Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races This is also another luxurious casino offering one of the most thrilling gambling experiences in West Virginia. Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races has over 2,700 most popular slots, 75 table games as well as exquisite poker rooms.
West Virginia recently ushered in a new era for West Virginia gambling. The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act automatically became law on March 27, 2019, when Gov. Jim Justice let the veto window pass.
The law legalizes online casino gambling in West Virginia providing one license for each of the five casinos.
West Virginia gambling apps
West Virginia sports betting opened up when FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook each launched an online sportsbook and sports betting app in 2019. BETMGM Sportsbook joined them in 2020.
You can now legally bet on sports in WV at retail locations within WV casino and via the online sportsbooks and apps. For more on NFL and college football betting in WV, see our guides here:
DraftKings Sportsbook WV
DraftKings Sportsbook announced late Dec. 2018 that it partnered with Hollywood Casino to bring mobile sports betting to West Virginia. Since then, “any day now” seems to be the target date. State Lottery Director John Myers cited the recently-revised wire act opinion as to the reason for the slow implementation.
FanDuel Sportsbook WV
FanDuel operates the retail sports betting operations for The Greenbrier. The FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier opened its betting windows on Sept. 13, 2018.
The partnership now extends in the world of mobile sports betting with the launch of FanDuel Sportsbook WV bringing sports betting access to residents throughout the Mountain State.
BETMGM Sportsbook WV
BETMGM Sportsbook is the third online sportsbook to open its doors in West Virginia. It went live on January 22, 2020.
BETMGM is the result of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings. The site is open in West Virginia as the second sportsbook under The Greenbrier’s license.
Projected launch dates for WV online sportsbooks
| Online partner | Online launch date | Retail launch date | Retail sportsbook | WV sportsbook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Aug. 28, 2019 | NA | NA | Hollywood Casino Sportsbook |
| FanDuel Sportsbook WV | Aug. 26, 2019 | Sept. 13, 2018 | FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier | The Casino Club at The Greenbrier |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | January 22, 2020 | NA | NA | The Casino Club at The Greenbrier |
West Virginia online casino launch dates
Currently, there is not a firm date to launch the first West Virginia online casino. In fact, the regulations and application process still need to be outlined.
All five WV casinos will likely to apply for an online license when the application process opens.
The closest there is to a timeline to launch online casinos is Feb. 2021. The WV Lottery has until June 2020 to finalize regulations and the application process should open then.
WV Lottery Director, John Myers believes the timeline is prudent considering the upcoming 2020 election and the 2021 inauguration.
DraftKings Online Casino
DraftKings, the Daily Fantasy Sports turn sports betting turned online casino giant, will likely seek to launch its online casino in West Virginia. It partnered with Hollywood Casino to bring mobile sports betting to the Mountain State and it might look to Hollywood for entry into the online casino market, as well.
Betfair Online Casino
Paddy Power Betfairacquired FanDuel in 2018, providing the sportsbook access to one of the more popular casino platforms. FanDuel partnered with The Greenbrier for its retail sports betting operation. Mobile sports betting and online casino gambling is just speculation at this stage.
PokerStars Online Casino
PokerStars Online Casino from the global online poker giant will likely look for a way to enter the West Virginia online gambling market. If it does, it will almost certainly be the one of the most popular online poker apps in WV. The company has made its plans known to pursue legal and regulated gaming markets as the become available.
Hollywood Online Casino
Owned by Penn National, Hollywood Casino can probably have its pick of online casino partners. It has inked a mobile sports betting partnership with DraftKings and its awaiting approval from regulators. Additionally, in Pennsylvania, Penn National is working with IGT to bring online casino games to Hollywood Casino in Grantville, PA.
Mountaineer Online Casino
Mountaineer Casino partnered with William Hill for its land-based sportsbook. While William Hill operates a casino in Europe, it has not launched one in the US, nor has there been any discussion of doing so. BetStars might be a possible contender as it seeks entry into the Mountain State.
