HomeVirginia Sportsbooks

Virginia Sportsbooks

Dive into the world of Virginia sportsbooks to discover a detailed overview of top-rated options, upcoming launches, and legal insights. Here, you'll find essential information on how to navigate and make the most of Virginia's sports betting landscape.

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
GET BONUS
(+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
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
3 BetRivers
BetRivers review
Second Chance Bet Up To $500
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
4 FanDuel
FanDuel review
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in VA. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
5 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.

Virginia is one of the top states for sports betting, ranking 10th in all-time betting handle since launching the industry in January 2021. With 16 Virginia sportsbooks available for players to place their wagers, it can be a bit tricky to navigate the crowded market to find the right bookmaker(s) for you.

That’s where we come in. At VABetting.com, we’ve covered everything you’ll want to know about playing at Virginia sportsbooks. This page will briefly highlight each of the state’s sportsbooks, though you can read more detail about each of them in their specific sportsbook reviews.

We’ve listed each Virginia sportsbook, 16 in total, showcasing some of the best features of each platform. Let’s get started.

Best Virginia sportsbooks

🏈 Caesars Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Superior customer support and generous welcome bonuses
🏈 DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Extensive live betting markets with niche options
🏈 FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Pioneered the Same Game Parlay
🏈 BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Features live streaming and a rewarding loyalty program
🏈 BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Immersive platform and the iRush rewards program
🏈 Betway Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Wide sports selection and convenient mobile experience
🏈 bet365 Sportsbook Virginia ⭐ Focuses on niche sports and generous promotions

Caesars Virginia

Caesars Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

Caesars Sportsbook is highly regarded for its top-notch customer support, and the evidence of its commitment to delivering a player-focused product manifests wherever you’re playing. Both the mobile betting app and web browser are user-friendly and reliable. Payout times are more than reasonable with many banking options available to players.

Best feature: Caesars’ welcome bonus frequently offers the highest bet credit maximum among Virginia sportsbooks.

DraftKings Virginia

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Founded as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) operation, DraftKings was able to find favorability even before sports betting was fully legalized in Virginia. This was because players could legally participate in DraftKings’ paid DFS contests without violating sports betting laws, as they were deemed skill-based, not luck-based events, and therefore weren’t a form of gambling. Today, DraftKings is one of the most popular sportsbooks across the U.S.

Best feature: DraftKings’ live betting markets are expansive and include several more niche options.

FanDuel Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $150

Like rival DraftKings, FanDuel’s DFS roots allowed the company to build brand recognition and capture market share before the launch of online Virginia sports betting. However, one key area where the bookmaker has separated itself from the pack is in the same game parlay (SGP) offerings. FanDuel popularized SGPs among U.S. bookies, allowing bettors to craft intricate multi-leg parlays from within the same matchup; it was also the first sports gambling site to launch in Virginia.

Best feature: FanDuel’s mobile app is very easy to learn and use, making it an excellent option for novice sports bettors.

BetMGM Virginia

BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

BetMGM’s live streaming array is accessible through both the website and mobile app, giving players a chance to watch the matches on which they’ve placed an in-play wager. These streams are often available for top European soccer matches, but you can find them for North American sporting events as well.

Best feature: BetMGM’s loyalty program provides a generous bounty of perks and prizes for players at all tier levels.

BetRivers Logo

BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $500

While BetRivers’ roots are in casino gaming due to its founding at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA, the bookmaker is emerging as a reliable sports gambling operator as well. Parent company Rush Street Interactive has built an immersive browser-based platform and a reliable mobile app, and HD live streaming is a nice feature.

Best feature: The iRush rewards program gives players betting bonuses starting with the first wager they place on the platform.

Betway Virginia

Betway Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Up to $250 in Bonus Bets

Betway now offers players a singular mobile app rather than multiple state-specific softwares, making playing on the go easier and more convenient than its previous model. We can confidently recommend using the mobile app over the website. Furthermore, Betway’s decision to include Venmo as a deposit method is a smart one, and the company continues to expand its approved financing methods list.

