Mountaineer Casino Resort is West Virginia's only full-service resort and casino featuring world-class thoroughbred racing, located on the scenic Ohio River in the northern panhandle. Originally opened as Waterford Park in 1951, it became the first racetrack in the United States to introduce slot machines in 1994.
Mountaineer Casino Resort stands as West Virginia's premier integrated gaming and entertainment destination, combining a rich thoroughbred racing heritage dating back to 1951 with modern casino amenities. Located in New Cumberland along the Ohio River, this full-service resort holds the distinction of being the first racetrack in the United States to introduce slot machines, pioneering the racino concept in 1994. Today, it operates under the ownership of Vici Properties with Century Casinos managing daily operations, offering visitors a comprehensive entertainment experience that extends far beyond traditional gaming.
The property's history traces back to 1937 when the parent company was incorporated with plans to create Waterford Downs. Led by Al Boyle, president of Charles Town Races, the project faced numerous delays including World War II steel shortages that postponed construction. The track finally opened as Waterford Park on May 19, 1951, after years of planning and development challenges.
Through the decades, ownership changed hands multiple times. In the mid-1950s, James F. Edwards acquired the property from Boyle, followed by the Ogden Corporation in 1969. Bill Blair purchased and renamed it Mountaineer Park in 1987, before selling to California-based Excalibur Holding Co. in 1992 for four million dollars cash plus 2.7 million in stock. The transformative moment came in 1994 when the track received authorization to install slot machines, fundamentally changing the business model and establishing the racino template that would be replicated across the country.
In 2007, Mountaineer expanded its gaming offerings by adding 50 casino table games including blackjack, three card poker, and roulette. The property continued evolving through corporate transitions, with Excalibur becoming Winners Entertainment, then MTR Gaming Group, and eventually being acquired by Eldorado Resorts in 2019. The current ownership structure with Vici Properties and Century Casinos management represents the latest chapter in this ongoing evolution.
The casino floor at Mountaineer Resort offers an extensive selection of gaming options designed to appeal to both casual players and serious gamblers. The slot machine selection includes the latest video slots, classic reel machines, and progressive jackpot games with substantial prize pools. The variety ensures that players can find games matching their preferred themes, betting limits, and volatility levels.
Since introducing table games in 2007, Mountaineer has maintained a robust selection of traditional casino offerings. Blackjack tables accommodate various betting levels and rule variations, while three card poker provides a faster-paced alternative with simplified gameplay. Roulette wheels offer both American and European-style betting options. The table games area operates with professional dealers and maintains standards consistent with major casino destinations.
The integration of Caesars Sportsbook provides comprehensive sports betting options for both casual fans and experienced bettors. The sportsbook features multiple betting windows, self-service kiosks, and a dedicated viewing area with large screens displaying live sporting events. Bettors can place wagers on professional and college sports across all major leagues, with options including point spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, and prop bets. The mobile app extends betting capabilities beyond the physical location, allowing registered users to place wagers remotely within West Virginia state boundaries.
Beyond the live racing at Mountaineer, the facility operates comprehensive off-track betting services. Visitors can wager on thoroughbred and harness races from tracks across North America, with simulcast feeds providing live coverage throughout the day. The off-track betting calendar features major racing events including Triple Crown races, Breeders' Cup championships, and other significant stakes races from premier tracks nationwide.
Racing remains a cornerstone of Mountaineer's identity, with the facility maintaining an active thoroughbred racing schedule throughout the year. The track hosts both daytime and evening race cards, with the latter providing a distinctive atmosphere under the lights. The racing surface and facilities have been continuously maintained and upgraded to ensure safe, competitive racing conditions.
The West Virginia Derby stands as the signature racing event, attracting quality three-year-old thoroughbreds and offering substantial purses. Additional graded and stakes events throughout the racing calendar provide opportunities for horsemen to compete for significant prize money while giving bettors access to competitive fields. The track's integration with Equibase provides comprehensive racing information, past performances, and results for handicappers and racing enthusiasts.
