by
Reviewed by
Fact checked by
Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
You’ve arrived on our Virginia sports betting page, where you’ll find all the latest information regarding the state’s betting law, as well as take a look back at the road to legalisation. Online gambling in Virginia became legal on April 22, 2020, when Ralph Northam amended the first bill to allow sports enthusiasts to start wagering.
Top 5 Virginia online betting sites
Even with more than a dozen licensed sports betting apps available in Virginia, many residents still prefer to bet with offshore sportsbooks. Why? These platforms often offer bigger bonuses, fewer restrictions, and access to betting markets that go beyond what you’ll find on regulated U.S. apps.
If you’re in Virginia and looking for better odds, faster crypto payouts, and full access from anywhere in the state — no app downloads or geo-fencing — these five sportsbooks are trusted and widely used by players across the Commonwealth.
BetOnline
Year launched: 2001
Why Virginia players love it:
BetOnline has earned a loyal following thanks to its combination of sharp betting lines, early odds, and exceptional crypto support. Whether you’re betting on the Commanders, Cavaliers, or Champions League, BetOnline offers one of the most complete sportsbooks in the offshore world. It’s especially popular among seasoned bettors in Virginia who value high betting limits and fast Bitcoin withdrawals.
Key highlights:
- Early lines for major U.S. and international sports
- Massive prop bet selection and sharp live betting tools
- Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more
- Full-featured casino, poker, and racebook built-in
Welcome bonus: 50% up to $250
BetUS
Year launched: 1994 (online since early 2000s)
Why it’s a great choice in VA:
BetUS delivers a flashy, full-service betting experience with one of the most generous bonus packages in the game. Beyond the sportsbook, BetUS offers in-depth betting previews and video content via BetUS TV — perfect for Virginia bettors who like a little extra insight before placing their wagers. It’s a standout option for anyone who enjoys high-end presentation and top-tier customer rewards.
Key highlights:
- 125% welcome bonus with crypto options
- Live in-game betting and esports coverage
- Excellent VIP program and player perks
- Casino, table games, and sports all in one hub
Welcome bonus: 125% up to $2,000
BetNow
Year launched: 2016
Why Virginians like it:
BetNow is a rising favorite among casual and recreational bettors in Virginia. It offers a no-frills betting interface with competitive odds and straightforward crypto deposit options. If you want a clean, easy-to-use sportsbook without the clutter, BetNow delivers — and their regular promos keep things interesting without overwhelming you with gimmicks.
Key highlights:
- Fast account setup and simple dashboard
- NFL, NBA, college sports, and horse racing markets
- Competitive odds and weekly promotions
- Reliable payouts, especially with Bitcoin
Welcome bonus: 100% up to $500
MyBookie
Year launched: 2014
Why Virginia bettors choose it:
MyBookie has a reputation for combining sharp odds with a smooth user experience. The platform is ideal for both beginners and experienced bettors who want reliable performance and clean navigation. It covers all major sports — from March Madness to MLB and UFC — and offers regular contests, odds boosts, and crypto incentives.
Key highlights:
- Trusted sportsbook with responsive mobile site
- Odds for major U.S. leagues and niche sports
- Frequent reload bonuses and seasonal promotions
- Crypto deposits accepted with fast processing
Welcome bonus: 50% up to $1,000
Bovada
Year launched: 2011 (successor of Bodog)
Why it remains a top option in Virginia:
Bovada is one of the most well-known offshore sportsbooks among U.S. bettors — and for good reason. With a massive betting selection that includes politics, entertainment, props, and live markets, it’s the go-to for Virginia players looking for variety. Bovada also features a clean mobile interface, fast Bitcoin withdrawals, and a thriving online poker room.
Key highlights:
- Huge variety of lines: from NFL to reality TV
- Integrated sportsbook, casino, racebook, and poker
- Seamless mobile experience without an app
- Fast crypto payouts with high reliability
Welcome bonus: 50% up to $250
Legal Sportsbooks in Virginia
Sports betting has been fully legal in Virginia since 2020, with the market officially launching in January 2021. Unlike some states with limited options, Virginia offers a competitive landscape of privately operated, licensed sportsbooks. Mobile betting is widely available and does not require visiting a retail location, making it easy for residents to place bets from anywhere in the state. With several top-tier sportsbook apps now live, bettors in Virginia enjoy a convenient, regulated, and feature-rich online betting experience.
