Virginia Sports Betting: Best Legal VA Sportsbooks in 2024
Legal Virginia sports betting continues to flourish with 12 Virginia sportsbooks and dedicated Virginia sports betting promos of up to $1,000 each. But it gets better: The Old Dominion State expects to welcome several more of the best sports betting sites in the U.S. soon.
Follow this page for relevant news and information surrounding Virginia sports betting.
Best Virginia sports betting sites
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Over a dozen deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
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- FanDuel Benefits
- Best user experience
- World-class mobile app
- Best for live betting
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- Caesars Benefits
- Best customer support
- Top-tier rewards program
- NFL live streaming
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- bet365 Benefits
- Best prices
- Gold standard layout
- World-class live betting
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- DraftKings Benefits
- Best mobile app
- Supreme navigation
- Best for grading winners
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- Hard Rock Bet Benefits
- Great interface for in-play betting
- iOS and Android apps
- Choose from more than a dozen sports
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Bet $10, Get $200
- Online sports betting is now live
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 12 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Top 6 Virginia sports betting sites
We've thoroughly vetted Virginia's top online sports betting sites to bring you the best of the best in the Old Dominion. Here are our picks for the top six Virginia betting sites:
1. BetMGM Virginia
Bet $10, Get $200
COVERS200
BetMGM offers an excellent mobile experience, a wide range of betting markets, and a steady stream of sports betting promotions. Co-owned by Entain and MGM Resorts International, BetMGM Virginia is a trusted platform, welcoming new VA users with a guaranteed first bet offer of $200 in bonus bets when they sign up using the BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS200.' Alongside its extensive betting markets, BetMGM also allows users to create same-game parlays and take advantage of live betting and live streaming features.
Read all about BetMGM Virginia in our BetMGM Review.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.3 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $10, Get $200
- Payout speed: 2 days
2. FanDuel Virginia
Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
FanDuel Virginia had the honor of taking the state’s first legal sports bet on Jan. 21, 2021. It has promptly seated itself at the forefront of the best Virginia sportsbooks. Through its strong welcome bonuses, quality bet types, constant promotions, and more, FanDuel has become one of the world’s most recognizable sports betting brands. No matter if you’re a novice or a seasoned bettor, FanDuel Sportsbook will provide you with a worthwhile experience.
Be sure to take a look at our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Best feature: Wide range of markets
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
3. Caesars Virginia
Caesars Sportsbook is a highly popular online betting platform in Virginia, earning top marks for bonuses and promotions. Caesars also owns one of the best sports betting apps in the U.S. and is renowned for its live-betting interface, the platform's efficiency rivals the industry's best. Notably, its customer support is commendable due to the availability of a 24/7 live chat, ensuring responsive and effective assistance. Beyond its promo for first-time bettors, the sportsbook also delivers excellent customer support and a sensational rewards program.
Refer to our Caesars Sportsbook Review for any other information you may be seeking.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Best feature: Stellar customer service
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
4. bet365 Virginia
Bet $5, Get $200
Code: COVERS
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Code: COVERS
With bet365 now available in Virginia, local bettors can access one of the most renowned international sportsbooks of 2024. Offering a vast selection of niche betting markets for unique sporting events and an exceptional mobile app, bet365 also provides two welcome promotions for new users to choose from. Simply put, there’s plenty to appreciate about bet365 Virginia.
Browse our bet365 Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
5. DraftKings Virginia
Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus
Ends: Nov. 17, 2024
DraftKings is one of the most famous names in sports betting, so it should be no surprise to find it listed here as one of Virginia’s top options. Not only are the operator’s online and mobile platforms simple while looking smooth, but they also work just as well, making navigation and placing bets a breeze. DraftKings holds its own as one of the best Virginia sports betting apps in 2024, thanks to its user-friendly touches and convenient mobile banking methods. With plentiful sports markets to choose from, bonuses and promos to discover, and one of the more reliable payout systems within the sports betting industry, DraftKings Virginia won’t be leaving this list anytime soon.