Mountaineer provides comprehensive services for horsemen, trainers, and owners participating in the racing program. Backside facilities include stabling for horses, training tracks, and support services necessary for maintaining a competitive racing stable. The track publishes regular updates on racetrack conditions, helping trainers make informed decisions about entering horses and planning training schedules. These services support a year-round racing operation that benefits both the facility and the broader thoroughbred racing community in the region.
Mountaineer Casino Resort operates under ownership by Vici Properties and management by Century Casinos, combining decades of racing heritage with modern gaming amenities. The facility spans a comprehensive entertainment complex that includes casino gaming, live racing, hotel accommodations, dining establishments, and event spaces.
The resort's strategic location near Pittsburgh International Airport and along the Ohio River makes it accessible to visitors from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The property features both tower and lodge accommodations, multiple restaurant concepts, and a full-service spa, positioning it as a complete destination resort rather than just a gaming facility.
The resort features two distinct lodging options: The Grande Hotel tower and seasonal Lodge accommodations. The tower offers modern rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds, featuring contemporary amenities and convenient access to the casino floor and dining venues. Tower Suite accommodations provide additional space with separate living areas, ideal for extended stays or guests seeking enhanced comfort.
Lodge rooms offer a more traditional hotel experience with either one king bed or two double queen configurations. These rooms feature patios or balconies and are situated a short walk from the main casino and lobby areas. Lodge accommodations operate on a seasonal basis, with availability varying throughout the year based on demand and property operations.
Mountaineer maintains ADA-accessible rooms in both tower configurations. These rooms feature specialized bathrooms with hand rails installed in showers and around toilets, along with shower chairs for guests requiring mobility assistance. The resort also offers double queen rooms with roll-in showers, providing barrier-free access for wheelchair users. These accommodations ensure that all guests can enjoy the resort experience regardless of physical limitations.
The resort features multiple dining concepts catering to different tastes and occasions. LBV Steakhouse serves as the signature fine dining venue, offering premium cuts of beef, seafood selections, and an extensive wine list in an upscale atmosphere. Big Al's provides casual dining options with American cuisine favorites, while Gatsby Restaurant offers additional menu variety for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
Mahogany Sports Bar combines dining with sports viewing, featuring multiple screens broadcasting live sporting events alongside a menu of bar favorites and craft beer selections. Vickar's Concessions provides quick-service options for guests seeking convenient meals between gaming sessions or racing events. Center Bar serves as a central gathering point on the casino floor, offering cocktails, beer, and wine service in a social atmosphere.
The Ballroom serves as the primary entertainment venue, hosting concerts, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year. The space accommodates both seated and standing configurations, with professional sound and lighting systems supporting various performance types. Regular entertainment programming includes tribute bands, regional and national touring acts, and themed party events. Mahogany Entertainment provides additional live music and performances in a more intimate setting, with a calendar featuring local and regional performers.
The Winners' Zone represents Mountaineer's player loyalty program, offering tiered benefits based on gaming activity. Membership is free and provides immediate access to promotional offers and reward earning opportunities. Members accumulate Reward Dollars through slot machine and table game play, which can be redeemed for free play, dining credits, hotel accommodations, and gift shop merchandise.
The tier system includes multiple levels, with advancement based on Tier Points earned through gaming activity. Higher tiers unlock enhanced benefits including priority check-in, exclusive promotional offers, birthday gifts, and invitations to special events. The Winners' Zone mobile app extends program functionality, allowing members to check point balances, view available offers, and receive notifications about upcoming promotions and events.
Mountaineer maintains an active promotional calendar featuring cash giveaways, free play drawings, and themed events. Promotions typically involve hourly drawings where winners receive free play credits or cash prizes. Special holiday events offer enhanced prize pools, with New Year's Eve traditionally featuring extended hours and substantial giveaway totals. The promotional structure rewards regular visitors while providing incentives for new guests to experience the property.