Best feature: Betway offers 19 sports for Virginia players to choose from, representing one of the larger selections in the state.

Bet365 Virginia

bet365 Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

bet365 stylized the lowercase “b” in their name, but their presence in the Virginia betting landscape should continue to loom large. The promotions are generous, with some parlay boosts reaching as much as 70%. Early cashout is also available in most markets.

Best feature: bet365 emphasizes several niche sports that aren’t as commonly offered by U.S. sportsbooks, including darts, cycling, and snooker.

Other VA sportsbooks

We began by focusing on the top-tier Virginia sportsbooks known for their player-centric policies and solid reputations. These platforms excel in nearly all aspects, but it's worth noting that other licensed operators also provide good user experiences.

Betfred Virginia

Betfred Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Up To $1111 in Bonus Bets

Betfred launched in England in 1967 but its presence in the U.S. is still relatively small (though still growing). It is one of the newer operators to roll out in Virginia, launching in February 2023 (just over two years after the state first launched sports betting). Upon opening the app and website, you’re immediately met with in-play options, giving you the chance to jump in and start live betting right away.

Best feature: Betfred’s welcome bonus gives players bonus bets for their first five weeks of playing with the bookie.

Betr Virginia

Betr Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $500 in Bet Credits

Social media influencer Jake Paul has led the Betr movement to carve out a niche in the sports betting industry with the introduction of microbetting. While microbetting, gamblers wager on short-term markets such as the outcome of a drive in football (touchdown, field goal, punt, or turnover), or the number of strikeouts a pitcher will record in the third inning. Lines are not available for very long in advance and aren’t open for very long, so it takes savvy live betting strategies to be successful.

Best feature: Microbetting is uniquely available with Betr, and because betting outcomes are determined before the end of the game, players can access winnings before the clock hits 0.

Bally Bet Virginia

Bally Bet Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $200 in Bonus Bets

Bally Bet Sportsbook will succeed or fail in the U.S. based on how well it can use its regional sports networks (RSNs) to drive signups. Virginia does not have Bally RSN coverage despite several neighboring states (North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia) all receiving service. As a result, Bally Bet will have a tougher road to success than other Virginia operators, but with the backing of Bally’s as a gaming, betting, and interactive entertainment giant, the bookie should still have some staying power.

Best feature: Because of the later launch of the app and website, Bally Bet has odds that tend to skew slightly more toward player profitability, allowing them to earn more money on winning wagers than what is available among other Virginia bookmakers.

ESPN Bet Virginia

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $200 in Bonus Bets

Formerly Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet launched in November 2023 after parent company PENN Entertainment completed the branding overhaul of its sportsbook platform. ESPN Bet has a sleek mobile app, and with betting insights from ESPN’s broadcast personalities, the bookmaker is poised for long-term success.

Best feature: Integration with ESPN’s existing products, including ESPN+ and the network’s on-air programming, will continue to set ESPN Bet apart.

Hard Rock Virginia

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet $100

Hard Rock Bet’s customer service is among the best you’ll find. The layout of both the website and mobile app is somewhat simplistic, but this minimalistic approach also makes both options comfortable and easy to use for new and experienced bettors alike.

Best feature: Hard Rock’s betting app is very easy to navigate and would be a great tool to introduce players to mobile betting.

Fanatics Virginia

Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $200 in Bonus Bets

Fanatics Sportsbook is replacing PointsBet after purchasing the latter’s U.S. betting operations. Conversions are still ongoing in several states, but the new platform is live and available to Virginia sports bettors. While we have some concerns that the sportsbook will only function to drive traffic to the merchandising sites, Fanatics’ massive financial backing as a sports memorabilia retailer should allow the betting platform to be competitive in the industry.

Best feature: Players earn “FanCash” with every wager they place. FanCash can then be exchanged for betting bonuses at the sportsbook or for site credit at Fanatics’ online merchandise outlets.

