Virginia Sports Betting
Virginia sports betting is live and legal after launching in January 2021. There are now 15 VA sports betting apps for bettors to choose from including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers and Bet365.
Best Virginia sportsbooks for 2023
Contents
What’s happening in Virginia sports betting right now
- June 7, 2023 – While there is no real effort at the moment to legalize online casinos in Virginia, the potential legalization of North Carolina sports betting could pressure Virginia to find another revenue stream with North Carolina likely stealing some sports betting business.
- June 2, 2023 – Virginia sports betting handle hit $425.9 million in April, a 16.7% drop from March but a 7% bump from April 2022. Revenue was $45.1 million for the month, a drop of about $10.1 month-over-month.
- May 31, 2023 – With legal online sports betting potentially on the way in North Carolina, Virginia could see a drop in handle and revenue as North Carolina bettors stop crossing Virginia’s southern border to place legal wagers.
- May 23, 2023 – It could be a matter of time before Fanatics Sportsbook becomes a big part of Virginia sports betting after PointsBet sold its U.S. assets to Fanatics. Fanatics has already opened a sportsbook at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders.
- May 8, 2023 – After experiencing its best quarter to date, Churchill Downs praised the six historical horse racing facilities in Virginia that the company owns.
- May 1, 2023 – Virginia sports betting handle hit $511.6 million in March, the highest monthly total so far in 2023 and a 17.9% bump from February. That total was also up 9% year-over-year.
- April 21, 2023 – Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was suspended for at least the 2023 season for violating NFL betting policy. Toney was one of five NFL players suspended for violating the league’s gambling rules.
Comparing top Virginia sports betting apps
Depending on what your preferences are, a certain book might be better for you than others. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Best sportsbooks for major sports: DraftKings and FanDuel. Both sportsbooks have relationships with most of the major sports leagues and offer a variety of wagers and promos for them. FanDuel is partnered with the Washington Commanders.
- Best sportsbook for betting variety: BetMGM. BetMGM has one of the deepest libraries of sports to bet on in Virginia. You can find a huge lineup of NFL bets alongside snooker, tennis and MMA.
- Best sportsbook app navigation: FanDuel. There might be no easier app to use than FanDuel’s, which is smooth, sleek and intuitive. A 2021 independent study published by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming noted that FanDuel consistently earns high marks for user experience and betting interface.
- Best promotional program: Caesars and BetRivers. Both Caesars and BetRivers offer extensive promotions and deals. Both also feature two of the most well-known loyalty programs in the business: Caesars Rewards and iRush Rewards.
- Best sportsbooks for flexibility and customization: BetMGM and DraftKings. BetMGM’s Edit My Bet feature allows bettors to substitute teams, increase bets or add legs to existing wagers. DraftKings presents each bettor with a carousel of personalized wagers.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbooks Virginia has staked out its position through an innovative app with several groundbreaking features. It was the first sportsbook in the US to offer early cash-outs, and it also offers a betting carousel that presents wagers likely to appeal to bettors based on their betting history. DraftKings could stand to offer more promos to existing players, however.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: DraftKings has some of the best features and options for almost any type of sports bettor.
- Best feature: Betting carousel
- VA bonus offer: Up to $1,250 on your first deposit
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is a combination of two massive names in gambling — Caesars and William Hill. Caesars likely won’t blow bettors away with its sportsbook features, but it offers plenty of bet types. Caesars is also generous with its bonuses and promotions, including its rewards program. However, the app is rather basic compared to some of the other big-name sportsbook apps.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.2 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Caesars is an average app with an above-average slate of promotions.
- Best feature: Caesars Rewards
- VA bonus offer: Get up to $1,250.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
This is the online sports betting wing of MGM Resorts, one of the world’s largest gambling companies. BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia has more sports to bet on than you’ll find almost anywhere else. It also offers the Edit My Bet function, which provides more flexibility to bettors with open wagers than almost any other sportsbook. However, some areas of the app are difficult to use.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Key takeaway: You can find almost any type of wager on BetMGM.
- Best feature: Edit My Bet
- VA bonus offer: Get up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia is part of Rush Street, a large regional gambling operator with most of its properties in the Northeast. BetRivers offers one of the best apps to immerse yourself into sports betting in a manner more similar to a live sportsbook than an online one. Some bets you make offer live streaming of the games on which you’re wagering. However, BetRivers’ app itself is a bit rough and hard to manage.
