The Greenbrier Resort and FanDuel Sportsbook
The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs is one of the most unique hospitality properties in the United States. There are so many different aspects to the historic property that its casino is almost an afterthought.
However, The Greenbrier is certainly a gambling destination, and one of five West Virginia casinos. The Casino Club at Greenbrier is 103,000 square feet of luxury gaming.
In fact, it is so luxurious that its clientele is severely restricted. By law, only members of the club and guests of the resort can use the casino’s facilities.
Sports betting at FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier
FanDuel Sportsbook at The Greenbrier began accepting wagers on sports on Sep. 13. The resort partnered with daily fantasy sports titan turned sports betting giant, FanDuel to operate its sportsbook.
The room is a self-described lounge with 21 high-definition television monitors for viewing. FanDuel personnel man a large wagering desk with video screens behind them.
So far, the resort hasn’t reported much income from its new operation. That may not be as terrible for the Greenbrier as other properties, though, because America’s only private casino (and sportsbook) has always been more of an amenity than a profit engine.
Mobile sports betting
The Greenbrier’s performance so far may also not be as much of a concern now that FanDuel Sportsbook WV is live. The physical location of the resort places it inconveniently far for most sports bettors. But the mobile app gives access to players across the state, even in the most rural areas.
The Greenbrier Resort history and facilities
Though it has gone through many incarnations, the Greenbrier has been in operation almost as long as the United States. The land has been a retreat for the country’s high society since 1778.
The resort sprawls across 11,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Twenty-six US presidents have stayed on site at one time or another. Dwight Eisenhower was the last to do so.
The resort centers on a sulfur-rich spring that visitors believed had medicinal qualities. The spring is also the source of the surrounding town’s name, White Sulphur Springs.
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway built the current version of the resort in 1910. The property passed through the company for nearly 100 years before declaring bankruptcy in 2009.
At that point, West Virginia entrepreneur Jim Justice stepped in to purchase the property. He vowed to restore the resort to its former glory. Justice has since become the governor of West Virginia itself.
The Casino Club
In 2008, Greenbrier County residents approved a referendum to allow casino gaming at the resort. When Justice gained control, he reassured the voters that the gaming would be “tasteful.”
The casino began life as the Tavern Casino before settling into its permanent name. It is the only casino in America that is both legally operated and not open to the public.
Instead, there are three groups of people permitted to use the 103,000 square-foot facility. Those three groups are guests at the Greenbrier’s hotel, members of The Greenbrier Golf and Tennis Club, and homeowners in The Greenbrier Sporting Club.
For those groups of people, there is a wide variety of casino games available under one roof. Here is a list of the offerings at the Casino Club:
- Slots (320 machines)
- Simulcast horse racing and dog racing
- Blackjack
- Three Card Poker
- Mini-Baccarat
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Texas hold’em
Due to its exclusivity and general luxurious vibe, the Casino Club is also one of the few casinos in the United States to maintain a strict dress code. After 7 p.m., men are required to wear jackets into the club, and women must wear attire at a similar level. Even before 7, all visitors must wear a collared shirt and slacks for access.
The Casino Club is only open during selected hours. They are:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. – 3 a.m.
The club also hosts a complimentary champagne toast for patrons at 10 p.m. every night.
There are also four different food and beverage options inside the Casino Club itself. Guests can try the drinks at the Greenbrier Royale, bet on horses at Twelve Oaks, dance at 42 Below, or eat Asian selections at In-Fusion.
Accommodations and other amenities at the Greenbrier
As one might imagine, there are several different luxurious options from which to choose. Patrons can choose from high-class suites all the way to entire guest houses on the property.
From those rooms, guests can choose from a tremendous variety of activities. Chief among these options are the golf courses at Greenbrier.
The Greenbrier Course and the Meadows Course are both excellent courses for golfers to attempt. In fact, the Greenbrier hosts the PGA Tour for the Greenbrier Classic every year. However, the Greenbrier Course is currently closed for a redesign by PGA superstar Phil Mickelson.
For food and beverage options, there are 14 different locations at the Greenbrier, including the options in the Casino Club. Guests can also order room service 24 hours a day.
The resort offers more than 55 activities from which guests can choose. Activities include horseback riding, glass blowing, and paintball. The Greenbrier is certainly a location for all age groups to enjoy.
Finally, in keeping with its history, there is a world-class spa at the Greenbrier. The spa treatments can be for relaxation or even therapeutic — the spa employs cosmetic surgeon Michael Kluska to oversee its medspa.
The Greenbrier is also the spring training home of the Houston Texans. So, you may be able to take in the sights in the company of some gigantic human beings, depending on the timing.
The Greenbrier Resort FAQ
Yes. FanDuel was granted a license through the West Virginia Lottery Commission to provide sports betting operations to The Greenbrier.
None, really. The nearest town of any size is Roanoke, Virginia.
The nearest bona fide city to the Greenbrier is Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Charlotte is over 200 miles south of the resort.
Make no mistake – the Greenbrier is an old-school resort that is far from most large towns. It has existed as a getaway for its entire life, and one must “get away” to go there.
Yes. The Players Club allows guests to earn G-Rewards points. The G-Rewards are redeemable for passes to the various amenities onsite.
At this point, no. You will likely be able to bet sports sooner than anything else.
However, the oncoming sports betting in West Virginia will likely pave the road, for better or worse, for online casino gambling. If the new wagering proves successful, online casinos may follow.