Sports Betting For Virginia Residents. Sports betting for Virginia residents is now legal within state lines. With two Division 1 collegiate sports programs and many die-hard Washington D.C. Sports fans scattered throughout the state, many people are already betting on their favorite teams, and will now be able to a state-licensed location.

Jan 28, 2021 HAMPTON ROADS, Va. Sports betting is now legal in Virginia with the first bets allowed back on January 21. Thousands of games across professional and collegiate sports from around the world. Jan 21, 2021 Virginia’s highly lucrative sports gambling market officially opened Thursday when, shortly after 2 p.m., a cellphone user placed a $25 bet on the Golden State Warriors to beat the New York.

January 2021 promises to be a historic month in Virginia with the long-awaited launch of Virginia sports betting. FanDuel launched on January 21st in Virginia in fact ! Discussions around Virginia sports betting have been ongoing for some time, and the General Assembly eventually finalized legislation for Virginia betting sites in July 2020.

The Virginia Lottery Board has been hard at work drafting the necessary regulations for online sports betting. These regulations provide a framework within which Virginia sportsbooks must operate.

Sportsbooks had a two-week period during which they could apply for one of twelve initial licenses. There’s been tremendous interest from both national and international operators to launch Virginia sports betting apps. The Lottery Board confirmed receipt of 25 applications.

Best Virginia Sportsbooks

Rank	VA Sportsbook	Welcome Offer	Bet Now
1.	FanDuel Visit Review	Bet $5 win $275! SuperBowl 55/1 Odds Boost T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO, VA, IL, IA, IN, TN, PA, WV
2.	William Hill Visit Review	Get a $500 Risk-Free Bet Bonus Code: VIMAXSPORTRF T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ, CO, IL, IA, IN, MI, VA and WV
3.	DraftKings Visit Review	$1,000 Deposit Match T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO, IN, IA, NJ, PA, WV, IL, IA, VA
4.	BetMGM Visit Review	100% Deposit Match up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in MI, VA, IL, IN, IA, CO, TN, WV
5.	BetRivers Visit Review	100% First Deposit Match up to $250 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in MI, CO, IL, VA, PA, IN

FanDuel Virginia Sportsbook

FanDuel is one of the most popular sportsbooks in each of the states where it operates. We expect it to be a frontrunner for Virginia sports betting as well. With its roots in fantasy sports, FanDuel launched its online sportsbook in 2018. It operates in nine states and should soon add Virginia to the mix.

Virginia sports betting participants will benefit from welcome offers at FanDuel. It currently offers a free bet of up to $1,000 to new users. Should FanDuel receive a Virginia online sports betting license, this welcome offer will likely be extended to users on the FanDuel VA sports betting site.

Most Likely Virginia Sports Betting Sites

There are twelve hotly coveted VA sports betting licenses up for grabs. Here are some of the most likely Virginia sportsbooks.

It's is a good idea to look into the online sports betting sites that will be opening in the state before they are set to open. The following online sportsbook are some of the best sports betting sites in states where sports betting is legal online:

Updated on :

BetRivers Virginia Sport Betting

BetRivers is one of the sportsbooks likely to be granted a VA sports betting license through its casino connection. The parent company, Rush Street Gaming, will start construction on its new Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, VA, in 2021. With an initial $300 million investment per state legislation, this casino and Virginia sports betting site will be a welcome boost for the economy.

BetRivers currently operates in six states: Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. With a physical and online presence planned, it’s a welcome addition to the list of possible Virginia betting sites.

DraftKings Virginia Online Sportsbook

When the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, DraftKings hit the ground running with the launch of its sportsbook. It was already well-known for being a leader in the daily fantasy industry, and quickly cemented itself as a leader in online sports wagering.

DraftKings already holds sportsbook licenses in Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. We expect the lottery board to grant it a Virginia license, and then DraftKings can offer VA sports betting throughout the state.

Although Virginia sports betting isn’t yet available, DraftKings is pushing ahead with its new user’s bonus. The welcome package will likely consist of a match deposit of up to $500 and a $500 risk-free first bet. It’s an attractive offer to residents starting their Virginia sports betting journey when DraftKings VA goes live.

William Hill Virginia Betting Site

Another sportsbook vying for a Virginia online sports betting license is William Hill. It already is present in 11 states and the District of Columbia, with mobile betting available in Iowa, New Jersey, Nevada, and West Virginia. As one of the largest sportsbooks worldwide, a Virginia sports betting license is virtually certain.

It’s common knowledge that Caesars Entertainment has committed to the acquisition of William Hill, primarily to build their customer base in the United States. It received permission to construct a casino complex in Danville, VA, which means William Hill is likely to be available for Virginia online sports betting in the future.

