Sports Betting in Virginia
Virginia is for lovers, and now, legal sports betting as well. Thanks to legislation passed by the VA legislature, online sports betting launched in Jan. 2021.
While some of the nation’s top online sportsbooks are available, new VA sportsbooks are still waiting to launch. Not to mention, there are plans for physical retail sportsbooks eventually as well.
This comprehensive VA sports betting resource gives you all the information about online sportsbooks in the Commonwealth. Our sports betting experts examine and rank all the best VA sports betting apps, plus new welcome bonus offers for new sports bettors in the Old Dominion.
Best Virginia Sports Betting Sites
VA sports bettors, rejoice! Officially, VA online sports betting launched on Jan. 21, 2021. Our team of sports betting enthusiasts and experts carefully grades each top VA online sportsbook.
We at PlayingLegal pride ourselves on searching for the best welcome bonus offers along with odds available and betting interface stability for our list of the best Virginia sports betting sites. Therefore, not all VA online sportsbooks make our list.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- Free Live Streaming
- Crisp in-play betting
- Boosted parlays
- Easy Navigation
- Shortage of special market odds
- Slow customer support response
Definitely, the BetMGM Sportsbook offers a top-notch sports betting experience for new and experienced VA bettors. The ease of use, particularly in putting together parlays, is unparalleled. Moreover, there are enhanced betting odds plus boosts available. Finally, a great and competitive welcome bonus offer awaits new VA players.
William Hill Sportsbook
- No rollover required
- Qualifying first bet must lose
- Free bet must be used within 7 days
- Valid for new customer accounts only
- Live Streaming
- Transparent terms of use
- Generous welcome bonus
- Responsive customer support
- Complete odds offer
- Cash Out not available yet
- The user interface could be improved
William Hill Sportsbook has decades of experience backing the brand name. Traditional bet types and a solid betting platform await VA sports bettors. Moreover, with the William Hill proprietary software, you can find a bigger and better array of betting markets than the competition.
VA Sports Betting Law
Virginia legislative bills SB 384 and HB 896 legalized sports betting in the Commonwealth. The Code of Virginia Sports Betting Law in Chapter 40, known as Virginia Lottery Law, specifically delegated regulation to the VA Lottery Board.
Specifically, here are the key points to VA sports betting law:
- 15% tax on gross sports betting revenue.
- $250,000 operator license for three years.
- $200,000 renewal license after primary operator license.
- There are online or mobile-only sportsbook licenses available, up to 12, approved by the Virginia Lottery.
- NASCAR VA racetracks can also apply for sports betting.
- The proposed five commercial casinos can also apply for sports betting licenses.
- Each professional major league sports team that relocates to VA can apply for sports betting.
Sports Available
The VA Lottery consistently updates the available sports betting catalog. Approved leagues and events need to have integrity policies in place. Notably, the sports available will continue expanding as the VA Lottery reviews events.
| Available Sports to Bet on in Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Rules | Football | Baseball |
| Basketball | Boxing | Darts |
| Golf | Ice Hockey | UFC/MMA |
| Lacrosse | Motorsports | Rugby |
| Soccer | Table Tennis | Tennis |
Restrictions
Definitely, the list of sports betting restrictions in Virginia is more compared to some of the less restrictive states. Although, note that the VA Lottery and even state legislators can review and change the following restrictions at any point. Yet, it seems unlikely that these restrictions will change in the near future.
Below, these are the sports betting restrictions in VA:
- High school sports and athletics are prohibited.
- No wagering on in-state VA college teams.
- Prop wagering on college sports across the country is also not available.
- No prop bets allowed on possible injuries, unsportsmanlike conduct, or other officiating calls.
- Subjective trophy awards such as Heisman Trophy or MLB Cy Young are restricted.
- Betting lines are on sporting events only.
- No betting lines available on the Olympics.
Geo-location
Part and parcel of sports betting online in VA and other legal states requires that you be physically located within state borders. Geolocation refers to technology that triangulates your approximate location. Notably, the responsibility of ensuring you are in VA falls squarely on the shoulders of the online operator.
For example, if you are using a mobile betting app, you need to grant the app location access. Then, using your mobile’s GPS, the online sportsbook’s third-party geolocation technology provider, GeoComply, accesses your location. Finally, if you choose to wager online via a desktop or laptop, you may need to download an additional geolocation plug-in.