- App store rating: 1.8 (iOS), 3.3 (Android)
- Key takeaway: BetRivers is probably the closest that online sports betting comes to the retail experience.
- Best feature: iRush Rewards
- VA bonus offer: 100% deposit bonus up to $500
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel was the first sportsbook app to debut in Virginia and is (to date) the only sportsbook to partner with one of the two pro sports teams with headquarters in Virginia. In this case, FanDuel has a deal with the Washington Commanders. In addition to smooth navigation, FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia also offers same-game parlays far more prominently than most big sportsbooks. However, because the app is so smooth in most places, areas where things are clunky — like player props — stand out.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: No sportsbook app is easier to use than FanDuel.
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- VA bonus offer: $2,500
6. Bet365 Sportsbook
One of the newest sports betting apps to launch in Virginia, this well-known U.K.-based brand boasts a unique experience of live in-game betting features, bet boosts and super boosts, and a personalized display. Also known for a solid menu of betting markets and competitive odds, the app itself gets favorable ratings from customer reviews.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 2.1 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds and an easy-to-use app.
- Best feature: Personalized display
- VA bonus offer: Bet $1 Get $200 In Bonus Bets
7. PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet is an Australian sports betting outlet that has made a name for itself in the US the past few years. PointsBet’s main feature is its signature wager, PointsBetting. This upends the standard spread or total bet by determining your payout or loss depending on by how much your bet is right or wrong. This makes it possible to win or lose big. The book might also offer refunds in certain situations involving tough losses. One downside, however, is that it is a bit difficult to find some sports and bets on PointsBet.
- App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A unique type of wagering that can lead to big return or losses, and there are plenty of options for all the other types of betting, too.
- Best feature: PointsBetting
- VA bonus offer: Up to $250 in bet credits
Upcoming Virginia sportsbooks
Although there are now more than a dozen sportsbook apps on the scene in Virginia, the market is not finished expanding yet. State sports betting law allows for up to 18 sportsbook licenses. As we receive information about new books that might be debuting in Old Dominion, we will list them below.
How to get started with best VA sportsbook bonuses
Getting started at an online sportsbook in Virginia is easy to do. First, head to the sportsbook’s homepage or app, and create an account. Once you’re done with that, you can make a deposit and start betting. Throughout the process, keep an eye out for any bonus offers for new customers. Here are some of the best available at Virginia sportsbooks:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Get up to $1,250 in bonus bets.
- Caesars Sportsbook: Use the code LSRFULL to receive up to $1,250 on Caesars.
- BetMGM Sportsbook: Use the code PLAY1000 to receive up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: Use the code LSRRIV to receive a 2nd chance bet up to $500.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Get up to $2,500 No Sweat First Bet.
As you compare the top sportsbook promos at various Virginia sportsbooks, here is a rundown of some common terms to be aware of:
- No deposit — A no-deposit bonus is usually available only for new players as compensation for signing up for an account. The book provides you with a small amount of bonus funds to try it out.
- First bet offers: For a first bet offer, you will first have to place a wager that meets the sportsbook’s conditions. If you win, then you simply collect the profit from your win. If you lose, however, the site will issue you site credits equivalent to a percentage of your lost bet.
- Loyalty program — A loyalty program awards you points for each wager. You can redeem points for various perks, and as you play more, the benefits improve.
- Odds boost — The sportsbook boosts the odds on certain bets to encourage wagering on those options. The boost is often worth an extra percentage if you win the bet.
10 quick facts about Virginia sports betting
- Sports betting launched in Virginia in January 2021.
- Virginia is one of only a few states to launch as an online-only market.
- Sports betting in the state will not remain just online, though. Casinos are under construction, with plans for retail sportsbooks.
- Virginia law allows for 18 sportsbook licenses.
- The law includes a provision for a relocating sports team to acquire a license.
- Wagering on games involving in-state college teams is illegal.
- State law also prohibits college prop bets.
- You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Virginia.
- The first retail sportsbook to open in Virginia was at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol.