Although William Hill VA sports betting hasn’t confirmed bonuses, expectations are that the same offer will hold as is available in other states. This welcome offer awards you a free bet of up to $500 on your first online deposit of at least $50. You’re likely to see a host of new sign-up offers on William Hill when online betting in Virginia goes live.

Pointsbet Virginia Betting Site

Pointsbet has also thrown its hat into the ring for a spot in the Virginia sports betting line-up. Pointsbet is an Australian sportsbook with a unique form of wagering and has staked its claim on the US market. It already has an online presence in four states and hopes to be one of the 12 Virginia online sports betting options.

The welcome offer for new customers betting in Virginia includes an incentive to try out PointsBetting, the form of wagering exclusively to this sportsbook. If you lose your first PointsBetting wager, you receive up to $500 in free bets. This offer is sure to be available to Virginia sports betting enthusiasts upon registration.

BetMGM Virginia Sports Betting Site

BetMGM has the weight of MGM Resorts International behind it in its effort to secure a Virginia online sports betting license. MGM is one of the largest global casino businesses, and BetMGM is its sports betting division. It currently operates in six states.

With MGM National Harbour Resort & Casino located in neighboring Maryland, the familiarity of the MGM name could nudge BetMGM to the front of the queue. Although up against some heavy-duty sportsbooks, BetMGM hopes to add Virginia sports betting to its portfolio.

BetMGM will provide bonuses and other offers if it becomes one of the Virginia betting sites. If in line with the other BetMGM sportsbooks, a risk-free first bet with up to $500 returned will feature prominently in its Virginia sports betting market.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of sports betting websites that are already available in other states. So, it is expected that one of these sites will become the first legally operating Virginia online sportsbook. What this means is you will already be ahead of the game if you know about these sportsbooks now before they open in the state.

Virginia Online Sports Betting: Events and Markets

We’re likely to see a rush of bettors to Virginia sports betting apps early in 2021 when Virginia sportsbooks launch in the state. Once licenses are issued, and the Virginia betting sites are live, we’ll see what betting markets are available for residents.

Most Popular Sports and Events to Bet On

Traditional American sports will surely feature prominently. Football, baseball, basketball, and hockey have a substantial following, which will undoubtedly translate to competitive betting across Virginia sports betting sites.

There are no major nationwide professional sporting events that take place in the state of Virginia. As such, the most popular sporting events to consider when Virginia online sports betting are the major sporting events of the year.

Below are some exciting tournaments for VA sports betting in 2021:

• Daytona 500
• Super Bowl
• World Series
• Stanley Cup
• US Open Tennis
• US Grand Prix
• The Masters
• Kentucky Derby
• National Football League
• NBA

So, once Virginia online sports betting is legalized in the state, you will want to know more about how to participate in it. This means you should look into the sports betting events and betting markets in the state of Virginia so you will be prepared. And, you will also want to learn about the types of bets you will encounter on sports betting sites in general.

Keep in mind, sports betting looks different in each state that has legalized it. And, some states do not allow for bets to be placed on the state’s college teams and any sporting events involving them. We will talk about the Virginia college sports teams below. However, you may not be able to place bets on them when all is said and done.

Common Types of Bets

There are a few kinds of bets that you will see on every Virginia online sports betting site once they are legal and launched. The most common type of sports bet is arguably the outright win bet. An outright win bet is when you simply place a wager on the expected winning team or player in a sporting event.

Another popular type of bet is a prop bet. A prop bet, also known as a proposition bet, is a bet placed on an event that is likely to happen during a sporting event. Ultimately, it has no bearing on the final outcome of the sporting event. So, you can place prop bets like who will be the first team to score or who will be the first player to score once Virginia online sports betting is legal.

Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily fantasy sports is intense and adrenaline-fuelled, with seasons crammed into 24 hours. On the other hand, season-long fantasy sports are more leisurely and played over a few months.

Virginia was the first state to legalize daily fantasy sports. In 2016, the Fantasy Contests Act was signed into law. This bill acknowledges daily fantasy sports as games of skill and not a form of illegal online gambling.

Virginia imposes strict measures on fantasy sports sites. Operators undergo two independent audits each year and pay a substantial fee for their license. They must ensure that players are 18 years or older and that no employees participate in public contests.

Some Virginia sports betting apps offer daily fantasy sports. Fantasy sports available for betting in Virginia include the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, soccer, and golf.

Rank	Daily Fantasy Sports	Welcome Offer	Claim Offer
1.	Monkey Knife Fight Visit Review	100% Match up to $50 - Code: BONUSMAX T&C’s Apply, 21+
2.	DraftKings DFS Visit Review	Deposit Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+

Betting On Pro Sports Teams In Virginia

Residents of Virginia have waited a long time for the chance to participate in Virginia sports betting. Here’s a quick run-through of the popular sports and teams in Virginia.

