Virginia Sports Betting: All VA Sportsbooks Live November 2024

Virginia sports betting is legal since launching in January 2021. With 13 Virginia sportsbooks to choose from, BetVirginia.com has the latest on all the live betting sites.

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Best Virginia Sportsbooks 2024

Below are the top sports betting sites based on our expert reviews, Virginia sportsbook promos and bonuses and more.

Verified Offers Verified By Our Experts
1
Best Choice
BetMGM Sports
Best Choice
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, MD, VA) Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC)
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
2
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code VFB1000
3
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
4
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
5
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
6
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
7
Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC. Must be 21+ and physically present in VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. In VA, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
8
Deposit To Qualify 0
Promo Code BETVA

The operators above provide bettors best-in-class Virginia sports betting apps.

Bet Virginia Sports Betting and Sportsbooks

Virginia Sports Betting Updates

✅ Is Sports Betting Legal in VA?Yes, Virginia Sports Betting is Legal
⭐️ How Many Virginia Sportsbooks Are There?13
🎰 Are Online Casinos Available?No, only social casinos
📆 Latest Betting News Sporttrade goes live
🔞 Legal VA Gambling Age21+ Years Old
🏛️ Virginia Gambling RegulatorVirginia Lottery
✏️ Last Verified by ExpertNovember 6, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?

Sports betting is legal in Virginia as of January 22, 2021, with FanDuel sportsbook being the first operator live in the state. Gov. Ralph Northam signed the online sports betting bill into law in April 2020.

What's the Legal Sports Betting Age?

You must be 21 years or older while physically located in the state to sports bet. Virginia gambling and betting laws prohibit anyone in the state under 21 from participating on any legal Virginia sportsbooks offered.

Who Oversees Virginia Sports Betting Laws & Regulations?

The Virginia Lottery regulates the Virginia sports betting industry. This includes the license application and approval process for all operators. The Lottery also has the power to issue and suspend licenses, if necessary.

Is it Legal to Bet on Politics in VA?

No, it's not legal to bet on politics in Virginia. Any betting odds such as Kamala Harris' odds to be President or Michelle Obama's presidential election odds you see in the United States are either hypothetical or used from non-US sportsbooks.

How Do I Get Started Sports Betting In Virginia?

When you are ready to register for your first Virginia sportsbook account, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

  1. ✅ Use our links to go to the VA sportsbook you want to try first.
  2. ✅ If you don't land on the registration page, look top right for a "Join" or equivalent button.
  3. ✅ Complete registration form. Personal details verify your identity and age.
  4. ✅ Choose screen name, password and security question; check the terms and conditions box.
  5. ✅ Enter the promo code we've listed (if applicable).
  6. ✅ Make a deposit in the cashier to enable your online sports betting account with real money.
  7. ✅ Visit the responsible gaming section to consider deposit/betting limits.
  8. ✅ Place your first sports bets online.

Where Do I Sign Up For Sportsbooks in Virginia?

The easiest method to sign up is by downloading the VA sportsbooks' mobile app or go to their desktop betting site. If you want to sign up in person you'll need to visit the Hard Rock Casino & Resort in Bristol or one of the other four locations in Danville, Portsmouth, Richmond, and Norfolk.

  • Not every sportsbook is yet live so make sure you Google the location before traveling.

Latest VA Sports Betting News

The latest news on Virginia sports betting? Don't worry. We've got you covered with everything you need to know in our regularly updated list of headlines below. 

  • 📆 October 24: The cup series heads back to Martinsville this weekend to set the state for the NASCAR Championship race in Phoenix.
  • 📆 October 24: The Sporttrade betting exchange officially goes live in Virginia.
  • 📆 September 4: Sporttrade announced they've obtained a betting license in Virginia and will begin operating in the state in October.
  • 📆 July 19: Superbook shuts down in Virginia, bringing the total number of sportsbooks in VA to 12.
  • 📆 July 11: Betway ceases operations in U.S. markets, dropping the number of Virginia sportsbooks to 13.
  • 📆 July 1: Betting handle figures for May released with Virginia seeing over a 10% drop from April to May.
  • 📆 June 26: State of Virginia looking to redefine blurry lines between sports betting and fantasy sports wagering.
  • 📆 June 4: Washington DC are could soon offer multiple sportsbooks to go along with their current lone sportsbook, FanDuel.
  • 📆 June 4: SI Sportsbook is no longer operating in the state of Virginia, bringing the amount of available sportsbooks to 14.
  • 📆 April 30: FanDuel horse racing offering new users a $20 No Sweat First Bet just in time for the Kentucky Derby.
  • 📆 February 15: Virginia casinos saw a drop in 9.7% less adjusted gross revenue and 18.9% less in taxes in January 2024 when comparing to December 2023.
Must be 21+ to participate and present in VA. T&Cs apply.

Best Virginia Sports Betting Sites Available

The below sportsbooks are approved by the Virginia Lottery Board and all legal to bet on. Of the 13 total sportsbooks in Virginia, here's what we voted as the best:

1. BetMGM Virginia9.8/10 ⭐️
2. Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia9.7/10 ⭐️
3. bet365 Virginia9.5/10 ⭐️
4. Caesars Virginia Sportsbook9.3/10 ⭐️
5. Hard Rock Bet Virginia9.0/10 ⭐️
6. FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia9.0/10 ⭐️
7. DraftKings Virginia8.6/10 ⭐️
8. ESPN BET Virginia8.4/10 ⭐️
9. Sporttrade Virginia7.7/10 ⭐️
10. BetRivers Virginia7.1/10 ⭐️
11. Bally Bet Virginia6.8/10 ⭐️
12. Betfred Virginia6.4/10 ⭐️
13. Betr Virginia6.0/10 ⭐️
✅ Rankings Last Updated:November 2024
betmgm virginia

1. BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia

The BetMGM Virginia Sportsbook offers bettors thousands of events to bet on live, worldwide. From kickoff to who will score next, BetMGM Sportsbook has every live betting market that you could ever look for.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.8/10
🔥 Top Feature:Live Betting
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in VA. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
fanatics sportsbook virginia

2. Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

Fanatics Virginia Sportsbook now has its own namesake sports betting brand. This new Virginia sports betting operator offers a strong rewards program, competitive odds and fantastic sports betting promos.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.7/10
🔥 Top Feature:Financial Transparency
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500
bet365 virginia

3. bet365 Sportsbook Virginia

There are plenty of reasons to love technology in today's age but few can bring you live streaming options straight from an app quite like bet365 Virginia sportsbook.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.5/10
🔥 Top Feature:Live Streaming Options
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Washington Commanders
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
caesars sportsbook virginia

4. Caesars Sportsbook Virginia

Kicking off the list of top VA sportsbooks with Caesars Sportsbook VA which features a spectacular rewards program with great perks at its many casino resort hotels and affiliated properties.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.3/10
🔥 Top Feature:Watch & Bet
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Caesars Virginia
hard rock bet virginia

5. Hard Rock Bet Virginia

With Flex Parlays at Hard Rock Bet Virginia, it's worth giving one of the newer operators on the Virginia sports betting market a chance.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.0/10
🔥 Top Feature:Flex Parlays
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Hard Rock Casino Bristol
Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC. Must be 21+ and physically present in VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. In VA, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER
fanduel sportsbook virginia

6. FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia quickly became a popular online betting option in the Commonwealth, due in part to its partnership with the Washington Commanders and DC United. FD's website loads fast with little to no load time. On top of it you can bet on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:9.0/10
🔥 Top Feature:Mobile Experience
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Washington Commanders, DC United
draftkings virginia

7. DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia's reputation as a major player in Daily Fantasy Sports preceded its sportsbook. While promos favor new bettors, most Virginia sports bettors and fantasy players agree that there's a lot to like here.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:8.6/10
🔥 Top Feature:Daily Fantasy Sports
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
espn bet virginia

8. ESPN BET Virginia

ESPN BET Virginia has brought one of the top mobile apps and rewards programs that you’ll find in the Virginia sports betting market.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:8.4/10
🔥 Top Feature:Parlay+
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in VA. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

9. Sporttrade Virginia

The Sporttrade VA betting exchange is the first of its kind to hit the online sports betting market in the state. A new way to place sports wagers it's a must to check out today.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:7.7/10
🔥 Top Feature:Betting Exchange
📲 Sportsbook App:Only Apple Devices
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
betrivers virginia

10. BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia

BetRivers Virginia has competitive football odds boosters both for college football and NFL. VA bettors will have a hard time finding odds boosts like these.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:7.1/10
🔥 Top Feature:NFL Odds Boosts
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Rivers Casino Portsmouth
bally bet virginia sportsbook

11. Bally Bet Virginia

The Bally Sports Virginia sportsbook brought a great betting app and online site to the market. Their sign-up bonus, however, leave quite a bit to be desired.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:6.8/10
🔥 Top Feature:Micro Markets
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
betfred sports virginia sportsbook

12. Betfred Virginia

Betfred Virginia, in partnership with Loudon United FC, brings an easy-to-use betting site and mobile app to the Virginia betting scene.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:6.4/10
🔥 Top Feature:Parlay+
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:Loudon United FC
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in VA. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
betr virginia sportsbook

13. Betr Sportsbook Virginia

You may recognize the Betr Virginia sportsbook brand thanks to Jake Paul. The YouTube star turned entrepreneur and boxer co-founded the company and they've since entered multiple markets just in the last few years. Their strategy, headlined by their microbetting feature, claims to be disrupting the sports betting market but the sportsbook is still very raw.

⭐️ BetVirginia.com Rating:6.0/10
🔥 Top Feature:Microbetting
📲 Sportsbook App:Yes, Apple & Android
🤝 Virginia Partner:N/A
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

What Are the Newest Virginia Sportsbooks in 2024?

New sportsbooks come and go in the market all the time. When new operators enter the VA betting market they often bring great welcome bonuses and promos with. Below are a few of the newest we recommend checking out:

⭐ Sporttrade Launched October 2024
⭐ Fanatics Sportsbook Launched November 2023
⭐ ESPN BETLaunched November 2023
⭐ Hard Rock Bet Relaunched August 2023
⭐ bet365 Launched January 2023

List of All Legal VA Sportsbooks Available Today

With 13 legal Virginia sportsbooks, you have plenty to pick from. While not every licensed sportsbook offer a new user bonus, you can still utilize each app to find the best odds available wherever you're located. 

  • Bally Bet Virginia
  • Betfred Virginia
  • BetMGM Virginia
  • Betr Virginia
  • BetRivers Virginia
  • bet365 Virginia
  • Caesars Sportsbook Virginia
  • DraftKings Virginia
  • FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia
  • ESPN BET Virginia
  • Hard Rock Bet Virginia
  • Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

How to Pick the Best Virginia Sports Betting Site

Many factors can go into the decision of which of the online sports betting sites in Virginia is right for you. Whether you're looking to rack up reward program points or can't get enough bonus bets, you'll need to decide what's important to you. Here's what I consider when looking and choosing betting markets to target:

Read Reviews

You can find reviews on sites such as this one, and we also suggest looking up reviews at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Don't just look at ratings – some people lose bets and blame the sportsbook. Read negative reviews to find out why that person is unhappy.

Variety Of Sports Bets Allowed

From Washington Commanders Super Bowl odds to same-game parlays, props and more, make sure the Virginia sportsbook offers a wide variety of wager types.

Competitive Odds and Lines

Signing up and shopping around for the best odds and lines at various Virginia online sportsbooks and betting apps is highly recommended.

Betting Bonus Frequency

Keep an eye on sports betting operators in Virginia to see what kind of promotions they're offering.

Friendly User Interface

The best sportsbooks in Virginia will have a smooth design on mobile phone apps and online sports betting sites.

Deposits And Withdrawals

Here are the common deposit and withdrawal options when sports betting in Virginia:

💳 VisaInstant deposits1-5 days for withdrawals
💵 VenmoInstant deposits2-5 days for withdrawals
💰PayPalInstant deposits2-7 days for withdrawals
🏦 Bank Transfer1-3 days for deposits3-7 days for withdrawals
💳 MasterCardInstant depositsNo withdrawals
💸 American ExpressInstant depositsNo withdrawals

Customer Support

The best Virginia sports betting sites and apps will have phone and live chat support for speed, email for ease of record-keeping, and a detailed Virginia sportsbook FAQ section.

How to Contact Each Legal VA Sportsbook & App

Speaking of customer support, here's a list of contact information for all the legal Virginia online sportsbooks.

