Last Updated Sep 23, 2022, 10:04 AM ET
Virginia sports betting continues to hum along at a rapid pace. Today, you can securely access 13 Virginia sportsbooks and welcome bonuses of more than $1,000. Plus, the Old Dominion is set to add several more of the best sports betting sites.
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In March 2020, the Virginia General Assembly and Senate passed SB 384 and HB 896 which brought legal sports betting to the Old Dominion. Gov. Ralph Northam relaid amended versions of the two bills to lawmakers, who then approved them in a reconvened session that authorized sports betting in Virginia.
Follow a timeline of Virginia's sports gambling history:
Aug. 15, 2022: Hillside (Virginia), LLC receives a temporary sports betting permit in Virginia. The company is controlled by bet365 Group Ltd.
July 8, 2022: Hard Rock launches the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.
May 9, 2022: SI Sportsbook officially launches its online sports betting platform in Virginia.
April 28, 2022: SI Sportsbook was set to launch Wednesday, April 27, but Google Play did not authorize its app prompting further delays. Meanwhile, Betway expects to come online on May 18.
April 11, 2022: State lawmakers decree that as of July 1, 2022, gaming entities operating in Virginia will be prohibited from using the phrase, 'Virginia is for bettors,' in any marketing materials.
March 31, 2022: Hard Rock Sportsbook officially launches its app in Virginia, becoming the state's 12th active mobile sportsbook.
March 2, 2022: Virginia registers a single-month sports betting handle record of $485.5 million for January 2022.
Feb. 25, 2022: Virginia lawmakers in the House of Representatives nixed HB 1127, which would have permitted betting on in-state college sports teams.
Feb. 15, 2022: The Senate passes a bill (SB 576) that would allow for wagering on in-state collegiate teams. It heads to the House, where HB 1127 was voided earlier in the year.
Jan. 13, 2022: Delegate Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D) introduces HB 1127. The proposed bill seeks to allow betting on Virginia college sports.
Jan. 11, 2022: Two bills — HJR 63 and SJR 24 — are introduced with the aim of forming a new gaming commission to oversee and regulate all sports betting in Virginia.
Jan. 4, 2022: Figures released by the Virginia Lottery reveal record tax revenues nearing $50 million for November 2021.
Dec. 15, 2021: PointsBet becomes the 11th legal sportsbook to launch in Virginia.
Dec. 2, 2021: The Old Dominion has a record-setting sports betting handle for October, taking in $427.3 million in wagers.
Dec. 1, 2021: 888 Holdings PLC was awarded a provisional sports-betting license by the Virginia Lottery.
Nov. 25, 2021: VHL, VA (SI Sportsbook) is given the 13th sports betting license in VA.
Nov. 24, 2021: The Virginia Lottery hands Digital Gaming Corporation (Betway) a temporary sports betting license.
Nov. 22, 2021: The Virginia Lottery grants Colonial Downs approval to begin offering mobile sports betting through its partnership with PointsBet.
Nov. 2, 2021: Richmond voters reject the proposal for Urban One Inc.'s ONE Casino + Resort.
Oct. 13, 2021: Golden Nugget Online, which was one of three operators approved in March 2021, launches to become the state's ninth mobile sportsbook.
Aug. 10, 2021: Barstool Sportsbook, the Penn National Gaming-owned property, becomes the state's eighth mobile sportsbook.
January 2021: Fully online sports betting goes live in Virginia as FanDuel takes the state’s first legal sports bet on January 21.
November 2020: Official plans for four casinos and retail sportsbooks commence as referendums are passed in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
April 2020: Lawmakers approve Governor Northam’s final changes to SB 384 and HB 896, officially legalizing sports betting in Virginia.
November 2019: The commissioned study estimates massive early returns and mature sports betting market netting the state upwards of $400 million in annual revenue. A bill is then introduced by Virginia Delegate Mark Sickles, laying the groundwork for regulated sports betting in the state.
March 2019: The Virginia Senate commissions a study of sports betting in other states with the aim of estimating annual revenue for the Commonwealth if they were to regulate sports betting themselves.