Minimum Legal Age Requirement
In Virginia, the minimum legal age requirement to sports bet is 21 years old. To this end, expect that you may be asked for additional identity verification when you sign-up or withdraw from a VA sports betting site. In detail, an operator may ask for a copy of your government-issued ID, a bank or utility statement reflecting your current address, and your Social Security number.
All VA Online Sportsbooks
| Online Sportsbook | VA Partner | Software Provider |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sports | N/A | Entain, GVC Holdings |
| William Hill Sports Book | TBD: Caesars Danville | Proprietary Software |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | TBD: Rivers Casino Portsmouth | IGT |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | N/A | SBTech |
| WynnBet | TBD | BetBull |
According to the VA Lottery, as many as 17 online sportsbooks can launch in the Commonwealth. VA sports betting sites do not have to partner with a physical casino either, considering there may only be five commercial casinos in the state. Professional sports teams within VA state borders can also offer sports betting. In total, the state can offer completely stand-alone online sportsbooks that require no physical partnership.
New Online Sportsbooks
The following new VA online sportsbooks either announced launch in the Old Dominion soon or are in the process of regulatory approval from the Lottery Board. Note that there is still availability for new online sportsbooks in Virginia.
- Hard Rock Online Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
Land-Based Retail Sportsbooks in Virginia
Currently, there are no land-based casinos located in Virginia. Thus, this means there are no physical retail sportsbooks yet in the Commonwealth. However, there are four voter referendum-approved retail casinos in the works listed below.
Each of these commercial casinos will also build out a retail sportsbook location.
| City | Partner | Proposed Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Danville, VA | Caesars Entertainment | Caesars Danville |
| Bristol, VA | Hard Rock International | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol |
| Portsmouth, VA | Rush Street Gaming | Rivers Casino Portsmouth |
| Norfolk, VA | Pamunkey Indian Tribe | TBD |
| Richmond, VA* | TBD | TBD |
Also, there is a possibility of a fifth retail casino in Richmond, which is delaying the approval process until 2021. Definitely, there is major interest as the city of Richmond announced major proposals from Bally’s, Pamunkey Tribe, Golden Nugget, Urban One, The Cordish Cos., and Wind Creek.
Finally, if VA becomes home to professional sports teams, these venues can offer both retail and mobile sports betting.
VA Sports Betting Apps
Certainly, the VA Lottery has a choice of what online sportsbooks to award sports betting licenses, with 25 applicants. Therefore, the operators listed below are some of the nation’s best and most established online sportsbooks available.
Moreover, there are still online sportsbooks entering the Old Dominion. PlayingLegal unbiasedly ranks the top VA sports betting apps available based on betting interfaces offered.
BetMGM Sportsbook Mobile App
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- Free Live Streaming
- Crisp in-play betting
- Boosted parlays
- Easy Navigation
- Shortage of special market odds
- Slow customer support response
Definitely, the BetMGM Sportsbook mobile app puts its best foot forward, dubbing itself as the ‘King of Sportsbooks.’ A user-friendly interface awaits both new and experienced sports bettors alike. Take advantage of the ease of navigation and quick responsivity for the best live in-play betting interface available.
William Hill Sportsbook Mobile App
- No rollover required
- Qualifying first bet must lose
- Free bet must be used within 7 days
- Valid for new customer accounts only
- Live Streaming
- Transparent terms of use
- Generous welcome bonus
- Responsive customer support
- Complete odds offer
- Cash Out not available yet
- The user interface could be improved
Of late, the William Hill Sportsbook is making strides towards enhancing and refining the mobile app. Some highlights include wagering on the proprietary platform, where VA sports bettors find a vast array of markets and pricing different from its competitors.
DraftKings Sportsbook Mobile App
- Valid 1 per new customer.
- Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet.
- $150 issued in bonus bets.
- Opt in req. 1 No Sweat token issued per day.
- SGP/SGPx bets only. 3+ legs req.
- Max. wagering limits apply.
- Must use funds from cash balance. Must select token BEFORE placing bet.
- Bet must lose after applying Token. Paid as one Bonus Bet based on amount of losing bet.
