Much of America’s history runs through the state of Virginia. Heck, most of the founding fathers lived in the great state. So there’s just something special when you’re in or around the state today. If you find yourself there, you seep in that history AND bet freely while doing so because the founders fought for that right!

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That’s right, Virginia has become another state to embrace online betting. It took them a few years to come around to it, but the state has finally legalized it and a thriving market has emerged. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Virginia betting — and we mean everything! Let’s get right into it:

Is Sports Betting Legal In Virginia?

It 100 percent is legal. They went live with it in January 2021 after some back-and-forth legislation. A few years in, there are 13 different sports betting apps licensed to use inside of Virginia. That’s more than enough to accommodate the population.

Moreover, retail betting is also allowed. There are four physical casinos that house sportsbooks in the state. Maybe they aren’t as convenient as betting on your phone, but the sportsbooks are still a fun experience for Virginia bettors. It certainly makes betting a more social experience.

International Online Sportsbooks Available In Virginia

Sports betting is legal in Virginia, but state-regulated sportsbooks come with a few limitations. In Virginia, you cannot place bets on political events or entertainment props, and there are specific restrictions on college sports betting. For example, wagering on games involving in-state college teams, like the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, is not allowed at local sportsbooks. This leaves bettors with fewer options, particularly if they’re interested in betting on local college sports or more niche markets.

International sportsbooks, however, offer more flexibility. These offshore platforms allow betting on political events, entertainment markets, and college sports without the restrictions found in Virginia’s legal sportsbooks. Whether you're looking to bet on a local college team or place a wager on upcoming political elections, international sportsbooks provide the variety and freedom that regulated sportsbooks in Virginia cannot.

Although offshore sportsbooks may seem risky, the platforms we recommend have been carefully vetted for safety and reliability. Our team has used these sites for years, and they consistently deliver fast payouts, fair odds, and secure transactions. By using these trusted international operators, you can confidently expand your betting options beyond the limitations imposed by Virginia's regulations while enjoying a safe and dependable experience.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Virginia

In January 2021, Virginia officially launched its sports betting market, allowing residents to engage in both online and in-person wagering. This legislation marked a significant step forward, enabling bettors to place wagers via their mobile devices or at licensed physical sportsbooks located throughout the state. Virginia's market is characterized by its competitive landscape, featuring a wide array of betting options across various sports. With several major sportsbooks operational, the state has created a robust and diverse betting environment. Virginia's regulatory framework prioritizes security and fairness, ensuring a positive experience for all participants in the sports betting community.

Name of Bookie Launch Date Online Betting Available?
DraftKings Jan. 2021 Yes
FanDuel Jan. 2021 Yes
BetMGM Jan. 2021 Yes
Caesars Jan. 2021 Yes
BetRivers Jan. 2021 Yes
Fanatics N/A No
ESPN Bet 2023 Yes
WynnBet N/A No

Virginia Online Sportsbook Comparison

Virginia-Sports-Betting

With 13 different apps to pick from, Virginia bettors have no shortage of options. We know it can be a tricky choice to select one (or two), which is why we’ve made a few recommendations below based on popular features most bettors care about:

Best sportsbook for bonuses: Virginia bettors have something special with BetMGM’s latest promotion. Sign up as a new user and you’ll score a risk-free first bet — meaning if your initial bet doesn’t pan out, you’ll get a full refund, up to a whopping $1500. That’s a huge safety net, making it a smart move if you’ve got the funds to play. No real risk, just the potential to win big with your first bet.

Best sportsbook for betting options: FanDuel leads the pack thanks to its impressive odds boost feature. This feature enhances regular bets, turning something like -120 odds into +120, offering a bigger payout if you win. While other apps have similar features, FanDuel does it more frequently and with better value.

Best sportsbook for live betting: When it comes to live betting, DraftKings really shines. The app is known for its lightning-fast updates, keeping the live odds as close to real-time action as possible. Plus, DraftKings offers a wide range of in-play betting options, covering a variety of sports and leagues.

Best sportsbook for rewards: Caesars takes the edge here with its unique rewards program, offering much more than the typical in-app benefits. Since it’s one of the few casinos in Virginia, players can instantly cash in on rewards for hotel stays, dining experiences, or entertainment — unlike most apps that can only offer in-app free play.

Best sportsbook for user experience: If you’re an NFL bettor, we strongly recommend Caesars. That’s because they offer NFL game streaming right in the app. Local market games as well as primetime matchups like Thursday, Sunday, and Monday Night Football can be watched every single week. The best part? You don’t need a TV or streaming service to tune in. Pretty cool, right?