SI Virginia

SI Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $100 in Bonus Bets

Sports Illustrated has licensed its branding to 888 Holdings in launching SI Sportsbook, which has since proven to have some of the fastest payout times in Virginia. With early cashout available on a wide range of events, daily odds boosts, and a “betfeed” tab allowing you to see wagers from other community members you choose to follow, SI should remain competitive among VA sportsbooks.

Best feature: SI Sportsbook offers same game parlay insurance, giving players as much as $100 per week in bet credits for eligible wagers, regardless of the bet’s outcome.

Unibet Virginia

Unibet Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet $100

Unibet was a bit later to roll out in the first year of Virginia sports betting, with the first wagers accepted on the site three months after the state launched the industry. However, Unibet has held its own thanks to quality odds and friendly, knowledgeable customer service. With $10 transaction minimums, Unibet has made playing convenient and affordable for players of all bankrolls.

Best feature: While Unibet’s promotions list is often limited at any given time, the frequency at which bonuses are rotated means there will regularly be something new and fun to help increase the likelihood of profitability.

Superbook Virginia

SuperBook Sportsbook Virginia

  • Welcome promo: $250 in bonus

Finally, rounding out our list is SuperBook, whose October 2023 launch makes it one of the newest kids on the block. Early indications show a smooth rollout, and based on SuperBook’s successes in other states, as well as its strong international reputation, we continue to expect big things from the bookie. SuperBook will be a solid change-of-pace option for those who typically rely on only one betting operator.

Best feature: SuperBook sets betting odds that are very fair while also being favorable to the players. The relatively low hold percentage means more money is going back to bettors.

New Virginia Sportsbooks that could launch soon

With 16 sportsbooks already live and running in the state, it’s unlikely any more platforms will launch any time soon. However, if that status changes, here are a few more that could eventually go live in Virginia.

  • Tipico Sportsbook: Tipico is live in just four other states - Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, and Ohio. The top feature is the ability for players to request a betting line if they do not find it listed on the site. While requests aren’t always approved, this is a unique characteristic of the platform, and for those that are approved, odds are typically available for these custom wagers within 24 hours.
  • ClutchBet Sportsbook: ClutchBet is only available in Colorado and Iowa, but success in those markets could breed further expansion. Each day on the platform, bettors are able to boost the odds of a custom parlay. There is also a weekly pick’em contest with cash prizes and bonus bets available based on the number of winning selections.
  • WynnBET and Golden Nugget: Both WynnBET and Golden Nugget previously operated in Virginia but have since shut down their sportsbooks. While it seems unlikely either would return, both companies hold VA licenses which would make a Virginia relaunch easier.

Here is the full list of all Virginia sportsbooks, along with their launch dates in the state and parent companies.

Sportsbook

Company Name

Launch Date

FanDuel

Flutter Entertainment PLC

January 21, 2021

DraftKings

DraftKings Inc.

January 24, 2021

BetMGM

MGM Resorts International/Entain Holdings

January 27, 2021

BetRivers

Rush Street Interactive

January 27, 2021

Caesars

Caesars Entertainment Inc.

February 3, 2021

Unibet

Kindred Group

April 28, 2021

Bally Bet

Bally’s Corporation

November 24, 2021

Hard Rock

Hard Rock Bet

March 31, 2022

SI

Authentic Brands Group

May 9, 2022

Betway

Super Group (SGHC) Ltd.

May 18, 2022

bet365

BET365 Group, Ltd.

January 31, 2023

Betfred

Petfre (Gibraltar) Ltd.

February 1, 2023

Betr

Betr Holdings, Inc.

September 6, 2023

SuperBook

SuperBook Sports

October 20, 2023

ESPN Bet

PENN Entertainment

November 14, 2023

Fanatics

Fanatics Holdings, Inc.

November 21, 2023

How do we rate and sort the Virginia sportsbooks?

Our Virginia sportsbook reviews come with an overall rating of each operator that is determined by taking an average from five key categories.

