Virginia Sports Betting: Best Legal VA Sportsbooks in 2024

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

$1,500 in Bonus Bets

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CVRBONUS1500

Claim $1,500

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 $1,500 in bonus bets when they sign up using the BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS1500.' 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: $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. FanDuel Virginia

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Claim $150

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 Months of NBA League Pass
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. bet365 Virginia

Bet $5, Get $150

Code: COVERS

Claim $150

$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

Code: COVERS

Claim $1,000

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 $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. Caesars Virginia

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUS1000

Claim $1,000

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

5. DraftKings Virginia

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets.

Ends: Jan. 5, 2025

Claim $150

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 $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

6. Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place a min. $1 daily first bet and, if the wager loses, get up to a $100 no sweat bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours.

Ends: Dec. 31, 2024

Claim $1,000

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 - $1,500 in bonus bets: Virginia sports bettors can claim a first bet of up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets with the "King of Sportsbooks." If you lose your first wager, BetMGM VA will refund up to $1,500 in the form of bonus bets. Use BetMGM bonus code COVERSBONUS to redeem this offer, which expires on Dec. 31, 2024.

FanDuel – Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 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 is valid until Dec. 22, 2024.

bet365 - Bet $150, get $5: Use our exclusive bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' and turn a $5 bet into $150 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. 26, 2024, at 6:59 a.m. ET.

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. 

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 $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus: First-time DraftKings Virginia customers earn $150 in bonus bets (six $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 Jan. 5, 2025. You can also access a secondary '20% deposit match up to $1,000' welcome offer, which is valid until Nov. 30, 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:

Nov. 12, 2024: Caesars Virginia will open its doors on Thursday, December 12th. The resort will span 90,000 square feet, feature 1,500 slot machines, more than 100 live-action and electronic table games, a poker room, and Caesars Sportsbook. 

Nov. 5, 2024: Voters approve a 5th brick-and-mortar casino in Virginia, which could hurt online gaming chances in the Commonwealth.

Oct. 25, 2024: Sporttrade 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:

1. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
2. FanDuel - Excellent app
   
   
3. Caesars - Large welcome bonus
   
   
4. bet365 - Intuitive menus
   
   
5. Fanatics Sportsbook - NFL live streaming
   
   
6. DraftKings - Best sportsbook
   
   
7. Hard Rock Bet - Great live betting
   
   
8. BetRivers - Weekly promos
   
   
9. ESPN BET - Great selection
   
   
10. Bally Bet - New-look app
    
    
11. Betr - Good for micro-betting
    
    
12. 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

Land-based Virginia sportsbooks

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.

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.

Fully online Virginia sports betting

Expanding list of Virginia sportsbooks

Plenty of sign-up bonuses

Just one retail sportsbook

No betting on in-state college teams

No NFL draft betting

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.

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

Monthly handle

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.

NHL

Washington Capitals

Carolina Hurricanes

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Washington Wizards

Charlotte Hornets

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Washington Commanders

Baltimore Ravens

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Washington Nationals

Baltimore Orioles

Get live MLB odds

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.

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:

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.

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

In addition to Virginia, these U.S. jurisdictions have legalized sports betting:

Recent 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.