Take a look at our DraftKings Review to discover what you need to know about DraftKings Virginia.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Best feature: Effortless browsing
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
6. Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia
$1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Ends: Dec. 31, 2024
Fanatics — a popular licensed sports merchandiser in the U.S. — went live with its online sportsbook in Virginia on Nov. 21, 2023, marking the seventh state to welcome the operator. Fanatics Sportsbook is a great emerging online sports betting site, offering competitive odds, a range of markets, an intuitive mobile app, and the best NFL live streaming experience in the industry.
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.8 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Best Virginia sports betting offers and bonuses
Virginia sports betting sites will continue to offer new users a wide variety of attractive welcome offers throughout the year. While not all sportsbook operators' sign-up bonuses are worth the hype, the best Virginia sportsbook bonuses of 2024 are definitely worth a look in the Old Dominion:
BetMGM - Bet $10, get $200: Virginia sports bettors can claim $200 in bonus bets from the 'King of Sportsbooks' after depositing $10 and placing a $10 wager. Use the BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS200' to redeem this guaranteed offer, which expires on Dec. 31, 2024.
FanDuel – Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass: Virginians who create a new FanDuel Sportsbook account, make a $5 deposit, and place a winning $5 wager on any sports market, receive $150 in bonus bets. No FanDuel promo code is necessary for this offer, which also gets a three month trial to NBA League Pass whether your wager wins or loses. This promo is valid until Dec. 22, 2024.
Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars: Caesars Sportsbook Virginia's new welcome bonus allows you to claim up to a $1,000 bonus bet when using Caesars promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000'. Place a first-time real money wager within 30 days, and if that wager is unsuccessful, Caesars will refund your stake up to $1,000.
bet365 - Bet $200, get $5: Use our exclusive bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' and turn a $5 bet into $200 in bonus bets. Make a $10 minimum initial deposit and place a qualifying wager on odds of -500 or greater that settles within 30 days of opening their account to access this offer. New users also have the option to choose to claim up to a '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' offer that applies to their initial wager instead. Both offers are valid until Nov. 5, 2024, at 6:59 a.m. ET.
Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: Register with Fanatics Sportsbook to receive one (1) no sweat bonus bet equal to the stake of your initial daily wager if it loses, up to $100, for the first 10 days. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required. Daily qualifying wagers must be at least $1 and have odds of -500 or longer. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus: First-time DraftKings Virginia customers earn $200 in bonus bets (eight $25 bonus bets) instantly, following a $5 deposit and $5 initial wager. No DraftKings promo code is needed to secure the offer, which expires on Nov. 17, 2024. You can also access a secondary '20% deposit match up to $1,000' welcome offer, which is valid until Oct. 31, 2024.
Hard Rock Bet - Bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets: Interested in earning up to a $100 bonus bet without using a Hard Rock sportsbook promo code? Create a new account and make an initial deposit and wager of at least $5 on any market with -250 odds or longer, and the online sportsbook will issue you five $20 bonus bets. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Virginia sports betting updates
In March 2020, the Virginia General Assembly and Senate passed SB 384 and HB 896, which brought legal sports betting to the Old Dominion. Gov. Ralph Northam relaid amended versions of the two bills to lawmakers, who then approved them in a reconvened session that authorized sports betting in Virginia.
Here's a glimpse into the history of Virginia sports betting:
Oct. 25, 2025: Sporrtrade becomes the twelfth online operator to go live in Virginia.
Oct. 24, 2024: A Virginia Tech basketball player has been dismissed during a reported betting scandal investigation, following unusual betting activity for a March 7th game.
Oct. 2, 2024: Betfred announces that it will exit Virginia on Oct. 21, leaving the online operator active in just three states.
Oct. 1, 2024: Virginia earns a 30% year-over-year increase in August, as the Old Dominion State's sports betting action generates a $416.7 million handle for the month.
Sept. 3, 2024: Virginia operators post nearly a 12% hold in July, continuing the trend of high July win rates across the country.
Aug. 30, 2024: Betr launches a new sportsbook feature ahead of the 2024 NFL season, allowing users in Ohio and Virginia to access traditional betting markets beyond micro-betting for a variety of sports.