  • Welcome bonus: In scoring the value of the welcome bonus, we consider both the maximum amount of bet credit that could be awarded to the player as well as the upfront cost (financial or otherwise) that it would take to unlock that maximum.
  • Sports betting app: Because more than 60% of all sports wagers in the U.S. are made via mobile devices, having a reliable sports betting app is paramount to an operator’s success. We assess the app’s performance throughout the state, app speed, navigability, intuitiveness, aesthetic, and other characteristics that set the app apart.
  • Banking options: Being able to easily fund your sports betting bankroll and withdraw your winnings is important and is one way to distinguish between a good and a great sportsbook. In general, having more options and quicker payout times are the two key aspects we look for here.
  • Variety and features: Does the sportsbook have a loyalty/rewards program? Frequent and different promotions? How many sports are available with the bookie? Is in-app or web-based live streaming an option? The answers to these questions and more will all play a part in scoring this section.
  • Customer service: Finally, we test the customer service experience by reaching out several times through various communication channels as well as reviewing the detail and navigability of FAQ pages. Having more channels available, such as phone, email, support chat, and social media are all considered as well.

As a general rule of thumb, the more promotions available at a betting site, the bettor.

This is a sign that the sportsbook not only has the financial backing to support such bonuses but also that they are trying to make sure their players are winning. Here are some of the most popular Virginia sportsbook promos.

  • Bonus bets: Bonus bets are a form of bet credit that involves a predetermined value for the stake of your wager. Typically, these are in $10, $20, $25, or $100 increments, though the sportsbook has the final say on the denomination. Bonus bets can be played as their own unique wager or in addition to a real-money slip.
  • Bet/Get promos: Bet/get promos often allow players to get bet credits or bonus bets simply by placing a wager. The outcome of that bet doesn’t matter; as long as you bet X amount of dollars, you’ll get Y amount of betting credit.
  • Second chance bets: Especially common as a welcome bonus offer, second chance bets give new players the opportunity to turn a loss into a win. As part of a second chance bet promo, gamblers who lose their qualifying wager will receive a bonus bet (or other bet credits) equal in value to the amount of their initial stake.

Yes, sportsbooks are legal in Virginia if they have applied for, and been granted, a gambling operator’s license from the Virginia Lottery. Virginia first began accepting sports wagers in January 2021 and has since expanded to have 16 active sportsbooks in the state (along with two others that have since ceased operations).

The legal sports betting sites in Virginia are Bally Bet, bet365, Betfred, BetMGM, Betr, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, SI Sportsbook, SuperBook, and Unibet.

How to sign up for an online sportsbook in Virginia

How you can sign up for an online sportsbook in Virginia will have some variance depending on where you’re signing up. While the exact order may be slightly different, you can expect the process to include each of these steps no matter where you want to wager.

  1. Access the registration form: At the top of each of our Virginia sportsbook review pages, we’ve linked directly to that operator’s registration form. We will also provide any necessary bonus codes that may be needed to secure a lucrative signup bonus.
  2. Create your credentials: Most of the time, an email address and password will be enough to set up your login credentials. However, some sites may ask you to choose a username as well. Security questions and answers could also be a part of this step.
  3. Identify yourself: As required by state law, you will need to provide identifying information about yourself, including but not limited to your legal first and last name, date of birth, gender, phone number, street address (P.O. boxes won’t be accepted), and the last four digits of your social security number. This information is needed because gambling winnings are subject to taxation, so having the correct information will ensure you are both paid and taxed appropriately.
  4. Agree to the terms of service: Next, you’ll need to agree to the terms of service. This will entail affirming you won’t cheat while playing, you won’t let others use your account, and you agree that sportsbooks can change odds and promos at any time, along with other important rules. You will also need to agree to the privacy policy. Optionally, you can choose to get promotional emails or text messages that can include sportsbook bonuses.
  5. Submit the registration form and fund your account: Finally, once you’ve completed all the required information, click “Submit,” and complete your registration. At that time, you’ll be able to log into your account, make a real-money deposit using an approved payment method, and begin making your bets!