The Greenbrier Online Casino
Because of its existing relationship with FanDuel, it seems likely The Casino Club at Greenbrier will try to tap Betfair as its online casino provider. Betfair, however, may be looking for a partner that is less exclusive than The Greenbrier.
Wheeling Island Online Casino
Delaware North, the owner of Wheeling Island Casino is currently looking for a new sports betting partner. It would make sense that they would also be looking for an online casino partner. Two front runners could easily be DraftKings Casino and PokerStars Online Casino.
Mardi Gras Online Casino
Mardi Gras Casino is also owned by Delaware North. Providing operations for two online casinos might be enticing enough to lure some other popular casino platforms to the state.
Projected launch dates for WV online casinos
| WV casino | Existing online partner | Projected launch | Application status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| The Casino Club at The Greenbrier | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Mardi Gras Casino & Resort | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Wheeling Island Hotel | TBD | TBD | TBD |
What did the West Virginia online casino bill legalize?
HB 2934, allows WV online casinos to operate games similar to those offered in land-based casinos.
Games such as:
- Table games
- Online poker
- Video Lottery (slots)
Tax rates and licensing fees
The initial version of the bill set the online casino revenue tax at 10%, the same as online sports betting.
However, during the process, some legislators sought higher rates of taxation. Eventually, the law passed with online casino games revenue taxed at 15%.
Online gaming license will cost each operator $250,000 and are valid for five years. Licenses can be renewed for a fee of $100,000.
Gambling history
West Virginia welcomed the news as its only sports betting app, BetLucky Sportsbook, recently suspended operations.
On March 6, 2019, online sports betting in West Virginia came to a sudden halt due to a contract dispute between Delaware North and its sports betting provider, Miomni.
The shutdown also found Mardi Gras Casino Sportsbook and Wheeling Island Sportsbook with closed betting windows.
Delaware North, the owner of the West Virginia sportsbooks, announced last week that it was severing its contract with Miomni, which makes it unlikely that BetLucky will return to the Mountain State.
The Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is more than just a racetrack. And while it only started off as such, the location has since expanded its services to include an array of gaming options like slots, table gaming, poker, a sportsbook, and more.
Owned by Penn National Gaming (which also owns and operates The Meadows Racetrack and Casino), the casino also features live entertainment, a 150-room luxury hotel, fine dining, and promotional events.
Are you ready to discover why it’s more than worth the trip to venture all the way to the West Virginia-Maryland border and into Charles Town for a few nights of epic casino gaming?
Well, just read on and this post will tell you all you need to know.
About the Casino
Founded in 1933 as the Shenandoah Jockey Club, the racetrack has since evolved into a fully-fledged casino, with much of the upgrades coming after Penn National Gaming purchased the property in 1997,
While Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races resembles more of a traditional casino these days, its heart and soul remain in its horse racing history with nationally-known events taking place year-round. Starting with the Sprint Festival, founded in 2008.
Other historic events taking place at the track are the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics founded in 1987 by NFL Hall of Famer and former New York Giant Sam Huff. The largest winner’s purse of the event includes $500,000.
Another historic event is the Charles Town Classic, with the winner’s purses ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
When the purse increased to $1,500,000 in 2013, the Classic became known for offering one of the richest purses in America next to the Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup as far as Thoroughbred Contests are concerned.
The winner’s purse has since been reduced to $1,200,000.
And as mentioned earlier, the racetrack now offers far more than just the traditional horse races, including 2,500 slot machines, 74 table games, plus a poker room, serving the needs of many who are venturing in from the Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington D.C. areas.
Hollywood Casino Online Pa
Let’s take a deeper look at the games in the next section.
Games Offered
Alright, so if you’re looking for reels, video poker, or just something new, the casino’s 2,500-plus slots have you covered. Whether you’re looking for high-stakes, low-stakes, dollar games, single, or multi-coin, Charles Town’s Hollywood Casino’s gaming floor has it.
Offered daily onto the casino floor are a plethora of complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and other types of cocktails.