DraftKings came online on day one of legal Virginia sports betting. The result: DraftKings Sportsbook stands as the best sportsbook in the Old Dominion, courtesy of its great mobile app and favorable odds boosts.
While DraftKings loses marks for its restrictive sign-up bonus, currently positioned as a deposit match of up to $1,000, VA sports bettors can count on the operator for ongoing promotions and its free-to-play 'Sportsbook Daily Pools' that give players the chance to win cash prizes.
DraftKings holds its own as one of the best sports betting apps in 2022, thanks to its user-friendly touches and convenient mobile banking methods. The DraftKings Sportsbook is available for free download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Once registered, customers can place bets on several markets across professional and collegiate sports.
We shopped pricing for several matchups and found that DraftKings VA hit the mark. Meanwhile, its live betting platform functions better than most, and assembling same-game parlays counts among the most accessible actions.
DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia earns high marks for its attention to customer security and customer support. Virginia sports bettors gain 24/7 support via its intuitive customer service live chat feature.
Discover everything you need to know through our DraftKings sportsbook review.
Virginia's online sports betting sites will continue to offer new users attractive welcome offers in 2022. While not all sign-up bonuses are worth the hype, the best Virginia sportsbook bonuses of 2022 are definitely worth a look in the Old Dominion:
Caesars Sportsbook - Up To $1,250 On Caesars: Caesars Sportsbook Virginia will return your first bet — if you lose — up to $1,250, giving you a second chance to hit on your initial wager. Claim this offer, along with 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits, by using promo code COVERSFULL.
FanDuel - $1,000 No Sweat First Bet: Virginians new to FanDuel can get started with a no sweat first bet of up to $1,000. FanDuel VA will refund the full amount (as site credit) if you don’t win your first wager. If you do win, you keep the cash.
BetMGM - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: Virginia sports bettors can claim yet another $1,000 risk-free bet with the King of Sportsbooks. If you lose your first wager, BetMGM VA will refund the full amount in the form of site credit.
PointsBet - Up to $800 in Risk-Free Bets: PointsBet Virginia is allowing users to place four individual $200 risk-free bets over their first four days betting on the platform. Be sure to use promo code MC4X200 during registration.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Deposit match up to $1,000
No code required
DraftKings is one of the most famous names sports betting, so it should be no surprise to find it listed here as one of Virginia’s top options. Not only are the operator’s online and mobile platforms simple while looking smooth, but they also work just as well, making navigation and placing bets a breeze. With plentiful sports markets to choose from, bonuses and promos to discover, and one of the more reliable payout systems within the sports betting industry, DraftKings Virginia won’t be leaving this list anytime soon.
Take a look at our DraftKings Review to discover what you need to know about DraftKings Virginia.
Up to $800 in risk-free bets
Code: MC4X200
A sports betting staple in Australia that’s nestled itself into the thick of the U.S. market, PointsBet Virginia offers users everything one could ask for in a sportsbook. But the experienced operator finds its footing via a cornucopia of special features, such as its well-known Points Betting bet type — which gives users the chance to win more or less depending on the accuracy of their wagers — regularly boosted parlays, and its “Karma Kommittee.”
Find out all you need to know through our detailed PointsBet Review.
$1,000 no sweat first bet
No code required
FanDuel Virginia had the honor of taking the state’s first legal sports bet on Jan. 21, 2021. It has promptly seated itself at the forefront of the best sportsbooks in the Old Dominion. Through its strong welcome bonuses, quality bet types, constant promotions, and more, FanDuel has become one of the world’s most recognizable sports betting brands. No matter if you’re a novice or seasoned bettor, FanDuel Virginia will provide you with a worthwhile experience.
Be sure to take a look at our FanDuel Review for more information.
Up to $1,250 on Caesars
Code: COVERSFULL
Caesars Virginia offers its new users the largest maximum amount provided by any sportsbook in the state. Should a user register, make a deposit, and place a first wager that flops, Caesars Sportsbook will refund their account with an amount equal to what was lost, up to $1,250. That return appears as a free bet that can be used to wager again. Beyond its promo for first-time bettors, the sportsbook also delivers excellent customer support and a sensational rewards program.
