Virginia Sports Betting: Top VA Legal Sportsbook Apps

Virginia sports betting has been legal since Jan. 20, 2021. There are 13 regulated sports betting apps currently operating in the state.

With more than a dozen VA sportsbook apps to choose from, bettors have several opportunities to claim Virginia sportsbook promos and shop for sports betting odds at the top-rated sportsbooks.

Here, we break down everything you need to know about the VA sports betting industry, from news and revenue data to sportsbook reviews, and much more.

Best Virginia Sports Betting Apps

The best sports betting apps for Virginia bettors include some of the industry’s biggest names.

Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook through one of our links, we may earn a commission.

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Virginia bettors are fortunate to have more than a dozen active sportsbooks to choose from. Below, we highlight some of the best Virginia betting apps that provide a top-notch wagering experience.

Our Top 5 Virginia Sportsbook Apps

BetMGM Virginia Bonus Offer

Claim our exclusive offer at Gaming Today. There’s a new sign-up offer of Up To $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn’t Win, special for folks in Virginia.

Use BetMGM bonus code BETGTODAY to get started.

21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

BetMGM is Best For: Players looking to use physical rewards through the BetMGM Rewards loyalty program. Frequent bettors can receive discounts and various promotions at MGM locations nationwide.

• Key features: Promotions, user interface
• App Store rating: 4.8
• Google Play Store rating: 4.5
• Live streaming? Yes

bet365 Virginia Bonus Offer

Use bet365 bonus code GTODAY to claim one of two terrific welcome offers: Bet $5 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose OR get a First Bet Safety Net Up to $1,000 if you prefer. These offers cannot be combined.

Place a first real-money wager of $5 to claim the first offer of $365 in Bonus Bets, win or lose. Or, you can place a first bet of $10 to $1,000 to unlock the safety net offer where you will be refunded with bonus credits if your first wager loses.

Note: The bonus code GTODAY can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way.

Bonus Bets expire after 7 days. $10 minimum deposit. Qualifying wager must have odds of -500 or longer.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+.

bet365 is Best For: Data. bet365 has incredibly strong ratings for its app features, app functionality, and total offerings.

• Key features: Competitive odds, ease of use
• App Store rating: 4.6
• Google Play Store rating: 4.6
• Live streaming? Yes

Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia Welcome Bonus

Virginia bettors can access one of two welcome offers at Fanatics Sportsbook, including Bet $20, Get $350 in Bonus Bets or Up to $1,000 in FanCash Bet Matching. The $350 Bonus Bet offer is one of the most popular options for new customers because it provides bonus funds regardless of whether the qualifying wager wins or loses.

No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required. Simply create a new account, deposit at least $20, and place a qualifying wager of $20 or more. Once your bet settles, Fanatics distributes $350 in Bonus Bets over seven consecutive days in $50 increments.

• 21+ and physically located in Virginia
• Minimum $20 deposit and $20 qualifying wager required
• Offer available to new Fanatics Sportsbook customers only
• Minimum odds requirement of -500
• Receive $350 in Bonus Bets regardless of wager outcome
• Bonus Bets awarded as $50 per day over seven days
• Bonus Bets expire 24 hours after issuance
• Bonus Bet stake is not returned with winnings
• Limit one welcome offer per customer
• Terms and conditions apply

Fanatics Sportsbook Is Best For: Fanatics Sportsbook combines a modern betting platform with a unique rewards ecosystem. Bettors can earn FanCash that can be redeemed for Bonus Bets or used toward merchandise purchases, creating value beyond traditional sportsbook promotions. The app also features competitive odds, live betting, and an easy-to-use interface that appeals to both casual and experienced sports bettors.