NFL Betting in Virginia

Although Virginia is a densely populated state, it doesn’t have a National Football League team. One NFL team with links to Northern Virginia is the Washington Football Team. It has its practice facilities and operational headquarters in Ashburn, VA.

Washington Football Team Betting

This NFL team dropped the name Washington Redskins early in 2020, a name that they’ve held since 1933. They are known as the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season only.

They compete in the NFC East division of the NFL against the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles. They’ve reached the playoffs 24 times, the last being in 2015. Their matches next in 2021 will attract many enthusiastic supporters to the Virginia betting sites.

NBA Betting in Virginia

Virginia is one of more than 20 states without an NBA team, although there is a large amount of support for the sport and league. The fast pace and excitement of basketball games make this a popular wagering sport in other states.

The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets both play in neighboring states, but could be popular when Virginia online sports betting goes live. We’ll have to wait and see if this is indeed the case.

NHL Betting In Virginia

Like the other major league sports, Virginia doesn’t have a professional state hockey team. Hockey is a popular sport in this part of America, and fans will enjoy a spot of Virginia sports betting on the NHL.

Washington Capitals Betting

The Washington Capitals play in the Metropolitan Division of the NHL. Although they have no specific links to Virginia, they developed a strong fan base in the state when they won the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Virginia sports betting apps will reflect this popularity when fans wager on Capital’s matches.

MLB Betting In Virginia

Another league not represented by a team in Virginia is Major League Baseball. A highly popular sport, MLB draws massive crowds and generates significant income for sportsbooks.

Like the NBA, two teams are closest to Virginia and could prove popular with fans betting in Virginia.

Washington Nationals Betting

The Washington Nationals are based in Washington D.C. and play in the National League East Division. They won the World Series Championships in 2019 and are worth taking a chance on when they hit the Virginia betting sites.

Baltimore Orioles Betting

The Orioles are based in neighboring Maryland and compete in the American League East division. This team isn’t likely to draw the big wagers that others might, but it’s a close-to-home team for Virginia sports betting enthusiasts to support.

Other Virginia Teams To Bet On

When Virginia online sports betting opens in 2021, players aren't permitted to wager on any NCAA teams from within Virginia. Will this change in the future? We don’t know at this stage, and will have to wait for Virginia online sports betting to take hold before seeing any changes made.

Should Virginia sportsbooks be allowed to offer wagering on NCAA teams, here are some to look out for.

Betting on College Football in Virginia

Virginia Cavaliers

The University of Virginia in Charlottesville is home to the Virginia Cavaliers. They take part in the Atlantic Coast Conference and won their only division title in 2019.

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies are the NCAA team representing the Virginia Polytechnic & State University. They also play in the Atlantic Coast Conference and compete annually against the Virginia Cavaliers. The Hokies are currently leading the Cavaliers by a win-loss ratio of 58 - 38.

Betting on College Basketball in Virginia

Hampton Pirates

The Hampton Pirates hail from Hampton University in Hampton, VA. They compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA Division 1.

University of Richmond

The Richmond Spiders is the NCAA basketball team representing the University of Richmond. The team competes in the Atlantic 10 conference, in Division 1. The Spiders have knocked some better teams off their perch in past years and is the only team to have won NCAA games as a 15th seed.

Virginia Betting Laws

In April 2020 the Virginia state legislature passed a sports betting bill legalizing Virginia sports betting from July 1st, 2020. Twenty-five sportsbooks applied to the Virginia Lottery Board for licenses to run their Virginia sports betting apps.

Applicants undergo stringent background checks and assessments against a structured set of criteria that includes the following:

• Experience in wagering operations in other jurisdictions.
• History of wagering operations.
• Reputation for integrity.
• Compliance with relevant regulations in other jurisdictions.
• Ability to comply with the minimum standard for internal controls.
• Ability to comply with proposed procedures for detecting and reporting illegal gambling activity.

The Virginia sports betting regulations provide a stable structure in which Virginia sports betting apps and sportsbooks can operate. They include these pertinent points:

• Sports betting in Virginia is initially limited to mobile/online channels.
• The law provides for five physical casinos in various cities, allowing sportsbooks to partner with them to offer VA sports betting. Three partnerships are confirmed: Hard Rock with Bristol, Caesars Entertainment with Danville, and Rush Street Gaming with Portsmouth. Neither Norfolk nor Richmond have announced partnerships.
• Sportsbook operators must use approved identity and geolocation technology.
• Operators must be committed to responsible gambling and have a history of working to prevent compulsive gambling.
• There must be responsible gambling training programs in place for employees.
• Between 4-12 Virginia sports betting licenses are available for online Virginia sportsbooks.
• The license fee is $50,000 per stakeholder with 5% or more ownership.
• The law prohibits sportsbooks from advertising on media catering to minors, but they need clarity about which specific media this refers to.
• Virginia sportsbooks must pay a 15% tax on gross revenue from gaming.

