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.
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21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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.
BetMGM Virginia Bonus Offer
Claim our exclusive offer at Gaming Today. Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if Your First Bet Does Not Win. Use BetMGM bonus code TODAY to get started.
- Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
- *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Bonus Code: TODAY
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 GTODAYVA to claim one of two terrific welcome offers: Bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets 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 $150 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.
- First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000, or Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
- Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
- Use Bonus Code: GTODAYVA
Note: The bonus code GTODAYVA 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
Caesars Sportsbook Virginia Promo
Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code TODAYDYW to be able to Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers.
- Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10 Times
- Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
- 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Promo Code: TODAYDYW
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
FanDuel Virginia Welcome Bonus
You can unlock one of the best Virginia sportsbook bonuses at FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass. *T&Cs below
No FanDuel promo code is needed to claim this offer. Hit the ‘PLAY NOW’ button to get started. You will receive $150 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins.
Get $150
- Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
- PLUS Get 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
- Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
- To Claim: Click Play Now
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
Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia Bonus
Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook promo to Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets.
- Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- To Claim: Click Play Now
Place a $5+ bet (with odds of -200 or longer) over your first 10 days as a new customer. You will receive a No Sweat Bet (up to $100) each day.
Fanatics Is Best For: Fanatics is the rebranded PointsBet app and its design, speed and quality of the navigation experience is expected to rival some off the top sports betting apps in the market today.
- Key features: Pre-game stats, pre-packaged same game parlays, early cashouts, strong live betting section
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store Rating: Apple 4.7; Google 4.6
What's Happening in Virginia Sports Betting News Right Now?
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October 18, 2024:
Tony Bennett’s shocking decision to retire as head coach of Virginia’s men’s basketball team shifted the Cavaliers’ long national championship odds into even loftier territory.
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October 10, 2024:
Betfred shut down its sportsbook app in Virginia. Customers could withdraw funds from their accounts until Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. ET.
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August 29, 2024:
Betr launched its new sportsbook in Virginia and Ohio. The app’s key features include “Same Game Parlays Plus (SGP+), player props, futures, exotics, and traditional markets like moneyline, point spread, and Over/Unders.”
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August 26, 2024:
A proposed Virginia Gaming Commission would restructure the state’s gambling industry to address gaps and inconsistencies in the existing framework.
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July 31, 2024:
Betway is no longer available in Virginia following its exit from the US market.
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July 19, 2024:
SuperBook Sports announces it is ceasing operations in eight states, including Virginia, effective 8 p.m. ET on July 19.
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July 1, 2024:
Virginia’s all-time sports betting handle surpassed the $17 billion mark in June. This means VA bettors have placed more than $17 billion in total bets at regulated sportsbooks since the January 2021 launch of legal apps.
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June 3, 2024:
Virginia sports betting set a record for April. The state reported about $563.5 million in bets for the month in 2024, up 32.3% from $426 million in April 2023. Gambling revenue has grown each April since the industry arrived in 2021.
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May 16, 2024:
Caesars Entertainment announces plans to open Caesars Danville Casino in December.
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May 10, 2024:
The monthly sports betting handle in March was $635.5 million, up 17.6% from February and 24.2% year-over-year.
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April 25, 2024:
The Virginia legislature approves an amendment to allow Petersburg residents to vote in November on whether to bring a casino to the city.
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April 3, 2024:
Unibet announced that they will be leaving the Virginia market on April 11, 2024.
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.
| 📱VA Sportsbook | 💰Promotion | 🎯Promo Code | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📱BetMGM Sportsbook | 💰Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets | 🎯TODAY | N/A |
| 📱bet365 Sportsbook | 💰 First Bet Safety Net Up to $1,000 OR Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets | 🎯GTODAYVA | N/A |
| 📱Caesars Sportsbook | 💰Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers | 🎯TODAYDYW | Caesars Entertainment |
| 📱FanDuel Sportsbook | 💰Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass | 🎯Click to claim promo | Washington Commanders |
| 📱Fanatics Sportsbook | 💰Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | 🎯Click to claim promo | Colonial Downs Group, LLC |
How To Bet on Sports in Virginia
There’s no law against joining multiple online sportsbooks. In fact, it’s a good idea if you want to shop around for the best odds before placing a bet. For example, Super Bowl odds can vary significantly across Virginia online sports betting apps.
