Online poker is gaining popularity in West Virginia and its neighboring states. In recent years, the art of online gaming and gambling continues to evolve due to modern technology. Poker players can now access safe and legitimate gaming avenues to play for money, even in West Virginia.
The safety of these sites is vital, as you don’t want to lose your hard-earned cash to scammers. Read on to learn more about the history and legality of online poker, poker casinos, and online poker sites in West Virginia.
The History of Online Poker in West Virginia
West Virginia residents and those of other neighboring states have a culture of engaging in a game of poker for real stakes. On the other side, lawmakers and stakeholders of internet poker are finally contemplating changing the rules to online gaming sites, as they could be a source of revenue for the state in the future. The reserved individuals in government generally want a traditional brick and mortar Casinos rather than online ones. One sure thing is that there is a need to satisfy the demand for poker games over the internet for the residents of West Virginia.
Many poker players in the state of West Virginia have been using the unregulated and international sites for online gaming, which poses a risk for the players in terms of both financial security and the authenticity of the game.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in West Virginia?
After a long legal process, playing poker in West Virginia is now legal. It took time but the news was official in March 2019. Due to the success of internet poker in other states, the local authorities want to benefit from the legislation as well. This bill is the reason for the current success in the industry and the evolution of interactive gaming.
First off, gamers can now enjoy playing online casino slots and games at licensed land-based casinos. Poker enthusiasts can also access the game on state-operated sites for gambling. The West Virginia Lottery Commission is still in the final processes of regulating online slots and casino games in the state. Currently, no partnerships or licenses have been given for companies interested. Pundits predict that it will take more time for regulators to iron out the details of online betting in West Virginia. As of 2021, the state will likely go live with online gaming.
Poker Casinos in West Virginia
It is not easy to find a live gaming site for your favorite game. The five local casinos have poker rooms but cannot satisfy the great demand of poker enthusiasts. In the USA, West Virginia is one of the first five states to legalize poker online. Residents can plug into the action using the litany of internet-based platforms available.
5 Top Online Poker Sites in the State
Since there is no launch of West Virginia-specific online gaming platforms, inter-state companies are the closest that poker players can get. The following are the most popular online poker sites that are open to West Virginians:
1. Bovada
With the Bovada poker room, you have access to a large pool of players, and the game and limits are adaptable to all kinds of players. Bovada has unique gaming features compared to other gaming sites, allowing players to play online without having a profile. There are tens of casino games to take advantage of. Players enjoy amazing bonuses and prizes with a minimal fee for transactions on winnings.
2. BetOnline
BetOnline is a popular online gaming site in the US. The site is simple and user-friendly. Also, it is available for both Android and Windows users.
3. Intertops
Intertops is a top-ranking poker site in West Virginia and has operated for close to two decades. Gamblers can play games for cash using mobile phone browsers; you don’t need to download the application. The platform often offers promotions to poker fans who play casino games on-site. There are also plenty of tournaments for both veterans and newbies. Importantly, Intertops is versatile in the modes of money payment for staking and winnings.
4. Ignition
Ignition has user-friendly web design. Upon registration, every player gets a bonus that they can instantly use to play a game. The platform also has lots of other casino games and slots to play.
5. Sportsbetting
Sportsbetting is a legal online gaming site for internet poker in West Virginia. Players can explore the games according to their level of skill and interests. Sportsbetting is the ideal site when looking to learn the game before engaging other opponents for cash prizes. It is free to deposit cash while payouts extract a small fee.
How to Learn Poker Using a Free Account
Before playing for money, a player needs to understand the game. Familiarity with the game will eliminate the tension when money is at stake. Online guides have lots of knowledge that can aid both the veteran and novice poker player. Instructional videos by the companies operating the online site can help in developing your skills as well. Below are a few places with free accounts:
• Pokerstars.net: a gaming platform with rooms for gamers to socialize and enjoy poker for free.
• Zynga Poker: The largest international internet poker site where one can play for free.
• Global poker: incorporates both free games and poker for real money. It also consists of sweepstakes.
• World Poker Tour: runs ClubWPT, for gamers to network and discuss strategy.
In Summary
As the world is practicing social distancing, playing online games can be both fun and a way to make some extra money. If you’re in West Virginia, join any of the online poker sites discussed above to play online poker and other casino games.