Aug. 7, 2024: Virginia has a limited market share up for grabs after the slew of U.S. operators — Si Sportsbook, Betway, and SuperBook — recently exited the state.
Aug. 5, 2024: Virginia sportsbooks stay winning in June, as local operators report a $415.4 million handle and an 11% hold for the month.
July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports pulls out of eight post-PASPA states, including Virginia.
July 2, 2024: Virginia sports betting operators stay hot in May, earning the state's highest hold of the year.
June 27, 2024: Virginia's gambling law subcommittee plans to introduce tighter regulations for daily fantasy sports in 2025 with continued ambiguity between legal sports betting and pick 'em-style DFS.
May 31, 2024: Virginia's sports betting operators enjoy a double-digit hold in April.
May 2, 2024: Virginia sports betting books third largest monthly handle in March, collecting $629 million in gross revenue.
April 26, 2024: A $1.4 billion gaming resort is coming to Virginia courtesy of Football Hall-of-Famer and Virginia Tech alum Bruce Smith.
April 2, 2024: Virginia's handle falls in February but still brings in over $500 million in wagers.
Feb. 2, 2024: Virginia ends 2023 with more than $5 billion in wagers with December's strong numbers, which is up from the $4.9 billion earned in 2022.
Jan. 26, 2024: bet365 launches free-to-play fantasy contest in five states, including Virginia, ahead of NFL Championship Weekend, offering a $25,000 prize pool for each game.
Jan. 16, 2024: Virginia could allow betting on the state's college sports, which has been prohibited, if newly introduced Senate Bill 124 is approved.
Dec. 31, 2023: Virginia's November 2023 betting handle reveals a 23% year-over-year increase in total wagers.
Dec. 18, 2023: Virginia's Attorney General determines daily fantasy sports contests are considered gambling under state code. It remains to be seen how this determination will affect DFS companies in VA.
Nov. 21, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in Virginia, replacing PointsBet.
Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Virginia and 16 other states.
Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Virginia.
Oct. 20, 2023: SuperBook officially launches its Virginia sportsbook. VA is now home to 16 legal sports betting sites.
Oct. 2, 2023: The Virginia Lottery releases Virginia's August sports betting handle. The state takes in $319 million, a 12% year-over-year bump compared to August 2022.
Sept. 6, 2023: Betr launches its Virginia sportsbook app, following similar pushes in Massachusetts and Ohio.
Aug. 11, 2023: WynnBET announces that it will cease operations in Virginia as soon as possible.
Aug. 2, 2023: The Virginia Lottery reports a $322 million sports betting handle for June, a 10% year-over-year increase with a 10% hold.
July 6, 2023: High win rates translated to a profitable Virginia sports betting hold near 12% in May.
June 2, 2023: Virginia's April sports betting handle exceeds $425 million, a nearly 7% year-over-year increase.
May 4, 2023: The Virginia sports betting handle bounced back in March, with sportsbooks accepting $511.6 million in wagers.
April 3, 2023: Virginia sportsbooks generate $433.8 million in sports betting handle in February, with the Super Bowl accounting for 7.4% of the action.
March 29, 2023: DraftKings launches its DK Horse app in Virginia, its first-ever horse racing product, ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
March 6, 2023: Betr secures a license to operate in the Old Dominion, the third state in which it will launch its micro-betting-focused mobile app.
Feb. 2, 2023: The Virginia Lottery reports an 18% yearly increase in legal Virginia sports betting handle for December.
Feb. 1, 2023: Betfred announces that its sports betting platform is live in Virginia, making the Old Dominion the ninth region to host the sportsbook.
Jan. 11, 2023: More sports betting tax changes may be coming in Virginia, stemming from Sen. Jeremy McPike's bill that aims to further limit the deductions licensed operators can apply to their taxable revenue from sports betting-related promotions.
Dec. 31, 2022: State Senator Bryce Reeves and Delegate Paul Krizek pre-file legislation for the upcoming General Assembly that would create a problem gambling committee in Virginia.
Dec. 1, 2022: Sports betting sites in Virginia report a record betting handle of $528 million for October.
