West Virginia Casino Games

West Virginia has made significant strides in enhancing its online gaming scene. While the market is still in its early stages, it boasts some of the most advanced online casino offerings available today.

Top Recommendations for Enjoying Online Casino Games in West Virginia

After careful analysis of the online casino offerings in The Mountain State, I'm excited to share my personal favorites. Having played them thoroughly, let’s delve into my insights.

SLOTS

TRADITIONAL VIDEO SLOTS

Classic video slots are among the most prevalent slot machine variants and can be found at nearly every casino. These machines showcase iconic symbols such as fruits and lucky charms, along with unique game-related symbols. They come with multiple paylines and generally feature between three to five reels. Furthermore, these slots operate on a fixed paytable, ensuring that every combination has a predetermined payout, including the jackpot.

Progressive slots

Progressive slots bear resemblance to traditional slots in terms of gameplay. However, the key distinction lies in the payout system, particularly regarding the jackpot. In most progressive slots, the jackpot grows each time a player spins without winning. Sometimes, multiple progressive slots can even be interconnected to increase the prize pool.

TABLE GAMES

BLACKJACK

Blackjack remains one of the most iconic table games you can find in casinos. The main goal in this game is to reach a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it or having a higher total than the dealer's hand. Cards are assigned point values, where numbered cards reflect their face value, face cards are valued at 10, and the ace can count as either 1 or 11. This electrifying game requires minimal skill, making it accessible right from the start.

CRAPS

For those seeking both straightforward and intricate gameplay, the Craps table offers just that. This thrilling, fast-paced game utilizes a pair of dice, and players even get the opportunity to roll them themselves! It's also a social experience, as you can cheer alongside other players who are betting on the pass line in live dealer games. By placing bets on another player’s roll, if a 7 or 11 comes up, you win! Conversely, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss.

Should the player roll a different number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number designates the point. The player then continues to roll the dice until they either hit a 7 or the established point number. If a 7 is rolled first, those who bet on the Pass Line forfeit their wager.

However, should the established point number be rolled first, then all those who wagered on the Pass Line collect their winnings!

To illustrate, if the player rolls an 11, all Pass Line bettors receive a payout equal to their bet. The player then rolls again and gets a 10, which becomes the point number. From this moment, the only numbers that are critical for Pass Line bettors are 7 and 10. Any roll resulting in another number prompts additional rolls. If the player hits a 10, Pass Line bets win; if 7 is rolled first, those bets lose. Once the outcome is determined, players can place new Pass Line wagers.

Players also have the option to make an opposing wager known as the Don’t Pass bet. If the player rolls a 7 or 11, you lose, but if they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you win. It's worth noting that in some casinos, rolling a 12 results in a push, returning the bet to you.

Any other roll designates the point number. Using 10 again as our example, the Don’t Pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before a 10.

Betting on the Pass and Don’t Pass Lines is the simplest way to engage in Craps. However, for those looking for more betting options, various side bets can be made after each roll of the dice. One such option is the Come bet, which operates much like the Pass Line bet. The main difference is that players can place a Come bet post-establishment of a point number.

Similar to the Pass Line, the Come bet wins on 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, that number becomes the specific target. To win, this number must appear again before a 7 is rolled.

Another straightforward and popular side bet is the Field bet. If the next roll results in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, the bettor wins an amount equivalent to their Field bet. For rolls of 2 or 12, the payout is doubled! With the ability to cover so many numbers with a single wager, it's clear why the Field bet is such a favorite for players seeking excitement.

Craps consistently ranks as one of the most thrilling, action-filled games in live casinos thanks to the potential for all players at the table to win simultaneously!

However, this does mean there can be significant delays as players wait for payouts and for newcomers to join. Online Craps enhances the excitement by allowing individuals to play at their own pace without waiting, leading to more thrilling action!

ROULETTE

The tension of waiting for the Roulette wheel to come to a stop is unparalleled. Watching the wheel gradually slow and hopeful anticipation as it nears your chosen number is truly exhilarating.