• Key features: FanCash rewards program, live betting, cross-platform rewards
• App Store rating: 4.8+
• Google Play Store rating: 4.5+
• Live streaming? Yes (select events)

FanDuel Virginia Welcome Bonus

You can unlock one of the best Virginia sportsbook bonuses at FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $350 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins. *T&Cs below

No FanDuel promo code is needed to claim this offer. Hit the ‘PLAY NOW’ button to get started. After you set up a new user account, make a minimum deposit of $5 and a minimum first wager of $5. If your first bet wins, you will receive $350 in Bonus Bets.

• 21+ and present in VA
• A minimum $5 deposit and minimum $5 first real-money wager are required
• Welcome offer applies to first online wager only
• Wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) live on the platform
• First bet must win to get $350 in bonus bets
• Users will receive $350 in Bonus Bets within 72 hours of the qualifying wager settling
• Bonus Bets are non-withdrawable and expire seven (7) days after receipt
• Bonus Bet stake not returned as part of winnings
• Limit of one bonus per person

FanDuel Is Best For: The FanDuel Sportsbook app allows betting from anywhere within a legal state, as long as you can access a WiFi connection. The iOS app allows players to access the sports betting site on iPhone or iPad devices. Like the iOS counterpart, the FanDuel Sportsbook app for Android offers one of the smoothest and most user-friendly mobile wagering experiences in the US.

• Key features: Mobile app experience, betting market variety
• App Store rating: 4.9
• Google Play Store rating: 4.5
• Live streaming? Yes

Hard Rock Bet Virginia Bonus

Join Hard Rock Bet to claim an exciting offer: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins

Hard Rock Bet Is Best For: Its customized parlay experience through the “Flex Parlay” feature. The Hard Rock Sportsbook offer does not require new members to enter a promo code. Just follow the Gaming Today link, make an initial deposit, and place a qualifying bet.

• Key features: Parlay options, app interface
• App Store rating: 4.8
• Google Play Store rating: 4.7
• Live streaming? Yes

Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-833-PLAYWISE. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. In AZ, OH, & VA, call 1-800-MY-RESET. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, MI, NJ, TN)

DraftKings Virginia Welcome Bonus

You can claim one of the most straightforward Virginia sportsbook promotions at DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly. New customers who place a qualifying first wager of at least $5 receive $200 in Bonus Bets regardless of whether the wager wins or loses.

No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer. Click the “PLAY NOW” button to create a new account, make your first deposit, and place a qualifying wager of $5 or more. Once the bet is accepted, DraftKings will award $200 in Bonus Bets.

• 21+ and physically located in Virginia
• Minimum first wager of $5 required
• Offer available to new DraftKings customers only
• Eligible on most sportsbook markets available through the app
• Receive $200 in Bonus Bets after placing a qualifying wager
• Bonus Bets are non-withdrawable and typically expire after seven days
• Bonus Bet stake is not returned with winnings
• Limit one welcome offer per customer
• Terms and conditions apply

DraftKings Is Best For: DraftKings Sportsbook delivers one of the deepest betting menus in the industry, with extensive pregame, live betting, same-game parlay, and player prop options. The mobile app is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. thanks to its intuitive design, fast navigation, and broad market coverage. It is an excellent choice for both new bettors and experienced players who want access to a wide variety of wagering opportunities.

• Key features: Same-game parlays, live betting, betting market depth
• App Store rating: 4.8+
• Google Play Store rating: 4.7+
• Live streaming? Yes (select events)

Caesars Sportsbook Virginia Promo

Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code TODAYDYW to be able to Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers.

If your first real-money wager loses, you will receive one Bonus Bet equal to the value of your qualifying wager. $10 minimum deposit. Bonus bet expires after 14 days.

Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER

Caesars Is Best For: New users. In Virginia, bettors can expect a strong and stable app, great ongoing promotions, and an easy-to-navigate live betting system.

• Key features: Rewards program, promotions
• App Store rating: 4.8
• Google Play Store rating: 4.3
• Live streaming? Yes

GAMBLING PROBLEM
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help:
Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Virginia Sportsbook Promo Codes and Bonuses To Explore

There are currently 13 online/mobile sportsbooks licensed for use in Virginia. Each sportsbook has a partnership with a Virginia casino or sports franchise. Below are the top sportsbook promos available to VA bettors.