| Sportsbook | Available in Virginia |
| FanDuel | ✅ |
| DraftKings | ✅ |
| Caesars | ✅ |
| BetRivers | ✅ |
| BetMGM | ✅ |
| Fanatics | ✅ |
| Unibet | ❌ |
Virginia Sports Betting Quick Facts
Virginia legalized sports betting in April 2020, with the first online sportsbooks launching in January 2021. Since then, the state has developed a robust and accessible betting environment. Unlike some states with limited options, Virginia offers a competitive landscape of privately operated, licensed sportsbooks. Mobile betting is widely available and does not require visiting a retail location, making it easy for residents to place bets from anywhere in the state. With several top-tier sportsbook apps now live, bettors in Virginia enjoy a convenient, regulated, and feature-rich online betting experience.
| State | Virginia |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | Yes ✔️ |
| Launch Date | March 9th 2020 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 ✔️ |
| Online Sports Betting | No ❌ |
| Mobile Sports Betting | No ❌ |
| Retail Sportsbooks | Yes ✔️ |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes ✔️ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | No ❌ |
| Online Casinos | No ❌ |
| Horse Racing | Yes ✔️ |
| Dog Racing | No ❌ |
| Esports Betting | No ❌ |
Virginia’s Betting Landscape – Legal, Accessible, and Competitive
Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, officially launching its market in early 2021. Unlike states with government-run monopolies, Virginia embraced a competitive model from the start, licensing a range of private sportsbook operators. Bettors enjoy full mobile access without needing to visit a physical location — a major advantage for convenience and flexibility. With multiple apps available and strong consumer protections in place, Virginia’s sports betting scene is modern, regulated, and user-friendly.
Why Some Virginia Bettors Still Consider Offshore Sportsbooks
Even with a well-regulated market, some Virginia bettors turn to offshore sportsbooks for added flexibility. While the legal apps offer plenty of features, offshore platforms can sometimes provide sharper odds, faster crypto payouts, and access to markets that aren’t always available on licensed platforms, like political betting or international events.
What Offshore Sportsbooks Offer That Virginia Operators May Not
Here’s where offshore sites can still appeal to certain bettors:
- Crypto-Friendly Payouts – Offshore sportsbooks often support Bitcoin and other fast, private payment methods.
- Fewer Restrictions – Offshore sites usually allow bets on entertainment, politics, and other categories not permitted in the U.S.
- Higher Limits – For high-stakes bettors, offshore books may offer larger maximum bets.
- Privacy and Anonymity – Many offshore sites don’t require the same level of personal data or geolocation tracking.
- Bonus Variety – Promotions, reload bonuses, and free bets may be more frequent or generous.
Virginia’s Regulated Betting – The Upsides and Trade-Offs
While the regulated market is strong overall, there are still a few limitations:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to legally bet.
- Verification: Identity verification and geolocation are required to place a bet.
- Restricted Bet Types: Wagers on Virginia college teams are not allowed.
- Payment Options: Crypto payments are not supported by legal sportsbooks.
Who Can Bet in Virginia?
- Minimum Age: 21 years old
- Location: You must be physically located within Virginia’s borders (geolocation required)
- Residency: Not required — visitors can legally bet in-state
- Prohibited Participants: Certain industry insiders and individuals on self-exclusion lists are banned from betting
Bottom Line: Virginia Offers One of the Nation’s Strongest Legal Betting Markets
Thanks to its competitive licensing model and mobile-first access, Virginia is one of the more advanced states for legal sports betting. For most users, the regulated sportsbooks provide a secure and seamless experience. But for those who want additional features like crypto support or fewer restrictions, reputable offshore sportsbooks remain a viable — though unregulated — alternative.
Whether it’s the NFL, NBA, or you fancy your chances on Virginia horse racing betting, we will cover it all on this page. For those bettors that prefer wagering in-person, we’ll list all the land-based betting facilities and casinos operating in the state as well. On top of that, we’ll go into detail about the various offshore bookmakers, giving details about each and directing you towards the very best.
For any of our readers who are from other states, we’ve created a page with the complete list of US betting laws, as well as pages for each state. Also, check out the best sports betting apps in Virginia.
Virginia Sports Betting – Recent Updates
- February 8, 2024 — Virginia’s sports betting handle slightly decreased to $633.18 million in December, marking a 0.8% decline from November but showing a significant 25% year-over-year increase.