You can place multiple bets, including on different columns out of the total 36 numbers, clusters of numbers, red or black, various dozens, line bets, street bets, and more. Each type of wager offers a different payout. A popular betting strategy is the Martingale Betting Strategy, which involves doubling your stake each time you suffer a loss.

THREE CARD POKER

Three Card Poker stands out as one of the most cherished table games in casinos, largely due to its simplicity. Many newcomers quickly grasp the rules and betting method within just a couple of rounds.

In this game, players face off against the dealer to create a superior three-card hand. Initially, the player must place a bet on the Ante position on the table to receive their cards. Each player gets three face-down cards, while the dealer also deals themselves three hidden cards. At this point, players evaluate their hands to determine if they want to proceed with a bet.

Those who wish to continue must make a Play bet equal to their Ante wager. Should a player not favor their cards and opt not to place a Play bet, they forfeit their Ante wager. Players who choose to bet on Play compete solely against the dealer.

The dealer needs to have at least a Queen-high hand to qualify. If they do not qualify, all players with Ante bets win a payout equal to their wager (at a rate of 1:1). The Play bet, in this case, is a push, meaning it's neither lost nor won.

If the dealer qualifies but has a poorer hand than the player, both the Ante and Play bets are paid back at 1:1. If the dealer’s qualifying hand ties with the player's hand, it results in a push.
An exciting aspect of Three Card Poker is the Ante Bonus.

Players can earn this additional payout when they place both an Ante and a Play wager. To secure an Ante Bonus, players must hold a Straight, Three of a Kind, or a Straight Flush. If these criteria are met, players are rewarded with an Ante Bonus, even if the dealer doesn’t qualify. Additionally, players can still earn the Ante Bonus if the dealer holds a better hand!

There is another option available called the Pair Plus. This wager allows players to bet on their hand, winning if they have at least a pair. The Ante Bonus and Pair Plus payout are both based on the player's hand, though the Pair Plus typically offers larger rewards. For example, a Three of a Kind can generate a 4 to 1 payout with the Ante Bonus.

Should the player also place a Pair Plus bet prior to the hand, this side wager pays out at 30 to 1 (though these amounts can fluctuate depending on the casino). If a player has a winning Pair Plus bet alongside an Ante bet, they must still place a Play bet to remain in the game.

Some Three Card Poker tables introduce a side bet known as the 6 Card Bonus. When players place this bet, they have the potential to combine both their own hand and the dealer’s hand to create the best possible five-card poker hand. Like the Pair Plus, this side bet grants the chance to transform losing hands into substantial wins.

To visualize how unpredictable Three Card Poker can be, consider a hypothetical scenario where you are dealt an Ace, King, and 7 after placing a $10 Ante bet and a $10 6 Card Bonus side bet. Deciding to go forward with your hand, you place a matching Play bet of $10. The dealer then reveals their hand, showing two Kings and an Ace.

In this case, the dealer's pair of Kings triumphs over your hand, leading to the loss of both your Ante and Play bets. However, your 6 Card Bonus results in a lucrative payout. Combining both hands makes a full house of three Kings and two Aces. Typically, this would earn an average payout of 20 to 1 for a full house on a 6 Card Bonus, resulting in a winnings of $200, despite the loss in the hand!

These comeback scenarios contribute to Three Card Poker's appeal as one of the most exciting table games available at any casino. Unlike traditional variations of poker, players won’t have to memorize hand rankings, as dealers will handle that aspect, making Three Card Poker an enjoyable and less intimidating option for novices and casual gamers alike.

Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker stands out as a highly favored table game enjoyed in casinos worldwide. In this game, players must strategically arrange their cards into two separate hands, effectively forming both a high and a low poker hand.

At first glance, Pai Gow might appear overwhelming to individuals who typically engage with games like Blackjack, where cards are kept out of players' hands. Nevertheless, beginners will discover that, although Pai Gow involves more direct interaction with the game than many other casino options, it is quite straightforward and easy to grasp.

The game begins with rolling three dice, which indicates the starting position for dealing the cards. Each seat available at the table corresponds to a number, with the dealer assigned as number one. The dealer then moves counterclockwise to deal cards to every available seat, regardless of whether players are physically present or have placed bets. Cards in seats that are unoccupied are discarded by the dealer.

