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Editor’s note: This article discusses a 2017 legislative push. Before you rely on it for what is legal today, confirm current West Virginia rules and licensed operators on the state regulator’s site.
With the documented success of legalized online casinos in New Jersey and Nevada, many other states in the U.S. introduced online gambling legislation. West Virginia was among those lining up to join Pennsylvania in an effort to let residents play poker, blackjack, craps, and other casino games online for real money. Multiple states proposed online gambling bills in 2017, part of a broader shift in how the industry is regulated.
West Virginia’s Online Gambling Bill
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Many had predicted that the state would seek to legalize online casinos in 2017 because the state has a long history of showing favor to legalized forms of gambling such as the lottery and horseracing. The bill would grant the West Virginia Lottery Commission authority to regulate online casinos.
This is different from other states like Nevada and New Jersey where online casinos must be operated by a physical casino in the state. Gaming companies who seek to offer gambling in West Virginia would be subject to the oversight of the Lottery Commission and be required to pay a licensing fee in addition to tax on their gross revenues.
Under H 3067, interactive games like slot machines, video poker, blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette would be permitted in online casinos. Players would be required to be 21 years of age or over and live in West Virginia in order to register an account, make deposits, and withdraw winnings. One of the most interesting facets of the bill is that it calls for an interstate agreement with other states where online gambling is legal. This is a very significant provision.
If approved, those with gaming accounts in New Jersey or Nevada would be permitted to create accounts in West Virginia and vice versa.
What Online Casinos Can Do For West Virginia
In New Jersey and Nevada, the first two states to legalize online casinos, millions of dollars in revenue have been added to each state’s coffers. The amount of tax revenue generated by online gambling has grown steadily since the laws were approved. Pennsylvania, another state currently in the midst of approving online gaming, commissioned a study to assess the potential impact of gambling revenues. Independent researchers found that Pennsylvania could garner over $1 million in tax and licensing revenue within months of the measure’s approval, and that the long-term numbers could even exceed those of New Jersey which has been the most successful example thus far.
Revenues from online gambling are used by states for a variety of purposes. Some of the revenues are allocated to a state’s general fund. Others are used for health and human services, scholarship programs, and pension funds for state employees. Each operator that is approved to operate an online casino in West Virginia will be required to pay a licensing fee of $50,000. This is very low when compared to the fees of $1 million dollars or more that have been proposed by other states. Operators would also be required to pay a 14% tax rate on their gross revenues.
This number is in line with what other states have proposed. New Jersey currently taxes online casinos at a rate of 15%.
What Can West Virginia Blackjack Players Expect?
If you are a blackjack player that lives in West Virginia, this legislation means that you could be allowed to play online blackjack in the near future. You would be allowed to wager and win real money on blackjack games.
One could expect that the online casinos will offer standard blackjack in addition to many popular variations of the game. These might include Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch, or other variations of blackjack that have interesting side bets and jackpots. It is also possible that West Virginia online casinos could introduce live dealer blackjack. This has been done in New Jersey with a high degree of success.
Live dealers add a more personable feel to the game and also increase player confidence. The best way to get ready for online blackjack in West Virginia is to keep reading Counting Edge and practicing your skills. You can learn everything you need to know about basic blackjack strategy and card counting right here.
If you happen to live in a country or area which already allows online blackjack, take a moment to check out some of our recommended online casinos. You can register an account and be playing within minutes, and some casinos offer generous welcome bonuses to new players.
FAQs: West Virginia online gambling research
Is this article current law?
No—it discusses a 2017 bill; verify today’s WV Lottery and legislative sources before playing.
What should WV players watch for if iCasino returns?
Geolocation, age gates, tax reporting, and which table games—including live dealer—are licensed.
Where can I learn blackjack skills while laws evolve?
Study basic strategy and use the US legality overview as a living document.
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino gambling legal in West Virginia?
Statutes change; confirm the current West Virginia Lottery Commission guidance rather than relying on dated bill summaries.
What was House Bill 3067 about?
A historical proposal to let the lottery regulate interactive games; implementation depends on passage and rulemaking timelines.
How should blackjack players prepare for new markets?
Master basic strategy, understand bonus terms, and verify geolocation requirements before depositing.
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