Sport Betting Sites Regulation in Virginia at a Glance
✅ Betting on college events involving Virginia state programs is prohibited.
✅ Proposition bets on college sports are not allowed.
✅ You must be at least 21 years old and within state borders to place a wager.
✅ Winnings from sports betting are taxable.
Top 3 Virginia betting sites for August 2023
Virginia bettors sure know their sports betting. According to Virginia Lottery, they won nearly 90% of all bets, putting the operators’ hold at 10.4%. Among those VA betting apps boasting the biggest handles, bonuses with user-friendly terms, and the best odds, we can highlight the following bookies.
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Trustworthy reputation
- Comprehensive coverage of sports and leagues
- User-friendly website and mobile app
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
(CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY)
Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI).
Visit BetMGM for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in Nevada, New York or Ontario.
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Placing a bet is straightforward
- The interface on the website and app is intuitive and easy to use
- It is easy to find the odds for the particular bet you want to make
Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. 21+. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IL, MD, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, PA: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CO, WY, KS: Call 1-800-522-4700; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA: Call 1-877-770-STOP; MI: Call 1-800-270-7117. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Live streaming available on selected sports
- Excellent sign-up bonuses
- Easy deposit and withdrawal process
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or visit OPGR.org (OR). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Full T&Cs Apply.
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Virginia. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call toll free and confidentially 1.888.532.3500.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why play here | Go to site |
| #1 | BetMGM | Easy Parlay Option | Visit |
| #2 | Caesars Sportsbook | The best welcome offer | Visit |
| #3 | DraftKings | Super odds boost | Visit |
Best Virginia betting apps
In a saturated market such as Virginia’s, sportsbooks must constantly develop features and betting options to appeal to players. From reducing the vig for the most popular markets to adding live streaming and similar features, the best Virginia betting apps have it all, and we’ve got them in our table below.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why play here | Go to site |
| #1 | BetMGM | Lion’s Boost | Visit |
| #2 | Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Rewards | Visit |
| #3 | DraftKings | Top-rated app | Visit |
| #4 | Bet365 | Edit My Bet option | Visit |
| #5 | Hard Rock Bet | Flex Parlay | Visit |
Best Virginia betting sites for beginners
Sports betting newbies from Virginia usually look for low deposit limits and affordable minimum wager limits, among other things, to help them learn the ropes without having to risk too much. For example, Hard Rock and DraftKings put the minimum stake at $0.10, unlike BetMGM, where the minimum stake is $0.50. Moreover, bet365 and their Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets are also perfect for beginners who wouldn’t have to overcommit to claim the bonus funds.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why play here | Go to site |
| #1 | bet365 | The lowest qualifying stake for the welcome bonus | Visit |
| #2 | DraftKings | The deposit limit is set at just $5 | Visit |
| #3 | Hard Rock Bet | The minimum wager is only $0.10 | Visit |
| #4 | Caesars Sportsbook | Beginner-friendly mobile app | Visit |
| #5 | BetMGM | No qualifying odds requirement for the sign-up bonus | Visit |
New betting sites in Virginia
After granting the last remaining online sports betting license to Betr, Jack Paul’s microbetting-first app, in March 2023, the Virginia Lottery has no sports betting permits left available. No official launch date on Betr has been announced yet. The following table lists all the latest additions to the Virginia sports betting scene.
All betting sites available in Virginia
For any site to have even the remotest of odds to wind up on our list of the best VA sports betting apps, they must be licensed by the Virginia Lottery, the state’s chief betting regulator. Here are all approved operators in the Old Dominion, one of the few states to assume a largely online-first sports betting model.
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- Bally Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Betfred Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- SI Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
- WynnBet Sportsbook
- Betr
Best Virginia betting sites bonuses and promotions
Virginia has not limited advertising of bonuses in any way in particular, leaving VA sportsbooks to offer first bet bonuses, bet & get, deposit match deals, refer-a-friend, and many other types of promotions.
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Virginia. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call toll free and confidentially 1.888.532.3500.
Type of bonuses and promotions available in Virginia
Virginia sportsbooks get really creative when it comes to setting up promo campaigns and devising bonus schemes. Below, you’ll find the most popular bonuses in VA betting sites, with examples of how they work and how you can take advantage of them.
- Sign-up bonus bets: Out with the risk-free bets, in with bonus bets. Ever since regulators from various states dismissed the phrasing and language involving risk-free, and free bets, the operators shifted to bonus bets. The sign-up bonuses involving bonus bets help you get your stake back if your first bet loses, providing a sort of safety net if things don’t go as planned. Caesars Sportsbooks’ gives up to $1,250 in bonus bets, making it a perfect pick for those willing to go all out right from the start, while bet365 offers a bonus bet promo that gives you $200 in bonus funds no matter how the first bet settles.
- Deposit match bonus: Deposit match bonus deals match the size of your initial deposit in either bonus bets or site credit. The latter is an even better option since it allows you to keep the stake if the bet wins, whereas, with bonus bets, you only get to keep the profit that comes from the wager.
- Profit boosts: New and existing users can expect to see profit boosts for particular markets and selections, such as the 3+leg parlay involving the Washington Commanders vs. Buffalo Bills. Note that there will always be specific stipulations concerning the bonus, such as the minimum qualifying bet and more.
- Odds boosts: Odds boosts are a type of promotion that moves the odds for a particular market and selection in favor of the bettor. A sportsbook can offer an odds boost for the Braves, Nationals, and Red Sox all to win, moving the line from +180 to +200. Since all sportsbooks have a built-in advantage, called vigorish, or vig, they have the room to move the lines and offer better odds for some markets as an incentive.
