In the new age of sports betting in the United States, Virginia continues to be one of the more surprising successes. After the first sportsbooks opened in January 2021, there are now many online sportsbooks in Virginia. Here, we will cover everything you need to know about them, including how to sign up, what the best ones are, and more.
| DraftKings sportsbook Virginia | Best sportsbook for bonus codes |
| FanDuel sportsbook Virginia | Best sportsbook for mobile users |
| PointsBet sportsbook Virginia | Best sportsbook for odds boosts |
| BetRivers sportsbook Virginia | Best sportsbook for NBA betting |
As sports betting becomes legal in more states across the US, the competition among sportsbooks is heating up. Virginia is one such state where sports betting has been legalized, and as a result, several sportsbooks are looking to enter the market. Below, we will take a closer look at two such sportsbooks that hope to launch in Virginia in the future: FOXBet and PlayUP.
As sports betting becomes increasingly popular in Virginia, it's important to choose a reputable and reliable sportsbook. That's why we have compiled a comprehensive list of rating criteria to help you make an informed decision when choosing a sportsbook in Virginia.
Here are the rating criteria we use to evaluate sportsbooks in Virginia:
Bonuses on VA bookies can provide extra value and enhance the overall betting experience. Here are some popular bonuses that you may encounter when using a sportsbook in Virginia:
A total of 20 online sportsbooks have filed for a gambling license in Virginia. Three Virginia sportsbooks were among the first to open their virtual doors, with more on the way. Below you’ll find a complete list of the best online sportsbooks in Virginia at this moment:
BetMGM, a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Entain, offers Virginia bettors a well-rounded sports betting experience. With a comprehensive selection of sports markets, competitive odds, and in-play betting options, BetMGM caters to various betting preferences. The bookie went live in January 2021, and is also known for its robust rewards program, allowing bettors to earn points redeemable for various perks and benefits.
BetMGM does not have a retail venue in Virginia.
As part of the iconic Caesars Entertainment brand, Caesars Sportsbook offers a high-quality sports betting experience in Virginia. The platform started taking bets in January 2021, and features an extensive array of sports and betting markets, appealing to a diverse range of bettors. Known for its user-friendly interface, regular promotions, and strong commitment to responsible gaming, Caesars Sportsbook ensures a satisfying and secure betting environment.
There is no physical location of Caesars in Virginia at this time.
FanDuel, a widely recognized name in the world of sports betting, was one of the first to launch in Virginia, going live in January 2021. Offering a comprehensive array of sports markets, competitive odds, and a user-friendly platform, FanDuel caters to both casual and seasoned bettors. The sportsbook's frequent promotions and engaging live betting options create an exciting betting experience.
FanDuel is not currently operating a retail establishment in Virginia.
Unibet, a European sports betting giant, has expanded its services to Virginia, providing bettors with a diverse selection of sports markets and betting options. It went live in April 2021. Known for its competitive odds and innovative features, Unibet offers a user-friendly platform that appeals to a wide range of bettors. The bookie’s commitment to responsible gaming and top-notch customer support make it a reliable choice.
As of now, there is no brick-and-mortar venue for Unibet in Virginia.
DraftKings, originally known for its daily fantasy sports, has become a prominent player in the sports betting industry. The Virginia bookie offers a vast selection of sports markets, competitive odds, and cutting-edge live betting options. It started taking bets in VA in January 2021. With a user-friendly interface and regular promotions, DraftKings provides an enjoyable and engaging betting experience for users of all experience levels.
At present, DraftKings does not offer a physical location in Virginia.
BetRivers launched in Virginia in January 2021, and offers bettors a solid sports betting experience with a wide range of sports markets and betting options. Known for its competitive odds, live betting features, and responsive customer support, BetRivers caters to both novice and experienced bettors. The sportsbook's iRush Rewards program allows users to earn points and enjoy various perks, adding value to the overall experience.
BetRivers has a retail sportsbook in Virginia, at the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth.
PointsBet offers a unique sports betting experience in Virginia, with possibilities to bet on a huge amount of sports, from basketball to Aussie rules, and the potential to get bonuses to boost your odds. In addition to this, PointsBet also provides a wide range of traditional betting markets and a user-friendly interface, and it went live in December 2021.
PointsBet is yet to establish a retail presence in Virginia.