✅ Sportsbook📞 Phone📧 Email
Bally Bet VA1 (888) 824-0650[email protected]
bet365 VA1 (888) 8-BET-365[email protected]
Betfred VA1 (757) 505-7137[email protected]
BetMGM VAN/A[email protected]
BetRivers VA1 (888) 307-0777[email protected]
Betr VA1 (305) 605-2387[email protected]
Caesars Sportsbook VA1 (855) 474-0606[email protected]
Fanatics Sportsbook VAN/A[email protected]
DraftKings VA1 (855) 357-2377[email protected]
FanDuel VAN/A[email protected]
Hard Rock Bet VA1 (844) 951-7625[email protected]
ESPN BET VAN/A[email protected]
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500

Virginia Sports Teams You Can Bet On

Virginia has a number of top sports franchises competing in their sports betting market including one each in the four major sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. While it's legal to bet on professional sports teams in Virginia, you can't bet on in-state college teams such as the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies. 

washington commanders

Washington Commanders

The future is looking bright for the Washington Commanders with Jayden Daniels leading the team at quarterback. A fast start to the season has the Commanders playoff chances looking ideal. You can bet on all 32 NFL teams on all of the top Virginia sportsbooks.

washington wizards

Washington Wizards

While you may not be choosing the Washington Wizards to win their matchups you can, at the very least, bet on their success. Or lack thereof. Regardless the Wizards partner with the Caesars Sportsbook, who will be opening a retail sportsbook in Danville, so if you're betting on Washington you may want to look at Caesars promos and sign up today.

washington capitals

Washington Capitals

As long as Alex Ovechkin is hitting the ice for the Washington Capitals they're worth watching. The Capitals' odds each night may not look as bright as some of their rivals in the Eastern Conference's Metro Division but Virginia sportsbooks do a great job including Washington props in their mix of promotions.

washington nationals

Washington Nationals

After eight-straight years of winning seasons, the Washington Nationals haven't finished a season above .500 since 2019. That doesn't bode well for their success and odds on any of the legal VA sportsbooks available but they provide a nice option to follow in the area during the busy Summer months. To make that Summer vibe sweeter you can bet on the Nationals odds from the BetMGM Sportsbook right at Nationals Park.

Which Pro Teams have a Virginia Sportsbook Partnership?

Here are are the sportsbooks in Virginia that have a partnership with professional sports teams.

Caesars SportsbookWashington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics
FanDuel SportsbookWashington Commanders, DC United
BetMGM SportsbookWashington Nationals

Can You Bet on Virginia College Sports Teams?

It is legal to bet on college sports in the state of Virginia, but it's illegal to bet on Virginia college sports teams in the state. Below are teams you cannot bet on while located in the state of Virginia.

Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia Cavaliers

The Virginia Cavaliers remain a powerhouse in the ACC, winning the NCAA Tournament in 2018-19 and hoping to get back to that final game soon. Unfortunately, it's illegal for sports bettors in the state to bet on Virginia football odds.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies football team have only missed bowl season twice since 1993, and the basketball team makes frequent appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, sports bettors in Virginia cannot bet on Virginia Tech while in the state of VA, either.

More College Sports Teams in Virginia

There are a bunch of college sports teams in Virginia, but sports bettors cannot place bets on in-state teams. These other Virginia collegiate sports teams include but aren't limited to:

  • George Mason Patriots
  • Hampton Pirates
  • James Madison Dukes
  • Liberty Flames
  • Longwood Lancers
  • Norfolk State Spartans
  • Old Dominion Monarchs
  • Radford Highlanders
  • Richmond Spiders
  • VCU Rams
  • VMI Keydets
  • William & Mary Tribe

Which Sports Are Legal to Bet On?

No matter which of the Virginia sportsbook you opt for, you can expect a lot of overlap in the sports betting options you'll find when you open up the Virginia sportsbook. There's plenty of variation too, with some going in deep on international sports leagues and sports that are pretty obscure in America. 

But the traditional four major sports leagues in the country are well-represented wherever you go. It's when you want to bet on professional table tennis live from Moscow that you may have to dig.

NFL

NFL Betting

NFL betting is legal in Virginia, and has quickly become one of the most popular sports to bet on.

NHL

NHL Betting

Betting on the NHL and several other hockey leagues is legal in Virginia.

NHL

NBA Betting

NBA betting is legal is Virginia, with the Washington Wizards as a popular team to bet on.

MLB

MLB Betting

MLB betting is legal in Virginia, along with several international baseball leagues.

NASCAR

NASCAR

Nascar is legal to wager on in Virginia, with Martinsville speedway race odds available at most sportsbooks.

Can You Bet on the Olympic Games in Virginia?

