This Wheeling Island review will cover everything you need to know about this unique property located in Wheeling, West Virginia. Its racetrack has its roots in American history, having opened before the Civil War, and the complex has since expanded to include a luxury hotel and casino. It has become a top destination for West Virginians and the world.
In this review, you will find sections breaking down all of the most prominent features of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, like the hotel accommodations, dining and entertainment, promotions, membership, available games and racing. Use the handy table below to quickly access those sections or simply keep reading!
In addition, you can visit the Frequently Asked Questions area to get answers now.
What You Can Find In This Wheeling Island Review
Contents
While the table above will quickly direct you to every bit of information you’ll need to prepare for your next visit to Wheeling Island, you can get a good overview of games, location, non-gambling amenities and more by reading the full review that follows. By the time you’re finished, I am confident you’ll have a great idea of what to expect from the casino at Wheeling Island!
Discover Your Favorite Casino Games
Though Wheeling Island started as a racetrack and eventually was allowed to expand to add slot machines at the start of the racino boom in WV, a voter referendum in 2007 made it legal for the casino to add live table games. That means you can enjoy all Wheeling Island games during your visit!
The casino floor offers more than 1,100 slot machines with many different themes and betting options from low to high. The casino also has its very own High Limit Room for high-stakes slots. Finally, you’ll be pleased to hear Wheeling has both smoking and non-smoking sections, plus a state-of-the-art ventilation system.
In addition to slots and video poker, Wheeling Island offers several different table games like blackjack, craps and roulette. The casino also has its own dedicated, non-smoking poker room. It has nine tables with beverage service, plus regular tournaments and promotions. The room is even open 24 hours on weekends.
Find A Complete List of Wheeling Island Games Here:
- Slots
- Video Poker
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Roulette
- Poker
- Pai Gow Poker
- Three Card Poker
- Let It Ride
- Keno
Poker sharks will probably enjoy Wheeling Island the most out of any type of gambler, though its other table games and slots are exciting as well. Though Wheeling Island has a well-equipped poker room, it is not the biggest in the state. That title belongs to its sister casino, Mardi Gras Casino in Charleston.
Game fairness is closely monitored by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, which oversees not only state lotto games but also all table games and electronic games in WV.
How to Play Online Casino Games
Wheeling Island has its own way to play online via its Lucky North Casino. Wheeling Island online games are not playable for money: they are only for fun. You can earn coins for free play just by signing up but eventually you will have to pay to buy coins if you run out.
The games are available through the Wheeling Island website or through apps for Apple, Android and from Amazon. It is the same online games platform offered by Mardi Gras Casino, which is also operated by Delaware North.
Comprehensive Sports Betting At Wheeling Island
Thanks to West Virginia’s early legalization of sports betting, Wheeling Island is also able to allow it on its premises! It has teller windows and kiosks throughout the casino to make it fast and easy to place your wagers. You can bet on all of your most beloved sports. They currently have a contract with Betly, a trusted bookie in the US.
What really sets Wheeling Island apart is that it also has its own sports bar. Located in the main casino floor, the bar has a multi-screen video wall so you can watch the biggest games year round. The bar also hosts special screenings for UFC fights and other tournaments. thanks to new legislation, players are no longer required to travel to Vegas or NJ to place sports bets.
Brand New Casino Promotions
Wheeling Island promotions offer many fun ways to amplify your gaming experience and win big! Its poker room offers regular $100 giveaways for certain winning hands. The casino also has poker and blackjack tournaments, plus specific promotions like “Midnight Multipliers” where rewards members can earn extra points.
Promotions are constantly changing, with new events being added fairly regularly. That means the best way to keep up with the latest promo news at Wheeling Island is to check their official promotions calendar. That way you are sure to get in on the action!
More Ways to Win with Wheeling Island Rewards
Wheeling Island offers a membership card for its Lucky North Club players. You can sign up easily — and for free — in person at the casino’s Player Services Desk. There are five tiers of membership you can work your way through by earning points the more you play at Wheeling. You will even earn points on your bets at the greyhound racetrack.
Once you have collected enough points, you can turn them in for special rewards like: discounts on drinking and dining at the resort, hotel accommodations, concert tickets and exclusive gifts. In general, 100 points has a $1 value.
Enjoy Downtime at the Casino
Over its 200-year history, Wheeling Island has grown from a simple racetrack to an iconic complex made up of a luxury hotel and fully-equipped casino, with its own fine-dining establishments, concert venues, event showrooms and wedding facilities.
It has become a major destination for West Virginians when it comes to fun and business. Read on and discover all that Wheeling Island has to offer outside for the gaming floor.