Here, we break down the steps required to sign up with a VA betting app and begin placing bets.
Choose a Sportsbook App
Choosing a sportsbook app that’s right for you is the most important step in placing your first wager.
Claim Welcome Bonus
Once you have chosen the right sportsbook, you can claim the associated welcome bonus by either clicking through one of the links on this page or using a Gaming Today promo code, if applicable. This bonus could be a deposit match, bonus bet, or bet insurance. Note that the welcome offer will apply only to your first wager with the sportsbook.
Create An Account
Registering for a mobile sportsbook account is simple. Provide your name, address, Social Security number, and any other required information. These are all standard industry requirements. The app will verify your info for a moment and then allow you to log in if you are older than 21 and physically located inside Virginia. The app will also utilize geolocation to ensure you are accessing the app within the state’s borders.
Download Sportsbook App
If you want to bet from your phone, you can download the sportsbook app directly to your device. Most major sportsbooks are available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Deposit Funds
Mobile sportsbooks allow you to use multiple deposit methods to fund your sports betting account. Most allow credit and debit card deposits, bank transfers, and electronic wallet transfers like PayPal and Play+ prepaid cards.
Note that credit card deposits usually count as cash advance transactions, which come with fees. It’s best to use online bank transfer or PayPal instead for both deposits and cashing out.
Then, you can decide how much money you want to place in your account. This will allow you to take advantage of the many sportsbook welcome bonuses in Virginia. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions before opting in.
Place First Bet
Once your account is funded, you can navigate through the app as you like and start placing wagers. Be sure to take advantage of any opening bonuses that might apply to your account. These include deposit-match bonuses, bonus bets, and more (depending on the app).
If you are new to sports betting, check out the How To Bet page before proceeding.
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).
| Team | League |
|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 🏈 NFL |
| Baltimore Ravens | 🏈 NFL |
| Carolina Panthers | 🏈 NFL |
| Washington Wizards | 🏀 NBA |
| Charlotte Hornets | 🏀 NBA |
| Washington Capitals | 🏒NHL |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 🏒NHL |
| Washington Nationals | ⚾️ MLB |
| Baltimore Orioles | ⚾️ MLB |
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 Population | 8.7 million |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Virginia Lottery |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| College Sports Betting | ⚠ Available (except in-state teams) |
| Esports Betting | ⚠ Available (in fantasy sports contests only) |
| Tax Rate | 15% |
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.
VA Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Legislators introduced SB 142 to allow betting on in-state college teams.
Virginia sportsbooks are booking more than $400 million in wagers every month in their first year. Lawmakers vote down two bills that would allow wagers involving in-state colleges.
FanDuel takes the first online sports bet in Virginia. DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars all launch within the first two weeks of Virginia sports betting.
Virginia Lottery publishes its official sports betting regulations and accepts license applications from sportsbook operators.
Gov. Ralph Northam signs two bills that legalize sports betting in Virginia.
Sports betting ban is lifted at the federal level.
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.
| Month | Handle | Adjusted Gross Revenue | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | $505,594,450 | $53,932,694 | $8,087,374 |
| April 2024 | $563,495,540 | $54,629,226 | $8,210,372 |
| March 2024 | $635,593,137 | $42,435,808 | $6,251,082 |
| February 2024 | $545,068,429 | $44,454,518 | $6,342,927 |
| January 2024 | $652,879,750 | $67,507,323 | $9,932,122 |
Full List of Virginia Sportsbook Apps
There are currently 13 sportsbooks live in Virginia.
| 📱Sportsbook | ✅ Mobile and/or Retail? |
|---|---|
| 📱BetMGM VA | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱bet365 VA | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Caesars VA | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱FanDuel VA | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Hard Rock Bet VA | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Fanatics Sportsbook VA | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱BetRivers VA | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱DraftKings VA | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Bally Bet VA | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Betr Sportsbook VA | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱ESPN Bet VA | ✅ Mobile |
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.
