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Best online gambling sites in Virginia

DraftKings Virginia Best gambling site for bonus codes
FanDuel Virginia Best gambling site for mobile users
PointsBet Virginia Best gambling site for odds boosts
BetRivers Virginia Best gambling site for NBA betting

When it comes to choosing an online gambling site in the state of Virginia, going after the best online gambling experience should be your first priority. There are many reasons why you should always play at the best online gambling site.

Some main reasons are great customer service, multiple payment options, multiple games to choose from, and more. To help you save time, we have highlighted some of the best online gambling sites in Virginia for you to choose from.

BetRivers Virginia

BetRivers Virginia is a legal and regulated online gambling site that went live in Virginia in January 2021. It offers a variety of betting options for sports enthusiasts, including popular leagues such as NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as live in-game betting. The platform is easily accessible through desktop devices, providing an easy-to-use interface and secure payment options. With its comprehensive betting options and user-friendly features, BetRivers Virginia is a top choice for online gambling in the state.

FanDuel Virginia

FanDuel Virginia is an online betting platform that offers a variety of sports betting options, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. Opening in January 2021, FanDuel Virginia is licensed and regulated and provides a safe and secure environment for users to enjoy their favorite sports and games. With user-friendly features, such as live in-game betting, cash-out options, and daily fantasy sports, FanDuel Virginia offers a thrilling and entertaining experience for sports enthusiasts and gamblers alike.

PointsBet Virginia

PointsBet Virginia is a legal gambling site that was launched in December 2021, providing a safe and secure environment for sports enthusiasts to bet on their favorite teams. This platform allows users to place bets on various sports events and games, including basketball, football, baseball, and more. PointsBet Virginia offers numerous betting options, including spread, moneyline, and total bets, with competitive odds and fast payouts.

DraftKings Virginia

DraftKings Virginia is a popular gambling operator that went live in January 2021. The website offers users a wide range of sports betting options, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. Users can also participate in daily fantasy sports and other forms of online gambling. The platform is fully licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery and provides a safe and secure environment for users to place bets and enjoy various forms of online entertainment.

Bally Bet Virginia

Bally Bet Virginia is a legal online gambling platform that offers various sports betting and other games to players in Virginia. Launched in November 2021, it is operated by Bally's Corporation, a renowned gaming company with a long-standing reputation in the industry. The website has a user-friendly interface, with a range of deposit and withdrawal options available. It also has a commitment to responsible gambling.

Barstool Virginia

Barstool Virginia is a licensed online wagering site operating in the state of Virginia, offering a variety of games and sports betting options. First opening in August 2021, the site is owned by Penn National Gaming and is known for its user-friendly interface and competitive odds. Barstool Virginia provides a safe and secure gambling environment, with measures in place to prevent underage gambling and promote responsible gaming.

Bet365 Virginia

Bet365 Virginia is an online gambling operator that went live in January 2023. The website offers a variety of betting options on sports from basketball to rugby. It has a user-friendly interface with easy navigation, making it simple for users to place bets and manage their accounts. The site is fully licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery, ensuring fair play and responsible gambling.

Betfred Virginia

Betfred Virginia is a gambling website that offers a wide range of sports betting and other games. Launched in February 2023, the site is fully licensed and regulated and offers a safe and secure environment for players to enjoy their favorite games. The site accepts a variety of payment methods and offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that players have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

BetMGM Virginia

BetMGM Virginia is an online gambling site that went live in January 2021. It offers a variety of betting options in sports betting. BetMGM Virginia is licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery and provides a safe and secure environment for users to place their bets. The platform also offers competitive odds, promotions, and a VIP program for loyal customers.

Betway Virginia

Betway Virginia is a gambling platform that offers a wide range of betting options, including sports, casino games, and esports. Launched in May 2022. Betway Virginia is committed to providing a safe and fair gambling experience, with secure payment options and responsible gaming measures in place. The platform is user-friendly and accessible via desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for users to place their bets from anywhere at any time.

Caesars Virginia

Caesars Virginia is a gambling operator that offers a wide range of sports betting options for punters in the state. It opened in January 2021. The site is designed for easy navigation and user-friendly access to its various gaming options. With robust security measures and customer support available 24/7, Caesars Virginia provides a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience for players in Virginia.

