Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack Review for March 2026

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia delivers a solid racino experience with greyhound racing, gaming, and an on-site hotel right on an island in the Ohio River. It's a straightforward, energetic spot that works well for locals or visitors from nearby areas looking for a mix of casino fun and live racing action.

The atmosphere is chilled with local vibes, and while it didn't blow me away, it's a good, reliable option that hits the right notes without trying to be something it's not.

So, let’s have a closer look and break down what to expect.

Wheeling Island sits in Wheeling, WV, right along the Ohio River with easy highway access and a scenic riverside setting. Parking is free and plentiful, which is always a plus. The whole property is walkable with the casino, track, and hotel all close together, so you're not dealing with long treks or shuttles between areas.

It's convenient for day trips or overnight stays, especially if you're in the tri-state area. The island setting gives it a relaxed, getaway vibe without feeling too remote or hard to reach.

The casino floor is packed with over 1,100 slot machines and table games, creating a lively, no-nonsense atmosphere full of lights, sounds, and the constant hum of play. The space is roomy enough to move around comfortably, and the layout flows well between slots, tables, and the racing area.

The vibe here is chilled with strong local energy. It feels like a friendly neighborhood casino rather than anything ultra-polished or corporate. The energy picks up during busy times or when races are running, but overall it maintains that laid-back, approachable feel.

Smoking is permitted on the casino floor, though they have designated smoking sections. I didn't find it invasive at all, which was a pleasant surprise. The smoke management seems better here than at some other properties, so even if you're sensitive to it, it might not be as much of an issue.

One big advantage: the main casino floor with slots is open 24/7, so you can play whenever the mood strikes. Table games have more limited hours (Sunday-Wednesday 10 AM to 2 AM, Thursday-Saturday 10 AM to 4 AM), and the poker room has varying hours depending on the day. It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but runs Wednesday 5 PM to 1 AM, Thursday 3 PM to 3 AM, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 4 AM, and Sunday noon to midnight.

Table Games

The table games selection includes classics like blackjack, craps, roulette, and more. It's quite average in terms of variety, but solid enough to keep things interesting. The dealers are typically friendly and keep the action moving smoothly, which makes for good casual or beginner-friendly play.

Minimums are usually approachable for a regional casino, often starting low like $5-$10 on quieter days, which is ideal if you're watching your bankroll. They also often have a $5 craps special, which is great because that’s a game that requires an awful lot of confidence and as such isn’t always beginner friendly. The pits get social with some good excitement and interaction between players.

Some tables might show everyday wear from heavy use, but nothing that affects gameplay. Overall, it's a decent variety in a laid-back setting..

Here's what you'll typically find:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker
• Mississippi Stud
• Ultimate Texas Hold'em
• Let It Ride

Slots

Slots are definitely the star here with more than 1,100 machines covering a wide range of themes and denominations. I really liked the slot selection, especially the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge, which offers a nice premium experience with some excellent machines, particularly for fans of the iconic Buffalo slot series.

There's good variety to explore, whether you're into classic reels, video slots, or chasing progressive jackpots. They seem to keep the lineup fresh and interesting.

The sheer number of machines and the mix of options make it fun for casual spinning or serious jackpot hunting. If slots are your main reason for visiting, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained here.

Greyhound Racing

The main unique feature at Wheeling Island is the greyhound racing. Live events bring crowds who get into cheering for the dogs as they race around the track. You can bet on races right at the track, and they also offer simulcast options for when there aren't live races running.

The grandstand offers good views of the action, and the vibe gets genuinely electric during race nights with announcements and energy that spills over into the casino. I didn't personally bet on the greyhounds during my visit, but watching the races looked fun and added a lot to the overall atmosphere. It's the unique racino hook that sets this property apart and gives it character.

There's no dedicated sportsbook highlighted here, so the focus really is on greyhound racing rather than general sports betting.

Rewards Club

Wheeling Island uses the Lucky North Rewards program, the same one as Mardi Gras Casino & Resort among others. If you're visiting both properties, this is a real advantage since your points and status carry over between them.