Sportsbooks already operating in the US are familiar with betting laws in the states where they have a presence. Here are some standard rules they can expect from the Virginia sports betting laws.

• Players on Virginia betting sites must be at least 21 years old.
• Bettors must be within state lines when betting in Virginia.
• No wagering is allowed on any games featuring Virginia college or university teams.
• No proposition betting is allowed on any college sports.

Future Of Virginia Sports Betting

Once the Virginia Lottery Board has completed their due diligence and assessed the applications, it will issue licenses. The first sportsbooks could open for betting in Virginia early in 2021, but this doesn’t allow Virginia betting sites much time to get their house in order.

Once licensed, Virginia sportsbooks already operating in other states should be up and running relatively quickly. Those entering the US for the first time may take a bit longer to launch their Virginia sports betting platforms.

Initially, Virginia sports betting apps will be the only way to participate in Virginia sports betting. This method suits most people as they can place their bets from their home or while on the move. Virginia sportsbooks may have physical outlets in the future, particularly within a casino complex, as is the case in other states.

It’s difficult to predict how Virginia sports betting will develop as it is yet to kick off in the state. If we use the other sports betting states as a gauge, the virtual crowds will move in quickly and purposefully. While other countries have been engaged in online sports betting for a few years, Americans are eager to catch up.

Virginia Online Sports Betting FAQ

So, you may still have some unanswered questions when it comes to Virginia online sports betting. This frequently asked questions section will address many of the questions you may have. And, if you still have some lingering questions after, you will be able to do your own research.

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

Sports betting sites are allowed in certain states in the United States. After the overturning of PASPA, it is up to each state to determine whether they want to legalize sports betting.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Virginia?

As of right now, there is no legal Virginia online sports betting just yet. When sports betting in the state becomes legal online, you will need to submit your full name, date of birth, address, email address, and social security numbers to most sports betting websites.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Virginia?

As mentioned before, there are no legally operational sports betting websites in the state of Virginia. However, once the sports betting websites launch, they will most likely use the same software they have used in other states. So, it is expected it will be safe to deposit money onto these online sportsbook websites and apps.

Can I set betting limits?

Most of the online sportsbook websites and apps allow users to set betting limits for themselves.

Virginia Casinos

Casinos are currently banned in Virginia, but this won't be the case for much longer. ‘New legislation makes betting in Virginia legal and allows for casinos in five cities. Residents in Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Bristol have approved a casino development, and construction starts in 2021. Richmond residents haven’t yet voted.

Although the building may take a few years, residents will have access to Virginia sports betting apps to wager on their favorite sports.

Common Payment Options

When Virginia online sports betting becomes a reality in the state of Virginia, you will want to know how to use online sportsbooks. And, in order to use an online sportsbook, you will need to be able to deposit money into your online sports betting account. The following payment options are the typical ones you will find on online sports betting sites:

• Debit Cards and Credit Cards (Typically Visa Card and Mastercard)
• PayPal/eWallet
• ACH Transfer/online banking/eCheck
• Neteller
• Cash at the Cage
• PayNearMe

Final Thoughts On Betting In Virginia

Exciting times are ahead for Virginians. Virginia sports betting brings a new level of interest to sports and tournaments. Even lovers of daily fantasy sports will enjoy access to VA sports betting.

With more and more states opening up to this online activity, the landscape is changing fast. Which state will be next in line when Virginia sports betting joins the ranks?

Other states where you can place an online sports bet :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee West Virginia

Virginia became one of the latest states to legalize sports betting in 2020. Five sportsbook apps launched in time for Super Bowl LV betting, with the first app launching on January 21, 2021.

Numerous big names in the sports betting industry are set to launch throughout 2021. Some of these operators have deals with retail casino locations to be constructed over the next few years. Overall, the next few years are sure to be exciting for sports bettors all across the Old Dominion.