Bally Bet is a newcomer to the Virginia sports betting scene, having gone live in November 2021, quickly gaining popularity due to its competitive odds and extensive sports offerings. Bettors can find a diverse selection of local and international events to wager on. Bally Bet's simple layout and easy-to-use platform cater to both novice and experienced bettors alike.
Virginia residents will not find a physical sportsbook location for Bally Bet.
Barstool Sportsbook brings the edgy and entertaining personality of the Barstool brand to the Virginia sports betting market. The bookie launched in August 2021, and offers competitive odds, exclusive promotions, and a wide variety of betting markets, appealing to sports enthusiasts who enjoy a more casual and engaging experience. Unique content and expert insights are available to help bettors make informed decisions.
At this time, Barstool is not operating a physical sportsbook in Virginia.
As one of the world's leading bookmakers, Bet365 offers Virginia bettors a vast array of sports markets, including niche events and lesser-known leagues. It went live in January 2023. Known for its in-play betting options and comprehensive live streaming services, Bet365 provides a seamless betting experience for those who enjoy staying up-to-date during the game.
For the time being, Bet365 is exclusively available online to Virginia residents.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, Betfred has become a trusted name in sports betting. Virginia bettors have received a diverse range of betting markets, regular promotions, and competitive odds since Betfred launched in February 2023. Betfred's easy-to-navigate website and knowledgeable customer support team make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced bettors.
Betfred does not have a retail betting venue in the state.
Betway is a globally recognized sportsbook that brings its wealth of experience to Virginia, having gone live in May 2022. Offering an extensive selection of sports and betting markets, Betway caters to various preferences and interests. The bookie is known for its competitive odds, frequent promotions, and responsive customer service, ensuring a satisfying betting experience for its users.
Betway does not have a storefront or physical location in Virginia.
Hard Rock Sportsbook, an extension of the renowned entertainment brand, brings its unique flair to the Virginia sports betting market, launching in May 2022. Bettors can enjoy a wide variety of sports and markets, alongside special promotions tied to the Hard Rock brand. The bookmaker’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for both beginners and seasoned bettors to navigate and place wagers.
Hard Rock has a retail venue in Virginia, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol.
Leveraging its decades-long history in sports journalism, the Sports Illustrated Sportsbook offers Virginia bettors a distinctive sports betting experience. The platform went live in May 2022, and combines expert analysis and insights with a robust selection of sports markets and competitive odds. This synergy provides bettors with valuable information and an enjoyable betting atmosphere.
There is currently no in-person betting available through SI in Virginia.
WynnBET, the sports betting arm of the prestigious Wynn Resorts brand, went live in Virginia in March 2021. Bettors in Virginia get a wide range of sports markets, live betting options, and competitive odds. The sportsbook's sleek design and intuitive interface create a seamless betting experience, while its commitment to responsible gaming ensures a secure environment for all users.
WynnBET has not yet established a physical presence in Virginia.
Yes, online sportsbooks are legal in Virginia. It began with entirely online sports betting, allowing bettors to do everything from the comfort of their own homes — no need to go to a physical sportsbook to make a wager. Bettors in Virginia may access a variety of mobile sports bookmakers, including prominent brands like BetMGM, PointsBet, and FanDuel.
For residents of Virginia, the state's transformation into a gambling-friendly state has been nothing short of a 180-degree turn. Due to the lack of physical casinos or gambling facilities in the state, Virginia is one of only three states that provide sports betting on an online-only basis. The same law that legalized sports betting also called for the creation of multiple casinos in the state and those casinos could one day house more sportsbooks.
On January 21, 2021, the long-awaited day for Virginia sports betting came as the state's first sportsbook went online. Sports bettors in the Old Dominion may now place their first bets online, more than a year after sports betting became legal.
In Virginia, sports betting is subject to rigorous laws. Bettors must be 21 years old or older and physically present in the state to place a wager. However, they do not need to be Virginia residents. It's taken some time, but Virginia sports betting seems to be here to stay.
While sports betting may be a pleasant way to spend time, you should always be conscious of your financial situation and play responsibly. Read the terms and conditions of the sportsbook, as well as any bonus terms and conditions. Take responsibility for your actions. Take frequent pauses and maintain control at all times.
According to Virginia state law, the state must make between four and twelve sportsbook applications accessible to residents of the Old Dominion. However, owing to a number of exceptions in the statute, there are opportunities for up to 19 applications in total.
These exemptions are only for professional sports teams and leagues that are now located in Virginia or maybe headquartered there in the future. There are also provisions for future land-based casinos in Virginia, as well as the state's lone horse track.
