Online sports betting is now legal in Virginia after legislation was passed in January 2021, following the state’s legalization of betting in March 2020. The Virginia General Assembly and Senate officially passed SB 384 and HB 896, giving sports betting the green light for the Old Dominion.
This guide to Virginia online sports betting, we provide you with all the essential information you need to know, including:
- What has changed in terms of sports betting following the passing of SB 384 and HB 896
- How to bet on sports in Virginia
- Whether you can bet on daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Virginia
Alongside these points we will also explore some of the most popular sports and teams in Virginia to get an idea of where the local betting action will go. For more information on how laws are changing in other parts of the country, check out our other legal sports betting guides for each US state.
Legal Online Sports Betting Sites In Virginia
Residents and visitors to Virginia are able to access sports betting apps from legal sportsbooks with a few easy steps on the mobile device or computer. These platforms from trusted and well established brands are all of the highest quality and relatively easy to use, and the best part? Each is offering some amazing bonuses for new players to take advantage of. So, if you’re in Virginia, here are the top options you should consider.
With the recent passing of legislation in Virginia, sports bettors now have the opportunity to place wagers on their favorite teams and events through online platforms. This means that bettors must sign up and download mobile betting apps or create online accounts to get started.
The law states that the state will have a minimum of four mobile books and a maximum of 12, though this number could potentially increase. This is great news for gamblers, as it provides them with multiple options for where to bet and the potential for better bonuses and more competitive odds due to the competition among the best Virginia online betting sites.
To get a better understanding of the full range of sports betting sites that may one day be available in Virginia, it is helpful to look at other states that already offer legal online sports gambling. Additionally, keep an eye out for other sportsbooks such as PointsBet Sportsbooks, Caesars Sportsbook, and others that may soon follow.
In addition to sports betting, Virginia residents can also bet on horses using the TVG betting app. Not only can they watch the races in-app, but they can also wager on races from over 150 tracks from around the world. With so many options available, Virginia sports bettors are sure to find the perfect platform to place their wagers.
Sports You Can Bet On Online In Virginia
Sports betting in Virginia offers a wide variety of options from North America and beyond. As previously mentioned, Virginia-based college and youth sports are excluded from any legalization bills. By looking at sports betting sites in other states, we can get an idea of the sports that will be available to bet on in Virginia, such as:
Sports You Can’t Bet On Online In Virginia
Virginia’s biggest sports teams come from college, with the Virginia Cavaliers and the VCU Rams boasting highly respected basketball programs. The Cavaliers have had top-ranked men’s basketball teams for the past five years, yet they are still searching for a breakthrough in the annual March Madness tournament.
Unfortunately, gambling on Virginia’s NCAA college teams is not allowed under the new law, but this does not apply to sports tournaments that include Virginia teams and other college basketball teams.
Virginia’s History of Online Sports Betting
Virginia is one of the few states in the US that does not have tribal or state-sanctioned casinos. Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and the state lottery have been the only consistent gambling options in Virginia’s history, with sports betting always being illegal. Here is a timeline of the key events in Virginia’s gambling history:
2021: Sports betting in Virginia goes live.
2020: The Virginia General Assembly and Senate pass SB 384 and HB 896, paving the way for sports betting in the state.
2013: An attempt to legalize riverboat gambling fails for the second time.
2004: Horse tracks implement betting kiosks for the first time, called EZ Betting terminals.
2003: The Virginia Racing Commission is given the responsibility of managing off-track betting facilities.
1997: Virginia’s first race track, Colonial Downs, officially opens and remains the state’s sole horse racing venue.
1995: A bill to legalize riverboat gambling is introduced but fails to pass.
1989: The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) is created to handle all pari-mutuel betting on races held out of state.
1988: The state lottery sells its first tickets.
1987: The state lottery is legalized, with all profits going towards the State’s education.
1973: Local governments are given the responsibility of overseeing all charitable gambling activities.
FAQS
virginia sports betting faqs
Yes. Sports betting in Virginia was passed legal as of January 2021.
No. It is illegal to bet on college teams in Virginia and live betting on college sports are not permitted. However, you can still place bets on college games outside of Virginia and on professional sports. Additionally, you can take advantage of the many online sportsbooks that offer a wide variety of betting options, allowing you to wager on your favorite teams and players from the comfort of your own home.
Check out any of the sportsbooks on this page to sign up and start placing bets. All of them are authorized and approved for use in Virginia. With a wide variety of options, you can find the perfect sportsbook to suit your needs and start betting on your favorite sports today. Don’t miss out on the chance to get in on the action and potentially win big.