We often don’t think of West Virginia as a mini Las Vegas but little do many of us know at its northern tip in the town of New Cumberland lies the famous Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort. And yes, the casino is often buzzing day and night, making it the ultimate destination if you’re passing through.

Gatsby Restaurant Mountaineer Casino

So, where is this somewhat secluded casino? Right on the Ohio-West Virginia border and about 40 miles northwest of good old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. So, if you’re traveling through the Upper Ohio Valley and casino gaming is your thing, be sure to check out West Virginia gambling at Mountaineer.

Mountaineer Casino Sports Betting Mountaineer Casino is located in Chester, West Virginia in Hancock County. The casino is in the northern tip of West Virginia, sandwiched between the Ohio and Pennsylvania borders. It is owned and operated by Eldorado Resorts. Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort has slots and horse racing throughout the year. Players can choose from several different dining choices, hotel rooms, spa treatments and golf courses. This casino really has it all when it comes to amenities. This is a great casino to. The Gatsby Dining Room at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort Cuisine: American 8064 Ohio River Blvd Chester, WV 26034 (800) 804-0468 Review this establishment? (be the first!) ↑ Grab this Headline Animator.

You’ll be glad you did.

History of Mountaineer Casino

Mountaineer

The property has contributed its own part of US gambling history. Planning for a racetrack up in Chester can be traced all the way back to 1937 and was to be called Waterford Downs. While the public offering was approved in 1939, but because of several unfortunate events (including World War II), it was delayed until 1948.

Opening day for the racetrack known as Waterford Park wouldn’t occur until 1951.

James F. Edwards bought the track in the mid-1950s and in 1969, Ogden Corporation bought Edwards’ holdings.

In 1987, Bill Blair purchased the track and renamed it Mountaineer Park before selling to Excalibur Holding in 1992. In 1994, the track incorporated its first slot machines. Table gaming was added in 2007.

In 2019, the casino was sold to Century Casinos and Vici Properties, with Century taking the operating business and Vici taking the land and buildings while entering a leasing agreement with Century.

Now that you know a little background on the casino, let’s look at what this jewel in New Cumberland has to offer.

Casino Games Offered

Mountaineer Casino offers approximately 1,000 slot machines among 78,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino also offers smoking and non-smoking sections, so you don’t have to worry about giving up your seat if you are a smoker.

The casino also offers high-stakes slot areas that feature bets of $10, $25, and up to $100.

Mountaineer also offers the standard table games like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, the works. You name it, Mountaineer is sure to have it. Also offered is Texas Holdem for real money, so if you’re into some live poker action, Mountaineer will provide.

And like many casinos these days, Mountaineer also operates the William Hill Sportsbook where you can bet on your favorite sporting events. Bets offered include futures, parlays, straight bets, round robins, teasers, etc.

The most popular sports featured include football, baseball, basketball, hockey, MMA, NASCAR, and more. The sportsbook’s hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Dining Options

Gatsby

Within the casino’s walls are three outstanding restaurants and one sports bar. So whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or if you’re just looking to chill and watch the latest sporting event, Mountaineer Casino’s dining options have you covered.

If you’re looking for something more laid back and quick, then try Big Al’s, located right near the gaming floor. Big Al’s offers deli-style sandwiches and whole pies of pizza plus homemade ice cream and fresh-baked dessert. You can eat in or if you choose, order to go.

They’re open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The most upscale dining option Mountaineer offers is LBV Steak & Pasta, which offers top-of-the-line service and cuisine along with world-class alcoholic beverage options. Their motto is “The Good Life,” so you know you’re up for a terrific night out here. Just be sure to dress at least casually, as there is a code.

The hours of operation are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

Looking for something formal yet relaxed? Then Gatsby Restaurant & Buffet is your best option.

Especially if you’re looking for homemade-style comfort foods. Gatsby is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with breakfast served from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Do you want a background perhaps to bet on sports and watch a game or to enjoy some pub-style classics? Well, the Mahogany Sports Bar is exactly what you’re looking for. They also serve some of the best local craft beers in the Ohio Valley with favorites on tap.

The bar is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the menu options open until 9 p.m.

Gatsby Restaurant Mountaineer Casino

Hotel Accommodations

For a place located out in the middle of nowhere other than the nearby towns of Weirton, West Virginia, and Steubenville, Ohio, Mountaineer literally has it all. Let’s take a look at the rooming options at the Mountaineer resort hotel.