Types of Bets at Virginia Sportsbooks

Are you getting started with a new sports betting site? Check out the basic and most popular types of bets you can expect to find at all VA sportsbooks.

Moneyline

For those looking to wager on a team to win a game, place a moneyline bet. This is just a straight wager that a team will win the game, not accounting for the margin of victory. For example, if you wanted to wager on the Washington Commanders to beat the Dallas Cowboys, you would wager on the Commanders’ moneyline.

Point Spread

Betting on a point spread involves a margin of victory. You can bet on the underdog (team with + odds) to “cover the spread,” in which case they’ll have to win the game outright or lose by less than a specific number of points set by oddsmakers. When taking the favorite to cover the spread (team with – odds), they must win the game outright by a specific number of points set by oddsmakers.

Using the Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys game as an example, the point spread may be +/- 7.5 points. So, if a bettor wanted to wager on the Commanders’ point spread (+7.5) to beat the Cowboys, they would be wagering that the Commanders would lose by less than 8 points or win outright. If you were to wager on the Cowboys’ point spread (-7.5), you would be betting that they will win by at least 8 points.

Total (Over/Under)

For any game, oddsmakers set a total. The total (Over/Under) represents the combined number of points that both teams are expected to score. Sticking with the Commanders vs. Cowboys example, let’s assume that the oddsmakers set the total at 43.5 points. They expect the combined points scored by both teams to fall right around this number. As a bettor, it’s up to you whether you think the total will exceed 43.5 points (44 or above) or fall below 43.5 points (43 or below). This is called betting on the “over” or the “under.” Most of the time, the odds are relatively even for the outcome of either to happen.

Props

Prop bets are wagers placed on what happens in a game rather than its overall outcome. These could include player-specific metrics, such as how many passing yards a quarterback will have in a game, or game-specific props, such as how many total touchdowns both teams will score. There are also non-game options, such as the length of the National Anthem or the outcome of the coin toss.

Parlays

A parlay is a string of bets that usually offer long odds and a high payout. The catch is that all of the bets need to “hit” or win for the parlay bet to cash. There are no partial cashouts; in other words, it’s all or nothing. The bets can be related or completely separate, although this may affect the odds and payout.

By combining multiple bets and betting that all of them will happen, the odds get significantly longer. While this is risky, it is associated with a much higher payout than placing these three bets separately.

Sports To Bet on in Virginia

Many Virginians consider Washington DC sports teams to be their hometown clubs. In fact, both the NFL’s Washington Commanders and NHL’s Washington Capitals have their practice facilities and corporate headquarters in Northern Virginia. Neither team plays games in Virginia, though.

MLB’s Washington Nationals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and DC United of the MLS are based in DC.

Other popular professional sports teams in Virginia are those based out of Baltimore: the Orioles (MLB) and the Ravens (NFL). Some southern Virginians prefer the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), or Carolina Panthers (NFL).

NFL Betting in Virginia

The Washington Commanders are considered Virginia’s team. The franchise started as the Boston Braves and Redskins from 1932 to 1936. They moved south to Washington, D.C. at the start of the 1937 season. The “Redskins” team name and branding was phased out in 2019. The franchise went by “Washington Football Team” for two seasons. The “Commanders” name arrived in time for the 2022 season.

Washington won two NFL titles (1937 and 1942) before the league’s merger with the AFL. Their Super Bowl wins came in 1982 (XVII), 1987 (XXII), and 1991 (XXVI).

The other top NFL teams to bet on are the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers.

Your Football Betting Guide — NFL Betting Apps | College Football Betting Sites | Football Promo Codes

NBA Betting in Virginia

The Washington Wizards began as the Chicago Packers and Chicago Zephyrs from 1961 to 1963. From 1963 to 1974, the franchise moved east as the Baltimore Bullets and Capital Bullets.