Where To Bet in Virginia: Retail Sportsbooks
In July 2022, Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol became the first retail sportsbook to open in Virginia. State residents voted in favor of legalizing both online and in-person betting in November 2020. Land-based casinos are coming to the state. These are the following casinos Virginia residents can expect to visit by next year.
This hotel-casino already has a physical address (500 Gate City Hwy) in Bristol, the “Birthplace of Country Music.” It will feature event and convention facilities and anticipates attracting over 4 million visitors per year. A temporary version of the casino was the first land-based casino to launch in Virginia on July 8, 2022. The permanent version is on track to open in July 2024.
The City of Danville approved Caesars Entertainment’s proposal to build a casino in the city. In September, Caesars released a rendering of the casino—an estimated $500 million project. The casino will feature a Caesars Sportsbook, 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and 500 hotel rooms. Caesars is targeting December 2024 for the casino’s debut.
The City of Norfolk and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe teamed up to open the HeadWaters Resort & Casino in Norfolk next year. The casino will be on the banks of the Elizabeth River in an effort to revitalize the waterfront in Norfolk. City officials also expect a great revenue stream for the city and thousands of new jobs for residents. The project will cost an estimated $500 million and will feature a 2,500-seat entertainment venue, 300 hotel rooms, and a sports bar. Operators will start with a temporary casino near the city’s AAA Minor League ballpark.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth became the first full-service casino to open in the state of Virginia. It joins Bristol’s temporary casino as the state’s two land-based casino options for now. The casino features more than 62,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that includes an entertainment venue and the BetRivers sportsbook.
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.
Pros and Cons of Virginia Sports Betting
Pros
Accessibility to retail sportsbooks Top sportsbooks available in the state
Cons
Strict college betting rules Limited professional sports teams
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.
| Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| Social Sportsbooks | ✅ |
| Horse Racing Betting | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
| Online Casinos | ❌ |
| Online Poker | ❌ |
| Esports | ✅ |
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.
Virginia Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, Online sports betting is legal provided it is done on a licensed app currently regulated by the Virginia Lottery. The first sports betting app launched in early 2021. Options include FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, bet365, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN Bet and DraftKings.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in VA. The DraftKings DFS app is also offered for daily fantasy enthusiasts.
Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook allows you to bet on sports in Virginia. You can also use the FanDuel DFS app to enjoy daily fantasy sports games.
No, you do not need to be a Virginia resident to bet online in Virginia. You just have to be 21 and physically located in VA to place a bet. Any Virginia mobile sportsbook will request your address and install geolocation software as the app installs. This requires you to be within Virginia’s borders when placing a wager or using a mobile sportsbook.
You need to be 21 or older to place wagers in Virginia.
The industry’s top sports betting apps are all available in Virginia: BetMGM and FanDuel head the list. They are consistently the most popular choices in the Old Dominion.
You can bet on a large catalog of sports in Virginia, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. NASCAR, golf, tennis, and MMA. In-state college sports are not available for wagering in VA.
Yes, but there are restrictions. You can’t place any sports wagers on games involving Virginia college teams, like the Virginia Tech Hokies. You can place college sports bets on out-of-state college teams, but prop bets and live bets are not allowed on college sports.
Yes, online sportsbooks are illegal. They are unregulated, and your personal and financial data is not secure.
Online sports betting is legal in VA, but online casino and online poker are currently prohibited.
Recent Virginia Sports Betting News
Tony Bennett Resignation Bumps UVA Odds Even Longer
Virginia Casino Announces Grand Opening as Betting Breaks $1 Billion Mark
Betfred Virginia Closes Online Sports Betting Operations
New Agency Could Put Virginia Gambling Oversight Under One Roof
June 2024 Pushes Virginia Sports Gambling Past $17 Billion All-Time Mark
More States Like Virginia With Legal Sports Betting Industries
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