Refer to our Caesars Sportsbook Review for any other information you may be seeking.
Up to $500 in free bets
Code: SPORTS
While you won’t find BetRivers talked about nearly as much as some of its top-tier counterparts, the operator offers Virginia bettors a sportsbook experience worth looking into. In particular, BetRivers is adept at gratifying its active customers, supplying recurring free bets, boosted odds, and an iRush rewards program. BetRivers also has a mobile app that’s simplistic but intuitive, allowing it to plant its feet firmly next to the likes of DraftKings and PointsBet.
Our in-depth BetRivers Review will have all the other details you may need.
For placing a sports bet, it doesn’t get much easier for Virginians. It’s as simple as visiting an online sportsbook website or downloading an app to a mobile device. Bettors can also visit Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol to place wagers in person.
The first step is to check out the online sportsbooks that are currently available in Virginia. These platforms can offer various sign-up bonuses, betting lines, and levels of customer support. Visit a few sportsbooks websites and read over their terms and conditions before getting started.
Registration can be completed rather quickly in Virginia. Fill in some personal details, including the last four digits of your SSN, and you’ll be in pole position to place your first sports bet.
The Virginia sports betting scene is an open competitive marketplace — with bettors reaping the benefits. To gain an edge, sportsbooks reel in gamblers with attractive promotional offers to get them started on their sports betting journey.
Virginia sports bettors can expect to find:
All of the favorite bet types can be found in Virginia. We've shared the most popular and provided an overview of each:
Picking an outright winner in sports betting parlance is called the moneyline, and it is a favorite bet type for new sports bettors.
In the case of Over/Unders (totals), you are determining whether the combined score will match the expected number set by the oddsmakers.
Oddsmakers introduce the point spread to level the playing. This is due to the fact that the skill level between teams differed. Sports bettors can think of it as the great equalizer.
Parlays tie multiple bets together, and since all the wagers involved must win for the parlay to pay out, the risk is much higher than a single-game bet.
Each of the most common payment options is available in Virginia. Debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, prepaid cards, and e-wallets are valid options to transfer funds to a sports betting account.
Transaction fees may accompany these deposits, so be sure to read the fine print before confirming funds transfer.
Once you’ve explored all your chosen sportsbook has to offer, it’s time to start betting. Line shopping, like finding the best NFL odds for your bet, is always recommended, and it may be beneficial to open accounts with multiple sportsbooks to ensure you’re quickly able to place the most favorable bets.
Withdrawals can be made in many of the same ways players can make deposits. Depending on the method chosen to make a withdrawal, funds may be available in a timely fashion or take a couple of days to appear in your account.
American odds will be shown as the default option for most sportsbooks in Virginia. Also known as moneyline odds, American odds indicate favorites and underdogs with a minus sign (-) and plus sign (+), respectively.
The number next to the minus sign tells bettors how much they’ll need to wager in order to win $100. The number next to the plus sign implies the amount that will be won when placing a $100 bet.
For example, -110 odds indicate $110 needs to be made to win $100 in profit. Meanwhile, +180 odds show that $180 will be won with a $100 wager.
Decimal and fractions odds can also be used to display the same potential winnings. Our odds converter can be used to switch between all three betting odds formats.
There are currently 13 legal online sportsbooks operating in Virginia.
On July 8, 2022, Hard Rock opened the first retail sportsbook in Virginia.
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bally Bet  |
Yes | Bet.Works | No | N/A |
| Barstool |
Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
| BetMGM |
Yes | BetMGM | No | N/A |
| BetRivers |
Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
| Betway |
Yes | Betway | No | N/A |
| Caesars |
Yes | Caesars | No | N/A |
| DraftKings |
Yes | SBTech | No | N/A |
| FanDuel |
Yes | Flutter | No | N/A |
| Golden Nugget |
Yes | SBTech | No | N/A |
| Hard Rock |
Yes | GiG | No | N/A |
| PointsBet |
Yes | PointsBet | No | N/A |
| SI Sportsbook |
Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
| Unibet |
Yes | Kambi | No | N/A |
| WynnBET |
Yes | GAN | No | N/A |
| Sportsbook | Venue | Odds provider | Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol | GiG | July 8, 2022 |
In accordance with Virginia's sports betting laws, Adults 21 and over who have access to a mobile device or computer may place a legal sports bet in Virginia. Registration can be completed from anywhere in the state, so players can get started at home or at their favorite bar.
Keep reading to learn about how to place your first sports bet in the Old Dominion.
Legal ageYou must be at least 21 to place a sports wager in Virginia.
Mobile bettingVirginia sports bets can be placed by using a computer or mobile device to access an online sportsbook or sportsbook app. The Virginia Lottery regulates all sports betting operators and their activity in Virginia.
Remote registrationRemote registration allows Virginia bettors to create an account with an online sportsbook and place their first bet from anywhere in the state.
Within state bordersGeolocation technology is used by all online sportsbooks in Virginia to confirm your location within the state. While you don’t need to reside in Virginia to place a bet, you will be required to enable location services to prove you’ve got both feet on the ground in the Old Dominion.
Retail sportsbooksThere is only one retail sportsbook in VA: Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol. Lawmakers have approved up to five new brick-and-mortar casinos, and plans are already in motion to begin constructing casinos in three other Virginia cities: Danville, Northfolk, and Portsmouth. Each casino is forecasted to house its sportsbook.
Taxable winningsVirginia sports bet winnings that exceed $600 are subject to a 24% federal tax. Losses can offset winnings, so keeping a record of both could lessen the burden during tax season.
The rate at which your winnings are taxed, at the state level, depends on the amount you’ve won that year. These rates range from 2% - 5.75%.
Virginia sports bettors have been able to enjoy fully online sports betting sites from the get-go. The average tax rate and high population make Virginia a worthwhile market for new sportsbooks.
A lack of retail sportsbooks is a current drawback in Virginia — although that will change in the coming years.
Just one retail sportsbookNo betting on in-state college teamsNo NFL draft bettingVirginia sports bettors wasted no time getting in on the sports betting action in 2021. After taking in over $236 million in sports wagers in April, Virginia became the fastest state to $1 billion in total sports betting handle.
Since launching mobile sports wagering, Virginia has seen its sports betting handle reach over $3.21 billion in total wagers.
Here’s a breakdown of Virginia’s sports betting numbers:
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2022 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | $3.21B | $285.9M | 8.9% | $130.9M |
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | $485.5M | $401.8M | $469.5M | $399.5M | $351.5M | $295.2M | $266M | - | - | - | - | - | $2.66B |
| 2021 | $58.9M | $265.8M | $304M | $236.4M | $227M | $235M | $161.9M | $182.4M | $293.8M | $427.3M | $402.5M | $426.6M | $3.21B |
Until recently, Virginia has been a mostly conservative gambling state. Today, some limitations remain including the following:
Bets may not be placed on any political event in Virginia. Politics are off-limits in every U.S. state.
The NFL's major offseason event is big with bettors, however, Virginians are not allowed to place wagers on such events.
Virginia sports bettors may not place wagers on any of the Commonwealth's collegiate teams. However, bets may be placed on out-of-state college teams.
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits to Virginia bettors.
Esports betting has become increasingly popular and is now legal in Virginia. In 2020, SB384 included clear language permitting esports betting in the Old Dominion.
Despite not having a professional team, Virginia is a huge interest market for the major sports leagues. It’s no surprise that Virginia sports bettors have come out in full force since the state legalized sports betting in January 2021.
But like all gamblers, it’s vital that Virginia sports bettors take a cautious approach when placing wagers on their favorite clubs. Our how to bet guides are a handy resource for new bettors. Sports betting has no allegiances, so be sure to remain neutral and read the odds carefully.
Virginia is inching closer to unveiling more land-based casinos. While residents are currently limited to Hard Rock Bristol, local gamblers will soon be able to enjoy an abundance of gambling opportunities at brick-and-mortar locations in VA.
CasinoFour Virginian cities have approved casino plans to date. Hard Rock Bristol was the first to welcome local gamblers when it opened its temporary location on July 8, 2022. The final project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.
For online gamblers, sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots are the lone options in Virginia. No formal law regulates real money online casinos in the state.
PokerVirginia’s gambling law does not explicitly outlaw poker, but there are no poker rooms to be found in the Old Dominion. However, this should change with the arrival of casinos in a few years.
Online poker has not been legalized but could be a consideration in the future as Virginia continues to expand on its regulated gambling offerings.
Horse racingFollowing a five-year hiatus, Colonial Downs has been up and running since 2019. Virginia’s lone horse racetrack offers live racing, pari-mutuel betting, and HHR (historical horse racing).
Online horse bets can also be placed online with TVG, TwinSpires, and other horse racing betting sites.
Daily fantasy sportsVirginia was the first to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS). DraftKings and FanDuel have been running DFS contests in the Commonwealth since 2016.
Virginia continues to grow as a strong sport betting market.
Consult our table below for a quick synopsis of the Virginia sports betting landscape:
| Launch date | January 2021 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 18 |
| Number of betting sites | 13 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college teams | Yes ✅(discluding in-state teams) |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 8.63 million |
| Total handle (2021) | 3.21 billion |
| Tax rate | 15% |
| State regulator | Virginia Lottery |
While the launch of legal sports betting has been a source of excitement and entertainment for many in Virginia, there will inevitably be some who fall into the downward spiral that is gambling addiction. With this in mind, the Virginia Lottery has worked to develop programs for those in need.
At the head of their efforts is the Voluntary Exclusion program. This allows individuals to exclude themselves from all forms of gambling for two years, five years, or a lifetime.
Other resources include a toll-free helpline and support groups for problem gamblers and their families and friends.
Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Visit the Virginia Council on Problem GamblingIn addition to Virginia, these U.S. states have rolled out legal sports betting:
Here are the states moving toward legal sports betting which may potentially offer the practice soon:
Considering Virginia had little to no gambling activity in 2020, the state continues to punch above its weight in terms of prosperity. Sports betting has been legal since January 2021, and today, Virginians can access 13 online sportsbooks and expect a total of 18 down the line.
Virginians can wager on all sports betting markets because of its nearly online-only model, but they cannot partake in NFL Draft betting. In addition to sports betting, the commonwealth is also picking up steam with casino gaming. Bettors in neighboring states, including Maryland, North Carolina, and Kentucky, have struggled with sports betting legalization, which continues to benefit the commonwealth.
Offshore betting sites are unreliable and should be avoided. These blacklisted sites are not regulated by the Virginia Lottery and could fold at any moment, taking your funds with them.
Yes, legal sports bets may be placed by anyone 21 and older in Virginia.
Virginia sports bettors are not required to reside in the state. However, players must confirm their location within Virginia before placing an online wager.
Virginia sports bettors can now place online and retail sports bets. Online wagers can be confirmed anywhere within state borders, while retail bets can be placed at the Hard Rock Sportsbook in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol.
No, bets may not be placed on any of Virginia’s collegiate teams.
Virginians can place a sports bet by using a legal sports betting website, downloading a sports betting app, or visiting the Hard Rock Sportsbook in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol
Virginia generated over $285 million in sports betting revenue in 2021.
Virginia's biggest sports betting cities include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Richmond.
Yes, the Barstool Sportsbook is available in Virginia.
Yes, DraftKings launched in Virginia on January 23, 2021.
Yes, FanDuel was the first sportsbook to take a legal sports bet in Virginia. The industry giant has partnered with the Washington Commanders.
Jeff Watters is a content editor at Covers. Before pivoting to sports betting in 2021, the well-traveled Nova Scotian and Atlanta Braves fanatic spent time writing about education, software, and NHL prospects.
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