It didn’t take long once PointsBet was approved for a license for the Australian-based sports betting company to launch its Virginia sports betting app.
PointsBet had its temporary supplier license approved by the Virginia Lottery on Nov. 24. On Wednesday, it announced the launch of its mobile app and digital sports betting product in Virginia.
With Virginia, PointsBet is now live in eight states. It had previously launched in New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, and West Virginia.
"We are thrilled to be launching in Virginia with our partner Colonial Downs, now bringing our best-in-market technology to such a passionate sports community,” Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Virginian sports bettors will now have access to the fastest online sports betting product with the most betting options, including robust in-play capabilities.”
PointsBet is partnering with racetrack Colonial Downs for gambling. Both were licensed the same day to offer online sports wagering in Virginia. Colonial Downs, according to the news release, is the only licensed gaming company operating and headquartered in Virginia. It has Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in Richmond, Hampton, New Kent County, Dumfries, Collinsville and Vinton, as well as the main Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent County.
“Colonial Downs Group is proud to partner with PointsBet, a premier sports betting platform and one of the most successful operators in the nation,” Colonial Downs Group Chief Operating Officer Aaron Gomes said in the release. “We are pleased to help bring this gaming option to our loyal customers and other gamers in Virginia.”
PointsBet is entering a thriving all-online sports betting market. The total handle for Virginia in October was a record $427.3 million, a 45% increase from the $293.9 million wagered in September, according to the lottery’s report.
With PointsBet live, there are now 11 sportsbooks in Virginia. Bally Bet launched in time for NFL Thanksgiving Day betting. Betway and 888 have also been awarded temporary permits by the lottery, but have not launched yet.
PointsBet ‘Bet & Get’ Offer
To celebrate the launch in Virginia, PointsBet is providing bettors a “Bet & Get” offer. Across five tiers, according to the release, users will earn 10% of their cumulative wagers in free bets in December. $500 in cumulative wagers during December will earn a $50 free bet, $1,000 a $100 free bet, $2,500 a $250 free bet, $5,000 a $500 free bet, and finally $10,000 a $1,000 free bet. As bettors gain a new tier, they will be credited within 24 hours, the release said.
As a partner with NBC Sports, PointsBet will use the network’s television and digital platforms to promote PointsBet In Virginia, the release said. NBC Sports Regional Networks, like NBC Sports Washington, have been integrating the sportsbook into programming for the Washington Football Team, the NBA's Wizards and the NHL's Capitals.
“Our partnership with NBC Sports has positioned us well as we enter the market,” PointsBet USA chief market officer Kyle Christensen said in the release. “Viewers who have become familiar with the PointsBet brand through our odds integrations and expert analysis during television broadcasts can now truly experience what sets PointsBet apart.”
Allen Iverson is PointsBet Ambassador
Former NBA great Allen Iverson, who played 14 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, is from Hampton, Virginia. He is a brand ambassador for PointsBet.
“I am excited to welcome PointsBet to my home state,” Iverson, nicknamed “The Answer,” said in the release. “Speed and agility always defined my game, and that is exactly what puts PointsBet above the rest. Get into the game with more in-play and real-time options. Take control of your experience and join me on PointsBet to Live Your Bet Life(TM).”
Iverson, now 46, averaged almost 27 points a game for his career as a 6-foot shooting guard. He won the 2001 NBA MVP award. Iverson played the bulk of his career in Philadelphia, leading the 76ers to a memorable 2001 NBA Finals where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