You can sign up for free at the casino or online. The program is straightforward: earn base points from your play that you can redeem for free slot credits, food offers, Mystery Free Play, gift vouchers, and more. Promotions tie in well with the rewards system (like Tuesday bonuses or Friday prize swipes), and higher levels of play unlock better perks.

The system tracks everything via your player card or the app, making it rewarding for regular visitors or racing bettors. I didn't personally sign up during my visit, but it's there and seems like a solid program, especially if you frequent multiple Lucky North properties.

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Wheeling Island's on-site hotel offers around 150 rooms and suites that are conveniently connected to the casino and racetrack. It's mid-range in terms of price and amenities, but the rooms themselves are a genuine highlight with some really thoughtful design choices.

Rooms

I stayed in a Deluxe King room, and it was really nice. What stood out to me was the décor, which was a lovely light blue/grey and beige color with earth tones that created a calming, pleasant atmosphere. The artwork on the walls was a nice touch too, adding some personality to the space. It's refreshing when a casino hotel puts thought into making rooms feel warm and inviting rather than just generic.

The room itself was comfortable and practical with a big HD flat-screen TV, plush bedding on a comfy king bed, in-room safe, free high-speed WiFi, climate control, hairdryer, iron and board, and a decent work desk area. Everything was clean, quiet, and spacious enough for relaxing after being on the casino floor.

If you upgrade to a suite, you get extras like living areas, sofa beds, fridges, and dining/bar setups for more space and convenience. There were no problems or maintenance issues during my stay. It's a solid mid-range setup that delivers comfort without any luxury pretense and easy access to the casino and track

Where to Eat

The dining selection here is very good with a range of options from upscale to casual eats. I tried the buffet during my stay, and it was okay. I mean, nothing amazing but decent enough. One thing to note: the buffet is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly if that's what you're interested in.

Beyond the buffet, there are other eateries on the property offering hearty meals, quick bites, and bar food to keep you fueled while gaming or watching races. The variety is functional and fits the racino style well, giving you good options without having to leave the property.

Fitness Center

The hotel includes access to a fitness center with basic equipment for workouts. It's very average but sufficient if you want to get some exercise in. It’s free for hotel guests, which is a nice perk.

They don't have a pool, hot tub, or full spa services. The focus here stays on gaming and racing rather than extensive wellness amenities.

Entertainment

Entertainment keeps things rolling with events happening regularly. They run poker tournaments, the excitement of live greyhound racing, and ongoing promotions throughout the week. For example, they do Tuesday Lucky Legends where you can earn points for Mystery Free Play and food offers, plus Friday gift giveaways.

It's more about the constant casino and racing energy than big concerts or headline shows. There's no separate large event center, but the promotional calendar adds fun draws and keeps things interesting without needing a dedicated venue.

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack offers a good, solid racino experience with strong greyhound racing action, an excellent slots selection (especially that Aristocrat Gaming Lounge), and comfortable hotel accommodation. The atmosphere is chilled with local vibes that make it feel welcoming and unpretentious. The riverside island setting adds a nice touch, and the 24/7 slots availability is a big plus.

The hotel rooms impressed me with their thoughtful décor with those earth tones and nice artwork making it feel more like a proper getaway than just a place to crash. The dining selection is very good with multiple options, though the buffet being closed Mondays and Tuesdays is worth noting.

It's not going to wow you or blow you away with cutting-edge design or over-the-top amenities. I have to be clear about that. The table games selection is average, and the fitness center is basic. But Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack delivers what it promises: a fun, straightforward casino and racing experience with comfortable rooms, good food options, and plenty of gaming variety.

Smoking is permitted but managed well enough that it wasn't invasive at all during my visit. The local charm, affordable play, and that unique greyhound racing hook make it a worthwhile spot for a casual trip, especially if you're in the tri-state area and want solid gaming action without pretense.

Ultimately, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is the kind of place that does the fundamentals well and creates an enjoyable experience without trying to be something it's not.