If you’re not into the poker tables or just want to avoid pressure from opposing players, then video poker is definitely your game. If you’re just learning the game or would just like some practice before stepping up into the live poker room, this is one fantastic option for you.
The 16-table poker room offers a variety of games that include Limit and Unlimited Texas Hold ‘em, Limit and Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better, plus Pot-Limit Omaha. Each game is offered based on table demand and player availability.
If you’re looking for casino table games, then you’re covered at Hollywood. The 74 tables feature Blackjack, Four Card Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘em, High Card Flush, High Card Hold ‘em, Let it Ride, and many more. Whatever your game is, you will find it here.
If you’re the sportier type, then you’ll love the Sportsbook which offers bets on everything from odds to point spreads to over-unders.
You can bet on any sport imaginable along with types of bets that include parlays, futures, match-ups, props, etc.
Check back to the website often for the latest and greatest new casino games offered at Hollywood Casino. They update their gaming room often and you definitely want to stay informed.
Dining Options
Hollywood Casino at Charleston has multiple dining options, each with its own themes and unique layouts, so there’s something for everybody. Whether you’re in the mood for
Hollywood Casino West Virginia Facebook
Perhaps you’re in the mood for something more traditional. If so, the Final Cut Steakhouse offers the highest-quality beef, chicken, and seafood options around. Combine your meal with a glass of wine and freshly baked rolls, and you’ll find yourself more than satisfied.
Want to catch up on sports betting with the nearby Baltimore Ravens or Washington Football Team?
Well, check out the Skybox Sports Bar, located just above the casino game floor. They offer a variety of beers and sports-related appetizers, allowing you to feel as if you’re at the game.
Except with their numerous HD TVs scattered about, you got the best seat in the house on game day.
Looking to catch in on the action going on down at the racetrack? The Skyline Terrace has you covered.
Enjoy the races, epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and of course, the numerous entrees. What else can you ask for?
Promotions and Entertainment
Each month, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town offers the latest and greatest promos. If you participate in the always-winning mychoice, you can win cash prizes, casino comps, and other awesome rewards.
Looking for some of the best free, live entertainment options Charles Town has to offer? The H Lounge offers such entertainment every Friday and Saturday from local tribute bands to the hottest trending local acts.
If you’re looking for national headlining entertainment including the latest artists, comedians, and stage shows, the Event Center has you covered.
Hotel Accommodations
You won’t be able to get over the scenery the luxurious Inn at Charles Town has to offer, with a scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. If nature’s your thing, then if nothing else, spending a few nights here will definitely rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
Let’s take a further look at what kind of luxury awaits.
18 of its suites offers you a fantastic view of the racetrack so if you’d rather stay in for the night, you won’t miss a second of the action going on at the racetrack. And when you’re looking to visit the track or the casino, take advantage of the free shuttle services offered.
Hollywood Casinos In West Virginia
The hotel also offers a wide range of rooms, from the VIP Suite to the Standard King to the Junior Suite, fitting any and all budgets.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking for a day off from the adrenaline-pumping gaming, then perhaps you’d like to take a day out in the Valley. And yes, there is something for everyone out in Charles Town and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’re a history buff or into the arts, you’ll love what nearby attractions have to offer.
A handful of local attractions include the Zion Episcopal Church Cemetery, the Old Opera House Theatre Company, the Jefferson County Museum, Jefferson County Memorial Park, the Charles Town Farmers Market, the Beall Air Manor, and the Cool Spring Preserve.
And you definitely want to take a trip to the Jefferson County Visitors Bureau, because I’m sure the adventurous side of you would love to take a hike into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Conclusion
As you can definitely see, the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is more than bustling. It’s an outright gem of West Virginia gambling, located on the eastern tip of the state right before you cross into either Maryland or D.C.
So, if you’re traveling to and from those major metropolitan areas and are into casino gaming or perhaps just taking in the majestic beauty the Blue Ridge Mountains offer, then this casino slash racetrack is worth the visit.
It’s one of the better casinos on this side of Atlantic City and it will only continue to grow as time passes and the casino gaming industry grows.
Have you visited the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and if so, what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments.