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Best Virginia Sports Betting Sites in July 2025

Written by: Declan Willis

Fact checked by: Martin Pramatarov

Map of USA, where state of Virginia is pinned.

Did you know that betting is legal in the state of Virginia? No? Then this article is perfect for you. Here, you will learn all about the top Virginia sports betting sites, when they got legal, what kind of bonuses you can expect, and more. In the end, you will have proficient knowledge about the sports betting scene in the Old Dominion. First of all, let’s take a look at the top sites at the moment.

Best sportsbooks VACompare Odds VALegal bettingImportant lawsLegal ageOur criteriaPopular betting sportsPopular VA sports teamsFAQ

The best betting sites Virginia

Verified by: Declan Willis Author at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 09.07.2025
Online casinoExpert ratingWelcome BonusDistinctive featuresPayment MethodsRead full casino reviewSecure linkSignificant Terms
4.9/5 Up to $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
  • Live Sports betting
  • Mobile app available
  • MGM Rewards Loyalty program
Claim Bonus! Read Sportsbook Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.8/5 Up to $100 back in bonus bets
  • Highly rated Sportsbook
  • Generous betting bonus
  • Hard Rock global rewards program
Claim Bonus! Read Sportsbook Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.8/5 Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
  • Caesars Rewards Program
  • Live streaming
  • Smooth running mobile app
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 Bet $10, Get $100 & ESPN+
  • ESPN BET’s Parlay Club
  • Refer A Friend Bonus
  • Mobile app available
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
  • Live Streaming & Live Betting
  • Mobile app available
  • Monthly Streaks
 
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
  • Loyalty Program - Dynasty Rewards
  • Player help available 24/7
  • Mobile App
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5$250 First Deposit Second Chance Bonus Bet
  • Live Betting
  • iRush Rewards Loyalty Program
  • Available for iOS and Android
 
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 Bet $10, Get $50
  • Trusted Gambling Brand
  • Bally Bet Loyalty Program
  • iOS and Android app
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 100% Bet Insurance up to $50 Bonus Bet
  • Early “Cash Out” feature
  • Live betting
  • iOS and Android app
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.5/5 Up to $1,000
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Early and fast cash out
  • Generous Welcome bonus
Claim Bonus! Read Sportsbook Review Terms & Conditions apply
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Now you know that betting is allowed in Virginia. You no longer need to create office pools for wagering. You can choose one of the VA sportsbooks and use it. That way, there won’t be any fights with your colleagues, and you can have a far better experience.

Virginia sports bettors are spoiled with choices. In just a few years, all of the top players have entered the market. Now, you can find big names like BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and more.

You can get plenty of bonuses (welcome promotions, bonus bets, reload offers, and more) and have quite a lot of fun here. The offering is vast, and most sites also have mobile applications. That means that you will be able to bet on the go.

The sites also offer plenty of payment methods. This facilitates you by offering you a wide variety of methods that you are probably already using. The idea is to provide a seamless experience that is very enjoyable for users like you.

Would you like to know more about when this type of gambling was permitted? Keep reading.

Is betting legal in Virginia? Yes. This happened back in 2020. The Old Dominion state legalized it in April 2020. Two bills passed: SB 384 and HB 896. They set up the stage for online and retail sports betting. After the fact that the Virginia betting law allowed wagering, the first bookmakers started to appear. The first digital betting sites launched in January 2021 (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and the site of the Virginia Lottery). The first retail one opened its doors in July 2022. It was the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol.

Currently, the supervisor in the state is the Virginia Lottery Board. It enforces the law and grants licenses. Virginia sports betting is thriving.

  • Retail sports betting – legal

    Virginia sports betting includes retail wagering. The first retail sportsbook opened in July 2022, and currently, there are three retail sportsbooks in operation, with one more in development. The market is relatively small, but it is growing at a good pace. You must be at least 21 years old to gamble in these establishments.

The most popular retail sportsbooks in Virginia
Verified by:Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com
Last updated: 28.06.2025
SportsbookLocationOwnerLaunch dateOnline betting / Gambling website
Hard Rock Casino, BristolHard Rock Digital / Hard Rock InternationalJuly 8, 2022Yes
Rivers Casino, PortsmouthRush Street InteractiveJanuary 23, 2023Yes
Temporary casino, DanvilleCaesars EntertainmentMay 15, 2023Yes
Caesars Virginia casino, DanvilleCaesars EntertainmentDecember 17, 2024Yes
Load More

  • Online betting – legal

    The first bunch of bookmakers entered the market in January 2021. Since then, the market has experienced massive growth. Currently, there are 18 licenses that have been granted. This means that Virginia is one of the best states to gamble on sports. You will find all the major names, including Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, and many more. You must be at least 21 years old to use these sites and apps. Thanks to the enormous competition, you can find some very interesting offers. If you’d like to learn more, please continue reading.

  • Daily Fantasy Sports – legal

    Daily Fantasy Sports are simulations of games that you can bet on. They have been legal since 2016. Actually, Virginia was the first state to legalize DFS. This happened thanks to the Fantasy Contests Act. The restrictions are not so strict, so the gambling age for it is just 18. You can find DFS on apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.

  • eSports – legal

    eSports is a category that is just getting popular in the USA. In other countries, people are crazy about it, but here, the wave of popularity is rising slowly. Currently, there is no specific Virginia betting law about it, but over the broader definition of “sporting event,” it is allowed. You can find opportunities for gambling related to the following games: CS: GO, Dota 2, StarCraft 2, Valorant, Fortnite, and more.

    Pay attention that this type of gambling is not broadly available, so if you want to use a particular bookmaker’s bonus, check if they offer eSports before you deposit.

  • Horse racing – legal

    Horse races are extremely popular in the USA. The sport has a long history, and Virginia is part of it. It has an active racetrack named Colonial Downs. By the word “active,” we are sure that you already guessed that horse racing gambling is legal. You can participate in wagering on-track or online. There are a few online bookmakers like DraftKings Horse, TVG, and Twin Spires.

    It is not exactly the same, but in this state, you can also wager on historical horse racing (HHR). These wagers have been legal since 2018. You can find HHR in Richmond, Hampton, and Dumfries.

History of sports betting in Virginia

Now, the Virginia betting scene is massive, but it was not always like this. Read the story of the betting legalization in the state. You will find one which was first and when online wagering was legalized.

Establishment of the Virginia Racing Commission (1989)

The state created the Virginia Racing Commission (1989). This institution was designed to monitor and license race tracks. It also legalized horse racing betting.

Legalizing of horse racing (1997)

Virginia legalized horse racing a bit before, but there was no track. In 1997, the state opened the first race track. This was Colonial Downs. After that, sports bettors could finally wager on their favorite horse.

The Supreme Court overturns PASPA (2018)

This was the largest event in terms of gambling. It happened in May 2018. The Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This removed the ban on betting and allowed each state to create its legislation.

Legalization of betting (April 2020)

Before we mention the first Virginia betting sites, let’s see how it all started. In April 2020, the state passed two bills: House Bill 896 and Senate Bill 384. They legalized sports betting in its retail and web forms. After that, all the operators began preparing to launch services in the Old Dominion.

Online sports betting launches (January 2021)

Thanks to the bills that passed in 2020, web betting became legal. However, it took some time for the first sites to start operating in the state. This happened on January 21, 2021. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook launched their sites and apps. At this time, there were no retail establishments.

Retail sportsbook and more websites (2022-2025)

It took some time, but eventually, the first retail wagering establishment opened its doors. This was Hard Rock Casino in Bristol in 2022. Over the next few years, two more started operating. Now, you can find retail establishments in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville.

Virginia betting sites also rose in numbers. Now, there are 18 licenses granted. You can find all of the top bookmakers here. As you can see, the Virginia sports betting market is growing.

The most important sports betting laws in Virginia

  1. Virginia Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing Act (1988–1989). It legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse racing in the state of Virginia.
  2. Fantasy Contests Act (2016). This legislation allowed DFS in the state and established rules that operators must follow.
  3. Overturning of PASPA by U.S. Supreme Court (2018). After that, each state could create its own betting laws.
  4. House Bill 896 and Senate Bill 384. They allowed wagering in Virginia (retail and web).

You won’t be surprised, but here in Virginia, you need to be 21 to participate in most types of gambling activities. The only exceptions are horse racing and DFS. You can legally wager on horses online or on the track if you are at least 18, and you need to be at least 21 if you want to do it from a casino or a sportsbook. The other exception is the DFS. The legal age is also 18.

Legal sports betting age

Betting typeLegal age at land-based establishmentLegal age onlineLegal since
Online Sports Betting2121March 2023
Horse Racing18 (21 at casinos or sportsbooks)181934
Daily Fantasy Sports18182016 (regulated)
eSports2121Limited, case-by-case (no broad legalization)

More about the top betting sites and apps

You already saw which are the Best Virginia sportsbooks at the beginning of this page, but do you want to know why? Do you want to get more details about them and understand what makes them special? Let’s dive into the top 5 and see their bonuses and unique features. After that, you will be able to make better decisions.

BetMGM Virginia

BetMGM is a huge brand in the USA. It is present in multiple states and offers both online casinos and digital bookmakers. For now, it offers just sports betting in Virginia, but if the laws change, it is possible to see it bring online casino games in the future. Who knows, maybe in 2026 or 2027, it will expand its services. Today, it offers an outstanding wagering app and site. You can get up to a $1500 welcome bonus in bonus bets. The promotion works in the following way – if your first bet loses, you get the same amount in the form of bonus bets. The portal offers some very interesting promotions like:

  • Lion’s Boosts, which can increase the odds of specific games
  • Same Game Parlay Insurance, which covers one leg in a parlay
  • Money Monday, which can give you a $10 bonus bet and more.

BetMGM was one of the first to offer a Virginia sports betting app. Currently, it is available for iOS and Android, and it has all the features of the website. You can use it to deposit, bet, withdraw, stream live games, and more.

BetMGM offers a loyalty program that lets you collect MGM Reward points. You can later exchange these points for hotel accommodation or special prizes. Overall, it is a great platform for wagering in Virginia.

Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

Fanatics is a newcomer to the state. It arrived in 2023, but it quickly entered the best VA sportsbooks chart. How? By offering a really good service. In contrast to the competition, this brand decided to go all-in on mobile. It offers sports betting through the app only. There is no website. The young bettors don’t mind this strategy at all. They love using their smartphone for everything, including wagering.

The welcome deal of this bookmaker is very similar to BetMGM. Fanatics offer a “No-sweat” bonus of up to $1000. If you lose your first bet, you can get the same amount in the form of bonus bets.

Other interesting promotions include:

  • FanCash Reward, which can earn 1% on straight bets, 3% on parlays, 5% on same-game parlays
  • Odds boosts for big matchups
  • Refer-a-Friend bonus that can get you up to $250 in total.

Fantatics’s app has a very high rating in the Apple Store – 4.7. On Android, the rating is slightly lower, at 4.3, but there are still far more positive comments than negative ones.

People like using this app because it offers numerous options for in-play gambling, and it features a Discover page that showcases all the interesting events of the week.

DraftKings Virginia

DraftKings started as a company that focused on Daily Fantasy Sports, but later expandeded into online sports betting. Today, it offers both in Virginia through the same app. DraftKings is a well-established brand in the US, recognized as one of the leading operators in the country.

The welcome deal can provide you with up to $250 in bonus bets. The amount is smaller than the previously mentioned, but due to the way this promotion works, it is still worth it.

This Virginia sports betting app offers:

  • Odds boosts for specific events
  • Parlay features with occasional challenges
  • Live betting features with many options, and more.

As you would expect, the app is available for iOS and Android, and if you prefer to wager from your computer, you can do so through the website.

Hard Rock Bet Virginia

This online sports betting site arrived in VA in 2022. It offers a great site and mobile application. The company opened a retail bookmaker on July 8, 2022. You can find it at 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. There is a good integration between the site and the brick-and-mortar casino. You can deposit in person at the casino cage.

The welcome bonus of this portal is smaller than the rest. It gives up to $100 in bonus bets if your first bet loses. Other ongoing promotions that you can find here are odds boosts for some events, seasonal promos, Flex Parlay that lets you win even if one of the legs loses, and more.

The Hard Rock application offers all the features of the site. You can find it for iOS and Android. You can enjoy:

  • Live betting for many sports events.
  • Deposit using multiple payment methods like PayPal, Skrill, Venmo, and others
  • Parlay building to create more complex wagers, and more.

Hard Rock Sportsbook is worth your attention.

FanDuel Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook was also one of the pioneers of DFS, together with DraftKings. Now, it is one of the few sites and apps that offers DFS in the USA. FanDuel has been present in Virginia since the beginning – 2012. It is one of the most popular sites in the state known for offering competitive odds.

The welcome deal is a bit different from the rest. FanDuel lets you make a $5 bet that can win you $200 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Other interesting promotions on the site include:

  • Odds boosts, which can enhance the odds of a particular matchup.
  • Refer-a-Friend bonus, which can earn you up to $50 for each referral.
  • FanDuel Player Club is a loyalty program with VIP perks, merchandise, and more.

This platform features an excellent same-game parlay builder, which you can find on very few other sites. It also has an in-play option with a cash-out feature, which lets you react quickly during the game.

The last feature worth mentioning is the extensive market depth. You can find even niche sports here, which is great.

Caesars

Caesars is one of the biggest gambling brands in the country. Many can say it is one of the best Virginia sportsbooks. It launched in 2021, and it offers both a mobile app and a website.

If you choose Ceasars, you can get a “first-bet insurance” of up to $1000. That means that if your first bet loses, you get up to $1000 in the form of bonus bets. Most Virginia sports betting sites offer a similar experience. Alternatively, you can get 10×100% Profit Boasts (up to $2500 per boost) by placing a $1 minimum wage with a promo code.

What other advantages does this bookmaker offer? Here they are:

  • Odds and profit boosts. There are more than +60 boost options each weekend.
  • Same-game parlays. You can bet on multiple different outcomes from the same sports event and create parlays.
  • Live odds. You can use in-play options and have a lot of fun with dynamic odds.
  • Caesars Rewards. You can earn rewards and use them in more than +50 Caesars properties.
  • Refer-a-friend bonus. You can get additional reward points if you recommend this site to more people. Since it is one of the “best betting sites Virginia”, it is not that hard to recommend.
  • Excellent app. The mobile app is available for Android and iOS and has a rating of between 4.3 and 4.6, which is a very good score. It launched in 2021, and it has been part of the “Best betting sites Virginia” ever since.

Bally Bet

This company is part of Bally’s Corporation. It is a huge casino and entertainment company that was founded more than 2 decades ago.

The welcome bonus is small but simple to use. If you bet $10, you get $50 in the form of bonus bets.

What kind of extras does this platform offer? Bally has the following advantages:

  • Odds Boosts and “Specials” Tab. You can check many markets and find extraordinary sports events. Then, you can use boosts to improve your potential profit.
  • Game-of-the-week. This promotion works in a very simple way. You wager at least $50 on the game of the week, and you get $25 as bonus cash.
  • High-potential parlay games. The company offers so-called “Bally Millions” parlays. They offer incredibly big payouts. Yes, the chances are small, but sometimes you can bet $2 and have a chance for more than a million!
  • Loyalty program. The site has a reward system. You can get 1 point for each $2 wager. The more you collect, the better. Later, you can use these reward points in some of the Bally properties.
  • Very good Virginia sports betting mobile app. It works like a charm and offers all the features of the site in a more elegant package.

Overall, Bally is a great candidate to reach the top 3 of the Best Virginia sportsbooks in the future.

How to choose Virginia sports betting sites

That is not an easy task. There are plenty of sports betting operators. Each of them is trying to impress the users with huge offers and shiny designs. But what else should you check? Let us show you what we are reviewing about each of the operators and how we rank them. After that, you will be able to make the right decisions for yourself.

Availability of betting market

It is pretty important to have all the markets you need, and the Virginia sports betting apps know it. If you are a fan of basketball, the site should offer it. Usually, the top operators provide all the popular sports, but if you’re into something niche, it’s nice to be able to find it. Maybe you like cricket; then, for sure, you would like to find it.

Good betting odds

If you are checking the VA online sports betting platforms, you will see that most of them have similar odds. What can make the difference? Some of the sites offer 0% margin bets. If you see such a promotion, that means that the bookmaker does not charge an additional fee and leaves the odds to be managed by the market. You can potentially win more at such events.

Checking the odds is really important to spot a fake site. If you notice a significant deviation from the rest, this could be a warning sign of a potential scam. Be careful.

Application availability

You will be surprised, but not all Virginia betting sites offer mobile apps. That is a shame because, currently, most people prefer to wager on a mobile device. The app is a great feature. Useful and handy. However, some apps stand out from the rest. Some really integrate features and provide an even better experience than the website.

The proper selection of banking options

Some sports betting operators offer many options, but not the right one. We love to see when companies provide popular solutions that real Virginia bettors use. There should be a good selection of bank cards and other traditional payment methods, as well as more modern options like digital wallets. Crypto is a plus, but it is still not popular for gambling in the USA.

Excellent security

We don’t even need to mention why digital security is important. You are using your real name and your banking details on these platforms. That means that the platforms need to provide top-notch security. Everything should be flawless. Your privacy and payment methods should remain protected. Virginia sports betting apps use modern security methods to provide you an excellent service.

Customer service

There is nothing better than good customer service. Having a question and getting an answer in just a few seconds is priceless. It is crucial to receive quality customer service, especially when you have questions or concerns about payments. The better it is, the higher we rank the site. We like using live chats, but it is better when you can call a real person and get personal help.

Live streaming

The price of TV subscriptions has grown in the last few years. This is why it is awesome when you can get live streaming for free. Many online sports betting sites offer live streaming of various events. No payment, just registration on the site. This is the hottest new feature right now. Combine it with live betting, and you can have a fantastic experience.

Live betting

In-play wagering is a feature that enables you to place bets during live events. This means that the odds will constantly change, and the same will be with the betting options. It makes the experience more dynamic and provides you with unique options that you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Now, almost all sites offer it, but some have more features. We rank them higher on our top charts.

Best overall sports betting platformBetMGM SportsBook
Range of betsBorgata SportsBook
Excellent bonusesBetRivers Sportsbook
Top eventsDraftKings Sportsbook
Safe and reliable online sportsbookCaesars Sportsbook
Responsive and kind customer serviceBetMGM SportsBook
Great payment methodsDraftKings Sportsbook
Best browser and app user interfaceCaesars Sportsbook

Top 3 most popular sports for betting in Virginia

The top sports in this state are American football, basketball, and baseball. Nothing surprising here. Most states are passionate about American football, and there is a clear reason. It is one of the most spectacular sports in the world.

Betting on football

So, the number one sport is football. Here, near the Old Dominion state, there are some great teams, such as the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers. Sportsbooks in Virginia offer competitive odds on various events, and many people enjoy wagering on them.

Betting on baseball

Virginia bettors love betting on baseball due to their strong local fan base. There are a few good teams that are close, like the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. People love to cheer for them. It also helps that baseball offers a wide range of betting options. That makes the experience more interesting. Bettors can choose moneyline, spread, totals, props, futures, and more.

Betting on basketball

The state has a deep-routed basketball culture. The state has a great college team, the University of Virginia Cavaliers, which you can follow in the NCAA. The Commonwealth Clash (UVA vs. Virginia Tech) is a very spectacular derby that fuels statewide enthusiasm. Even women’s basketball in the state attracts a lot of attention thanks to stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

Popular sports events you can bet on

  • Super Bowl. This is the top event in every state in the US. Everybody loves American football, and this is the best tournament in the world. Virginias are wagering a lot on NFL games. The state does not have a champion, but still, the audience loves the Super Bowl.
  • NFL Playoffs. The NFL postseason elimination tournament is very exciting. You can see the top NFL teams clashing against each other for the big prize. 7 teams from the AFC (American Football Conference vs. 7 teams from the NFC (National Football Conference).
  • Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys. There are many fans of the Washington Commanders in Virginia, and they enjoy wagering on the team’s games.
  • The Commonwealth Clash. If you are a Virginian, you probably know the rivalry between Virginia Tech and the Virginia Cavaliers. This event fills the stadium and makes people crazy.
  • ACC Championship. Sports bettors in the state love to gamble at college events. The ACC Championship is a highly anticipated tournament that evokes strong emotions.
  • Bowl games. Every time the Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia Cavaliers play in a bowl game, there is huge interest. Both teams play well, making the games enjoyable to watch.
  • March Madness (NCAA Tournament). This tournament is extremely popular across Virginia, especially after the title that the UVA won in 2019.
  • NBA Playoffs and finals. There are no professional NBA teams in Virginia, but many people support the Wizards (Washington D.C.). There is a fan base here that is eager to watch each game of the Wizards.
  • Wizards vs. Boston Celtics. As we mentioned earlier, the Wizards have many supporters in the state, so you can expect a great deal of interest in this event.
  • MLB Playoffs and World Series. In the state, there is just one team – Norfolk Tides, but apart from it, there are many fans of the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles (Beltway Series). This rivalry is extremely strong, thanks to the proximity between the two teams. Currently, their stadiums are just 45 minutes away from each other.
  • NFL Playoffs and Stanley Cup finals. Thanks to Ovechin and the 2018 championship, the interest in this sport has risen. Currently, some fans enjoy the games and love to wager on them.
  • The Capitals vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a legendary rivalry. In this game, you can see Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby. The event dominates the NHL betting slips in the state of Virginia.
  • MMA fights. MMA is growing in popularity in the USA, and it is also gaining traction in the state of Old Dominion.
  • International soccer events like the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Premier League. Young bettors are getting excited about international soccer. These events attract new viewers in the state.
  • Horse racing at Colonial Downs. Horse racing is legal in the state, and it attracts a large number of people. People can bet on the race track or through an app.

Most important sports teams from Virginia

Sadly, for Virginia bettors, this state is not very popular with professional sports teams. Yet, there are some teams worth your attention. College sports are very engaging and attract huge crowds. People from Virginia also support teams from neighboring Washington, D.C., such as the Capitals, the Wizards, the Commanders, and the Nationals.

Virginia Cavaliers logo

Virginia Cavaliers (University of Virginia)

This team was founded back in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Virginia. Yes, the same one that became the third president of the US. The team has a long history and has won various titles over the years. So far, it has won a total of 23 NCAA Championships, which is a remarkable achievement. The most recent one was in 2019. The team has won the Capital One Cup twice, in 2015 and 2019.

The Virginia Cavaliers boast some outstanding players, including Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, and De’Andre Hunter.

Something fun about the team is that it is known as the “Wahoos” or “Hoos”.

Virginia Tech Hokies logo

Virginia Tech Hokies (Virginia Polytechnic Institute)

This team is also old. It was founded in 1872. Back then, it was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Later, in 1964, it became Virginia Tech.

Over the years, it has won more than 700 football wins and appeared in 33 bowl games. It has also earned 11 conference titles.