A Top-Notch Hotel & More
Wheeling Island has its own luxury hotel, with 151 rooms in five different sizes/styles. That means there is an option for every kind of visitor, from a hypoallergenic “PURE” room, to King and Queen Suites.
All of the rooms are also larger than average for the area. You can expect an elegant and comfortable experience from the moment you step through the Wheeling Island doors.
| Hotel Rooms | 151 |
|---|---|
| Price per Night: | $135 – $250 |
| Pool: | None |
| Room Service: | Available (Depends on Accommodation) |
| Gym/Fitness Studio: | 24/7 |
| Address: | 1 South Stone Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 |
Guests will be happy to know there are many options for getting to Wheeling Island. The resort offers ample, free self-parking options, including covered spaces. Nearby hotels like the Hampton Inn have shuttle service to the casino if you are not staying onsite.
The resort can also organize shared shuttles and private airport transfers, as well as discounts for groups traveling by bus. The resort is also located on Wheeling Island, a lovely destination for families, with the nearby Oglebay Good Zoo and the scenic Wheeling Park.
The Sky’s the Limit with Wheeling Island Entertainment
Wheeling Islands events take place in two main areas within the resort: on the Entertainment Stage directly on the gaming floor, and in its elegant showroom. You can explore all upcoming events by visiting Wheeling’s official entertainment calendar.
The typical lineup on the Entertainment Stage includes both local and out-of-town acts, performing a mix of country, rock and disco, for all of your dancing needs. The larger showroom stage plays host to major tribute acts, like Mötley Crüe and RUSH tributes!
A Closer Look at the Casino’s History
Wheeling Island has quite an interesting history. It has one of the oldest racetracks in the country, as it originally opened in 1866. The focus used to be on horse-racing, but the original “Wheeling Downs” track took on greyhounds in 1976, and saw great success and renewed interest.
| Owner: | Delaware North |
|---|---|
| Phone Number: | (304) 232-5050 |
| Gaming License Class: | Class III |
| Number of Games: | 1,100+ |
| Hours: | 24/7 |
| Opened: | 1866 |
| Website: | www.wheelingisland.com |
| Social Media: |
Delaware North took over the racetrack in 1988, and oversaw its expansion into a full-fledged casino and resort over the next two decades. Slots and table games were added by 2007 and the property has never looked back.
It is now one of two of Delaware North’s greyhound tracks in WV, the other being Mardis Gras Casino & Resort. The company owns a large number of entertainment properties around the world and employs over 55,000 people.
A Fantastic Casino for West Virginia and the World
Wheeling Island might be far away from Las Vegas in distance, but it does manage to bring Las Vegas glamour and high-stakes betting action to the Mountain State. The resort has all you need for a quality getaway, from live greyhound races to fine dining and top-of-the-line musical acts. If you would like to explore what else is in your state, you can read full West Virginia casino reviews here.
Frequently Asked Questions
While I hope this review has given you a good overview of what to expect at Wheeling Island, I understand you still may have further questions. That’s why this section compiles all of the most popular questions about this casino in one place. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to get in touch!
Does Wheeling Island have a pool?
No, unfortunately Wheeling Island does not have a pool on its resort premises, though it does have a 24/7 fitness studio for guests. If you are searching for a casino resort with a pool, we can recommend reading this review of Mountaineer Casino in West Virginia, which has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and spa.
Are there free drinks at Wheeling Island Casino?
Wheeling Island Casino offers free soft drinks and coffee, but does not give away alcohol. This is their own policy, and not mandated by law, but it is the norm among West Virginia’s land-based casinos. You may want to explore what other non-gambling features Wheeling has to offer.
Can you smoke at Wheeling Island Casino?
Yes, smokers will be happy to know that Wheeling Island has smoking and non-smoking rooms. You will not have to go outside into the cold to smoke between games! We can also report that the ventilation system in the casino is top-notch, so you will hardly notice the smoke if you are not a smoker. If you are interested in exploring a completely smoke-free facility, we can recommend the Greenbrier Casino Club, though it is only open to guests of the resort.
How old do you have to be to bet at Wheeling Island?
You need to be 21 years of age to play any casino games at Wheeling Island. However, the legal age for betting at races in West Virginia is 18 years old. Minors can also attend greyhound races under the supervision of an adult.
Does Wheeling Island have an online casino?
Yes, Wheeling island has an online casino by the name of Lucky North Casino. It is important to note that these online games are only available to play for fun and not for real money. You can sign up and earn free coins to get started, and it is available online or through apps for Apple and Android.