- Tokens expire at start of the last game each day when offered.
- No Sweat cannot be used to redeem Bet $5 Get $150 offer.
- Rewarded bonus bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded.
- Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings.
- A reputable and historic brand
- Live Streaming
- In-play betting
- Cashouts
- Slow customer support
- Mobile app stability issues
- High wagering requirements for the bonus
While the DraftKings Sportsbook mobile app still rates highly overall, there is a decline in app stability lately. In particular, sports bettors complain about freezing and lagging, especially during heavy traffic times when major sports betting events are in-play. Definitely, the DraftKings Sportsbook mobile app needs improvement.
How to Bet Online in Virginia
Right here in VA, you can register online for sports betting. In fact, it may be a while before the Old Dominion offers in-person retail sports betting. Therefore, why not take a few minutes and register for a VA online sportsbook. The process is quick and easy, plus you can wager anywhere from within Virginia state borders.
Here is a quick step-by-step tutorial on how to bet online in Virginia:
- Take a look and choose a sportsbook from PlayingLegal’s list of best VA betting sites.
- Now, using a web-based browser, navigate to your chosen sportsbook site.
- Next, if you choose to download the mobile app, the Android and iOS icons are typically located at the website's bottom. Alternatively, you can look for a navigation section called ‘Download.’
- Then, you need to sign-up for your new sports betting account with relevant personal details:
- Full legal name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Date of birth
- Last four digits or full SSN
- At this point, before submitting your personal details, enter in a promo code if one is available for your welcome bonus.
- Now, check that your welcome bonus is active in your player account.
- Once your sports betting account is open, browse the market selection.
- Please select your desired betting line and add it to your bet slip.
At PlayingLegal, we constantly advocate opening multiple sportsbook accounts. In this manner, you can access the best odds, promotions, or bonuses, giving you the most bang for your buck.
VA Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Here in VA, the nation’s biggest online sportsbooks are available. Typically, betting bonuses and promotions offered by sportsbooks usually coincide with major sporting events. Moreover, these operators provide better bonuses and promotions as they compete for your business.
Below, neatly organized, explore betting bonuses and ongoing promotions offered by VA online sportsbooks. Finally, don’t count out rewards or loyalty programs that make up for the lack of bonuses or promotions.
| VA Sports Betting Bonuses | |
|---|---|
| No-deposit bonus | Deposit match bonus |
| – | Free bet |
| VA Sports Betting Promotions | |
|---|---|
| Parlay boost | Betting reload bonus |
| Odds boost | Leaderboard races |
Payment Methods
There are many options for funding your accounts in VA when you choose to play at a legal and licensed sportsbook. Below, note that the various payment options listed are not available at every single betting site.
Finally, there may be withdrawal restrictions, such as you need to have previously used the payment method as a deposit option before withdrawing.
| VA Sportsbook Payment Methods | ||
|---|---|---|
| Play+ Prepaid Card | PayPal | Skrill |
| Bank Transfer | eCheck/ACH | Wire Transfer |
| Casino Cashier | PayNearMe | Major Credit/Debit Cards |
Most Popular Sports in VA Sportsbooks
Ultimately, football, particularly NFL, is the most popular sport of choice for Virginians. The Commonwealth has various professional sports leagues and multiple Division I NCAA teams, either located in state borders or nearby. Although not a VA team in name, D.C. United (MLS) has many loyal fans in Old Dominion.
Finally, note the restriction that you cannot bet on NCAAF or NCAAB for in-state VA teams.
| 🏈 NFL | 🏀 NBA |
| 🏒 NHL | ⚾ MLB |
NCAA
While Virginia has an impressive number of NCAA schools that offer Division I NCAAF or NCAAB, VA sports betting sites are restricted from offering betting lines on the following teams below:
- Virginia Cavaliers
- Virginia Tech Hokies
- Liberty Flames
- Old Dominion Monarchs
- James Madison Dukes
- George Mason Patriots
- Richmond Spiders
If you desire to sports bet on any of the collegiate teams listed above, try a neighboring state such as Pennsylvania that has no college sports restrictions.
NASCAR
The Commonwealth hosts more NASCAR Cup Series, such as the XFINITY 500 and Truck Series than other states. WynnBET partners with NASCAR as the official online sportsbook of the Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway.