Virginia Quick Facts

FactVirginia
Launch date:2021
Legal age:21 Years Old
Online sports betting✅ Yes
Number of licenses13
Remote registration✅ Yes
Retail sportsbooks✅ Yes
Retail casinos✅ Yes
Online casino sites❌No
Online poker❌No
Betting on college sports✅ Yes
Betting on esports✅ Yes
State population8 million
State regulatorThe Virginia Lottery
Last verified✅ September 8
Last updated on: November 21, 2024

What You Can’t Bet On In Virginia?

Here are a few things that are strictly off-limits when it comes to betting in Virginia. You won’t be able to place wagers on the following at in-state sportsbooks:

Local college teams: You read that right, no betting can be had of any kind on collegiate sports teams from Virginia. None!

Some college bets: Additionally, no live betting can be had on any college sports. This goes for all college sports, not just Virginia. Another collegiate betting market that’s closed is player props.

Online casino: Although in-person casino gambling is now legal in Virginia, online casino games are still a no-go.

Non-sports events: This includes betting on politics, award shows, or even TV shows and movies. Since these events aren’t classified as sports by regulators, they don’t qualify as sports betting and are therefore closed to Virginia bettors.

If you're looking for the above betting options in Virginia, your only option is offshore sportsbooks. Unlike regulated US platforms, these sites provide a wider range of betting markets that aren’t permitted under Virginia law.

Who Can Legally Bet In Virginia?

Let’s talk about what IS allowed in Virginia now. These rules apply statewide:

Legal age: No shocker here, you must be 21 years old to legally bet on sports in Virginia, just like in every other state.

Mobile betting: Yes, Virginia allows mobile betting, so you don’t need to visit a physical sportsbook to place your bets.

Retail sportsbooks: Even though mobile betting is super convenient, retail sportsbooks are still an option. Catching the action live with fellow bettors is a fun and social way to enjoy the experience.

Remote registration: Signing up to bet in Virginia is easy and fully online. You can register from anywhere without needing to visit a sportsbook in person—just a few clicks and you’re ready to bet.

Taxable winnings: Don’t forget, the IRS (and Virginia) want their share of your winnings. All gambling earnings must be reported as income, so Uncle Sam gets his cut whether you win big or small.

Latest Virginia Legal Betting Updates

Nov 21, 2024 13:27 PM

Virginia’s sports betting handle slightly decreased to $633.18 million in December, marking a 0.8% decline from November but showing a significant 25% year-over-year increase.

Virginia Sports Betting Timeline

2024

January 29, 2024 - SB 142, a sports betting bill allowing wagers on in-state college teams, successfully passed through the gaming sub-committee of the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee.
 
January 23, 2024 - Gaming company IGT signed a three-year contract extension with the Virginia Lottery. As part of the agreement, IGT will replace 5,500 lottery terminals with IGT machines and implement other improvements.

January 23, 2024 - Some Virginia lawmakers are reportedly planning to introduce legislation that would legalize skill games.

January 16, 2024 - Virginia Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg introduced a new bill, SB 142, aimed at allowing betting on in-state college sports teams. This practice is currently prohibited in all instances.

Virginia Sportsbooks & Casinos

Due to the new Virginia legislation, only five cities can house a casino: Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Richmond. Four of these have already acted on this. Here are the casinos either planned or already up in the state:

  • Bristol – The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol opened a temporary facility in July 2022 while the permanent casino resort is under construction.
  • Danville – The Caesars Virginia casino is under construction, and the full resort is expected to open in 2024.
  • Norfolk – The HeadWaters Resort & Casino is in development and expected to open in the coming years, though no casino is currently operating there.
  • Portsmouth – The Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened in January 2023, becoming the first full-service casino in the region.

Richmond has not yet moved forward with a casino, as voters rejected the proposal in 2021. However, things can change so check back here from time to time for updates.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Virginia Sports Betting

Like most states, it took some time for Virginia to get onboard with betting. Here's what happened over the years:

The Legalization of Sports Betting In the State

Previously, many state officials see gambling and gambling establishments as immoral, and with Atlantic City in the neighboring state of New Jersey, they took a long time to even address gambling legalization of any kind.

However, it was a huge shock to the gambling industry when two sports betting bills, HB 896 and SB 384 were approved and became effective July 1. This means that Virginia was the second state to legalize sports betting in 2020.

As of January 2021, Virginia bettors have been able to lace legal sports bets both in-person and online. The biggest restriction is the ban on betting on Virginia-based college and youth sports. But that's a small price to pay for as mostly free market.

How To Bet On Sports In Virginia?

