Unfortunately for those who want to play online, there has been relatively little effort put into regulating Internet gambling sites in the state. However, some state officials have at least kept an open mind about the issue, which could be a signal that the Mountain State isn’t quite so far away from joining the online gaming fray as some might think.
Long Racing History Defines Market
West Virginia’s racing history is one that stretches back nearly unbroken across the centuries, dating back to the colonial days of the 18th century. However, the modern era of gambling on the ponies only began in 1933, when the state first began allowed for parimutuel racing. Within a few years, at least two tracks were in operation (Charles Town Turf Club and Wheeling Downs), later to be joined by Waterford Park and Shenandoah Downs.
Through the 1970s, these tracks continued to operate successfully. However, that decade saw a decline across the board, and a number of closures (both permanent and temporary) and changes in ownership followed.
In 1987, Waterford Park was renamed (by new owners) as Mountaineer Park, and the new operators reached an agreement with the state to allow the track to host video lottery terminals for a trial period. If you’ve ever heard the term “racino,” this is where it started – one small experiment that eventually bloomed into allowing slot machines at all four of the major race tracks in West Virginia.
Today, all of those tracks operate casinos alongside their racing operations. In 2007, the tracks basically became fully fledged casinos, as they were also allowed to offer table games, including poker.
Interestingly, there is one other place to gamble in the state outside of the tracks. The Greenbrier, a historic luxury resort near White Sulphur Springs, was struggling in the final years of the past decade. But in 2008, voters in Greenbrier County approved a plan that would allow gambling at the hotel. While only guests are allowed to play here, there’s a loose definition of who counts: sign up for a tour or eat in one of the hotel restaurants, and you can take part in the full range of games, which now includes simulcasts of horse races.
This state is also home to a fairly long-standing lottery. Back in 1984, voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution that allowed for the establishment of the lottery; a year later, the legislature approved it as well, and then Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. signed it into law in April 1985.
By early 1986, the first tickets were on sale. Today, the state generates more than $1.2 billion in lottery sales each year, with more than 40 different games being offered. These include popular multistate games like Mega Millions and Powerball.