Popular VA NASCAR bet types include:
- Pre-race
- Live in-play betting
- Winning driver
- Matchups plus head-to-head
- Stage winners
- Over/Under of the number of the winning car.
NFL
FanDuel Sportsbook launched in VA in partnership with the Washington Football Team. Additionally, the team is actively searching for a new football stadium, possibly in VA. Although the team currently plays in Maryland, there is a possibility for relocation to the Commonwealth.
Overall, the biggest and most popular sport to bet on in VA is the NFL. Here are the most popular VA NFL bets:
- Pre-season
- NFL Playoffs
- Super Bowl
- Regular season
- Futures
- Moneylines
- Props
- Division Conference Champions
- MVP.
NBA
While the Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics (WNBA) are located in nearby Washington, D.C., there are many Virginian fans. Popular VA NBA betting lines include:
- Point Spreads
- Moneyline
- Totals (Over or Under)
- NBA Finals
- Conference Winners
- MVP
- Rookie of the Year
- DPOY
- Most Improved Player.
NHL
Virginia has a loyal fan base to the nearby Washington Capitals located in the DC metro area. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes, with previous success in the 2000s, are quite popular amongst Virginians. Of note, the Stanley Cup and Division or conference winners are popular futures bets.
Some common and popular VA NHL bets are:
- Puckline
- Moneyline
- Totals
- Alternate puck lines
- Period betting
- Parlays
- Live in-play betting.
MLB
While there is no local MLB team, Virginians enjoy following and betting on the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles. Here are some popular VA MLB bets:
- Moneyline
- Runline
- Totals
- Innings wagers
- Alternate run lines
- Series betting
Some regular season bets outside of the World Series:
- Saves
- Homeruns
- Stolen bases
- Strikeouts.
Types of Sports Betting in Virginia
A traditional variety of sports betting types is available in VA:
- Moneyline
- Teasers
- Parlays
- Totals (Overs-Unders)
- Pools
- Exchange wagering
- Live in-play betting
- Prop bets
- Straight bets
- Single-game bets.
History of Sports Betting in Virginia
Truly, it is surprising to many that sports betting is a reality in Virginia. For example, the Commonwealth was previously staunch in not allowing commercial or tribal casinos within state borders.
Yet, with SCOTUS overturning PASPA, the floodgates for states to legalize sports betting opened. Below, explore the history and timeline of how sports betting came to be in the Old Dominion.
-
1987
Voter referendum approves the establishment of the Virginia Lottery.
-
May 2018
SCOTUS overturns the PASPA, allowing New Jersey to offer sports betting. This landmark case opens the doors for other states to legalize sports betting.
-
Jan. 6, 2020
VA Sen. Jeremy S. McPike introduces SB 384, seeking to legalize sports betting and delegating the Virginia Lottery to regulate the new industry.
-
Jan. 7, 2020
VA Del. Mark D. Sickles introduces HB 896, a sister bill to SB 384.
-
Jan. – Apr. 2020
The VA legislators begin a series of deliberations with few amendments.
-
Apr. 11, 2020
However, Gov. Ralph Northam sends SB 384 and HB 896 back with amendments: 1) licensing fee changes, 2) deadline changes and 3) NASCAR racetracks located in the state can offer their own sports betting sites.
-
Apr. 22, 2020
Virginia General Assembly approves sports betting with SB 384 and HB 896 with Gov. Ralph Northam’s amendments. Technically, Gov. Northam’s signature was not required because both chambers accepted his amendments.
-
Sept. 15, 2020
The Virginia Lottery Board finalizes sports betting regulations for the Commonwealth.
-
Oct. 15-31, 2020
The VA Lottery receives 25 mobile sports betting permit applications. Notably, the Lottery does not announce publicly announce who the specific applicants are. However, the press release acknowledges that priority is given to applicants based on experience and success in the United States.
-
Nov. 3, 2020
Voter referendums in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth overwhelmingly approve four new commercial casinos slated for their cities.
-
Jan. 7, 2021
VA Del. Mark D. Sickles introduces HB 1847, clarifying what types of sports events operators can offer. Also, a casino operator’s permit does not count towards the maximum 12 permits issued by the Virginia Lottery Director. Finally, there are technical amendments that deal with VA sports betting and casino gaming law.