Situated in New Cumberland in West Virginia's northern panhandle, Mountaineer Casino Resort benefits from proximity to major population centers. Pittsburgh International Airport serves as the closest major airport, located approximately 30 miles from the property. The location along the Ohio River places the resort within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and communities throughout eastern Ohio and the West Virginia panhandle.
The property maintains spacious parking facilities accommodating standard vehicles, RVs, and trailers, though larger recreational vehicles may require relocation to designated areas. While RV parking is available, the facility does not provide hookups for water, electricity, or sewage. Operating hours vary by day, with the casino open from 8am to 4am Monday through Thursday, 8am Friday through continuous operation until 4am Monday during weekends, providing extended access for visitors.
The Spa at Mountaineer provides professional massage therapy, facial treatments, and body services in a relaxing environment. Services range from Swedish and deep tissue massage to specialized treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Spa packages combine multiple services at value pricing, making it an attractive option for resort guests seeking wellness experiences during their stay.
Golf enthusiasts can access nearby courses through resort partnerships, with the property providing information and potentially arranging tee times. Bus group services accommodate organized tours and group visits, with dedicated staff handling reservations, meal planning, and promotional packages tailored to group needs. Local resident programs offer specialized promotions and benefits for West Virginia residents, recognizing the importance of the regional customer base.
Mountaineer Casino Resort represents a mature, comprehensive gaming and entertainment destination that has evolved significantly since its 1951 opening as Waterford Park. The property's pioneering role in introducing slot machines to racetrack environments established a business model that transformed the racing industry nationwide. Today's operation balances its thoroughbred racing heritage with modern casino gaming, sports betting, quality dining, comfortable accommodations, and entertainment programming. The Winners' Zone rewards program, diverse gaming options, and full resort amenities position Mountaineer as West Virginia's premier casino resort, serving visitors from across the tri-state region with a complete entertainment experience that extends well beyond traditional gaming offerings.
The casino operates Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4am, Friday from 8am through continuous weekend operation until 4am Monday. Hours may be extended during special events and holidays.
Yes, the resort features The Grande Hotel tower with year-round availability and seasonal Lodge accommodations. Room types include king and queen configurations, suites, and ADA-accessible options with specialized features.
The casino offers slot machines, table games including blackjack, three card poker, and roulette, Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting, and off-track betting on thoroughbred and harness racing from tracks nationwide.
The Winners' Zone is the free player loyalty program offering Reward Dollars for gaming play, tiered benefits based on activity levels, exclusive promotional offers, and redemption options for free play, dining, hotel stays, and merchandise.
Dining venues include LBV Steakhouse for fine dining, Big Al's and Gatsby Restaurant for casual meals, Mahogany Sports Bar, Vickar's Concessions for quick service, and Center Bar for beverages on the casino floor.
Yes, thoroughbred racing remains an active component of the resort, with regular race cards throughout the year including signature events like the West Virginia Derby and various graded and stakes races.
The resort is located approximately 30 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport in New Cumberland, West Virginia, making it easily accessible from Pittsburgh and surrounding communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The property accommodates RVs and trailers in its spacious parking lot, though larger vehicles may need relocation to designated areas. RV hookups for water, electricity, or sewage are not available on site.
Mountaineer Casino Resort operates in partnership with leading gaming and hospitality brands to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences.
Maximize your casino experience with the free Winners' Zone loyalty program offering tiered benefits, exclusive promotions, and redemption options across gaming, dining, and hotel services.
Experience the excitement of live thoroughbred racing at one of America's historic tracks, featuring the West Virginia Derby and year-round racing under the lights with comprehensive betting options.
Mountaineer Casino hosts a 26,000 dollar giveaway event with hourly drawings for free play and a grand prize of 2,600 cash plus 2,600 free play.
The casino will operate continuous hours from Wednesday December 31 at 8am through Monday January 5 at 4am for the New Year's holiday period.
Special three-day promotional event running December 26 through 28 offering bonus rewards for Winners' Zone members.