Aug. 15, 2022: Hillside (Virginia), LLC receives a temporary sports betting permit in Virginia. The company is controlled by bet365 Group Ltd.
July 8, 2022: Hard Rock launches the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.
May 9, 2022: SI Sportsbook officially launches its online sports betting platform in Virginia.
April 28, 2022: SI Sportsbook was set to launch Wednesday, April 27, but Google Play did not authorize its app prompting further delays. Meanwhile, Betway expects to come online on May 18.
April 11, 2022: State lawmakers decree that as of July 1, 2022, gaming entities operating in Virginia will be prohibited from using the phrase, 'Virginia is for bettors,' in any marketing materials.
March 31, 2022: Hard Rock Sportsbook officially launches its Virginia sports betting app, becoming the state's 12th active mobile sportsbook.
March 2, 2022: Virginia registers a single-month sports betting handle record of $485.5 million for January 2022.
Feb. 25, 2022: Virginia lawmakers in the House of Representatives nixed HB 1127, which would have permitted betting on in-state college sports teams.
Feb. 15, 2022: The Senate passes a bill (SB 576) that would allow for wagering on in-state collegiate teams. It heads to the House, where HB 1127 was voided earlier in the year.
Jan. 13, 2022: Delegate Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D) introduces HB 1127. The proposed bill seeks to allow betting on Virginia college sports.
Jan. 11, 2022: Two bills — HJR 63 and SJR 24 — are introduced with the aim of forming a new gaming commission to oversee and regulate all sports betting in Virginia.
Jan. 4, 2022: Figures released by the Virginia Lottery reveal record tax revenues nearing $50 million for November 2021.
Dec. 15, 2021: PointsBet becomes the 11th legal sportsbook to launch in Virginia.
Dec. 2, 2021: The Old Dominion has a record-setting sports betting handle for October, taking in $427.3 million in wagers.
Dec. 1, 2021: 888 Holdings PLC was awarded a provisional sports-betting license by the Virginia Lottery.
Nov. 25, 2021: VHL, VA (SI Sportsbook) is given the 13th sports betting license in VA.
Nov. 24, 2021: The Virginia Lottery hands Digital Gaming Corporation (Betway) a temporary sports betting license.
Nov. 22, 2021: The Virginia Lottery grants Colonial Downs approval to begin offering mobile sports betting through its partnership with PointsBet.
Nov. 2, 2021: Richmond voters reject the proposal for Urban One Inc.'s ONE Casino + Resort.
Oct. 13, 2021: Golden Nugget Online, which was one of three operators approved in March 2021, launches to become the state's ninth mobile sportsbook.
Aug. 10, 2021: Barstool Sportsbook, the Penn National Gaming-owned property, becomes the state's eighth mobile sportsbook.
Jan. 21, 2021: Fully online Virginia sports betting goes live as FanDuel takes the state’s first legal sports wager.
November 2020: Official plans for four casinos and retail sportsbooks commence as referendums are passed in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
April 2020: Lawmakers approve Governor Northam’s final changes to SB 384 and HB 896, officially legalizing Virginia sports betting.
November 2019: The commissioned study estimates massive early returns and mature sports betting market netting the state upwards of $55 million in annual tax revenue. A bill is then introduced by Virginia Delegate Mark Sickles, laying the groundwork for regulated sports betting in the state.
March 2019: The Virginia Senate commissions a study of sports betting in other states with the aim of estimating annual revenue for the Commonwealth if they were to regulate sports betting themselves.
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. Lawmakers in Virginia approved Gov. Ralph Northam's amendments to two sports betting bills on April 22, 2020, and the state's first online sportsbooks arrived on Jan. 21, 2021.
Currently, there are 12 legal sports betting sites active in the Old Dominion.
What sportsbooks are legal in Virginia?