-
Jan. 12, 2021
VA Sen. Jeremy McPike introduces SB 1254, a sister bill to HB 1847.
-
Jan. 21, 2021
Online sports betting officially launches with FanDuel Sportsbook receiving the first legal sports wagers in the Commonwealth. In the days after, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and William Hill also launch.
-
Jan. 27, 2021
HB 1847 passes the VA House of Delegates, 67-33.
-
Feb. 1, 2021
SB 1254 passes the VA Senate, 21-18.
The Future of VA Sports Betting
The VA sports betting industry is ushering in a Golden Age. On the whole, there are numerous promising factors in play for the budding industry.
While some find the lack of physical retail sportsbooks in VA for now worrying, the majority (around 90%) of sports betting in legal jurisdictions across the United States is online. Plus, retail sportsbooks are eventually debuting in the state. Additionally, there are mega commercial casinos with established brand names breaking ground in Old Dominion in the near future.
Also, the mid-range licensing fees and tax rate for operators are not drastic enough for sportsbooks to shy away from the Commonwealth. Finally, the Lottery released the VA sports betting handle and revenue for the state’s first partial month, Jan. 21-31, 2021.
In total, Virginians wagered almost $59 million in handle for a period of 10 days. As more online sportsbooks launch and the Old Dominion market matures, the future of VA sports betting firmly cements into the upward trend.
VA Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. Mobile and online sports betting are currently available as of Jan. 21, 2021, with several of the nation’s best online sportsbooks. However, in-person retail sportsbooks at casinos are yet to be built within state borders. Virginians can expect physical sportsbooks by 2022. Thus, your best bet, for now, is to set up online sports betting accounts.
Can you bet on sports online in Virginia?
Yes, you can bet on sports online in Virginia. In fact, mobile sports betting was officially legalized in July 2020. Once the Virginia Lottery Board finalized online sports betting regulations on Sept. 5, 2020, it was a matter of months before online sports betting launched on Jan. 21, 2021.
Is FanDuel Sportsbook legal in Virginia?
Yes, the FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in Virginia. In fact, FanDuel was the first online sportsbook to launch in the Old Dominion on Jan. 21, 2021. Moreover, this top online sports betting site offers a lucrative welcome bonus for new VA customers.
Is DraftKings legal in Virginia?
Yes, the DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in Virginia. For now, VA sports bettors can wager online or via a mobile device by downloading the app. DraftKings launched in the Old Dominion on Jan. 24, 2021, as the second online sportsbook in the state.
Is BetMGM Sportsbook legal in Virginia?
Yes, the BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in Virginia. After receiving approval from the Virginia Lottery, BetMGM launched on Jan. 26, 2021, as the state’s third online sportsbook. Finally, a generous welcome bonus awaits new VA players along with one of the best betting interfaces on the market.
What is the Virginia sports betting legislation?
In Virginia, the VA General Assembly passed HB 896, and the VA Senate approved SB 384. These two bills, combined with amendments from VA Gov. Eric Northam, formed the basis of legal sports betting in the Commonwealth. For now, Old Dominion offers online sports betting with up to five commercial casinos that will be built in the future.
How does the Virginia Lottery regulate sports betting?
Overall, the VA Lottery was tasked by the VA legislature to regulate the sports betting market in the Commonwealth. In particular, future land-based casinos and online or mobile sports betting require licensing, auditing, and compliance with the rules set by VA Lottery.
What is the Virginia sports betting bill?
There were two Virginia sports betting bills passed by the VA General Assembly and the VA Senate. These bills called HB 896 and SB 384 and Gov. Eric Northam’s amendments collectively legalized sports betting in the Commonwealth. The VA legislatures passed both bills on Apr. 22, 2020 but, online sports betting did not launch until Jan. 21, 2021.
What is the Virginia sports betting law?
Virginia sports betting law is called the Virginia Lottery Law for short. Under the Code of Virginia, Chapter 40, the VA Lottery regulates and oversees the sports betting industry in the Commonwealth. Finally, note that state legislators and the VA Lottery are still tweaking rules and regulations to clarify the prior bills.
