Virginia online sports betting

Legal Virginia online sports betting became a reality in January 2021. On VABetting.com, you will find all of the information you need to safely enjoy sports wagering in the great state of Virginia.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Table of contents
Fan Favorite
1 Bet365
Bet365 review
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
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(+5)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Popular Promo
2 Caesars
Caesars review
Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
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(+7)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
3 Fanatics
Fanatics review
Get Up To $1000 No Sweat Bets
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(+6)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
4 BetRivers
BetRivers review
Second Chance Bet Up To $500
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(+5)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
5 FanDuel
FanDuel review
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
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(+5)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
6 BetMGM
BetMGM review
Second Chance Bet Up To $1500
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Best Virginia sports betting sites

  • Bet365 Virginia: Best Virginia sports betting site overall
  • Caesars Virginia: Known for its generous welcome bonuses
  • BetRivers Virginia: Industry-leading platform with retail options
  • FanDuel Virginia: Great mobile app suitable for beginners
  • BetMGM Virginia: Elite rewards program

Bet365 Virginia

1. Bet365 Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
  • Retail location: None
  • Live in Virginia since: 2023

Bet365 was founded in England back in 2000, it has grown to become one of the largest sports betting firms in the entire world. They are gradually making moves into United States markets, and they launched their online sports betting site in Virginia in January 2023. This is a platform with a lot to offer, and they are known for their popular sign-up bonuses.

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Caesars Virginia

2. Caesars Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
  • Retail location: None
  • Live in Virginia since: 2021

Caesars Palace is one of the most iconic casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, and Caesars Entertainment owns and/or operates many gaming facilities around the country. The Caesars Sportsbook online platform is one of the best in the industry, and they typically offer the most generous sign-up bonus in the market.

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Fanatics Virginia

3. Fanatics Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Bet & Get Up To $1000 in No Sweat Bets
  • Retail location: None
  • Live in Virginia since: 2023

The Fanatics brand is well-known to American sports fans for its team merchandise, and millions of people have purchased items from them. They have leveraged that advantage to enter the sports betting arena with Fanatics Sportsbook. Through their acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. operation, they have gradually entered numerous markets, including Virginia.

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BetRivers Logo

4. BetRivers Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $500
  • Retail location: Rivers Casino Portsmouth
  • Live in Virginia since: 2021

BetRivers is another option for sports bettors in Virginia. Rush Street Interactive is the company behind the platform, and they have aggressively entered most of the large legal markets in the country. They deliver an industry-standard online sports betting product, and there is a retail BetRivers sportsbook at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth.

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FanDuel Virginia

5. FanDuel Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets & 3 Month Trial of NBA League Pass
  • Retail location: None
  • Live in Virginia since: 2021

FanDuel is a daily fantasy sports pioneer that entered the sports betting space right after the federal prohibition on the activity was lifted in 2018. They are the overall leader in terms of revenue nationwide, and they opened the first online sports betting site in Virginia. When you are the top dog, you must be doing a lot of things right.

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BetMGM Virginia

6. BetMGM Virginia

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500
  • Retail location: None
  • Live in Virginia since: 2021

MGM Resorts was firmly established as one of the foremost casino gaming companies in the U.S. prior to the federal legalization of sports betting in 2018. BetMGM is the company’s online sports betting platform, and it has become one of the most popular sports wagering sites in the country.

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More VA betting sites

Besides the top Virginia betting sites we’ve already covered, there are additional options:

DraftKings Virginia

DraftKings Virginia

DraftKings is right in the middle of the mix whenever a state legalizes sports gaming, and they launched in Virginia on January 24, 2021. This is one of the premier online sports betting sites in Virginia, and they always offer an enticing sign-up bonus. As time goes on, there are promos for established players, and the platform is easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing.

Hard Rock Virginia

Hard Rock Sportsbook Virginia

Hard Rock Casino in Bristol was the first casino to open in the state in July 2022. There is a retail Hard Rock Sportsbook at the facility, and their online sports betting platform in Virginia is called Hard Rock Bet. This is a trusted name that has been around for a long time, and the brand has a lot of loyal followers.

SI Virginia

SI Sportsbook Virginia

Sports Illustrated has been one of the most important sports publications in America for generations, and they have entered the sports gaming arena with SI Sportsbook. They provide all the basics that every sportsbook should have, but all things considered, the platform is unremarkable.

Betr Virginia

Betr Virginia

On March 3, 2023, the Virginia Lottery approved the sports betting license application that was submitted by Betr. This is an innovative micro-betting platform that is backed by noted UFC fighter and social media star Jake Paul. The platform is expected to go live in Virginia in the near future.