It's easy to sign up for an online sportsbook in Virginia. In most cases, you will be able to place your first wager within 10 minutes of opening your account.
While the procedure is quite simple, we go through the ins and outs and break down some of the most important factors to be aware of during the Virginia sportsbook sign-up process.
Knowing what you want from an online sportsbook is crucial when selecting a betting service. You can concentrate on which betting sites match your needs once you know what you're looking for.
Finding a top-notch provider has never been simpler with all of the sportsbooks in Virginia today, whether you're looking for the greatest odds, payment options, live betting, customer care, or a welcome bonus!
Now that you've decided on a betting site, you can get started on creating your account. To do so, go to your preferred betting site's homepage and touch the “Create Account” option. You'll be brought to your selected betting site's homepage, where you'll need to register your personal information and establish a login.
You may also be able to specify deposit limitations (daily, weekly, and monthly), how you want the odds presented, and your desired time zone at this stage.
Accounts may be funded in a variety of methods, ranging from online banking transactions to pre-paid debit cards. From there, all you have to do is start utilizing the sportsbook and look for the wagers you want to place.
As soon as you begin betting, you will be presented with an extensive selection of possibilities. The methods for financing your account will differ depending on which sportsbook you choose to use. However, the following are the most prevalent ones that gamblers use in the majority of online sportsbooks.
Although using a credit card seems to be a convenient alternative, it is also more likely to fail than the other options. As a result, you may want to consider starting with something other than a credit card.
After registering and depositing, you are now ready to play. Simply load up your favorite game and start betting.
The four main professional sports, as well as college football, account for the vast majority of bets placed at licensed Virginia sportsbook sites. At the current moment, no professional sports clubs are based in Virginia and play their home games there.
When sports betting is legalized in Virginia, the following is an example of how betting on those four leagues would look:
You're probably eager to deposit money into your account as soon as possible as a novice bettor. At the same time, it's essential to choose a payment method that is both convenient and comfortable for you. The bulk of Virginia sports betting apps and online sportsbooks will provide you with the following banking options:
Visa or MasterCard are by far the most common ways to finance your account. All you have to do now is type in the lengthy number on the front, the expiration date, and the last three digits on the signature strip on the back of the card - also known as the Card Security Code (CSC) or Card Verification Value (CVV)-and you're good to go!
Unfortunately, certain well-known banks may not accept online gaming transactions. Bank of America, Capital One, and Santander cards, for example, are not accepted. However, it's always a good idea to double-check with the betting site.
Many gamblers choose to use an e-wallet since it works as a mediator between them and the betting site. If you want to fund your account using PayPal, for example, you may make smooth deposits and withdrawals while keeping your money safe in an account that you control. Skrill and Neteller are two more popular e-wallets for funding sports betting accounts.
If you're concerned about security, PayNearMe is definitely your best option. Use a unique barcode from the betting site to make a cash deposit at a 7-Eleven or gas station. You will not be charged, and your deposit will be available in your account within 30 minutes.
Furthermore, you can be sure of your safety and privacy, and you can also keep track of how much money you spend on online gambling. Online Banking and Online Bank Transfer VIP Preferred (ACH) provide a simple and safe method to deposit funds into your betting account, especially for those who aren't very tech-savvy.
If you're not willing to wait awhile, this is not the payment option for you. To utilize this option, your bank must be included on the betting site's list of permitted banks.
A bank wire or a paper check, although reminiscent of the good old days of money transfer, isn't among the most popular payment options nowadays. Although wiring money or writing a check is generally the last alternative owing to the time it might take, it can be handy when depositing or withdrawing big sums.
Of course, you may make a deposit or withdrawal in person at your betting site's land-based casino partner. Retail casinos, on the other hand, have set working hours and often require you to go by automobile. The ability to freely deposit and withdraw money is restricted here.
As of 2021, two retail sportsbooks are operating in Virginia: the Hard Rock sportsbook at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, and the BetRivers sportsbook at Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Below you’ll find descriptions of both:
Over the years, sports betting in Virginia has become increasingly popular, leading to the establishment of various sportsbooks in the state. Here's a timeline of the major events that have shaped the history of sportsbooks in the state:
Sportsbooks operating in Virginia are subject to a number of taxes. One of these taxes is the Sports Betting Operator Tax, which is levied at a rate of 15% of the adjusted gross revenue earned by the sportsbook. In addition, there is a tax on sports betting licenses, which is set at a rate of $250,000 per license. These taxes generate significant revenue for the state of Virginia, which can be used to fund various programs and initiatives.