There are now 12 legal Virginia sports betting sites:
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- FanDuel - Excellent app
- Caesars - Large welcome bonus
- bet365 - Intuitive menus
- Fanatics Sportsbook - NFL live streaming
- DraftKings - Best sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet - Great live betting
- BetRivers - Weekly promos
- ESPN BET - Great selection
- Bally Bet - New-look app
- Betr - Good for micro-betting
- Sporttrade - Trade wagers
Legal sportsbooks in Virginia
There are currently 12 legal online sportsbooks operating in Virginia.
On July 8, 2022, Hard Rock opened the first retail Virginia sportsbook. WynnBET shuttered its operations in August 2023, while Betr Sportsbook and SuperBook launched online platforms in September and October, respectively. Sporttrade is the most recent operator to launch, as it went live in October 2024.
Virginia sports betting sites
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bally Bet | Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
bet365 | Yes | bet365 | No | N/A |
BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | No | N/A |
BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
Betr | Yes | Chameleon | No | N/A |
Caesars | Yes | Caesars | No | N/A |
DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | No | N/A |
ESPN BET | Yes | PENN | No | N/A |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | Amelco | No | N/A |
FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | No | N/A |
Hard Rock Bet | Yes | GiG | No | N/A |
Sporttrade | Yes | Sporttrade | No | TBD |
Land-based Virginia sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Venue | Odds provider | Launch date |
---|---|---|---|
Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol | GiG | July 8, 2022 |
Latest Virginia sports betting news
Who can partake in Virginia sports betting?
In accordance with Virginia sports betting law, Adults 21 and over who have access to a mobile device or computer may place a legal sports bet. Registration can be completed from anywhere in the state, so players can get started at home or at their favorite bar.
Keep reading to learn about how to place your first sports bet in the Old Dominion.
Legal age
You must be at least 21 to place legal wagers at Virginia sportsbooks.
Mobile betting
Online Virginia sports betting involves a computer or mobile device to access a sports betting website or sportsbook app. The Virginia Lottery regulates all VA sports betting operators and their activity in Virginia.
Remote registration
Remote registration allows Virginia bettors to create accounts with Virginia sports betting sites, make deposits, and place their first bets from anywhere in the state.
Within state borders
Geolocation technology is used by all online Virginia sportsbooks to confirm your location within the state. While you don’t need to reside in Virginia to place a bet, you will be required to enable location services to prove you’ve got both feet on the ground in the Old Dominion.
Retail sportsbooks
There is only one retail sportsbook in VA: Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol. Lawmakers have approved up to five new brick-and-mortar casinos, and plans are already in motion to begin constructing casinos in three other Virginia cities: Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each land-based casino is forecasted to house its sportsbook.
Taxable winnings
Virginia sports betting winnings that exceed $600 are subject to a 24% federal tax. Losses can offset winnings, so keeping a record of both could lessen the burden during tax season.
The rate at which your winnings are taxed, at the state level, depends on the amount you’ve won that year. These rates range from 2% - 5.75%.
The pros and cons of Virginia sports betting
Sports bettors have been able to enjoy fully online Virginia sports betting from the get-go. The average tax rate and high population make Virginia a worthwhile market for new sportsbooks.
A lack of retail sportsbooks is a current drawback in Virginia — although that will change in the coming years.
How to start betting in Virginia
Sports bettors can visit legal Virginia betting sites or download a sports betting app to a mobile device. Bettors can also visit Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol to place wagers in person.
Select a sportsbook
The first step is to check out the current lineup of regulated Virginia sportsbooks. These platforms can offer various sign-up bonuses, betting lines, and levels of customer support. Visit a few Virginia sports betting sites and read over their terms and conditions before getting started.
Register online
Registration can be completed rather quickly in Virginia. Fill in some personal details, including the last four digits of your SSN, and you’ll be in pole position to place your first sports bet.
Claim a bonus
The Virginia sports betting scene is an open competitive marketplace — with bettors reaping the benefits. To gain an edge, VA sportsbooks reel in gamblers with the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses to get them started on their sports betting journey.
Virginia sports bettors can expect to find:
- Second chance bets: If your first bet ends up in the “L” column, some Virginia sportsbooks will deposit a site credit to your account, matching the amount you lost.
- Deposit match: Sports betting sites may match your initial deposit — up to 100%. Playthrough requirements usually come into play here.