Bally Bet Virginia

Bally Bet Virginia

Bally’s Corporation is a major force in the gaming industry in the United States with 15 brick-and-mortar casinos along with a horse track and an online sports betting platform. Bally Bet Virginia launched on November 24, 2021, but they have suspended operations while they convert to the highly regarded Kambi sports betting platform.

ESPN Bet Virginia

ESPN Bet Virginia

Previously known as Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet made its debut in November 2023 in Virginia following the completion of a rebranding process by its parent company, PENN Entertainment. The sportsbook now features a modern mobile application and leverages the expertise of ESPN’s broadcast personalities to provide betting insights, positioning itself for sustained success in the future.

Yes, the first legal sports bets were accepted in Virginia on January 21, 2021. This became possible after lawmakers approved Senate Bill 384 and House Bill 896 and April 2020. Governor Ralph Northam amended the legislation, and the legislature approved the amendments.

Is online sports betting legal in Virginia?

Overview of Virginia sports betting

Sports betting legal since: 2021
Number of online betting sites: 12
Number of retail sportsbooks: 2
Governing body: Virginia Lottery
Legal age to bet: 21

For the most part, all of the legal online sports betting sites in Virginia offer the same bet types, and these are the most popular options:

  • Point spread bets: A point spread is a number of points that will reflect the perceived win probability difference between the two teams. The favorite will surrender points, and the underdog will receive them. For example, if you bet on a 4.5-point favorite, you collect on the bet if they win by 5 points or more. Conversely, if you bet the underdog at +4.5, you win as long as they do not lose by more than 4 points.
  • Moneyline bets: This is the simplest and most straightforward type of wager. When you place a moneyline bet, you are a winner if the team that you bet on wins the game outright, regardless of the score.
  • Parlay wagers: A parlay is a combination of multiple separate bets combined into a single wager. In order to collect on the bet, all of your entries must be correct, and the payouts reflect the difficulty level.
  • Teasers: Teasers are similar to parlays because they have multiple legs, but you get extra points in your favor above the point spread when you play a teaser. These wagers are offered for basketball and football.
  • Futures bets: A futures wager is a bet on an outcome that will be decided at some point in the future. For example, you can place a bet on the team that will win the Super Bowl at the end of the season.
  • Proposition wagers: With a proposition or prop bet, you wager on a specific outcome within a game. An example of a proposition bet would be a wager on a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards.
  • Live or in-game betting: Sportsbooks will post odds on games while they are underway, and they will be adjusted to reflect the current game situation. With live betting, you can get in on the action at any time.

How to bet on sports online in Virginia

To get started when you decide to bet on sports online, you need to choose a genuine and legitimate Virginia sportsbook and register an account. Below, we give you a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

  1. Find a legit online sports betting site in Virginia – On the top of this page, we have listed all of the best online sports betting sites in Virginia. If you see an operator with an attractive bonus or other attractive features, visit the website and start creating your account.
  2. Register your details – When you register, you’ll be asked to provide information such as your name, your preferred username, and your email address. In addition to this, you’ll need to verify some of your information.  You’ll also have to allow the sports betting website or app to access your location through your device’s geolocator.
  3. Use a promo code if you have one to claim a bonus –  You may be asked for a promo code during the signup process in order to activate the welcome bonus for new players. Make sure you opt-in by activating the bonus with your promo code.
  4. Start betting – With your new bonus activated and your deposited funds, you can start making bets. Find your preferred markets and check out the odds before creating your first betting slip.

How to determine the best betting site in Virginia

We have listed the 12 sports betting sites in Virginia at the top of this page. All of them are licensed by the state, so you can be absolutely certain that they are legitimate. At the same time, some are better than others, and opinions can vary. With this in mind, we have listed some factors to consider when you are evaluating online sports betting operators.

  • Reputation: Look for a sports betting site with a good reputation in the industry. Read reviews and check out ratings from other users to determine if the site is trustworthy.
  • Licensing: Only choose sports betting sites that are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery. This ensures that the site is operating legally and that your personal and financial information is secure.
  • Betting options: Consider the variety of sports and betting options available on the site. Some sites specialize in specific sports, while others offer a wide range of options for different sports and events.
  • Bonuses and promotions: Look for sports betting sites that offer generous bonuses and promotions to new and existing users. This can include welcome bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions.
  • User experience: Consider the ease of use and functionality of the sports betting site. Look for sites with intuitive interfaces and mobile-friendly options.
  • Payment options: Check the available payment methods and ensure that the site accepts your preferred payment method. Look for sites that offer fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.
  • Customer support: Choose a sports betting site with responsive and helpful customer support. Look for sites with multiple support channels, such as email, phone, and live chat.
  • Responsible gambling: Ensure that the sports betting site promotes responsible gambling and offers tools and resources to help users manage their gambling habits.