The Washington Bullets era spanned from 1974 to 1997 and included the team’s only NBA title in 1978. The last name change happened to start the 1997-98 season. The Wizards’ most recent playoff success dates back to 2017 when they lost to Boston in the second round (in Game 7).

The Charlotte Hornets are another NBA favorite in the state, especially for southern Virginia residents.

Betting on Basketball? NBA Betting Sites | College Basketball Betting Sites | Basketball Promo Codes

MLB Betting in Virginia

The history of the modern-day Washington Nationals dates back to 1969 when Montreal was granted an MLB franchise as the Expos. Aside from a 1981 NL East title, the franchise didn’t see much success in Canada.

The Nationals have flashed some great seasons, but times have been tough in recent years. They won the NL East in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. The 2019 wild-card team ran the table to win Washington’s only World Series title.

The Baltimore Orioles, one of the hottest teams in baseball, are another crowd favorite in Virginia. The O’s have won three World Series.

More Baseball Betting Info — MLB Betting Sites | Baseball Promo Codes

NHL Betting in Virginia

The Washington Capitals made their NHL debut in 1974. They share Capital One Arena with the Wizards and have a Stanley Cup from the 2017-18 season. The team reached the Stanley Cup Final in the 1997-98 season.

Overall, the franchise has 13 division titles. Washington boasts three President’s Trophies for finishing the regular season with the best record.

The famed Carolina Hurricanes are also a big rooting interest in Virginia.

Your Hockey Betting Guide — NHL Betting Sites | NHL Promo Codes

College Sports Betting in Virginia

Because no major-league professional teams play in Virginia, many of the Commonwealth’s residents prefer college sports instead. The Virginia Tech Hokies and Virginia Cavaliers are two of the country’s biggest names for both college football and basketball. Here’s a look at the full list of D1 programs in Virginia:

• George Mason
• Hampton
• James Madison
• Liberty
• Longwood
• Norfolk State
• Old Dominion University
• Radford
• Richmond
• Virginia
• Virginia Commonwealth
• Virginia Military Institute
• Virginia Tech
• William and Mary

However, Virginia’s current sports betting legislation has severely limited college sports betting. It is currently not legal to place sports bets on Virginia college teams within the state. Recent attempts have been made to change that, but they have been unsuccessful.

Virginia residents can place only single-game bets on college sports teams in other states. You can place a futures bet on Virginia teams to reach a certain round of the NCAA Tournament, for example.

The lack of single-game college bets is likely a big bummer for some sports betting enthusiasts. There are still lots of other options. This includes being able to bet on the Georgetown Hoyas and the Maryland Terrapins, two popular regional college basketball teams.

Other Sports Betting Virginia

Aside from the major professional sports leagues, Virginia sports bettors can find and enjoy many excellent betting markets for other activities. Many Commonwealth residents love NASCAR, partly because Virginia is home to four annual races in the NASCAR Cup Series. The love for auto racing translates to Formula 1 championship odds as well.

In addition to MLS bets for teams like DC United, consider International soccer bets. Champions League betting odds and odds to win the Premier League have been gaining popularity in recent years.

No matter what sport or activity you enjoy, there is almost certainly a betting market for it on at least one mobile app. Even niche sports like darts, Korean baseball, and rugby have markets.

Virginia Sports Betting: Quick Facts

Virginia is home to a growing list of casinos, and online sports betting is readily available. The state features a wide range of betting options.

Virginia Sports Betting Laws

The path to sports betting legalization in Virginia was long and hard-fought. Although the federal ban on sports gambling was lifted in May 2018, it took until 2019 for Virginia lawmakers to begin debating sports betting proposals. Then, it took the rest of 2019 to sort out the details.