Once the dealing phase is complete, players have the chance to examine their cards and form two poker hands. One hand, known as the high hand, is placed face down in a designated area usually marked with an H, while the other hand, referred to as the low hand, is positioned in a space marked with an L. The low hand must either consist of a high card or a pair, with the remaining five cards forming the high hand.

To win, a player's high and low hands must each surpass the dealer's corresponding hands. If both of the player’s hands fall short, they lose the game. Alternatively, if only one hand is successful, the outcome is termed a push, resulting in the wager being neither paid nor lost.

However, if a player accidentally places their high-ranking cards into the low hand area, they forfeit not only that hand but also their entire bet. Therefore, it is crucial for players to stay attentive while arranging their hands.

In Pai Gow, the presence of a Joker increases the excitement by utilizing a 53-card deck. This Joker can function solely as an Ace or aid in forming a straight, flush, or straight flush. Additionally, there's a side wager known as the Fortune Bonus that offers payouts based on the strength of the player's poker hand.

FOUR CARD POKER

Four Card Poker shares some similarities with Three Card Poker, yet its distinct set of regulations makes it a unique and entertaining game on its own. In this tabletop setup, players receive five cards to create the best possible four-card hand, while the dealer gets six cards for their own four-card hand.

Unlike other similar games, the dealer automatically qualifies in Four Card Poker. To balance this, if players find themselves in a tie, it is classified as a victory for them. Players may notice that the hand rankings in this variant differ somewhat from those in traditional poker.
The hierarchy of hands in Four Card Poker, ranked from strongest to weakest, is as follows:

• Four of a Kind
• Straight Flush
• Three of a Kind
• Flush
• Straight
• Two Pair
• Pair of Aces
• High Card

The game kicks off with players placing an Ante bet. Each individual is then dealt five cards, while the dealer has six. Players work to organize their cards into their top four-card hand. Afterward, they can decide whether to continue playing or to fold, in which case they must place a Play bet to proceed.

This Play wager can range from one to three times the initial Ante bet.

Once all bets are placed, the dealer reveals their hand and compares it to each player's hand. Should a player's hand either win or tie against the dealer's hand, both the Play and Ante bets will be returned at even odds.

Additionally, players can place a side bet known as Aces Up before cards are dealt. This bet must equal the Ante, and it pays off if a player gets a pair of Aces or better.

Moreover, Four Card Poker automatically grants players an Ante Bonus if their hand contains three of a kind or better. Similar to the Ante Bonus in Three Card Poker, players receive this bonus regardless of the outcome of their hand against the dealer's. Let It Ride is an engaging game that features a straightforward yet captivating aim: players need to obtain a hand containing a pair of tens or superior. Unlike most table games, players in Let It Ride do not compete against the dealer or one another. here.

LET IT RIDE

A Let It Ride table has three betting circles. Before the game commences, players must wager equal amounts in each circle. However, there’s no need for concern! If players are unhappy with their dealt hand, they can retract up to two of their bets.

After all wagers are set, players receive three cards. Despite not competing against each other, they must keep their hands hidden from fellow players. Additionally, two more cards will be dealt face down as community cards, which all players can use to strengthen their hands.

After reviewing their cards, players can choose to either continue with their hand, which is indicated by tucking their cards under their first wager, or they can signal the dealer that they wish to take back one of their bets by scratching the table with their cards.

Once decisions have been made, the first community card is revealed. Players can then choose to proceed with their remaining bets or reclaim their second bet. Subsequently, the dealer reveals the second community card, and all players' hands are turned face up for evaluation by the dealer.

Payouts are calculated based on a five-card poker ranking system, and only active bets will be compensated. Players cannot receive payouts for any bets they retracted during the hand. It’s important to note that players must have at least a pair of tens to qualify for a payout; falling short results in an automatic loss.

Let It Ride also features a side bet known as the 3 Card Bonus. Players who take this bet win automatically if their initial three cards contain a pair of tens or better.

