Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort sits on the Ohio River in New Cumberland, in West Virginia's northern panhandle, at 1420 Mountaineer Circle. It is the northernmost of the state's casinos and draws heavily from the Pittsburgh area, usually a drive of well under an hour, along with eastern Ohio. It pairs a casino floor with a thoroughbred track, a large hotel, a golf course and a spa, which makes it more of a destination resort than the other panhandle racinos.

Ownership is worth a quick note. Century Casinos operates the property, having bought it from Eldorado Resorts in 2019 in a deal approved by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. In the same transaction, the real estate went to VICI Properties and is leased back to Century. We found no sign of a change in operator for 2026, but confirm on the property's own site if that matters to you. The minimum age on the casino floor is 21, and ID is checked at entry and when you sign up for the rewards program.

The honest one-line character: a roomy, resort-style casino with a real hotel and golf, more relaxed and less crowded than Charles Town, with a smaller game selection and no true headline attraction beyond the racing season.

Setting expectations

This is a destination for people who want a night or a weekend away, not just a few hours at the machines. The casino floor is large and the property is spread out, with the hotel, spa, restaurants and event space all connected. Recent write-ups describe the gaming floor as smoke-free, which is a real draw if smoke is your main complaint at other West Virginia casinos, though policies can change, so check before you go. Weeknights are quiet; weekends and race days are livelier.

What's on the floor

Slots. Listings put the machine count at around 1,000, though some directories claim more. You will find classic reels, video slots, progressives and video poker, with denominations from pennies up to high limit. Machine counts and layouts shift, so treat any exact figure with caution.

Tables. Around 25 tables is the common listing figure, covering blackjack, craps, roulette, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Spanish 21 and Three Card Poker. Minimums are often $10 to $15 on slow days and rise at peak times. Table availability is thinner than at Charles Town, so on a busy Saturday you may wait for a seat.

Poker. We could not confirm a dedicated poker room in current listings; the poker on offer appears to be the house-banked table variety such as Three Card Poker. If a live room is important to you, call ahead.

Sports betting. The property has a sportsbook with seating and a large video wall covering the major sports, plus a sports bar nearby for game days.

Racing. The thoroughbred track runs a live season that typically stretches from spring into summer, mostly on weekends and evenings, with simulcast wagering year-round. Race days bring a different crowd and a trackside concession stand.

Dining

The restaurant list is compact but covers the main price tiers:

  • LBV Steakhouse is the upscale option and the one to reserve for a special night.
  • Gatsby Restaurant is the mid-price sit-down choice.
  • Big Al's and Mahogany Sports Bar are casual, lower-priced spots for sandwiches, burgers and game-day food.
  • Vickar's Concessions runs trackside on race days, and the Center Bar handles drinks on the floor.

Hours vary and some outlets are closed on slower weekdays, so check before you build the evening around a reservation.

Hotel

The Grande Hotel offers around 300 rooms and suites, split between a main tower and an older lodge wing. Reviewers generally recommend the tower rooms if you can book them. The property has an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa in the hotel. Senior midweek rates have been advertised for guests 50 and older, so ask about current deals.

For golfers, the Woodview Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course of roughly 6,000 yards. It is seasonal and weather-dependent, so reserve tee times in advance.

Getting there & parking

New Cumberland is along the Ohio River on Route 2. From Pittsburgh, expect a drive under an hour depending on traffic, and from Wheeling and eastern Ohio it is shorter. From Washington, D.C. or Baltimore it is a long haul, so treat it as an overnight trip, not a day visit.

Parking is free and plentiful, with valet available. RV and trailer parking is offered, though without hook-ups, so bring what you need.

The floor is open long hours, with weekday hours running into the early morning and 24-hour operation on weekends according to current listings. Hours change, so verify before a late-night drive.

Tips before you go

  • Join the rewards program at the desk. The Winners' Zone program earns reward dollars and tier points, and sign-up often comes with a small credit. Terms change, so ask before you play.
  • Go midweek for room rates and open seats. Weekend rooms cost more and the tables fill.
  • Combine it with the course or the spa. If you only want slots, this is a pricey way to do it. The value comes from the hotel and amenities.
  • Check the racing calendar. Live racing is seasonal, and a visit outside the season means simulcast only.
  • Set a budget and a time limit before you go in. Decide what you can afford to lose, bring only that, and walk away when it is gone. The house edge works against every player over time.
  • Bring valid photo ID. You must be 21 or older for the gaming floor.
  • Ask about the older wing. If you book a room in the lodge section rather than the tower, you may notice the age difference.

Mountaineer is best for Pittsburgh-area players who want a hotel stay, a round of golf and a quieter floor, and it is a reasonable weekend choice for visitors passing through the northern panhandle on Route 2.