Should I wager on multiple betting sites?

Since there are so many options available, you may wonder if you should stick with one site, or bet on multiple platforms. We feel as though it is definitely better to establish multiple accounts for a number of different reasons, and we list them below.

  • Multiple welcome bonuses: Every operator offers a sign-up bonus for first-time users. In some cases, you get guaranteed bonus bets that are yours just for signing up and making a small qualifying wager. This is a rare opportunity to get something for nothing, and the more you can get, the better.
  • Ongoing promotions: After you make your first bet to receive your welcome reward, the sportsbook will provide ongoing bonus offers for established players. Some of the sites are more proactive about the specials than others. When you have more than one account, you can make the rounds to find out what type of bonus you can snag at any given time.
  • Shopping for odds: Each Virginia online sports betting site will have slightly different odds for the same games. If you hold several accounts, you can compare the odds that are being offered by different operators for the play that you want to make. In this manner, you always know that you are getting the most player-friendly odds. This advantage will pay tangible dividends over a large sample size.
  • Compare the experiences: Let’s say that you decide to start betting on sports, and you choose a particular site. You sign up and get the bonus, and there is nothing really wrong with the experience, but there is nothing particularly good either. Since there are so many possibilities, why not check out some other sites that you may actually like better?
  • Have backups: All of the sites that are licensed by the state are reliable for the most part, but system maintenance and unexpected occurrences can cause downtime. When you have several accounts, you can always go to Plan B if your preferred site is not available for a while.

Virginia’s favorite sports to bet on

You will find a wide array of sports on the betting menu at Virginia online sports betting sites, and here is a rundown of the most popular ones:

  • Football: NFL betting is the most popular betting market in Virginia and the rest of the country by a wide margin, and college football is in the mix as well.
  • Basketball: It is fun to bet on the NBA because of the fast-paced action and high scoring, so basketball attracts a great deal of betting interest on both the college and the pro levels.
  • Baseball: The Grand Old Game is an American tradition, and wagering on the MLB will always make it much more interesting.
  • Hockey: Fans of NHL betting can get in on the action at all of the licensed sportsbooks in Virginia, and the intensity goes up a notch during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
  • UFC/MMA: Fight fans get fired up for the big events, and betting on a huge bout can make a good thing a whole lot better.
    Soccer: A lot of Virginia sports betting sites are operated by European-based companies, so you can find plenty of soccer markets if that’s your thing.
  • Golf: Golf may not be the most exciting spectator sport, but when you have money riding on a golfer, everything changes, and you’re on the edge of your seat.
  • Tennis: Major tennis tournaments are highly awaited events each and every year, and there are lines posted at the sports betting sites.
    Motorsports: NASCAR is huge in Virginia, and you can turn your auto racing knowledge into cold hard cash at the online sportsbooks.
  • Horse racing: Horse race betting was available all around the country prior to the legalization of sports betting, and people in Virginia and elsewhere will always bet the horses.

Retail betting locations in VA

Licensed casinos in Virginia can operate retail sportsbooks at their facilities, but at the present time, there are just two casinos.

  • Hard Rock Bristol Sportsbook: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol, Virginia, and the Hard Rock Bristol Sportsbook is now open for business.
  • BetRivers Sportsbook: Rivers Casino is the other brick-and-mortar gaming facility that is up and running in Virginia, and there is a retail BetRivers Sportsbook in the casino, which is located at 3630 Victory Boulevard.

It’s important to note that retail betting locations in Virginia are subject to change, and new locations may open up in the future as the Virginia gambling industry continues to grow.

Laws and regulations to consider when betting in VA

To ensure a fair and transparent industry, sports betting is governed by laws and regulations that protect both operators and consumers. Here are some important laws and regulations regarding sports betting in Virginia:

  • Virginia sports betting laws – This took effect in July 2020 and legalizes sports betting in Virginia. It outlines the eligibility requirements for operators to obtain licenses from the Virginia Lottery, such as their financial stability and background checks.
  • Virginia Lottery regulations – The Virginia Lottery is responsible for regulating sports betting in the state. It has established rules and regulations that operators must follow to ensure the integrity of the industry. These regulations cover areas such as player protection, responsible gaming, and fair play.
  • Online and mobile sports betting laws – Virginia law permits online and mobile sports betting, but bettors must be physically located within the state’s borders to place bets.
  • Official league data requirement – Wagering companies in Virginia are required to use official league data to settle in-game wagers. This is to ensure the accuracy and fairness of betting outcomes. If operators wish to use alternative data sources, they must demonstrate to the Virginia Lottery that these sources are reliable and accurate.
  • Responsible gaming regulations – Virginia law requires sports betting operators to implement responsible gaming measures. These include providing tools such as self-exclusion options and deposit limits to help consumers gamble responsibly. Operators must also undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with these regulations.
  • Virginia college sports betting prohibition – Virginia law prohibits betting on college sports involving teams from the state or any Virginia college or university. This is to protect the integrity of college sports and prevent any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Sports betting license fee – Sports betting companies must pay a $250,000 license fee to obtain a license from the Virginia Lottery. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid annually.
  • Minimum age requirement – The minimum age for betting on sports in Virginia is 21 years old. Operators must verify the age of all players to prevent underage gambling.
  • Sports betting taxation – Virginia law imposes a 15% tax on sports betting revenue. The revenue generated from this Virginia gambling tax is used to fund education, infrastructure, and problem gambling treatment programs. This helps to mitigate any negative effects of gambling on the community.

Virginia sports teams to bet on

There are no professional sports teams in the state of Virginia, and under the sports gambling legalization law, you cannot bet on Virginia college teams. However, Washington D.C. borders northern Virginia, so there is interest in teams from D.C. like:

  • Washington Commanders: The Commanders underwent a name change relatively recently, but the franchise has been around for a long time. They have had a lot of success over the years, and many great players have donned the Washington uniform.
  • Washington Nationals: Many baseball fans in Virginia root for the Washington Nationals, and they had a reason to celebrate in 2019 when the Nats won the World Series.
  • Washington Capitals: The Capitals have been one of the strongest franchises in the NHL over recent years, and they won their first and only Stanley Cup at the conclusion of the 2017-2018 season.
  • Washington Wizards: A lot of people in Virginia that follow the NBA support the Washington Wizards. This team has not given fans a whole lot to cheer about over recent years, but hope springs eternal for the Wizard faithful.

History of VA sports betting

In Virginia, the legalization of sports betting is a recent development, and it has been met with a flurry of activity in the industry. Here is a timeline of key events in the history of sports betting in Virginia:

  • May 2018: The Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, giving states the ability to legalize and regulate sports betting.
  • March 2019: The Virginia General Assembly passes a bill to study the issue of sports betting in the state.
  • November 2019: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission releases a report recommending that Virginia legalize sports betting.
  • April 2020: Governor Ralph Northam signs a bill into law legalizing sports betting in Virginia.
  • September 2020: The Virginia Lottery Board approves regulations for sports betting in the state.
  • October 15, 2020: The Virginia Lottery Board begins accepting applications for sports betting licenses.
  • January 2021: FanDuel becomes the first betting site to launch in Virginia.
  • April 2021: BetMGM, DraftKings, and several other operators launch in Virginia.
  • November 2021: Virginia surpasses $1 billion in sports betting handle since its launch earlier in the year.
  • December 2022: Virginia reaches $4.9 billion in handle for 2022, with sixteen wagering sites already live.

FAQ

What are the taxes on betting winnings in Virginia?

You are required to pay federal and state income taxes if you win money gambling in Virginia. The rate of the federal income tax that you pay will depend on your overall tax situation. This applies to state-level liability as well, and the rates span from 2% to 5.75%.

Do online sports betting sites in VA require ID verification?

When you sign up at a sportsbook, you are required to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is used to verify your identity and your most recently recorded location. If this checks out, there will be no further verification necessary. If it doesn’t, you will be asked to provide your state-issued ID and proof of residence in Virginia.

What payment methods can I use to bet on sports online in Virginia?

All of the operators typically accept online banking, credit and debit cards, and PayPal along with various other methods that vary depending on a given site's policies.

What is the legal age for online sports betting in Virginia?

You have to be at least 21 years of age to bet on sports in the state of Virginia.

Can I bet on college sports in Virginia?

Yes, you can bet on college sports in general, but you cannot bet on Virginia-based college games.

Who regulates online sports betting in Virginia?

The regulatory body for sports betting is the Virginia Lottery.

What is the revenue of Virginia sports betting?

In 2022, the total handle was $4.91 billion, which places the state in seventh place among states with legal sports betting.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley, a sports betting expert and author at VA Betting, brings a unique perspective with his background in junior hockey. Outside of evaluating Virginia sportsbooks, Dan dedicates his time to watching as many NHL games as he can.