Yes, Olympic betting odds are legal to wager on in Virginia all throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics and for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. Not every event is eligible to bet on, and not every sportsbook will offer the same events so check out your sportsbook of choice for Olympic betting options.

Sports Betting and Gambling Taxes in Virginia

All gambling winnings in Virginia are considered taxable income, including sports betting, and it's your responsibility to report gambling income on your tax return. Fortunately, we have a Virginia gambling tax calculator to determine how much you owe. 

State taxes in Virginia range from 2% to 5.75%, and you can expect to pay taxes on any Virginia sports betting revenue, as well as any winnings coming from slots, the Virginia Lottery, or horse racing.

Virginia's Retail Sports Betting vs. Online Sports Betting Scene

Retail sports betting and online sports betting sites are different for obvious reasons. If you want to bet on sports in person, you can check out our page to learn everything about Virginia casinos

In my opinion, the Virginia online sports betting experience is better all around. But judge for yourself. If you want to shop the lines, it's easier to switch between Virginia sportsbooks than to drive around to different retail sportsbooks like that of the one at Hard Rock Bristol Casino. Plus, online sports betting comes with odds boosts and promotions you'll never get on a VA casino floor.

Types of Promotions at Virginia Sportsbooks

Bonus Bets

One of the most common welcome promotions come with bonus bets attached. What does this really mean? You can't lose on your first bet up to the amount you wager. If you win, you win. If you lose, you get your amount wagered back. 
Check the terms and conditions carefully because most places award you back in bonus bets toward future bets rather than cash. 

Deposit Match

The initial deposit match is another popular welcome bonus you'll commonly see from Virginia sportsbooks. With a deposit match, you'll get your initial deposit met by the house. The thing to watch out for here is the rollover requirement -- how many times you'll need to bet with this bonus money before you're allowed to withdraw any of it. 
Compare this to the bet match - where the house will kick the equivalent to your stake in on a qualifying bet.

Referral Bonuses

Most of the major books will offer a referral bonus - send a special link to your family, friends, coworkers or adversaries. If your contact signs up through your link and makes a deposit to their bankroll, you both get some bet credits. It's not as good as cash, but a bet credit is a bet credit.

Odds Boosts

Odds boosts simply move of the line to favor the player rather than the house. An example of this is a promotion where two players combine for more than 10 3-pointers in a basketball game. 
If the odds were meant to be +175, an odds boost could notch it up to +200. Same circumstance, better payout if it comes through. 

Parlay Insurance

Parlay insurance is a clever innovation by online sportsbooks that encourages sports bettors to keep trying their parlays wagers. In a nutshell, parlay insurance means that if all of your legs are winning bets bar one, then you will get a refund on your wager. It’s a great option that ensures that your risk is minimized.

What Betting Types Are Available?

Here are the most popular ways to bet on sports in Virginia:

Virginia Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

Here is a timeline of the path to legal sports betting in Virginia.

  • January 2021: FanDuel becomes the first legal online sports betting operator in Virginia to receive a sports betting license, followed quickly by DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM and BetRivers in the same month.
  • September 2020: The Virginia Lottery Board announced regulations for VA sports betting, including exclusion of Virginia Tech and other teams representing collegiate programs based in Virginia.
  • July 2020: Lawmakers announce sports betting would become legal in Virginia.
  • April 2020: Sports betting proposals passed both Virginia legislative bodies.
  • May 2018: Federal ban on wagering on sports lifted.


BetVirginia.com is an independent sports betting comparison website with affiliate links. What this means is if you click on one of our links that directs to an operator and you make a deposit, we’ll receive commission payment at no extra cost to you. Our operator reviews and recommendations for Virginia sportsbooks are impartial as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.


Responsible Gambling

As part of the regulations laid out, every legal sports betting operator must provide access to resources to encourage responsible betting. These include limits you can set through your accounts on money and time spent over a particular period of time. 

You can also opt for a "cool off" period where your account is temporarily disabled. If you think you may have a problem, please consider the Virginia Lottery Voluntary Exclusion Program or contact the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling.

Virginia Sports Betting FAQ

Author

Joss Wood
Joss Wood
Contributing Editor

Over the last 11 years, Joss has written about all aspects of online betting for some of the top online publications in gambling. After a career as an Army officer, he spent time in business before taking up online poker. He eventually found himself immersed in all things gambling, including casino gaming and sports betting. Now Joss spends his day crafting content to help bettors in Virginia take the emerging sports betting market head-on.

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