Whether you’re a fan of the “Big Four” North American sports leagues, major European soccer markets, or other more niche options, you’ll be able to find virtually any sports market with online sportsbooks in VA. Here are some of the most popular sports to bet on using Virginia online sportsbooks.

  • Football: The NFL is unparalleled in gambling prowess in the U.S., taking in tens of billions of dollars in betting revenue each year, and college football isn’t far behind. Whether it's on a major event like the Super Bowl (which is one of the most-wagered-on sporting events around the world), college bowl games, or player props at either level of play to craft a same-game parlay, Virginians can’t get enough NFL betting action.
  • Basketball: With the popularity of “March Madness” at the collegiate level for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments, basketball betting continues to thrive. NBA action is quite popular in Virginia too even without a team that plays within the state borders.
  • Baseball: Major League Baseball’s grueling regular season features a 162-game schedule for every team, and if you include spring training and postseason action, betting on baseball games can keep you busy from March to November, with futures bets available year round.

Payment methods for online sportsbooks in VA

Most online sportsbooks in VA will carry the same primary payment methods, though this is one area where bookies can differentiate themselves. Here are some of the most common banking options.

  • Credit and debit cards: Credit and debit cards are an ultra-convenient way to fund your sportsbook account, though you’ll need to check with the sportsbook whether it will allow you to withdraw using either method (it’s quite rare to see withdrawal to a credit card, though debit cards are a bit more common). You will also need to verify your financial institution will allow you to use such cards to deposit at a sportsbook.
  • PayPal: While other e-wallets like Venmo, Skrill, Google Pay, and Apple Pay are still working their way into the sports betting space, nearly every online betting operator will accept PayPal to move funds into and out of your sportsbook account.
  • Online banking: Arguably the fastest way to move your money while sports betting is to connect your sportsbook account with your personal bank account. Licensed operators are required to fully protect these online transactions through every means possible, and failure to do so would result in a loss of the ability to run their sportsbook in Virginia. Online banking is safe, secure, and easy to set up.

Retail sportsbook locations in Virginia

In person sports betting is extremely limited in Virginia. With the proximity to existing retail sportsbook locations in Maryland Washington D.C. for players in the northern part of the state, there hasn’t been a pressing need for in person expansion.

In fact, only two operator in Virginia is set up beyond an online-only capacity. Though it seems unlikely at this time, there could be further expansion throughout the state. If such retail development occurs, we will update this section accordingly. These are the 2 retail sportsbook locations in Virginia:

  • BetRivers Sportsbook: Rivers Casino Portsmouth (3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701)
  • Hard Rock Sportsbook: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201)

History of online sportsbooks in Virginia

Here is a brief history of online sportsbooks in Virginia.

  • 1987: The Virginia Lottery is established, later becoming the body tasked with licensing and compliance of sports betting operators throughout the state.
  • March 17, 2016: Virginia passes the Fantasy Contests Act, laying the groundwork for future sports betting legalization while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA).
  • May 14, 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, ruling that states could decide for themselves whether or not to allow sports betting in any capacity.
  • April 22, 2020: Virginia’s General Assembly votes to legalize sports betting throughout the state.
  • January 21, 2021: FanDuel Sportsbook becomes the first to launch in Virginia. DraftKings, BetMGM, and BetRivers would join later in the same week.
  • 2021: Caesars (February 3), Unibet (April 21), Golden Nugget (October 13), and Bally Bet (November 24) all launch statewide.
  • May 5, 2022: Golden Nugget closes its Virginia operations.
    2022: Hard Rock (March 31), SI (May 9), and Betway (May 18) join the VA sportsbook array.
  • 2023: Virginia nearly doubles its sportsbook offerings as bet365, Betfred, Betr, SuperBook, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and WynnBET all open throughout the state.
  • August 11, 2023: WynnBET closes just five months after launching in VA.