- January 29, 2024 — SB 142, a sports betting bill allowing wagers on in-state college teams, successfully passed through the gaming sub-committee of the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee.
- January 23, 2024 — Gaming company IGT signed a three-year contract extension with the Virginia Lottery. As part of the agreement, IGT will replace 5,500 lottery terminals with IGT machines and implement other improvements.
- January 23, 2024 — Some Virginia lawmakers are reportedly planning to introduce legislation that would legalize skill games.
- January 16, 2024 — Virginia Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg introduced a new bill, SB 142, aimed at allowing betting on in-state college sports teams. This practice is currently prohibited in all instances.
Six Reasons to Bet on These Virginia Betting Sites
For those bettors and sports enthusiasts that feel it would be interesting to work with Virginia betting sites, we’d strongly recommend taking a look at our list of things to look out for when selecting a top-tier provider. If you prefer the gambling casinos in Virginia beach, keep reading. But, if online sports betting in Virginia is your gig, here are six of the most important aspects of a bookmaker to look out for when selecting a provider.
List Of Casinos In Virginia
Given the fact that Virginia offers regulated sports betting in the state, it’s well worth checking out some of the unique land-based sports betting facilities now active. For those players that love table games, Blackjack, Craps, Poker, Slots, and all the rest, there are few better casinos than in Virginia. So, for those that love casino gaming, check out our full list of casinos below:
- Caesars Virginia (Danville)
- Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino
- Headwaters Resort and Casino (Norfolk)
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Virginia Sports Betting Timeline
Now that sports betting in Virginia is regulated, many people assume that sports betting progression is over. However, that isn’t the case, and we will be sure to track every step of the journey on our Virginia sports betting timeline at the top of the page.
In terms of what’s happened in the past, we’ve put together a timeline highlighting the major events leading up to the amendment to the sports betting bill that took place in 2020. Virginia gambling laws are going to continue to evolve as the sports betting landscape in the state continues to adjust.
2023
Virginia’s notable sports betting surge and casino construction update
Virginia experiences a significant surge in sports betting activity as the handle reaches $638 million in November, marking a 23% year-over-year increase and an 11.7% rise from October. Additionally, construction for the proposed HeadWaters Resort and Casino in Norfolk is anticipated to commence in early 2024.
2022
Virginia’s sports betting landscape in 2022
In 2022, Virginia maintains its legal sports betting framework established in previous years. The state continues to permit online and mobile sports betting platforms, contributing to a growing and regulated betting environment.
2021
Sports betting launches in Virginia Jan. 21
The state has joined Tennessee as an online-only sports betting state, with the market expanding into nine online bookmakers, including top-tier brands like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. With the plan to open up to 12-sportsbooks in the near future, meeting the state limit for registered online bookmakers.
2020
A study bill indicates a huge economic opportunity for the state.
Virginia hopes to allow for sports betting in the state to take advantage of the state tax income by supporting wagering. A house bill and Senate bill quickly passes through the chambers. The bill goes to Gov. Ralph Northam, including a concession for NASCAR, then went back to the Assembly, where lawmakers accepted the governor’s changes and allowed the bill to become law.
Virginia Sports Betting Resources
Explore these essential resources to learn more about legal sports betting in Virginia:
- Virginia Lottery: The regulatory authority overseeing sports betting in the state.
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling: Offers help and support for individuals struggling with gambling issues.
- House Bill 896: The legislation enabling online and mobile sports betting in Virginia.
- Senate Bill 36: The bill that legalized casino gambling in the state.
- Virginia Sports Betting Regulations: Detailed guidelines governing legal sports wagering in Virginia.
Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.
You certainly can. In fact, we offer the complete list of casinos operating in Virginia on this page.
Probably the Washington Spirit, although there are also a range of collegiate teams offering some great betting opportunities.
Prop betting markets are a staple part of any betting market and are a must at any top-tier provider. You’ll find those on our list of providers.
We cannot single out the very best, as each has its own qualities, but we can point you to our recommended list of providers for the very best.
Parlay betting is arguably the most popular betting line in the state, meaning all first-rate providers will offer parlay lines.
Chris Boline is a renowned sports journalist with a lifelong passion for the industry. Originally from Reno, Nevada, he is a key business development figure in college athletics, with over a decade of experience with the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and Mountain West Conference. Boline holds an MBA from the University of Nevada. He has received MVP an...
Read More About the Author
Best Betting Sites 