Mini Baccarat is an enjoyable game that is particularly friendly toward beginners. The goal of Mini-Baccarat is to achieve a point total that is as close to 9 as possible. In this game, tens and face cards hold a value of 0, while Aces count as 1, with all other cards valued at their face value.

MINI BACCARAT

If the total score exceeds 9, ten points are deducted from the total. For instance, if a player draws an 8 and a 7, their total is adjusted to 5 (15 minus 10).

In Mini-Baccarat, the dealer performs the majority of tasks. Players need only decide whether to place their bets on the player's hand or the dealer's hand. The game features two sides—Player and Banker—which represent hands rather than actual players. After bets are placed, both sides receive two cards each.

There are somewhat intricate guidelines determining when a third card is drawn, but players do not need to concern themselves with them, as these details are managed by the dealer. Once all necessary cards are dealt, payouts are made to the side that wins based on the initial bets.

This setup allows numerous players to participate while only requiring two hands to be dealt. This leads to a quicker pace and tends to foster a sense of camaraderie among players, as they often experience wins and losses together.

This casino game is an adaptation of the classic poker format. In this variation, players face off directly against the dealer instead of competing against one another. Ahead of the hand, players place equal bets within the Ante and Blind betting circles.

ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD’EM

The hand begins with the dealer revealing five community cards face down on the table. Subsequently, each player and the dealer receive two private cards face down. Players then assess their cards and decide whether to increase their Ante bet or simply check (neither folding nor raising the bet).

The dealer reveals the community cards in two separate rounds. The first set of three community cards, known as the flop, is unveiled in the initial betting round. In the subsequent betting phase, the final two cards are revealed simultaneously, followed by yet another round of betting.

During this last round, players must either match their original Ante bet or choose to fold. Once all rounds are completed and players have finished betting, the dealer's hidden cards are displayed.

The dealer is required to have at least a qualifying pair to continue. If the dealer fails to meet this requirement, players receive their ante bets back. Conversely, if the dealer fulfills the criteria, the players' hands are then compared with the dealer’s, with winning hands receiving payouts reflective of their total number of bets placed.

Live dealer games take many of the table games mentioned earlier and present them in a lively online format. With these games, you're able to play alongside an actual dealer as if you were physically situated on a casino floor.

LIVE DEALER

Common live dealer games you might encounter at online casinos, like DraftKings and FanDuel, include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker. This innovative feature provided by online casinos allows the authentic casino atmosphere to reach your home or accompany you on your travels! online casinos in West Virginia Video Poker, which is based on the classic five-card draw poker, is played on machines similar to slot machines found in traditional casinos. Generally, the mechanics of video poker resemble traditional poker.

The primary distinction comes from the fact that video poker can be played online, necessitates a foundational understanding of poker, and presents numerous variations.

VIDEO POKER

While online poker is technically permitted in West Virginia, it has not yet debuted. Although poker was included in the state's legalization of online gambling, it is still unavailable in a digital format. However, four live poker venues currently operate within West Virginia.

The fundamental difference between online poker and physical poker play is the speed of the game. Texas Hold’Em and Omaha are among the two most popular poker variants.

CLASSIC ONLINE POKER

In Texas Hold’em, players are dealt two cards face down, referred to as the 'hole cards.' Throughout the game, more cards are dealt face up, known as community cards. These community cards can be leveraged by all participants to construct their optimal five-card hand. The main objective is to achieve the best five-card hand according to a specific ranking structure.

Omaha works similarly to Hold’Em, but players receive four 'hole cards' and must use two of them alongside three community cards to form their hand. Additionally, Omaha is frequently viewed as a faster-paced and more unpredictable version of poker.

At first glance, this engaging and tactical game may intimidate those familiar with games like Blackjack, where players do not handle their cards. However, individuals new to Pai Gow will discover that, in contrast to many other casino games, it is quite straightforward and can be easily grasped.

The game begins with the roll of three dice, which establishes the starting point for the dealer. Each player seat corresponds to a specific number, with the dealer assigned as number 1. The dealing process proceeds counterclockwise from this point. Every seat, whether occupied or not, receives a hand, and the dealer discards the cards from any empty positions.