- No-deposit bonus: A small site credit to get you started. This amount will need to be used on your first bet before it can be withdrawn.
Choose your bet
All of the favorite bet types can be found in Virginia. We've shared the most popular and provided an overview of each:
Picking an outright winner in sports betting parlance is called the moneyline, and it is a favorite bet type for new sports bettors.
In the case of Over/Unders (totals), you are determining whether the combined score will exceed or fall short of the total set by the oddsmakers.
Virginia sportsbooks introduce the point spread to level the playing field. This is due to the fact that the skill level between teams differs. Sports bettors can think of it as the great equalizer.
Parlays tie multiple bets together, and since all the wagers involved must win for the parlay to pay out, the risk is much higher than a single-game bet.
Deposit
Most of the best sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods are available in Virginia. Debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, prepaid cards, and e-wallets are valid options for transferring funds to a Virginia sports betting account.
Transaction fees may accompany these deposits, so be sure to read the fine print before confirming your transaction.
Start betting
Once you’ve explored all your chosen Virginia sportsbooks have to offer, it’s time to start betting. Line shopping, like finding the best NFL odds for your bet, is always recommended. It is beneficial to open accounts with multiple Virginia sports betting sites to ensure you’re quickly able to place the most favorable bets.
Withdraw
Withdrawals can be made in many of the same ways players can make deposits. Depending on the method chosen to make a withdrawal, funds may be available in a timely fashion or take a couple of days to appear in your account.
Odds explained
American odds will be shown as the default option at Virginia sports betting sites. Also known as moneyline odds, American odds indicate favorites and underdogs with a minus sign (-) and plus sign (+), respectively.
The number next to the minus sign tells bettors how much they’ll need to wager in order to win $100. The number next to the plus sign implies the amount that will be won when placing a $100 bet.
For example, -110 odds indicate $110 needs to be made to win $100 in profit. Meanwhile, +180 odds show that $180 will be won with a $100 wager.
Decimal and fractions odds can also be used to display the same potential winnings. Our odds converter can be used to switch between all three betting odds formats.
What you can't bet on in Virginia
Until recently, Virginia has been a mostly conservative gambling state aside from esports. Today, some limitations remain, including the following:
esports
Esports betting has become increasingly popular and is now legal in Virginia. In 2020, SB384 included clear language permitting esports betting sites in the Old Dominion.
Politics
You cannot bet on any political event in Virginia. Politics are off-limits at Virginia betting sites — and sportsbooks in every other U.S. state.
NFL Draft
The NFL's major offseason event is big with bettors. However, Virginia sportsbooks are on our list of states that prohibit wagering on the 2024 NFL Draft.
VA college sports
Virginia sports bettors may not place wagers on any of the Commonwealth's collegiate teams. However, bets may be placed on out-of-state college teams.
Awards shows
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits to Virginia bettors.
Virginia sports betting handle
Virginia sports bettors wasted no time getting in on the sports betting action in 2021. After taking in over $236 million in sports wagers in April, Virginia became the fastest state to $1 billion in total sports betting handle — a record multiple states have since broken.
Since launching mobile sports wagering, Virginia has seen its sports betting handle reach over $12 billion in total wagers.
Here’s a breakdown of Virginia’s sports betting numbers:
Yearly breakdown
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
2024 | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $5.53B | $560.2M | 10% | $72.3M |
2022 | $4.9B | $481.2M | 9.79% | $51.8M |
2021 | $3.21B | $285.9M | 8.9% | $20.3M |
Monthly handle
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2024 | $652.9M | $545M | $635.6M | $563.5M | $505.6M | $415.4M | $377.6M | $416.7M | - | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $513.2M | $433.8M | $511.6M | $425.9M | $403.7M | $322M | $293.6M | $319M | $520.3M | $571.3M | $638.8M | $633.2M | $5.53B |
2022 | $485.5M | $401.8M | $469.5M | $399.5M | $351.5M | $295.2M | $266M | $284.7M | $411.3M | $528M | $518.8M | $503.1M | $4.9B |
2021 | $58.9M | $265.8M | $304M | $236.4M | $227M | $235M | $161.9M | $182.4M | $293.8M | $427.3M | $402.5M | $426.6M | $3.21B |
Home team advantage: Virginia sports
Despite not having a professional team, Virginia is a huge interest market for the major sports leagues. It’s no surprise that sports bettors have come out in full force since Virginia sports betting was legalized in January 2021.