By late spring of 2020, the Virginia Assembly and then-Gov. Ralph Northam reached an agreement on sports betting rules and restrictions and passed House Bill 896. The legal market officially rolled out in January of the following year.

Sportsbook Licenses

As many as 18 sportsbook licenses can be distributed in Virginia. Currently, the state is home to 13 sportsbooks. The division of sports betting licenses is as follows:

• 12 online-only licenses.
• 5 licenses for retail casinos
• 1 license for a professional sports team with headquarters in Virginia.
• Additional license(s) reserved for if a professional sports team relocates to Virginia

These operators are subject to a $250,000 fee for a three-year license. The tax rate is 15%.

College Sports Betting Restrictions

Virginia bettors can place wagers on everything from badminton to water polo. However, Virginia is strict about college sports wagers. Sports betting apps aren’t allowed to carry odds for Virginia’s in-state NCAA programs. You can still bet on college teams outside of Virginia’s borders, but in-state teams are off-limits.

If a tournament (such as March Madness) has Virginia college teams participating, you can bet on games from that tournament that don’t involve in-state college teams. State law also prohibits college prop bets.

The state also does not allow bets on pro sports draft positions, postseason awards, or the July 4 hot dog contest.

Virginia Sports Betting Revenue and Handle

January 2024 set a record in Virginia: the monthly handle reached an all-time high of $652.8 million. That month alone brought in nearly $10 million in tax revenue for the state. This is a busy time of year as NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball are all in season.

Most recently, the state reported about $505.6 million in bets in May. The handle peaked in March (likely due to March Madness) but has been on a steady decline since. Sports betting revenue tends to be very modest this time of year given the summer sports schedule, so this trend will likely continue until September when football picks back up.

Full List of Virginia Sportsbook Apps

There are currently 13 sportsbooks live in Virginia.

What To Look for in Virginia Sports Betting Apps

If you are new to sports betting, it can be hard to decide what sportsbook works best for you. Below is a list of some of the most important things to consider.

• Betting market variety: Betting market variety is particularly important for those looking to wager on various sports leagues and teams. While most sportsbooks will have odds available on NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, odds on other sports like golf, tennis, and rugby may be less common.
• Odds value: Every sportsbook is going to offer similar odds on any event, but they will vary from time to time. If getting the best odds on the market is important to you, then signing up with multiple sportsbooks may be in your best interest. Over time, consistently getting the best odds on the market can increase profitability.
• App reliability: Some apps are easier to use than others, and this will affect a bettor’s sports betting experience. Consider how smoothly the app runs, whether the software crashes, how easy it is to navigate between pages, and whether placing a wager is as straightforward as it should be.
• Welcome offers and promotions: Promotions and welcome offers are a big selling point, especially for new bettors. They allow your financial commitment to go further than it would have otherwise. Sportsbooks offer different promotions that may match your sports betting goals differently, so be sure to shop for all the best offers.
• Security: The security of your personal and financial information is the most important factor when choosing a sportsbook. Luckily, all the sportsbooks reviewed at Gaming Today are vetted thoroughly for their security, so selecting any of them will ensure a secure experience. Always bet with legal, U.S.-licensed operators.

How Virginia Compares To Nearby States

Virginia’s sports betting legislation is similar to the rules adopted by states like New Jersey. For example, Virginia’s sports betting restriction against betting on collegiate teams from its own universities is identical to the laws adopted by New Jersey sportsbooks.

Virginia sportsbooks can’t take bets on individual games, but March Madness bets like “Virginia to reach the Sweet 16” or “Virginia to win the National Championship” are allowed.

In contrast, Pennsylvania doesn’t have any restrictions on collegiate sports betting, which goes to show that individual states have clearly different opinions about what constitutes moral sports wagering.

There are states that have adopted sports betting without allowing casinos to be built. For instance, Tennessee now allows sports betting but does not allow either casinos or poker. In contrast, Virginia will allow retail casinos in up to five cities (with the potential for more in the future).

