In West Virginia, land-based horse race track betting is legal and accessible. Here, you can enjoy both in-person West Virginia horse racing betting and simulcast wagering, both regulated by the West Virginia Racing Commission. So, whether you’re a seasoned punter or a newcomer to pari mutuel wagering, West Virginia’s race tracks provide plenty of opportunities.
Address: 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Phone: 800-795-7001
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a year-round hub of thoroughbred horse racing for both experienced bettors and casual visitors alike. From Wednesday to Saturday, you can witness the heart-pounding excitement of live races, with the option of daily simulcast wagering. Whether you’re betting on Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, or Pick 3-5, the options are plentiful and the stakes are high.
Not only is the racetrack family-friendly, but it also hosts prestigious races such as the Charles Town Oaks and Charles Town Classic. When hunger strikes, choose from a variety of restaurants and bars, or unwind at the onsite hotel. The entertainment doesn’t stop at the track, though. The onsite casino offers 1,900 slots, live table games, electronic table games, a 13-table poker room, and a Barstool sportsbook.
Address: 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, West Virginia 26047
Phone: 800-804-0468
Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in New Cumberland hosts thoroughbred horse racing between April to December. Live racing is usually held from Sunday to Wednesday year-round, with major races like the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes and West Virginia Derby. You can also enjoy daily simulcast wagering with bet types ranging from Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Daily Double, Trifecta, Superfecta, to Super Five.
After the races, explore the resort’s diverse dining options or relax in the comfort of the 359-room hotel. The casino, boasting 1,000 slots, live and electronic table games, and a Caesars sportsbook, ensures non-stop entertainment.
As a West Virginia horse racing enthusiast, check out the two premier horse race tracks:
| Racetrack | Address | Phone Number | Betting Allowed? |
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 | 800-795-7001 | Yes |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort | 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047 | 800-804-0468 | Yes |
Thanks to the legal practice of simulcast wagering, you can enjoy nationwide horse racing without leaving West Virginia. Even though there are no standalone off-track betting facilities in the state, all the state’s horse and greyhound racetracks offer daily simulcasting on horse races happening all across the country. This means you can place your bets and cheer on your chosen horses right from the comfort of these local tracks.
| Betting Location | Address |
| Wheeling Island Hotel and Casino | 1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 |
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 |
| Mardi Gras Casino & Resort | 1 Greyhound Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 |
| Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort | 1420 Mountaineer Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047 |
The below list will guide you through the best horse races scheduled in the state, complete with their respective racing dates. So, mark your calendars and get ready for some exciting racing action.
| Horse Races | Racing Dates | Where to Bet |
| West Virginia Governor’s Stakes | August | Mountaineer Racetrack |
| West Virginia Derby | August | Mountaineer Racetrack |
| Charles Town Classic | August | Charles Town Races |
| Charles Town Oaks | August | Charles Town Races |
In West Virginia, you’re presented with a variety of legal horse betting options. You can place ‘Win’, ‘Place’, and ‘Show’ bets, or try your luck with ‘Exacta’, ‘Trifecta’, and ‘Superfecta’ wagers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also ‘Daily Double’, ‘Pick 3’, ‘Pick 4’, ‘Pick 5’, and ‘Super Five’ bets.
However, remember that only live thoroughbred betting is available in the state. If you’re interested in quarter horse racing or harness racing, don’t worry, you can still place your bets at the simulcast wagering locations.
Following the repeal of PASPA, the state’s horse racing industry, which includes live thoroughbred horse racing and simulcasting, experienced significant changes. You’ll find that video slots (VLTs) and table games are permitted at West Virginia race tracks, overseen by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
In 2013, the Racing Commission approved an agreement allowing the Lottery Commission to request assistance for specific services. This move was quite a shift from 2009 when Gov. Joe Manchin proposed legislation to merge the Racing and Lottery commissions. However, this bill was defeated in the House due to opposition from thoroughbred owners, breeders, and trainers, who were concerned about the potential takeover of pari mutuel betting regulation by the Lottery Commission.
In a significant development in 2013, the state adopted legislation that increased the number of restricted thoroughbred horse races every day from two to three. This legislation also allowed up to two restricted races per day at West Virginia race tracks.
State gambling laws vary, but West Virginia horse racing is perfectly legal. You can enjoy both live thoroughbred horse racing and simulcasting in the state. Moreover, video slots and table games are also permitted at West Virginia race tracks, which are overseen by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
Absolutely, you can bet on horse races in other states. This is made possible through simulcast and off-track betting facilities. These facilities broadcast races from different tracks across the country, allowing you to place bets on races happening outside your state.
The largest horse race track in West Virginia is the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. This facility, located in Charles Town, offers a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course. It is known for hosting some of the most exciting West Virginia horse racing events.
Yes, it’s permitted to place bets online on West Virginia horse racing events. As a resident, you have the freedom to place bets on horse races through various online platforms. It’s a convenient way for you to participate in the excitement of the races without having to physically be at the track. Always remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.
In West Virginia, you have several options for betting on horse races. You can place your bets in person at the racetrack, which gives you the thrill of being part of the live action. Another option is simulcast wagering, where you can bet on races happening at other locations, and broadcast live at your local track or betting facility. Additionally, you can bet online through various legal platforms, providing you with the convenience of wagering from the comfort of your own home.
In West Virginia, the minimum age to wager on horse races is 18 years old. This means you must be at least 18 to place a bet, whether it’s in person at a racetrack, through simulcast wagering, or online. Always ensure you’re of legal age before participating in any betting activities.
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