Virginia Sports Betting Apps 2021

Virginia Sports Betting Updates

• William Hill launches before Super Bowl in Virginia – on February 3rd William Hill launched in Virginia after partnering with Caesars Entertainment and became the fifth app. William Hill offers new players up to $2,021 risk-free bet.
• BetRivers and BetMGM join the fray – three days after DraftKings and six after FanDuel, two new sportsbooks entered the Virginia market. BetMGM and BetRivers both launched on January 27, 2021, bringing Virginia’s sportsbook total to four. You can get up to $250 at BetRivers and up a $500 risk-free bet at BetMGM.
• DraftKings goes live in Virginia – three days after FanDuel’s Virginia launch, DraftKings went live in the market on January 24, 2021. When you sign up for DraftKings Virginia, you can get a 20% deposit match up to $1,000.
• FanDuel launches Virginia’s first sportsbook – FanDuel debuted in Virginia on January 21, 2021. It was the first sportsbook to go live in the state, thanks in part to a partnership with the Washington Nationals. New FanDuel bettors can place a risk-free first bet up to $1,000.
• The Virginia Lottery begins accepting sports betting applications – On October 15, 2020, the Virginia Lottery opened up sports betting license applications. Dozens of operators applied in total, with several also applying for partnerships with Virginian cities like Danville and Portsmouth, who voted on referendums to allow the construction of retail casinos.
• Virginia voters approve five retail casinos – On November 3, 2020, voters approved five retail casinos in a referendum. Three of the cities have already partnered with online sportsbook operators and the other two teamed up with a local Indian Tribe: BetRivers via Portsmouth, Caesars via Danville, Hard Rock Casino via Bristol, Pamunkey Indian Tribe via Norfolk and Richmond.
• Virginia Lottery publishes sports betting rules and regulations – By September 15, the Virginia Lottery published its sports betting regulations and rules. These include a $250,000 application fee for future operators and a $250,000 fee upon application acceptance.
• Virginia legalizes sports betting – Sports betting was finally legalized in Virginia on April 22, 2020, with the House and Senate bills HB 896 and SB 384, respectively. These bills allowed both online and retail sports betting, with provisions for up to five cities to build retail casinos over the next few years.

Review Of 5 Best Sports Betting Sites In Virginia

Willaim Hill Virginia (9/10)

Visit: Willaim Hill Virginia and get a $2,021 Risk-Free Bet

• Opening Bonus Offer: $2,021 risk-free bet
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Casino Partnerships: Caesars Entertainment
• Key Features: Largest risk-free bonus, biggest retail sportsbook footprint in US
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets (i.e. PayPal or Skill), credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

Online Sports Betting In Virginia

William Hill launched on February 3rd in Virginia just in time for the Super Bowl. With the largest risk-free opening bonus and a great website and app – William Hill is a great choice for Virginia sports bettors.

William Hill is the oldest continuously running sports betting company, with a large international footprint. They also operate the largest number of retail sportsbooks in the US. In Virginia, bettors can expect a strong and stable app, great ongoing promotions, and an easy-to-navigate live betting system on the app.

FanDuel Virginia (9/10)

Visit: FanDuel Virginia and get $1,000 Risk-Free Bet

• Opening Bonus Offer: $1000 risk-free bet
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Casino Partnerships: Washington Football Team
• Key Features: DFS, search bar, odds format changing, odds-changing mid-bet
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets (i.e. PayPal or Skill), credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

FanDuel is one of the two top dogs in American sports betting, and it already offers daily fantasy sports. This makes it no surprise that it was the first to confirm its launch in Virginia on January 21, 2021, only a day before its launch in Michigan.

With a generous opening bonus and a slick, streamlined user interface that makes the app easy to use even on high-traffic gamedays, FanDuel is likely to be a sports bettor favorite in Virginia.

DraftKings Virginia (9.5/10)

Visit: DraftKings Virginia and get $1,000 Deposit Bonus

• Opening Bonus Offer: Five $5 free bets + deposit match bonus at 20% rate up to $1000
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Retail Casino Partnerships: N/A
• Key Features: Easy access betting slip, special mobile-only wagers, DFS
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets, credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

DraftKings is also likely to have a big presence in the Virginia sports betting market. That’s partially because of its robust mobile app and its phenomenal market depth and variety, both of which blow most of its competitors out of the water. For example, DraftKings is one of the few operators to offer eSports betting on its mobile app where available under local state law.

DraftKings also has a very generous opening bonus totaling a little over $1000, an intuitive mobile app for all major platforms, and daily mobile-only betting pools that you can only access using the app rather than the desktop site.

BetRivers Virginia (8.5/10)

Visit: BetRivers Virginia and get a $250 Deposit Bonus

• Opening Bonus Offer: 100% deposit match up to $250
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Retail Casino Partnerships: To-be-built Portsmouth, VA casino
• Key Features: Sports newsfeed, “Live Right Now” wagers, live streaming
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets, credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

Sports betting enthusiasts will want to check out the BetRivers mobile app. Unlike most other prospective sportsbook launches, BetRivers is definitely known to be launching in 2021 since the operator has already made an agreement with Portsmouth, VA. This operator will provide retail sports betting once that city’s casino has been constructed.