Hard Rock Virginia

Hard Rock Virginia is a popular gambling site that went live in May 2022, offering a diverse range of sports wagering options. Licensed by the Virginia Lottery, it provides a secure and fair gaming experience to players aged 21 and over. It allows users to bet on various sports events worldwide. With its user-friendly interface, reliable customer support, and attractive bonuses, Hard Rock Virginia has become a top choice for online gambling enthusiasts in Virginia and beyond.

Sports Illustrated Virginia

Sports Illustrated Virginia is a wagering platform that offers a wide range of sports betting options to users in the state of Virginia. Launched in May 2022, the site provides a secure and user-friendly interface for placing bets on various sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and more. With its extensive coverage of sporting events and competitive odds, Sports Illustrated Virginia has quickly become a popular destination for online sports betting enthusiasts.

Unibet Virginia

Unibet Virginia is a leading online gambling site that launched in the state in April 2021. The platform is known for its wide range of sports betting options. With a user-friendly interface and a variety of payment options, Unibet Virginia has quickly become a go-to destination for online gamblers in the state. The site is fully licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery and offers a safe and secure gaming experience for its users.

WynnBET Virginia

WynnBET Virginia is a reputable gambling operator that offers a wide range of betting options to players in the state of Virginia. The platform officially launched in March 2021, and it has since gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and innovative features. WynnBET Virginia is fully licensed and regulated, ensuring a safe and fair gaming experience for all users. The platform offers a variety of sports betting markets, including football, basketball, baseball, and more.

Online gambling is legal in Virginia, but only in terms of sports betting. In early 2020, the SB 1126 gambling bill was enacted, clearing the path for legalized sports gambling in Virginia. It also looked into how land-based casinos could be developed in Virginia. However, it wasn't until 2020 that a revised plan — HB4 — attempted to incorporate casino games into the whole package. Some operators of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) were already residing in Virginia.

The Virginia Lottery Board will oversee gambling companies and casinos under HB4, which was passed by the Virginia General Assembly in early 2020. The first sports gambling sites went up in early 2021. Cities that meet certain criteria can open a land-based casino under the statute.

To measure public support for any casino, cities were required to hold a public referendum. Four communities have previously approved a casino (Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Norfolk), with a fifth, Richmond, voting on a referendum in November 2022.

How to sign up for an online gambling site in VA

There are several online gambling sites in Virginia to choose from. However, when it comes to signing up for one, there are a few key steps you have to take. Let's take a look at them:

  1. Find a VA online gambling site that is legitimate - The first thing you need to do is to find an online gambling site that is legitimate. This may sound difficult for you, especially if you have no idea where to start. To help you get started, there are many ways to find an online gambling site that is reputable. Some easy ways are: going through customer reviews, finding out how long the site has been operating, and also, finding out if the site is licensed and under which company name. Those are some easy ways to find out if an online gambling site is reputable.
  2. Check it accepts your preferred payment method - Once you have found a reputable online gambling site, the next thing is to check if it accepts your preferred payment method. The majority of online gambling sites in Virginia offer different payment options to their customers. So, there is a great chance that your preferred payment method is accepted by the chosen site. However, if the site does not accept your preferred payment method, you will have to look for a different site or use a different payment method.
  3. Register with your details - Once you are okay with the payment method, the next thing you need to do is register with your details. Based on the customer reviews, the registration process in Virginia does not take long and all you need is your full name, date of birth, and email. Moreover, you will need to provide your ID and physical address for verification purposes. The verification process does not take long. However, we highly recommend that you provide your information as soon as you are asked to.
  4. Use a promo code if you have one available - You can use a promo code if you have one available. The majority of online gambling sites in Virginia offer promo codes to their customers. Promo codes help a lot in terms of Virginia betting bonuses, and many gamblers prefer playing at online gambling sites that offer promo codes. Based on our deep research, some online gambling sites in Virginia that offer promo codes are BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointBet. There are other sites that offer them, but these are the most trusted sites when it comes to promo codes. Once you are done with all the above processes, the next and final step is to start playing.

Virginia state lottery

The Virginia State Lottery is a separate entity within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was established in 1987 after Virginians voted in favor of a state lottery in a statewide referendum. On September 20, 1988, the first ticket was sold.

All proceeds from Virginia Lottery ticket sales are directed to K-12 public education, as mandated by Virginia law. The Lottery's profits were more than $765 million in the Fiscal Year 2021, providing for nearly 10% of Virginia's school financing. The entire lottery profits in Virginia (from 1989 to June 2021) amounted to more than $13.8 billion.