First off, your lodging options are off the charts here, with rooms like the Tower Suite, Tower King, Tower Queen, or the Lodge King.

If you’re looking for something of grandeur, the 760 square foot Tower Suite is your option, complete with a living room and refrigerators, you’d think you just walked into a high-end apartment.

The Tower King and Tower Queen offer a similar layout to the Tower Suite without the living room. The real difference here is that the Tower Queen offers two beds and 390 square feet whereas the Tower King offers just one and 264 square feet.

The Lodge King and Double Lodge Queen are located in the original section of the hotel and each is just a short walk to the casino. If you’re looking for convenience, these are solid options.

Popular amenities at the resort include the Woodview Golf Course, a Spa located within the hotel, a gift shop, and a fitness center, among others. Shuttle services are also provided as well as free and convenient parking.

Entertainment

Mountaineer isn’t just a racetrack and casino; it’s also the one-stop-shop for entertainment in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and perhaps the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for the biggest and best entertainment acts at Mountaineer, the Harv has you covered. Year-round, it offers a strong variety of acts, so regardless of what your musical preference is, it has you covered.

Planning your next wedding or convention? Then check out the Ballroom, which offers 13,000 square feet of real estate. You can find entertainment here as well with live tribute bands and similar acts.

Other great options include Lucky’s Lounge, LBV Entertainment, and Mahogany Entertainment. At the time of this writing, events at the latter three are suspended but be sure to check the website regularly as sure enough, entertainment shall return.

Horse Racing

Of course, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort started off as a racetrack and you probably discovered from the title that it continues to hold true to its roots. So, let’s talk about horse racing.

Live Thoroughbred racing occurs every Sunday through Wednesday and the first post time begins at 7 p.m. If you can’t make it to the track, don’t sweat, as you can tune in on the action with a live simulcast, available on the website.

You can also bet on or off-track, so if you’re not up close and in on the action, don’t worry. You can

watch the races on the big screens in the casino while placing your bets in the designated off-track betting areas.

Nearby Attractions

So, if you’re looking to take a day off from casino gaming and are in the area for a few days, what’s there to do?

Well, if you’re a hiker, I have good news for you, as Tomlinson Run State Park is just around the corner as is the Panhandle Trail, with the latter located just off the Harmon Creek exit in nearby Weirton.

Come catch some breathtaking scenery of the Ohio Valley and explore the same region as our nation’s forefathers while of course, getting in some much-needed exercise.

If you’re into traveling, then the city of Pittsburgh is always worth the visit. From the majestic way the city’s historic skyline pops into few while exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnels, you know the Steel City has much to offer where the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Valleys meet.

From sporting events to historic museums, science centers, cultural sectors, and more, one of America’s fastest-growing and revitalizing cities is just around the corner from Mountaineer.

And don’t forget to check out other local land based casinos such as Rivers (downtown Pittsburgh, located on the North Shore) to the Meadows (Washington County).

Gatsby Restaurant At Mountaineer Casino

Local lore suggests the Ohio Valley and its surrounding area is nothing but a wasteland that evaporated when the steel industry left. Don’t believe it for a second. Instead, the closing doors of the local steel mills opened the doors to a new, more prosperous era.

And the attractions surrounding Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort prove that point tenfold.

Conclusion

Yeah, it’s far out given the fact a tiny town like New Cumberland boasts such a hot location like Mountaineer. But hey, Everytown, USA has its crown jewel, and New Cumberland’s is the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort.

So, if you’re traveling by either to Pittsburgh, north to Cleveland, or west toward Columbus, be sure to make a stop at Mountaineer if you’re looking for a good time to hold you over until the next leg of your trip.

And if you’re local, come make the trip to the tip of West Virginia’s northern panhandle. Mountaineer is definitely rocking and you can make the bet that its best days, and the Upper Ohio Valley’s best days, are ahead.

Have you been to Mountaineer or explored some of the local attractions? If so, how did you like the area? Let us know in the comments.

Mountaineer Casino is located in Chester, West Virginia in Hancock County. The casino is in the northern tip of West Virginia, sandwiched between the Ohio and Pennsylvania borders.

It is owned and operated by Eldorado Resorts. The property opened as Waterford Downs on May 19, 1951. It was a greyhound racing track in its early days.