Virginia is in the middle of the pack among legal sports betting states. Once the state government sees the extra income earned from sports betting, other restrictions may eventually be lifted, such as online casino gaming.

Other Types of Gambling in Virginia

The Virginia Lottery oversees sports betting. The state agency also offers online lotto buys and scratch games. Both online and in-person gaming options are readily available.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Virginia

Pick ’em daily fantasy sports options are getting a closer look in Virginia. The state may soon require an operator’s license for “player vs. house” games. As of now, big DFS platforms can operate without a license as they do in other states.

DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and PrizePicks are some of the big DFS names that are available in Virginia.

Social Sportsbooks in Virginia

Social sportsbooks are legal in Virginia, although not the most popular choice because regular sportsbooks are an option. These are great for people looking to get some sports betting practice in before wagering with real money. Instead of using real money, users redeem coins and game-related currency when they win bets.

Horse Racing Betting in Virginia

Colonial Downs in New Kent is Virginia’s only thoroughbred racetrack, but the venue is steeped in history. The state’s harness racing track is Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock.

Eight locations offer off-track betting:

• Rosies’s Gaming Emporiums in Dumphries, Emporia, Hampton, Richmond and Vinton
• Breakers Sports Grille in Henrico
• Buckets Bar and Grill in Chesapeake
• Ponies and Pints in Richmond
• The Windmill OTB Sports Grill in Collinsville

HHR (Historial Horse Racing) Parlors like Rosie’s have been operating HHR machines since 2019. The machines take bets based on thousands of archived horse race replays. Bets are essentially pooled and payouts are based on a pari-mutuel wagering system.

TwinSpires Racing, TVG, DK Horse, and FanDuel Racing are all horse betting apps in the Commonwealth.

Virginia Lottery

The Virginia Lottery generates approximately $2.3 million per day for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. It is also the organization responsible for regulating the legal sports betting market in the state.

Some of the most popular game offerings are Mega Millions, Powerball, Bank a Million, Cash4Life®, Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle, Pick 3, Pick 4, scratchers, and Print ‘n Play games. Games are available both online and in person around the state.

Virginia Online Casinos

Real-money online casino games aren’t legal in Virginia, but social online can offer a similar gaming experience. Sites like Luckyland Casino and Chumba use free tokens—like Sweeps Coins or Gold Coins—as part of the gameplay.

There have been attempts in the past to legalize online casinos in Virginia, but none have been successful. Luckily, residents can travel to West Virginia, where it is legal to play online casino games.

Virginia Online Poker

Online poker is not legal in Virginia, and attempts to legalize the activity in recent years have been unsuccessful. However, Virginia allows one retail casino in each of its five major cities: Danville, Bristol, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Richmond, so those looking to scratch their poker itch can go in person.

It is unclear whether online poker will become a reality in Virginia anytime soon.

Esports Betting in Virginia

Esports betting is legal in Virginia. When standard sports betting launched in January 2021, esports betting launched alongside it.

Some of the most popular esports leagues to bet on in the state are League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Valorant, and Fortnite. There are moneyline, spread, and prop bets available for all of these games.

Virginia Responsible Gaming

The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling is in place to improve the well-being of Virginians impacted by gambling. If your gambling behavior disrupts your career or your relationships with friends and family, please consider the professional resources available.

Virginia Council on Problem Gambling’s 24-hour, confidential toll-free helpline is 1-888-532-3500. The VCPG site has a chat option as well.

The Virginia Lottery website includes a voluntary self-exclusion form for anyone who wants to limit their access to betting products.

More Resources For Virginia Bettors

• Official Virginia House of Representatives sports betting bill HB 896
• Official Virginia Senate sports betting bill SB 384
• The Virginia Lottery, where you can file a complaint or learn more about their regulation process
• Virginia Mercury is an online newspaper with regular news about the Old Dominion and sports betting developments.