But like all gamblers, it’s vital that Virginia bettors be cautious when placing wagers on their favorite clubs in any major sports leagues. Our how to bet guides are a handy resource for new bettors. Sports betting has no allegiances, so be sure to remain neutral and read the odds carefully.
Although no upcoming fights are scheduled in the Old Dominion State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Virginia sports betting law
Virginia sports betting law calls for up to 19 online sports betting operators and sportsbooks in five land-based casinos.
Here's a snapshot of the current state of legal Virginia sports betting:
- The Virginia Lottery regulates all online and retail wagering.
- You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in VA.
- 12 legal online sportsbooks do business in Virginia.
- Land-based and online sportsbooks are taxed at 15% of gross gaming revenue.
- Betting on in-state college sports, the NFL Draft, politics, and celebrity awards shows is illegal in VA.
- esports wagering is legal in Virginia, provided the majority of participants are 21 or older.
Other types of gambling
Virginia is inching closer to unveiling more land-based casinos. While residents are currently limited to Hard Rock Bristol, local gamblers will soon be able to enjoy an abundance of gambling opportunities at brick-and-mortar locations in VA.
Casino
Four Virginian cities have approved casino plans to date. Hard Rock Bristol was the first to welcome local gamblers when it opened its temporary location on July 8, 2022. The final project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.
For online gamblers, sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots are the lone options in Virginia. No formal law regulates real money online casinos in the state.
Poker
Virginia’s gambling law does not explicitly outlaw poker, but there are no poker rooms to be found in the Old Dominion. However, this should change with the arrival of casinos in a few years.
Online poker has not been legalized but could be a consideration in the future as Virginia continues to expand on its regulated gambling offerings.
Horse racing
Following a five-year hiatus, Colonial Downs has been up and running since 2019. Virginia’s lone horse racetrack offers live racing, pari-mutuel betting, and HHR (historical horse racing).
Online horse bets can also be placed online with TVG, TwinSpires, and other horse racing betting sites.
Daily fantasy sports
Virginia was the first to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS). DraftKings and FanDuel have been running DFS contests in the Commonwealth since 2016.
Virginia sports betting summary
Virginia continues to grow as a strong sports betting market.
Consult our table below for a quick synopsis of the Virginia sports betting landscape:
Launch date | Jan. 21, 2021 |
Legal age for betting | 21 |
Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
Number of betting licenses | 19 |
Number of betting sites | 12 |
Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
Online casino sites | No ❌ |
Online poker | No ❌ |
Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
Betting on college teams | Yes ✅(limited) |
Betting on esports | Yes ✅ |
State population | 8.63 million |
Total handle (2023) | $5.53 billion |
Tax rate | 15% |
State regulator | Virginia Lottery |
Last Verified | Nov. 2, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Virginia
While the launch of legal sports betting has been a source of excitement and entertainment for many in Virginia, there will inevitably be some who fall into the downward spiral that is gambling addiction. With this in mind, the Virginia Lottery has worked to develop programs for those in need.
At the head of their efforts is the Voluntary Exclusion program. This allows individuals to exclude themselves from all forms of gambling for two years, five years, or a lifetime.
Other resources include a toll-free helpline and support groups for problem gamblers and their families and friends.
Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Visit the Virginia Council on Problem GamblingLegal U.S. sports betting markets
In addition to Virginia, these U.S. jurisdictions have legalized sports betting:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
North Carolina sports betting launched legal online wagering on March 11, 2024, ahead of the March Madness Tournament. Tar Heel State bettors now have access to 7 online sportsbooks with lucrative sign-up offers.
Legal Vermont sports betting went live on Jan. 11, 2024. Three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — were available on launch day to sports bettors.