- Of the five cities that Virginia designated as potential casino locations, only Richmond declined to allow a venue inside city limits.
Why legal sportsbooks are best for Virginians
If you are a sports bettor, legal online sportsbooks are the best option if you are in Virginia. The Virginia Lottery oversees each book that’s legal in the state. This means that legal books must meet a number of safety and security requirements, and you always have recourse if you encounter any issues.
Online sportsbooks are also great for bonuses and first bet offers. Because the competition is a click away, legal books offer incentives to attract customers and keep them happy.
Virginia sports betting law and regulations
Virginia sports betting took two legislative sessions to cross the finish line. The process began in 2019 but did not end with an active law until April 2020. The first bets occurred in January 2021. Clarifying legislation that passed a few months later separated casino licenses from online licenses and made it clear that as many as 18 licenses could be available, while also giving the Virginia Lottery the power to permit new betting markets as warranted. The division of sports betting licenses is as follows:
- Twelve online-only licenses.
- Five licenses for retail casinos, but only four casinos are under construction.
- One license for a professional sports team with headquarters in Virginia.
- Additional license(s) reserved for if a professional sports team relocates to Virginia.
Wagering on both professional and college sports is legal in the state. However, it is not legal to place a bet involving in-state college teams. If a tournament (such as March Madness) has Virginia college teams participating, you can bet on games from that tournament that don’t involve in-state college teams. State law also prohibits college prop bets. You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Virginia.
Here are some other key aspects of Virginia sports betting law:
- Sportsbooks must pay $250,000 for a three-year license.
- Sportsbooks are subject to a 15% tax on revenues.
- Books may deduct promotional expenses, reducing the effective tax rate to around 2.2%.
- Minority applicants receive preference.
Full list of legal Virginia sportsbook sites
There are slots for as many as 18 online sportsbooks in Virginia. There are 15 legal apps currently live in the state. Here is the complete list of legal sports betting sites in Virginia:
- Bally Bet Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- Betfred Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Sports Illustrated Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
Retail sportsbooks in Virginia
The same law that allowed sports betting included provisions for as many as five land-based casinos in Virginia. The law specified that all five could house retail sportsbooks if they chose. However, the law also required that the designated cities for each casino pass a referendum on the issue before construction could commence.
Four of the cities approved their referenda in November 2020:
- Bristol voters approved the development of a Hard Rock casino. A temporary casino with a sportsbook is open as of July 8, 2022.
- Danville voters approved the development of a Caesars casino.
- Norfolk voters approved the development of a casino by the Pamunkey Indians. No sports betting partner is known yet.
- Portsmouth voters approved the development of a Rush Street casino.
Of the four proposed casinos, three have launched sportsbook apps in the state via their casino sports betting license: Caesars, Hard Rock, and Rush Street (BetRivers.) However, voters in Richmond rejected the placement of a fifth Virginia casino inside city limits. So, there will only be four casino locations in Virginia and four retail sportsbooks in the foreseeable future.
Virginia’s favorite sports and teams for betting
Fandom is largely geographic, and the presence of Washington, DC, just north of Virginia means that’s where many sports allegiances lie. Depending on where you live in the state, other options include teams in North Carolina or Tennessee. Here are the top teams for Virginia sports bettors:
- NFL: Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers
- NBA: Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies
- MLB: Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles
- NHL: Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators
These four leagues are the top draws for Virginia bettors. However, sportsbooks in the state also offer many other options. There are plenty of fans of the DC United (MLS) in the state, for instance.
One event that only recently became available for legal betting is the Olympics. The original language of the law forbade betting on the international tournament. However, subsequent changes to the law since 2020 allow betting on the games.
Virginia sports betting history
Like its neighbor to the west, Virginia was not home to any casinos, cardrooms or any other gambling venues. Even its lone thoroughbred horse racing track had closed five years earlier. The fact that the issue was under consideration in the Virginia General Assembly was surprising enough. That the eventual law also included provisions for land-based casinos cemented Virginia’s status as the state experiencing the biggest paradigm shift in its approach to gambling. Incidentally, the horse track reopened in 2019.