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Sports are deeply ingrained into the fabric of Virginia — and we mean deeply. This makes it such a hot sports market for its relatively small size. While you’ll be able to bet on all sports stateside, here are the ones that are most popular:

How To Bet On Football In Virginia?

Is anyone surprised that football betting is the most popular market in Virginia? You shouldn’t because this is everywhere in America and this state is no exception. Sportsbooks and bettors are always the busiest during the Fall and early Winter too. You’ll be able to find all the football betting you need just fine, plus the Super Bowl too.

How To Bet On Basketball In Virginia?

Basketball is a big thing in Virginia because they have no shortage of collegiate programs that are March Madness-caliber every season. But speaking of which, March Madness is the second-biggest betting event of the year after the Super Bowl. This is when bettors can get some of the best promotional deals of the year too.

How To Bet On Baseball In Virginia?

If you’re in it to make some money (which you should be to a certain extent), baseball betting might be your best move. It’s not about it being simple — betting never is, no matter the sport — but the sheer volume of options makes it appealing. With 162 regular-season games and the playoffs, MLB gives you more chances to place bets than any other sport. More games mean more shots at cashing in.

How To Bet On Fighting In Virginia?

Combat sports feature fight cards nearly every weekend, but most casual bettors only tune in for the major matchups. The truth is, if you dig a little deeper, there’s action happening all the time. Virginia bettors can find hidden opportunities in all the major sports and promotions — UFC, boxing, PFL, Bellator, or even the newer Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

Betting On Virginia Teams

Here’s the thing: Virginia doesn’t have any professional teams. However, it’s within striking distance to many major cities — Washington DC and Baltimore, for instance. That’s where more most of the locals align fandom-wise.

However, there’s no shortage of collegiate programs battling to be the state’s favorite. Both the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia TechHokies take up the most mindshare. But don’t sleep on programs like George Mason Patriots, VCU Rams, or Old Dominion Monarchs. Those three have bracket-busting basketball teams regularly.

Virginia Betting Revenue Statistics

Virginia bettors went big in 2023 with a whopping $5.59 billion wagered — an impressive 13.7 percent jump from the $4.9 billion in 2022. That’s a whole lot of action, and it shows the state's sports betting scene isn’t showing any signs of slowing down soon.

We’re certain that number will be bigger in 2024. We are writing this on the cusp of football season, which as mentioned, is when things really pick up. In July, Virginians bet $377.6 million on sports. But that’s only a fraction of what the football month numbers will end up being.

Other Types Of Betting In Virginia

Casinos are a relatively new thing in Virginia too. Legalization happened in 2020, and since then, brick-and-mortar casinos have popped up around the state (more are being built too). Classic casino games like blackjack, roulette, and slots, among others, can be found in these casinos.

Betting can also be had on horse racing. This can be done both at local tracks, but online platforms, as well.

Virginia is a lottery state so that’s another option. Powerball, Megan Millions, scratch-off tickets — all those lottery games are easy to enter at Virginia convenience stores.

Last thing, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are allowed in the state. Matter of fact, Virginia legalized DFS in 2016 when it was first taking off. It was one of the first states to pass legislation to legalize it.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Looking to place bets in states outside of Virginia? Here’s your comprehensive guide to make it happen. Just select a state and you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of how to bet there:

Find the full list of states with legalized gambling in the US.

Responsible Gaming In Virginia

Betting in Virginia should be all about having a good time — that thrill of a win, enjoying the game more, and adding some extra excitement. But here’s the thing: sometimes, it crosses a line, and it can go from fun to something that’s causing stress, anxiety, or even worse.

A lot of people don’t realize when things start slipping, so it’s important to keep an eye on a few warning signs. Are you betting more than you can comfortably afford? Are you chasing after losses, hoping to win back what you’ve already lost? Or maybe you’re feeling guilty but still can’t stop. These are red flags that betting might be heading in the wrong direction.

If any of this feels familiar, it might be time to hit pause. Sometimes taking a break is all it takes to get perspective. But if you still find yourself struggling, it could be a sign that there’s a deeper issue. And there’s no shame in getting help — Virginia has plenty of resources ready to step in when gambling stops being just a game. We’ve listed several below:

Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) (https://vcpg.net/)

A statewide organization offering confidential assistance for individuals struggling with gambling issues, including a 24/7 helpline and access to resources.

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) (https://dbhds.virginia.gov/)

Provides a range of services and support for individuals dealing with problem gambling, including prevention programs and treatment referrals throughout Virginia.

VACPG Helpline

Residents in Virginia struggling with problem gambling can call 1-888-532-3500 to get connected to resources.

These are nationwide services readily available:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.