The app itself is one of the best on the market. It has a phenomenal loyalty program and a very clean, minimalist user interface. This makes navigating to different betting pools or game events quick and easy.

BetMGM Virginia (7/10)

Visit: BetMGM Virginia and get a $600 Risk Free Bet

• Opening Bonus Offer: Risk free bet up to $600
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Retail Casino Partnerships: N/A
• Key Features: Easy access betting slip, special bets
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets, credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

BetMGM is an international sportsbook operator that’s likely to come to Virginia sometime early in 2021. As one of the biggest betting and casino companies in the world, this app offers excellent market depth and variety. Despite its recent arrival in the US, it has a solid user reputation already.

Included among its attractive features is a generous opening bonus, extra international betting pools, and markets for leagues and activities like international soccer, cricket, and Australian rules football, and more.

VA Sportsbooks Coming Soon

PointsBet Virginia (8.3/10)

• Opening Bonus Offer: $1500 in two risk-free bets
• Available Platforms/Operating Systems: Desktop, Android, iOS
• Retail Casino Partnerships: N/A
• Key Features: Pointsbetting, search bar, live streaming, good layout
• Deposit Options: Electronic wallets, credit/debit cards, PayNearMe, bank transfers

PointsBet is a relatively new sportsbook to come to America that offers phenomenal odds (especially for any fixed odds wagers). PointsBet shares its name from its special “pointsbetting” system – this allows players to participate in a special type of spread betting. If you have an appetite for high risk and high reward wagers, it’ll be a great app for you, even though its market depth and variety could be a little better.

All Virginia Sportsbook Sites

Sportsbook Name	Bonus Offer	Partner	Launch Date
William Hill	Risk free bet up to $2021	Caesars Entertainment	2/3/21
FanDuel	$1000 risk-free bet	Washington Football Team	1/21/21
DraftKings	Five $5 free bets + 20% deposit match bonus up to $1000	N/A	1/24/21
BetRivers	100% deposit match bonus up to $250	Portsmouth, VA casino	1/27/21
BetMGM	$600 risk-free bet	N/A	1/27/21
PointsBet	$2000 in 2 risk-free bets	N/A	Coming Soon

How To Place A Bet In Virginia

Virginia’s sports betting legislation has made placing an online wager quick and easy.

Choose A Sportsbook

First, choose your sportsbook among the many that will launch sometime in the near future. To do this, either visit the Apple App Store and download the apps straight to your iPhone device or visit the sportsbook’s online website and download the program to your Android device. The Google Play Store doesn’t allow any gambling apps at all.

After downloading the app, open it to begin the registration process.

Register For An Account

Registering for a mobile sportsbook account will be simple. You do not need to visit a retail location in-person to complete the registration process (because Virginia doesn’t have any retail casinos anyway).

Provide your name, address, Social Security Number, and any other required pieces of information. The app will verify your info for a moment, then allow you into the app if you are older than 21 years old and in Virginia. The app will install geolocation software to make sure you are accessing the app within Virginia’s borders.

Deposit Cash

Most mobile sportsbooks allow you to utilize multiple deposit methods to fund your sports betting account. Most allow some combination of credit and debit card deposits, bank transfers, and electronic wallet transfers.

Simply choose the method you want to use and connect that method to your account. This may require signing into your deposit method of choice – for example, if you want to use PayPal, you may need to use your PayPal username and password to link that account to your sportsbook.

Then you can decide how much money you want to place in your account. This will allow you to take advantage of many sportsbooks’ opening bonuses based on their terms and conditions.

Place Bets

Once your account is funded, you can navigate through the app as you like and start placing wagers! Be sure to take advantage of any opening bonuses that might apply to your account. These include deposit match bonuses, risk-free bets, and more.

Virginia’s Legal Sportsbooks

Ultimately, Virginia’s legal sportsbooks are far superior to any illegal or offshore betting sites.

For starters, every Virginian sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery. This overseeing body performs regular investigations into all the sportsbooks within Virginia’s borders and makes sure that any operating sportsbook has excellent digital security to protect the financial data of its users.

Internet security is particularly important because identity theft and other cyber threats are much more common these days. In contrast, offshore or illegal sites usually don’t have high-quality security, let alone basic SSL certification. This means anyone who uses those sites puts their personal information and financial data at risk.

All licensed sportsbooks in Virginia must both have insurance for their users and must report their winnings to the state government and IRS. This does mean that you’ll need to pay taxes on any winnings you get from using a Virginia sportsbook. But it’s a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.