Here’s a quick timeline of events that led to Virginia’s emergence as a gambling and sports betting destination:
2022: After a year, Virginia sportsbooks are booking in excess of $400 million in wagers every month. Meanwhile, lawmakers vote down two versions of bills that would allow wagers involving in-state colleges. Hard Rock Sportsbook debuts at the end of March as the 12th online book to launch in the state.
2021: Sports betting launches in Virginia on Jan. 21. The state joins Tennessee as an online-only sports betting state. The market quickly expands to nine online sportsbooks, including top companies like FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings. Two mirror-image bills pass through the Virginia House and Senate to clarify some of the elements of the sports betting law, including that the casinos’ licenses do not count against the 12-sportsbook limit that the law originally established. The citizens of Richmond vote to not allow a casino inside the city, so the number of retail casinos (and sportsbooks) that will appear in Virginia is now capped at four locations.
2020: The study bill indicates a tremendous economic opportunity for Virginia if it allows for sports betting, and many lawmakers now find themselves supporting gambling expansion. A House bill and Senate bill quickly pass through their respective chambers but reach an impasse on their points of difference. After some committee negotiations, a bill passes to Gov. Ralph Northam. Northam adds a few pieces to the bill, including a concession for NASCAR, then sends it back to the Assembly, where lawmakers accept the governor’s changes and allow the bill to become law. In November, voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth approve the placement of casinos inside city limits, paving the way for retail sportsbooks to appear in Virginia in the near future.
2019: Although it takes them time, Virginia lawmakers begin discussing sports betting in the 2019 legislative session. The proposals include some provisions for casino elements, too. However, the support is not sufficient for passage, so legislators end up commissioning a bill to study the economics of sports betting in Virginia.
Virginia sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes. Sports betting in Virginia became legal in April 2020 and active in January 2021. This met the timeline state regulators had to launch legal sports betting, which was early in 2021. The state features 14 online sports betting sites, with a plan for retail sportsbooks in the future.
Where can I bet on sports in Virginia?
Anywhere inside state lines when using a sportsbook app, including the two airports that serve Washington, DC. Virginia will not have retail sportsbooks until mid-2022 at the earliest, but the Bristol location has indicated that it plans to include a sportsbook at its temporary facility.
Who oversees sports betting in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery is responsible for overseeing sports betting. Placing sports betting under lottery oversight is common throughout the US landscape. The lottery took the lead in creating rules and regulations governing the legal sports betting industry for Virginia. It is responsible for reviewing applications from sportsbook operators, as well.
Is mobile sports betting available in Virginia?
Yes. In fact, mobile sports betting in Virginia is the only method available to participate in the short term while new casinos are built in the state. Those casinos will host retail sportsbooks once open.
You do not need to be a resident of Virginia to sign up for an online sports betting account. To place a wager, your smartphone will use geolocation technology to verify that you are located inside Virginia when placing your bet.
Are Bovada and BetOnline legal in Virginia?
No. Bovada, BetOnline and other offshore sportsbooks remain illegitimate options for Virginia bettors. These sites and their ilk are usually based in smaller countries, like Aruba or Costa Rica. Because they are outside the United States, they do not fall under US or state laws and are not bound to conform to the standards by which legal sportsbooks in Virginia must abide. Playing on these outlets opens you up to risks of identity theft and financial mismanagement, and with a dozen legal sportsbooks active in the state, there’s little reason to take those risks.
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Virginia?
You must be 21 or older to legally bet on sports in Virginia.
Is horse betting legal in Virginia?
Yes. There is a live thoroughbred racing track at Colonial Downs and a harness racing track at Shenandoah Downs. Both venues offer pari-mutuel wagering on their races. Virginians can also use various online horse betting sites. Sites like TVG and TwinSpires have all the same features that a live horse betting location would offer.
Colonial Downs and its half-dozen affiliated off-track betting locations are also hubs for historical horse racing machines. These machines resemble slots, but they use the outcomes of past (unknown to the player) horse races to generate results. HHR machines have reinvigorated both the locations where the machines are and interest in Virginia horse betting. Colonial Downs likely reopened, in part, due to the increased revenue that these machines provide.
Can I play daily fantasy sports in VA?
Yes, daily fantasy sports contests are legal and available for play in Virginia. In fact, Virginia was the first state to legalize DFS play. Top DFS providers such as DraftKings and FanDuel have operated in Virginia since 2016.