What taxes do sportsbooks need to pay in VA?

Gambling revenue is taxable under Virginia law, meaning that both the bettors who are winning and the sportsbooks that are accepting wagers will need to pay taxes in VA. For bettors, gambling winnings are considered income and are taxed at a rate between 2% and 5.75% depending on the amount of your winnings.

Sportsbooks are taxed at 15% rate monthly based on their adjusted gross revenue (AGR). AGR is calculated by subtracting winnings and deductions, the federal excise tax, and other adjustments from the total betting handle each month. The money from this sportsbook tax goes almost entirely into the Virginia General Fund (97.5% of AGR) while 2.5% of AGR goes to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.

Benefits and drawbacks of using an online VA bookmaker for placing bets

Using a legal, licensed online VA bookmaker for placing your bets is the safest way to make your wagers, as you should always avoid offshore bookies (more on that later). There are pros and cons to using each operator, and the former usually outweighs the latter. Here are just a few of the key benefits and drawbacks of online betting.

Benefits

  • Online sportsbooks offer bonuses: While betting in person, it’s pretty rare to be handed additional betting funds by the sportsbook. However, when gambling online, many sportsbooks will offer welcome bonuses and other perks for returning players to help lead to more profitable wins or to take some of the sting out of betting losses.
  • Online sportsbooks offer loyalty programs: In addition to the betting bonuses, some online bookmakers will have loyalty programs to reward players for their continued use of the gambling platforms. Lower-tier perks can include bet credits and sportsbook swag while upper echelon rewards could include concert tickets, hotel stays, restaurant discounts, travel, cruises, and other luxury perks!
  • Online sportsbooks are convenient: Saving you money and time by not having to drive to a retail sportsbook location to place your bets, online sportsbooks allow you to make your wagers from anywhere within state lines. This also helps you pounce on favorable lines, as the odds could theoretically change and be less profitable by the time you travel to an in-person location.

Drawbacks

  • Online gambling costs time and money: Even with bonus bets on the table that don’t tap into your bankroll, you’ll still be on the hook for taxes on your winnings. There’s no way you’ll be able to play without spending time and money on your betting efforts.
  • Gambling from a mobile device drains your battery: Because of the geolocation features required while using a betting app or through a betting website on a mobile device, sports betting platforms often drain your device’s battery faster than by using other mobile apps.
  • It’s easy to get distracted: Between the notifications and alerts on your mobile devices, background noises while at home, or a multitude of other factors, distractions are everywhere. It can be easy to lose track of how much time and/or money you’re spending if you haven’t made a plan and stuck to it.

Tips when betting on sportsbooks in Virginia

Before betting on sportsbooks in Virginia, we recommend keeping these key tips in mind.

  • Use more than one sportsbook: Sportsbooks aren’t all created equal, and you’ll often find a betting line at one betting site has different betting odds than on other platforms. The same way you would shop at different car dealerships to find a vehicle you liked, checking the odds at various sportsbooks can lead to earning more money for the same stake on a winning wager.
  • Develop a betting strategy: Tailing others’ betting picks is fine from time to time, but you’ll often find more consistent success in developing your own methods and strategies. Find markets and sports you enjoy and dig into what betting outcomes are likeliest to hit. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments either; no strategy works 100% of the time. It’s far better to walk away and reassess than to keep throwing money away with a bad plan or no plan at all.
  • Avoid betting at emotional extremes: Keeping a level head at all times is one of the hardest skills to master as a sports bettor, but it is also one of the most important. There’s a reason for the gambling cliche: “Bet with your head, not your heart.” Extremely positive emotions can lead to overconfidence and foolhardy wagers while intense negative feelings can cause you to chase losses in an effort to recoup all your losses at once.
  • Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose: Sportsbooks are equipped with many tools and resources to combat problem gambling. These can include setting limits on the amount of money you can wager at a time, capping the maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month, and forcing a 24-hour freeze on your account if you spend too much time on the platform on a given day. Always gamble responsibly and reach out for help if you find yourself at risk of developing poor betting habits.

