Virginia sports betting locations

As soon as the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was overturned in the summer of 2018, Virginia legislators were quick to the punch in 2019 to get Virginia sports betting locations launched quickly. At first, bills stalled in the Virginia House and Senate, but lobbyists stepped in to push the action forward. 

Despite that initial effort failing, sports betting was officially legalized two years later, going live across the state in January 2021. With the success of sports betting growing potentially each year, and states where it’s legal tax revenue with it, the industry isn’t going anywhere. We look at everything you need to know about Virginia sports betting locations today.

List of all retail sportsbooks in Virginia

There is currently only one retail sportsbook in Virginia, located on the state’s southern border in Bristol, VA. It is worth noting that in April 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that permits commercial casino sites to be raised in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Richmond, VA. With casino projects approved in each of those jurisdictions, many believe it’s just a matter of time before we see more casinos and retail sportsbooks in Virginia.

What types of sports betting locations exist in Virginia?

With sports betting officially going live in January 2021, many Virginians hoped retail sports betting locations would come next. Though the state only has one to date, the state’s racetracks offer residents and visitors a different form of sports betting. Let’s take a closer look at both.

Casinos

As the only show in town when it comes to Virginia sports betting locations, the Hard Rock Bristol Casino is a must-visit for any gamblers in the Old Dominion State. Mixing the culture of Bristol, VA with live music, other entertainment options, a casino, and now a sportsbook, Hard Rock Bristol does not disappoint. 

With the legalization of sports betting in 2021, Hard Rock Sportsbook opened its doors on July 8, 2022, becoming the go-to destination for fans of in-person sports betting. Fans can watch and bet games directly from the sportsbook floor, with live agents taking bets and self-serving kiosks for sports bettors to use.

Racetracks

Colonial Downs

Located in New Kent, VA, Colonial Downs is the number one spot for thoroughbred horse racing in Virginia. Temporarily closing its doors in 2014, Colonial Downs re-opened to the public in 2019, fresh with new renovations to bring the racetrack into the 21st century.

Long-offering betting on the races held there at Colonial, the state of VA passed legislation in 2018 to also allow pari-mutuel (off-track) betting, allowing bettors to bet on horse races happening throughout the country. Historical horse racing (HHR) machines are also available at Colonial Downs, which resemble slot machines but instead use historical horse racing results to randomize winners.

Shenandoah Downs

If you are more of a harness racing fan, Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, VA is the place for you. Different from thoroughbred racing where the rider is on the horse, harness racing situates the rider on a two-wheeled cart behind the horse. 

Thanks to the aforementioned 2018 Virginia legislation, visitors to Shenandoah Downs can bet on races both at the track, as well as those simulcast at the facilities' off-track betting area. Both VA horse racetracks are licensed by the Virginia Racing Commission. For fans of HHR machines, Shenandoah Downs also offers them and is a major contributor to the ongoing success of the racetrack.