Daily draw games include Pick 3 and Pick 4, which are drawn twice daily, as well as Cash 5, which is drawn once each day. The Virginia Lottery also has a variety of scratchers. It's one of 46 lotteries that sell Mega Millions of tickets and one of 47 that sell Powerball tickets.

Every night, Cash4Life is drawn; Mega Millions is drawn every Tuesday and Friday, and Powerball is drawn every Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesdays and Saturdays are also drawn days for Bank A Million. To ensure the integrity of its games, the lottery employs stringent security measures.

Can you gamble on horses online in Virginia?

Yes, you can bet on horses online in Virginia. In Virginia, online horse race gambling is both legal and regulated. The Virginia Racing Commission is the state's governing authority for horse racing.

It is in charge of regulating the operation of pari-mutuel gambling, providing licenses to progress deposit operators, and other duties. Although internet race gambling has been available in Virginia for many years, the state has traditionally tolerated it rather than actively controlled it due to ambiguity in existing law.

That issue was resolved in 2020 when legislation was passed to fully allow online horse racing gambling, establish licensing processes for progress deposit gambling operators, and tax the activity.

Horse racing gambling sites (commonly known as progress deposit betting operators) must seek licenses from the Virginia Racing Commission under current legislation. Progress deposit gambling operators licenses are awarded for $5,000 and allow Progress deposit gambling operators to accept wagers from Virginia residents.

In Virginia, the minimum age to wager on horse races, both in-person and online, is 18. The majority of casinos with online gambling acceptable in Virginia offer horse betting features.

Types of online gambling in VA

In recent years, Virginia has allowed several forms of online gambling. While new legislation allowing land-based casinos was passed in 2020, the following are some of the sorts of online gambling that are legal in Virginia:

  • Online sports gambling
  • Horse racing online gambling
  • Online poker gambling
  • Online casinos gambling

How to check if a gambling website in VA is legit

When it comes to checking if a gambling site in VA is legit, there are a few things that you need to consider. Let's take a look at the important features to look for:

  • Look for a license number - The first feature to look for when checking if a gambling site in VA is legit is to look on-site for a license number. Any legit online gambling company will display its license number somewhere on its site. The majority of gambling sites in VA place their license number on the about us page. Therefore, it's very important that you check before signing up.
  • Check payment methods accepted - The second feature to look for when determining whether a gambling site in Virginia is legitimate is the payment methods accepted by the site. A legitimate gaming site accepts a variety of payment options. This is because they collaborate with the greatest game providers who supply a wide range of games. The more games a gambling site has, the more payment methods are available in the Virginia online casino.
  • Check the site’s reviews - The next feature to look for when determining whether a gambling site in Virginia is legal is the site's reviews. This is one of the most effective methods for determining whether a gaming site is lawful. Customer reviews will tell you everything you need to know about the site, both good and bad. As a result, read as many customer reviews as you can on the internet. Customer reviews for gaming sites abound on the internet. After going through the customer reviews, you should be able to find out if it is legal or not.
  • Try to chat with the customer service team - Another excellent technique to determine whether a gambling site in Virginia is legal is to contact the customer support personnel. This is your chance to learn everything there is to know about the casino. Here, you must ensure that no questions go unanswered. All of the preceding questions can be answered here.

Why we should avoid offshore sites in VA

Gambling is a popular activity enjoyed by many individuals worldwide, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with offshore gambling sites. In Virginia, offshore gambling sites are not licensed or regulated by state authorities, which means that they are not subject to the same legal and ethical standards as domestic gambling sites. As a result, there is a greater risk of fraudulent activity, money laundering, and other illegal practices when using offshore gambling sites.

Additionally, offshore gambling sites may not have the same level of security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of fraud. It is also important to note that offshore gambling sites may not have the same responsible gambling policies and resources as domestic sites, which can increase the risk of problem gambling.

To ensure a safe and secure gambling experience, it is recommended that you use licensed and regulated domestic gambling sites in Virginia. These sites are held to high standards and are subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure fairness, security, and responsible gambling practices. By avoiding offshore gambling sites, you can protect yourself from potential risks and enjoy a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.