The track now hosts horse racing. Races are scheduled every Sunday through Wednesday from May to November. There is an occasional Saturday race. There is a racebook that takes wagers on dog and horse races throughout the United States.

Mountaineer Casino received approval for slot machines in 1994. In 2007, it announced the expansion into table games and poker.

There are 354 hotel rooms at Mountaineer Casino. There is a concert venue that hosts national acts from several genres of music. Lucky’s and LBV Steak and Pasta offer a weekend lounge act. The property is home to five restaurants.

Mountaineer sports betting

Mountaineer Casino launched sports betting on November 21, 2018. It was the third sportsbook to open in West Virginia. William Hill is the operator of the sportsbook at Mountaineer Casino. Mobile betting is not yet available at any West Virginia sportsbook.

Mountaineer Casino Games

There are 36 table games at Mountaineer Casino. Games include blackjack, craps, double-zero roulette, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Four Card Poker and Spanish 21.

Mountaineer Casino Restaurants

Most table games have a $5 minimum bet. This includes blackjack. The lower limit blackjack games use eight decks, permit double down before and after splitting and the dealer stands on all 17s. Players may not surrender or re-split aces. The high limit salon offers these same rules. The difference is that the games in the salon only use six decks.

Craps uses 3-4-5 times odds. The field pays double on 12.

There are 1,500 slot machines at Mountaineer Casino. Most are penny slots. There are some video poker and keno games. A high limit slot section offers reels from $1 to $100.

Mountaineer poker

There are 14 poker tables at Mountaineer Casino. Games run 24 hours a day. Players will find a 1/2 no-limit hold’em game with buy-ins of $75 to $300 and a 2/4 fixed limit hold’em game on a regular basis.

Mountaineer Casino offers four tournaments each week. There is a $55 no-limit hold’em tournament on Sundays at 2 p.m., Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. There is a $45 tournament at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Sunday tournament becomes a $120 buy-in bounty event on the last week of every month.

There is a happy hour promotion in the poker room every Sunday from noon to midnight. A player that makes the hand of the day wins $100. There is an hourly $50 high hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to midnight. There is a drawing for the high hand every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Players draw a card out of the house deck. Wins start at $50 and run up to $500 if the player draws a joker.

Mountaineer other activities

Mountaineer Casino is home to a concert venue. Musical acts from country, to pop, to R&B, perform here throughout the year. Lucky’s offers a lounge act on weekends.

LBV Steak and Pasta have live entertainment in its lounge on Fridays and Saturdays, too.

Restaurants

There are five restaurants at Mountaineer Casino. They range from counter service to fine dining. It includes a 24-hour dining option.

LBV Steak and Pasta

This fine dining option is an Italian steakhouse. The menu starts with a variety of seafood appetizers. There are several salads and lobster bisque for other starters.

Pasta dishes include spaghetti and meatballs and seafood linguini. Entrees include fish, duck, lamb chops, pork chops, chicken and veal. Steak cuts available are filet ribeye and strip. LBV Steak and Pasta is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Mahogany Sports Bar

The menu here is typical of a sports bar. Diners will find fried food, nachos, burgers, sandwiches and sides. The Mahogany Sports Bar is open for dinner during the week and lunch and dinner on weekends.

Big Al’s

Restaurants Near Mountaineer Casino Wv

Big Al’s is a 24-hour dining option. It serves sandwiches, pizza, baked goods and desserts. There is a large coffee menu, too.

Gatsby Restaurant and Buffet

Gatsby is a hybrid of a restaurant and buffet. It opens at 7 a.m. daily for breakfast with a typical menu. Lunch and dinner offer sandwiches and a variety of entrees. For weekend dinner, guests may choose between the lunch menu and buffet.

There is also a brunch buffet on weekends. The weekend brunch buffet is $12.99. The Friday seafood buffet is $21.99. The Saturday buffet includes steak, shrimp and barbecue. It is $18.99.

Vickar’s

Vickar’s is the racetrack’s eatery. It opens Sunday through Wednesdays during racing season. Menu items include nachos, hot dogs and burgers.

Mountaineer hotel

Mountaineer Casino is home to 354 hotel rooms. Most rooms are standard and offer one king or two queens. Rates tend to be in the range of $115 to $140, depending on the time of year and day of the week.

The difference between weeknight and weekday rates is typically about $20. Rooms come with a coffee maker, mini refrigerator, safe, hair dryer and free wireless internet. The Deluxe Suite is usually reserved for VIP casino guests.