What is the difference between retail & online sportsbooks?

The difference between retail & online sportsbooks is that retail sportsbook facilities are run out of brick-and-mortar facilities in a given region and are owned and operated by their parent company. Online sportsbooks exist in a virtual space, allowing users to play from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or download a sports betting app on their phone.

Virginia law allows up to 30 retail sportsbooks to operate within state lines and permits the same for 60 online platforms.

Why is it important to avoid offshore sportsbooks in Virginia?

It is important to avoid offshore sportsbooks in Virginia because these operators run their betting enterprises outside of any legal jurisdiction. They do not abide by the same consumer protection standards for gaming integrity, cybersecurity, and business ethics as licensed operators; by their very nature, they are meant to exist illegally.

Without any oversight, offshore books are not required to pay out your winnings even if you’re entitled to them because of a victorious wager. They also cannot be held criminally responsible if they nullify your wager after a win, if they fail to keep an accurate record of your bankroll, or if they are intentionally negligent in handling your personal or financial information.

We at VABetting.com ONLY work with legal, licensed betting operators, so if you do not see a betting operator mentioned on these pages, stay away. Instead, check with our Virginia sportsbook reviews to find a legitimate betting platform that is right for you.


FAQ

What age do I need to be to bet on online sportsbooks in VA?

You need to be at least 21 years of age to bet on online sportsbooks in VA. This age requirement was established by the state legislature when approving sports betting throughout Virginia. Betting or attempting to place a wager while underage can result in harsh penalties.

Is betting on online sportsbooks in Virginia safe?

Yes, betting on online sportsbooks in Virginia is safe. Legal, licensed online sports betting operators have proven their consumer safety and gaming integrity standards. Any online gambling operator bearing the Virginia Lottery insignia is safe to use.

Who can apply for a license to run a sportsbook in Virginia?

No one can currently apply for a license to run a sportsbook in Virginia, as the Virginia Lottery (which is tasked with issuing licenses to sports gambling operators) has not made any licenses available in the state. There are currently 16 sportsbooks operating in VA, and there hasn’t been an announcement of plans to issue more licenses, even though state law permits as many as 30 land-based sportsbooks and 60 online operators to run in Virginia.

How many sportsbooks are available in Virginia?

There are 16 sportsbooks available in Virginia: Bally Bet, bet365, Betfred, BetMGM, Betr, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, SI Sportsbook, SuperBook, and Unibet. Golden Nugget and WynnBET previously operated in Virginia but have since shut down their platforms.

How do I select the best sportsbook in VA?

There is no singular way to select the “best sportsbook in VA” because the definition of “best” will change from bettor to bettor. Factors like a quality mobile app, live streaming of sporting events, frequent promotions, favorable odds, and the type of betting markets available are all important aspects to consider before signing up for a gambling platform. To aid in finding the right fit for you, check the sportsbook reviews on VABetting.com.

What is the most popular sportsbook in the state of Virginia?

Of the 16 sportsbooks legal in the state of Virginia, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are all among the most popular sportsbooks. This ranking is based on app store ratings and sports betting handle.

Why can't I wager on Virginia college teams?

You can’t wager on Virginia college teams because the legislature decided against permitting the practice when it passed sports betting laws. This came as a bit of a surprise given Virginia’s 14 NCAA Division I programs and the lack of “Big Four” sports teams in the state, though several of the states that permit sports gambling refuse to accept wagers on in-state college teams.

How fast can I cash out my VA sportsbook winnings?

Cashing out your VA sportsbook winnings is usually a pretty fast process, though the exact length of time will vary depending on the betting operator and the withdrawal method you selected. Most bookies will have a 24 hour review period for withdrawal requests, followed by a 1-3 business day period to disburse the funds. However, those withdrawing via wire transfer or a check (sent through USPS) may have to wait a bit longer.

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.