Virginia’s Sports Betting Revenue

It’s tough to say just how much revenue Virginia’s state government can expect once sports betting fully launches and gets going. However, certain studies have indicated that mobile sports betting revenue alone might approach $400 million over the next seven years or so.

When you consider the fact that Virginia is also launching retail casinos (which will incorporate their own brick-and-mortar sportsbooks), it’s clear that the Virginian state government has a lot to look forward to in terms of revenue.

The industry as a whole is set to explode. The more the market opens and develops, the more promotional opportunities and licensing deals will flood the state.

Per Virginia’s sports betting legislation, a 12% tax rate will apply to most sports betting revenue. For example, if the state generates (according to the above study) $462 million in annual revenue, the state government will receive around $55 million in taxes.

Mobile alone may generate close to $400 million in revenue and, therefore, also generate $40 million in taxes for the Virginian government. All in all, it’s likely that the government will appreciate its decision to legalize sports betting very soon.

How Virginia Compares To Other States

Although Virginia has been relatively barren in terms of gambling opportunity in recent years, its sports betting legislation is pretty similar to the rules adopted by other states, like New Jersey. For example, Virginia’s sports betting restriction against betting on collegiate teams from its own universities is identical to the laws adopted by New Jersey sportsbooks.

In contrast, Pennsylvania doesn’t have any restrictions on collegiate sports betting, which goes to show that individual states have clearly different opinions about what constitutes moral sports wagering.

Furthermore, there are states that have adopted sports betting without allowing casinos to be built. For instance, Tennessee now allows sports betting but does not allow either casinos or poker. In contrast, Virginia will allow retail casinos to be built across five cities (with more potentially being built in the future).

In summary, Virginia is around the middle of the pack in terms of gambling opportunities and freedom. Once the state government sees the extra income earned from sports betting, further restrictions may eventually be lifted.

Virginia Betting Successes And Failures

Virginia’s Sports Betting Success

So far, Virginia’s big sports betting success has undoubtedly been the launch of online sports wagering before the retail casinos are constructed. Because building a new casino or resort takes a few years at a minimum, Virginian residents are no doubt relieved that they’ll still be able to enjoy mobile sports betting before those brick-and-mortar locations are ready to be visited.

Furthermore, Virginia’s Lottery performed rather impressively when it came to creating the rules and regulations for sports betting. In just a few months, sports betting went from illegal in Virginia to fully licensed and regulated.

The Lottery began accepting applications on October 15, 2020, and finished accepting applications by Halloween. In total, eighteen sportsbooks are set to launch over the next few years when you combine online sites and retail operations. About 25 companies applied for licenses.

In other words, Virginia’s sports betting scene is so far impressive due to its speed. Few states have launched sports betting as successfully and efficiently.

Where Could Virginia Improve Online Gambling

This being said, Virginia could definitely improve its online gambling sphere by also legalizing online casino games and other activities like poker. For legal online gambling, Virginia bettors will need to travel to West Virginia.

For now, the only online gambling activity is sports betting (and daily fantasy sports, which technically doesn’t count as gambling). Even the state lottery must be played in person, preventing people from purchasing lottery tickets online.

However, it may be that Virginia legislators are looking to see how sports betting fully actualizes over the next few years before lifting the restriction on other forms of gambling. Hopefully, we’ll see many more gambling opportunities launch over the next decade.

Virginia could also make sports betting more accessible by allowing bets on local college teams, particularly in a state that doesn’t have any professional teams to officially call its own.

Legalization Effort In Virginia

The path to sports betting legalization in Virginia was long and hard-fought. Although the federal ban on sports gambling was lifted in May 2018, it took until 2019 for Virginian lawmakers to even begin debating sports betting proposals.

Then it took the rest of 2019 to reach an agreement. By April 2020, the Virginia House and Senate crafted a pair of bills outlining sports betting rules and restrictions. Both bills faced a little pushback from Governor Ralph Northam, who made a number of unspecified changes.

Fortunately, Northam did not stand in the way of progress and allowed both bills to pass the House and Senate. He then signed off on the final bills and set the date for legalization: July 1, 2020.

It’s likely that Northam was responsible for the two-month waiting period before official sports betting processes could begin. This allowed the weeks between July 15 and September 15 to be allocated to the Virginia Lottery, which then wrote detailed sports betting regulations.