The impact of these taxes on bettors in Virginia is minimal, as the taxes are paid by the sportsbooks themselves. However, the taxes may indirectly impact bettors by affecting the odds and payout structures offered by sportsbooks. In some cases, sportsbooks may adjust their odds or payout structures in order to offset the impact of taxes on their revenue.
Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks to using a sportsbook in Virginia:
For those who are new to sports betting or looking to improve their skills, here are some tips to keep in mind when betting on sportsbooks in Virginia:
In Virginia, retail sportsbooks and online sportsbooks offer distinct differences in terms of their operations and accessibility. Retail sportsbooks are physical locations where customers can go to place bets on sports events. They typically feature large screens displaying current odds and betting options, as well as a team of knowledgeable staff to assist with wagers. Retail betting venues offer a social experience where patrons can gather with friends and watch games while placing bets.
On the other hand, online sportsbooks allow customers to place bets remotely via a website or mobile app. They offer the convenience of being able to bet from anywhere with an internet connection, as well as the ability to quickly and easily compare odds across multiple bookies. Online bookmakers also offer a wider range of betting options and promotions compared to their retail counterparts.
However, there are certain limitations associated with online sportsbook sites. For example, customers must be physically located within Virginia to place bets, and there may be additional verification processes to confirm their identity and age. Additionally, online sportsbooks may have lower betting limits compared to retail sportsbooks.
Offshore sportsbooks, while tempting due to the potential for higher payouts, should be avoided in Virginia for a number of reasons. Firstly, these sportsbooks operate outside of US jurisdiction and may not be subject to the same regulations and standards as domestic sportsbooks. This lack of oversight can result in unscrupulous business practices, including delayed or unpaid winnings, or even identity theft.
Furthermore, offshore sportsbooks are illegal in Virginia, and using them puts bettors at risk of legal consequences. The state takes a strong stance against illegal gambling, and individuals caught using offshore sportsbooks may face fines or even criminal charges.
Using offshore sportsbooks also deprives the state of revenue that could be generated through legal sports betting. Legal sportsbooks in Virginia are required to pay taxes and licensing fees, which contribute to the state's economy and help fund important programs and services.
In short, while offshore sportsbooks may offer tempting odds or bonuses, the risks and potential legal consequences make it better to stick with legal, domestic sportsbooks in Virginia.
According to law, up to 18 sportsbooks in Virginia are allowed to enter the market. At this moment, 15 operators have been approved by the Virginia Lottery. Here is the full list of legal betting sites in Virginia together with their launch date:
| DraftKings | January, 2021 |
| FanDuel | January, 2021 |
| BetRivers | January, 2021 |
| PointsBet | December, 2021 |
| Caesars | February, 2021 |
| BetMGM | January, 2021 |
| BetWay | May, 2022 |
| Betfred | February, 2023 |
| Bet365 | January, 2023 |
| Hard Rock | May, 2022 |
| Unibet | April, 2021 |
| WynnBET | March, 2021 |
| Barstool | August, 2021 |
| SI Sportsbook | May, 2022 |
| Bally Bet | November, 2021 |
You need to be 21 or older to bet online on sportsbooks in Virginia. Sportsbooks will require you to verify your age, particularly when you try to withdraw any winnings from the betting platform.
Yes, betting at online sportsbooks in Virginia is safe as long as you bet on a legit online sportsbook. If you bet on an offshore betting site, or any other that is not licensed in Virginia, then it definitely wouldn’t be deemed safe.
Any sportsbook operator in Virginia is eligible to apply for a sports betting license. At least four licenses were needed for sports betting in Virginia. State officials had the power to add as many as twelve. A three-year license costs $250,000 and needs to be renewed after this period. In addition, applicants must pay a fee for a background check on all key members of their operation, which could cost as much as $50,000 per person if the operation is large.
There are currently 16 sportsbooks available in Virginia, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet.
You can select the best sportsbook in VA by checking out our reviews and seeing which one appeals to you the most. Each bookie has their pros and cons, so the best site will be the one that has the features that you value most.
The most popular sportsbook in Virginia is DraftKings. It has the biggest market share in the country, and also in VA.
The state of Virginia banned betting on college teams in VA because they wanted to take any potential threat of corruption and match-fixing out of college sports.