Norfolk Tides logo

Norfolk Tides

This team was founded in 1961 as a Triple-A baseball team. You can find it playing in Harbor Park, Norfolk. It is a minor league, but it serves as a development team for Baltimore Orioles prospects.

Washington Wizards logo

Washington Wizards

We relocated from Virginia to neighboring Washington, D.C. The Washington Wizards were founded as Chicago Packers in 1961, but they moved to D.C. and became the Bullets. Later, it was renamed to the Wizards in 1997.

The team won the NBA Championship once in 1978, and it was a frequent playoff team in the 1970s and 2000s.

Some famous names that have played in the Wizards are Michal Jordan, Gilbert Arenas, and Wes Unseld.

Washington Capitals logo

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals was founded in 1974 as an NHL expansion team. It is located in Washington D.C., not in Virginia, but it has many fans in VA.

The team’s biggest achievements include winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 and multiple Presidents’ Trophies.

Some Big names from the club are Nicklas Backstrom, Rod Langway, Mike Gartner, and Alex Ovechkin. The funny thing about Alex Ovechkin celebrated so hard after winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 that he made headlines for days.

What other types of gambling are legal in Virginia?

Apart from great Virginia online sportsbooks, what else can you find in this state? Are there any other legal forms of gambling? We investigated, and here are the outcomes:

Retail gambling – legal

The state of Virginia legalized it on April 22, 2020. The Lottery Board was chosen to be the one that can issue casino licenses. The curious thing is that retail casinos are permitted only in five cities: Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Petersburg.

Online gambling – not legal

Online gambling is still taboo in many states. Here, in Virginia, the first steps have been taken. The people are already talking about the legalization of online gambling. There are currently plans to resume the debate in 2026, so legalization may be seen in the near future.

Lottery – legal

The State Lottery has been operational for decades. Recently, in 2020, it also launched an online lottery. Now, you can participate both online and in a retail establishment.

Online poker – not legal

Online poker is not allowed. Just like online gambling, this type of activity is still prohibited. Currently, there are no plans to legalize it.

Sweepstakes casinos – not legal

Sweepstakes casinos are legal as long as you play with virtual coins instead of playing with real cash. This is a legal workaround that is used in many states. Still, if you are a fan of gambling, and you don’t live in one of the 5th cities where it is allowed, it is still good that you can enjoy an online game, even if it uses the sweepstakes model.

Sports betting in Colorado, the conclusion

So, Virginia sports bettors, what do you think? It is a great place to bet, right?

We were amazed by the number of Virginia sports betting sites. You can find all the big names and enjoy amazing welcome bonuses. Another great thing is that, thanks to the intense competition, you can enjoy excellent service. Customer service in this state is very good, and you can find mobile applications with a wide range of features. Many bookmakers offer live streaming, which is a great feature.

You can also wager on DFS, eSports, and horse racing. As you can see, you have plenty of options. It’s a great state to bet in.

You can even wager in person in one of the multiple locations in Virginia.

What would we like to see more in the future? It would be great to see a few more retail establishments. Many bettors prefer to gamble in person, so this will be very useful for them.

Another benefit could be if the state legalized online gambling. Many of the VA sportsbooks offer excellent casino experiences in other states, allowing them to easily bring their services to the state.

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

Virginia sports betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Virginia?

Yes. Both online and retail wagering are legal in the state. You will need to be 21 to participate.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winning?

Yes. If you earn more than $600 over the course of a tax year, you need to report to the IRS and the state and pay taxes.

Can I bet on Virginia college sports?

College sports betting is allowed. You can wager on teams from the state.

Can I bet on Virginia Tech or UVA games?

Yes, you can. You can wager on college sports so you can support your favorite team.

Can I bet using my smartphone?

Yes. Almost all Virginia sports betting sites offer mobile applications for iOS and Android.

Can I bet on eSports?

Yes. You can bet on your favorite games like CS:GO, Fortnite, StartCraft 2, League of Legends and others.