Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in West Virginia?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in West Virginia. Skill machines in West Virginia bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in West Virginia. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in West Virginia; Carrom has none anywhere yet. All 5 of West Virginia's neighbors have cash play at the Skillz level too. West Virginia taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for West Virginia, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in West Virginia
| Game | Cash play in West Virginia | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not West Virginia |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not West Virginia |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not West Virginia |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not West Virginia |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not West Virginia |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows West Virginia |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in West Virginia
Every game plays free first, so West Virginia players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in West Virginia
West Virginia taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your West Virginia return. The West Virginia Tax Division decides how West Virginia treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for West Virginia players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering West Virginia
Every state bordering West Virginia has cash play at the Skillz level.
Questions about skill-game apps in West Virginia
Can I play Atay games for cash in West Virginia?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in West Virginia. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in West Virginia I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Charleston gets the same answer as any small town in West Virginia.
Do I need to do anything when I drive from West Virginia into Kentucky?
No. Kentucky also has cash play at the Skillz level, and the app checks your location when you play.
Does West Virginia tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and West Virginia has a state income tax; check the West Virginia Tax Division's guidance for your situation.
West Virginia status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.