Gambling Responsibly in Virginia

Gambling can be an exciting and enjoyable activity, but it's important to gamble responsibly to avoid potential negative consequences. If you're gambling in Virginia, here are some tips to help you gamble responsibly:

  • Set a budget: Before you start gambling, decide how much money you can afford to lose. Stick to this budget and don't exceed it.
  • Know the rules: Make sure you understand the rules of the game you're playing. Don't gamble on a game you don't know how to play.
  • Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid getting caught up in the moment. It's easy to lose track of time when you're gambling, so set an alarm to remind yourself to take a break every hour or so.
  • Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can impair your judgment and lead you to make impulsive decisions. Avoid drinking when gambling.
  • Don't chase losses: If you lose, don't try to win back the money you lost by betting more. This can lead to even bigger losses.
  • Don't gamble when stressed: Gambling can be a fun way to relax, but it's not a good idea to gamble when you're feeling stressed or upset. Take a break and come back when you're feeling better.
  • Seek help if needed: If you're struggling to gamble responsibly or feel like you might have a gambling problem, seek help from a professional organization like the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. They can provide resources and support to help you get back on track.

Online gambling history in VA

We've compiled a list of some of the most significant dates in Virginia gaming history below:

  • 1973: The state allowed charitable gambling.
  • 1987-88: The Virginia Lottery was established in 1987, with the first ticket sold in September 1988.
  • 1989: the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) was established to regulate horse racing betting.
  • 1997: The Colonial Downs racetrack was officially opened.
  • 2000: Virginia voters decided that lottery proceeds must benefit the state's education system.
  • 2003: VRC was permitted to accept off-track bets.
  • 2016: Virginia became the first state to legalize daily fantasy sports competitions.
  • 2020: Virginia passed iLottery, commercial casino gaming, and legislation legalizing online sports betting.
  • 2021: The first legal Virginia online sportsbooks opened for business.

What taxes do I have to pay for my gambling winnings in Virginia?

To calculate the taxes you owe on online gambling winnings in Virginia, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to determine your total gambling winnings for the year. This includes all winnings from online gambling, such as poker, slots, and sports betting.

Once you have your total winnings, you can subtract your gambling losses for the year. This includes any losses from online gambling as well as losses from other types of gambling. The difference between your winnings and losses is your net gambling income.

Next, you need to determine your tax bracket. Virginia has a progressive income tax system with tax brackets ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Your net gambling income will be added to your other sources of income for the year, and your overall tax rate will be calculated based on your total income and tax bracket.

Finally, you can calculate the taxes you owe on your net gambling income by multiplying it by your tax rate. For example, if your net gambling income is $10,000 and your tax rate is 4%, you would owe $400 in taxes on your online gambling winnings.

It's important to note that online gambling is still a relatively new industry, and tax laws may be subject to change. It's always a good idea to consult a tax professional for advice on how to accurately calculate and report your online gambling winnings.

Reporting winnings to the IRS

If you are a resident of Virginia and have won money from online gambling, you may be required to report your winnings to the IRS. It is important to note that gambling winnings are taxable income and should be reported on your federal income tax return.

When reporting your winnings, you should use Form W-2G, which is used to report certain types of gambling winnings. If you have won more than $5,000 from online gambling, the operator is required to report your winnings to the IRS and send you a Form W-2G.

However, if you have won less than $5,000, it is still your responsibility to report your winnings on your tax return. You can do this by keeping a record of your winnings and losses, including the date and amount of each transaction.

It is important to report your winnings accurately and honestly to avoid any penalties or fines from the IRS. Failure to report your gambling winnings could result in an audit and potentially criminal charges.


FAQ

Who oversees online gambling in Virginia?

The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) oversees online gambling in Virginia. Any new online gambling sites or establishments must go through the VRC to receive the proper license.

What is the legal age to gamble online in Virginia?

The legal gambling age in Virginia ranges from 18 to 21 years old. When you reach the age of 18, you can participate in the state lottery and daily fantasy sports. To gamble at a Virginia online sports gambling service, you must be at least 21 years old. While casinos are not currently available in the state, they will have a minimum age requirement of 21 years.

Do online gambling sites in Virginia need to be licensed?

Yes, Virginia online gambling sites must be licensed. Licensed online gambling sites stand out and have a higher customer base. Nobody wants to gamble at an unlicensed gambling site; in fact, the vast majority of Virginia gamblers prefer legal gambling establishments. Furthermore, according to Virginia law, no online gambling site may operate in the state unless it is licensed. Therefore, online gambling in Virginia needs to be licensed before operating.

Are online gambling sites in Virginia safe?

Yes, online gambling sites in Virginia are safe. All that are live are regulated by the Virginia Lottery, and are established companies that keep your money and personal information safe.