Timeline For Virginia Sports Betting

• May 2018 – Sports betting ban is lifted at the federal level
• April 2020 – Bills HB 896 and SB 384 pass the Virginia House and Senate, respectively
• April 22, 2020 – Gov. Ralph Northam signs both bills and legalizes sports betting in Virginia
• July 1, 2020 – Sports betting officially becomes legal in Virginia
• July 15, 2020 – Temporary sports betting regulations are issued
• August 10, 2020 – Updated sportsbook draft regulations are released by the Lottery
• September 15, 2020 – Virginia Lottery publishes its official sports betting regulations
• October 15, 2020 – The Lottery starts accepting license applications from sportsbook operators
• October 31, 2020 – The sportsbook application window closes
• November 3, 2020 – The referendum for Virginian cities that decides whether they will allow or outlaw casino construction is held
• January 21, 2021 – Online and mobile sports betting launches in Virginia

Virginia Teams

Virginia Professional Sports Teams

Virginia residents have long dreamed of online sports betting coming to their state in large part because many of them are sports fanatics! Interestingly, Virginia doesn’t have a professional sports franchise of national repute.

However, Virginia is the state that most Washington DC professional sports teams call home. For instance, both the Washington Football Team and Washington Capitals (an NHL team) have their practice facilities and corporate headquarters stationed in Northern Virginia. This is even though both teams play outside of Virginia.

Thus, sports bettors would be wise to place wagers and look for promotional opportunities for the Washington Football Team. As a five-time NFL champion, this team is definitely one to watch, particularly when they face off against the Dallas Cowboys (their primary rival). Virginia bettors will also be able to place bets on the Baltimore Ravens and all other NFL teams.

But sports bettors should also check out the Washington Wizards, which is the closest professional NBA team for most Virginians to support. Games against the Cleveland Cavaliers are sure to be accompanied by excellent wagers and promotional opportunities due to the long-standing rivalry between both teams.

Other popular professional teams available for betting include the Washington Nationals, and the Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals have risen to prominence in the last few years and the Orioles have a strong rivalry with both the Yankees and the Red Sox.

Va Sports Betting News

Virginia College Sports Teams

While many Virginians love college sports, Virginia’s recent sports betting legislation has unfortunately placed severe limitations on college sports betting.

In fact, it will not be legal to place sports bets on Virginia college sports within the state. Instead, Virginia residents will only be allowed to place bets on college sports teams in other states (with the exceptions of proposition bets and live betting, which are still prohibited).

This is likely a big bummer for sports betting enthusiasts, as Virginia Tech and Virginia State University are two of the country’s leading teams for college football and basketball. But while Virginia sports bettors won’t be able to place wagers on the Virginia Cavaliers, Tech Hokies, or Liberty Flames, there are still lots of other options to bet on using the plethora of soon-to-launch sports betting apps. This includes being able to bet on the Georgetown Hoyas, the Maryland Terrapins, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs, all popular local college basketball teams.

Virginia Sports Betting Updates

Other Sports To Bet On In Virginia

Online Sports Betting In Virginia

Aside from professional sports, Virginian sports bettors will likely be able to find and enjoy lots of excellent betting markets for activities like NASCAR: arguably the most popular non-ball-sport activity in the state. This is probably because Virginia is home to four different annual NASCAR races in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Additional races to look for high-value wagers and betting markets include:

• Xfinity 500
• ValleyStar Credit Union 300
• Dominion Energy Charity Classic

Virginia Sports Betting FAQs

Yes. As of July 1, 2020, online sports betting is legal provided it is done on a licensed app currently regulated by the Virginia Lottery. The first sports betting app launched on January 21, 2021.

You must be 21 years of age or older to bet online within Virginia’s borders. This is the same age for the state lottery.

The Virginia Lottery regulates all online sportsbook activity. In addition, this organization will oversee retail sportsbook operations once they launch at brick-and-mortar casinos throughout Virginian cities.

No. Any Virginia mobile sportsbook will request your address and install geolocation software as the app installs. This requires you to be within Virginia’s borders when placing a wager or using a mobile sportsbook. You do not need to be a resident of Virginia, just located within its borders.

Yes. Mobile sportsbooks currently (or soon to be) operating in Virginia are licensed and regulated by the Lottery. This means that the Lottery investigated the operator and found that they had both excellent digital security, such as SSL certification, and insurance to protect its users in the event of fraud or theft.

In other words, any legal online sportsbooks are well-vetted and should be safe to use. If you have any issues, you can bring a grievance to the Virginia Lottery and they will investigate on your behalf.

Yes and no. You are not allowed to place any sports wagers on Virginian college teams, like the Virginia Tech Hokies, regardless of league. However, you can place college sports bets on out-of-state college teams so long as they are not playing against a Virginia team. There is also a general prohibition against placing live bets or proposition bets on college sports.

More Resources On Virginia Sports Betting

• Official Virginia House of Representatives sports betting bill HB 896
• Official Virginia Senate sports betting bill SB 384
• The Virginia Lottery, where you can file a complaint or learn more about their regulation process
• Virginia Mercury, an online newspaper with regular news about the Old Dominion and sports betting developments