The Pine Tree State closed out 2023, as legal Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 3, 2023. DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook partnered with local state tribes to offer mobile and online sportsbook services throughout the state.
Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived in the Bluegrass State on Sept. 7, 2023, with retail operations. Online and mobile wagering became available on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Here are the states moving toward legal sports betting which may potentially offer the practice soon:
Virginia sports betting history
After careful consideration, Virginia lawmakers came together to approve both online and retail sports betting in 2020. Nearly a year later, the first mobile sportsbooks went live. Virginians can now place legal wagers at 12 online betting sites and one brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
2024: Sporttrade becomes the 12th online operator in Virginia.
2023: bet365 and Betfred join the online Virginia sports betting market, going live on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, respectively. August marked the end of WynnBET Virginia. Betr launched in September, while SuperBook opened its virtual doors to VA bettors in October. Fanatics Sportsbook joined the fun in November.
2022: Voters reject HB 1127 and SB 576 — two bills looking to legalize in-state college sports betting.
Hard Rock Sportsbook and SI Sportsbook launch online operations in VA. Hard Rock also opens Virginia's first retail sportsbook.
2021: FanDuel takes Virginia's first legal online wager on Jan. 21. By the end of 2021, 11 online operators are accepting bets in VA, and Virginia bettors make over $3.21 billion in sports wagers.
2020: Virginia sports betting is officially approved when lawmakers accept Gov. Northam's amendments to two bills on April 22.
Four cities — Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth — approve new casinos.
2019: The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) finds that online sports betting could bring in $55 million in annual gaming tax revenue. JLARC also suggests online sportsbooks could launch ahead of brick-and-mortar locations.
2018: With the fall of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, each U.S. state is free to legalize sports betting and establish its own set of sports wagering rules and regulations.
List of Virginia resources
Use the following resources to dive deeper into the world of legal Virginia sports betting:
- Virginia Lottery: Regulating body in Virginia
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling: Help and support for problem gamblers
- House Bill 896: Virginia online and mobile sports betting bill
- Senate Bill 36: VA casino gambling bill
- Virginia sports betting regulations: Rules governing legal VA sports wagering
Virginia sports betting conclusion
Considering Virginia had little to no gambling activity in 2020, the state continues to punch above its weight in terms of prosperity. Sports betting has been legal since January 2021, and today, 12 online Virginia sportsbooks are fully operational.
Virginians can wager on all sports betting markets, but they cannot wager on the NFL Draft. In addition to sports betting, VA is also picking up steam with casino gaming. Bettors in neighboring states, including Maryland and Kentucky, have struggled with sports betting legalization, which continues to benefit the Commonwealth.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Virginia
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Offshore betting sites are unreliable and should be avoided. These blacklisted sites are not regulated by the Virginia Lottery and could fold at any moment, taking your funds with them.
Reserve your wagers for legal and regulated Virginia betting sites only, and avoid the following websites:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Virginia sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia for anyone 21 and older. The Virginia Lottery regulates all sports betting activity in the Commonwealth.
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Virginia. Bettors can use any of the 12 mobile sportsbooks currently available to place wagers anywhere in the state.
Virginia sports bettors are not required to reside in the state. However, players must confirm their location within Virginia before placing an online wager at a Virginia betting site.
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Virginia. However, you are not able to place wagers on in-state college teams like the Virginia Cavaliers or the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Virginia sports bettors can now place online and retail sports bets. Online wagers can be confirmed anywhere within state borders, while retail bets can be placed at the Hard Rock Sportsbook in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol.
Virginians can place a sports bet by using a legal sports betting website, downloading a sports betting app, or visiting the Hard Rock Sportsbook in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol
Virginia generated over $51.8 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2022.
Virginia's biggest sports betting cities include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Richmond.
No, the Barstool Sportsbook app is no longer available in Virginia or in any other state.
Yes, DraftKings is legal in Virginia, as it launched in the state on Jan. 23, 2021.
Yes, FanDuel was the first sportsbook to take a legal sports bet in Virginia. The industry giant has partnered with the Washington Commanders.
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