Bill Introducing Satellite West Virginia Casinos Passes Senate

West Virginia legislators are making their third attempt to pass SB 62, which aims to permit the establishment of satellite casinos in the state. Following a vote in the Senate, the bill successfully passed with a favorable outcome of 25-8 in support of SB 62.

The bill incorporates the following racetracks that are currently active:

• The Charles Town Races, also known as Hollywood Casino, are a popular destination in Hollywood.
• The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort has been reimagined and transformed.
• The establishment is called Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort.
• The name of the establishment is Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack.

In essence, this legislation permits the racetracks to establish a mini-casino on their premises, as long as it stays within the boundaries of the county where the host is located.

What is a satellite casino?

A satellite casino can be likened to a smaller version of a traditional casino, typically featuring a collection of slot machines and table games within a building.

A regular casino and a satellite casino differ mainly in size. The latter is characterized by a reduced number of slot machines, table games, and overall property space.

Mini-casinos typically feature a range of 300 to 700 slot machines and a potential 20 to 30 table games, if applicable. In contrast, larger-scale casinos generally offer 1,500 to 3,000 slot machines and a wider variety of 30 to 100 table games.

Moreover, these compact casinos are equipped with a higher quantity of video lottery terminals (VLTs), which have gained widespread popularity throughout the country.

Counties in Missouri, namely Kanawha, Ohio, Hancock, and Jefferson, are also keen to take part.

Legal West Virginia satellite casinos still have a long way to go

Despite receiving a favorable vote, the bill still has a long journey ahead before becoming a law. Its initial hurdle is to secure approval from the Senate, followed by passage in the House of Delegates. Furthermore, the operators involved must fulfill the application requirement, and subsequently, a county-wide vote will be conducted.

Despite SB 62 progressing to the next stage, it is worth noting that this particular phase has previously led to the rejection of the bill during its journey through legislation in both 2019 and 2024. The House of Delegates had halted its progress on previous occasions. However, Senator Eric Nelson appears to hold the belief that the outcome will be different this time around.

An answer will be given, regardless, as the legislative session extends until March 11.

Benefits of mini-casinos in West Virginia

The state would undoubtedly experience financial gains and contribute to public education and community welfare through the establishment of mini-casinos.

If approval is granted for satellite casinos, the companies will also be permitted to establish VLTs and other licensed gambling products, which will contribute to an increase in revenue.

Nelson stated that the bill will not only boost revenue but also generate employment opportunities in counties facing economic challenges. He believes this approach will contribute to economic development in the four counties with racetracks.