar Poker Rooms & Casinos in West Virginia

West Virginia boasts several land-based casinos that feature poker rooms on their gaming floors. Here are some of the best brick ‘n mortar cardrooms in WV right now:

Hollywood Casino

The Hollywood Casino is located by Charles Town Races and is run by Penn National Gaming, one of the big-name gambling providers in the US. The cardroom here is home to 16 tables, most of which revolve around Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud. You can find ample tournament options at this lavish and exciting venue, too.

Mountaineer Casino

Mountaineer Casino is located in New Cumberland and boasts a huge 35-table cardroom. Best of all, the poker room is open 24/7. If you love Limit Poker, you’re in luck: the cardroom manages to squeeze in 12 Limit tables alongside the regular No-Limit variants. However, tournaments do run throughout the week as well.

Resort Mardi Gras Casino

There’s a six-table poker room at Mardi Gras Casino, many of which are full-to-bursting on busy weekends. The Cross Lanes poker venue isn’t the largest in West Virginia, but it manages to squeeze in a good selection of Limit and No-Limit action.

Wheeling Island Casino

Wheeling Island Casino has a nine-table poker room which is open 10 a.m. until 2.30 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends, Wheeling Island opens up its cardroom 24 hours. Expect to find both Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud poker games at a casino that spans 90,000+ square feet.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in West Virginia

Most of the new poker rooms that are emerging in West Virginia tend to be online sites. There are many internet poker sites debuting, which are attached to licensed partners. However, because of the five-casino rule, which appears in West Virginia law, we’re not expecting any new brick-and-mortar venues to go live at any point in the immediate future.

Poker Promotions in West Virginia

After registering at top poker sites, West Virginians can claim all manner of top bonuses. Here are just a few of the deals available right now:

Welcome Bonus

One benefit of poker sites in The Mountain State is that they offer welcome bonuses for new sign-ups. While WV-licensed poker websites offer deposit match bonuses, often up to $1,000, the biggest deals are offshore. The best offshore online gaming domains provide bigger and better bonuses to ensure that you receive a warm welcome when depositing for the first time.

Freerolls

If your chosen poker site has freerolls, you’re in luck. In a freeroll, you get to compete for real cash without paying a buy-in. They’re similar to free spins bonuses at online casinos.

Rakeback

Rakeback is a form of cashback that you receive on a portion of your cash game or tournament fees. Rakeback percentages vary from site to site, so we recommend you always check the poker room carefully before you opt in.

Why Play at West Virginia Poker Rooms Online?

Why choose offshore poker sites over playing online at state-licensed venues? There are lots of good reasons, including:

Dedicated Bonuses

Offshore poker sites tend to provide a greater array of bonuses and promos than West Virginia-licensed domains. Welcome bonuses are a lot bigger, plus you can oftentimes join a loyalty scheme to earn frequent-player points.

Play Multiple Tables

When you play at a poker site, you can typically find a broader array of games than you’d see in a brick-and-mortar establishment. Plus, you get to multi-table cash games, SNGs, or tournaments, depending on the size of your monitor and attention span!

Poker Tournaments

Even West Virginians with crazy poker skills may not quite have the budget to enter the most prestigious tournaments in their local casino. However, online slots have tournaments for everyone, with micro-stakes entries to suit even the smallest budget.

24-Hour Access

Whereas some land-based poker clubs close their doors each evening, poker sites offer you 24/7 access to all your favorite games, and from the comfort of your own home or on the go via mobile poker gameplay.

Anonymity

Just because poker is legal doesn’t mean that you want your gameplay broadcast to everyone. Cryptocurrency sites offering online poker in West Virginia will provide you with just the sort of anonymity that you’re looking for. Plus, online poker games mean an opponent can’t spot physical tells in your body or on your face.

Famous West Virginia Online Poker Players

Plenty of West Virginia online poker players have made a name for themselves. Here are just a few of them:

  • Jason Koon: Koon has won a WSOP bracelet en route to winning tens of millions of dollars online and in live games.
  • William Lee Childs Jr: This pro hails from Charles Town and has won over $1.5m during his career.
  • Steven Merrifield: Merrifield is a Fairmont native and has won $1.39m during his time at the top.

West Virginia Online Poker FAQ

Is Online Poker Legal in West Virginia?

Yes. As with real-money casino gaming, sports betting, and lotteries, poker is legal in West Virginia. Moreover, offshore West Virginia poker sites are abundant.

Can You Play Real-Money Poker in West Virginia?

Absolutely. Both offshore and state-licensed poker sites offer real-money poker games. However, regulated internet cardrooms have yet to appear some years after the state legalized online poker.

Where Can I Play Live Poker in West Virginia?

West Virginia offers several solutions for land-based poker games. Wheeling Island Casinos and Hollywood Casino are among the limited brick ‘n mortar cardrooms that are open for business right now.

What’s the Largest Cardroom in West Virginia?

Hollywood Casino offers more live poker tables than its counterparts. The casino’s cardroom spreads 16 tables that can handle Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha-8 cash games and tournaments.

Can I Play Online Freerolls in West Virginia?

The availability of freerolls varies depending on the online gambling site you join. Any site that offers online poker in West Virginia usually has a freeroll for new sign-ups or weekly free-to-enter competitions for existing players.

Are There Comp Points at West Virginia Poker Sites?

Yes, some WV poker sites offer a comp points scheme that allows you to accrue loyalty credits every time you play games online. You can unlock VIP tiers the more points you accumulate.

Can You Predict the Results of an Online Poker Game?

No. P2P poker games are played between human opponents, which means you are relying on your wits and bluffing skills to win pots. Video poker games are run against the house and use RNGs to determine the cards. There are far fewer ways to judge the outcome of a casino poker game.

Are There Any Famous Poker Players from West Virginia?

Yes. Jason Koon, William Lee Childs Jr, Steve Merrifield, Taylor Wilson, and Kenneth Hicks are all well-known poker players from The Mountain State. These pros have won over tens of millions of dollars between them.

Is Ignition Legal in West Virginia?

Ignition Poker is deemed an unregulated West Virginia online poker room. Therefore, members of the West Virginia gambling scene are invited to play there. You should always check that Ignition accepts players from your home state before you sign up.

Can You Play at BetOnline Poker from West Virginia?

Yes. BetOnline Poker is one of many offshore West Virginia online poker sites you can join. It offers a spread of tourneys and cash games to suit a range of budgets.

What’s the Difference Between P2P and Poker Games at Online Casinos?

Like sports betting and casino club games, typical online casino games aren’t played against other players, seeing you compete against dealers and paytables. Unlike those casino games, P2P poker options found in poker rooms are always played against real-life participants.

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