- VIP/Loyalty bonus: VIP and Loyalty bonus schemes are a way for VA sportsbooks to express gratitude for your loyalty and continuous deposits. Players who keep betting on the platform can expect to receive reward and tier credits that can be exchanged for bonus bets and other benefits. The more you bet, the faster you can rake up Tier credits and move up the levels of the program, where even better rewards await.
- Refer a friend: If you refer your friends to your favorite Virginia sports betting sites and they register, deposit, and place a bet, both you and those friends can expect to win some bonus bets. Note that the number of friends is usually limited to 10, and all of them must register using your personal referral link.
Type of bets available in Virginia
In-play bets, props, teasers, and even betting exchanges are approved in Virginia, setting the stage for a world-class betting experience. The list of sanctioned sports and events has changed since the initial rules were introduced and now includes betting on the Olympics, which was banned at first. Also, betting on exhibition, pre-season, and all-star contests is authorized for all approved leagues.
- Moneyline: Moneyline wagers are essential in sports betting and allow you to stake some money on the winner of the match. These wagers don’t take point differences into account.
- Point spreads: Point spreads allow you to bet on the game’s winner plus the point difference. The game’s favorite will be indicated via a minus sign in front of the number of points the team or player needs to cover for the bet to come through. Depending on the sport, the point spread can be indicated as runs or lines, like in baseball or hockey. If you bet on the underdog, that team or player must win or not lose by more than the number of indicated points for the bet to win.
- Totals: Totals, or over/under bets, are wagers on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be more or less than a specified number. For example, if you’re betting on a Washington Commanders, and the total is set at 45.5, you would be betting on whether the combined final score will be over or under that number.
- Futures: Futures bets are wagers placed on events or outcomes that will occur in the future. For instance, you could place a futures bet at the start of the MLB season on the Washington Nationals winning the World Series or taking the NL East division. However, futures on trophy awards such as MLB Cy Young, MVP, Heisman Trophy, and drafts are not allowed in Virginia.
- Props: Proposition wagers, or prop bets, have nothing to do with the game’s outcome. Instead, these bets are placed on specific player or team performances during a game. For instance, you could place a prop bet on whether Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards will score more than 25 points in a game. His regular season point average in his breakthrough 2022/23 season was 21.2, so that could be an exciting option going forward.
- Parlays: A parlay is a bet that includes multiple selections on a single betslip. For the bet to win, each selection must be correct. For example, you could create a parlay bet that includes the Washington Capitals to win their NHL game, the Washington Wizards to cover the spread in their NBA game, and the over to hit in a Nationals game.
- Same Game Parlays (SGP): These are parlays that consist of multiple bets from a single game. Still, there are a few things to remember here. You won’t be able to put moneyline, point spread, and totals combinations from the same game in an SGP since these are called correlated plays and, as such, are not allowed.
- Teasers: A teaser bet permits you to alter the point spread or totals to your advantage, increasing your chances of winning the bet but reducing the potential payout. Let’s consider a Washington Commander’s game where they are favored by -7 points. If you make a 6-point teaser, that would modify this line to -1. This modification means that Washington only needs to win by any score, substantially increasing your chances to win the bet, although the payout will be significantly lower.
Popular sports and leagues to bet on in Virginia
Due to its proximity to Washington, DC, the allegiances of the local sports bettors lie with the teams from DC mostly. An interesting facet of the Virginia sports betting law is that it includes a provision for a relocating sports team, allowing it to acquire a license and launch a sportsbook in the state. For example, the headquarters of Washington Commanders are in Virginia, which made them eligible for a permit. The team inked a deal with FanDuel, making it the first online operator in the state.
- NFL: Washington Commanders seem poised to put their weight behind Sam Howell as a starting QB-caliber player, but the position is not unchallenged. The team released veteran QB Carson Wentz and signed Jacoby Brissett, who had a terrific season with the Browns. This Washington Commanders’ odds to win Super Bowl LVIII hover between +6000 and +8000, so we’ll just have to wait and see how the team’s offseason can shape its chances for a successful playoff run.
- NBA: The Washington Wizards have got ridden of massive contracts for John Wall and Bradley Beal, leaving the front office with enough room to sign rising stars and veterans alike, heading into the new season. Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, and Danilo Gallinarri have enough offensive prowess to help the Wizards break out of the cycle of missing out on the playoffs four times in the past five years.
- NHL: The Washinton Capitals were second in the MassMutual East division last season, boasting a 36-15-5 record, but were eliminated in the first round. In fact, since the 2018-18 season and their maiden Stanely Cup trophy, the team hasn’t managed to make a deeper playoff run.
- MLB: The Washington Nationals of the National League East division are currently the only team below the 0.500 mark in their division. Since the 2019 World Series win and becoming the first team in MLB history to go 5-0 in elimination games, the team struggled. Still, Virginians vow their support for the team, prompting VA sportsbooks to offer compelling odds.
Besides the major league sports, the best Virginia betting sites offer odds for NASCAR, considering that four races take place in the Old Dominion, tennis, MMA, and many other sanctioned leagues and events.
Features available on a Virginia Sports Betting Site
- Great odds: Virginia betting apps consistently put up good lines for most markets, especially NFL spreads and other events with two outcomes where the vig is below 5%. On average, the sportsbook hold is 10%, which can be somewhat higher than usual, but it all depends on the market in question. If you bet on major league sports, you can count on competitive pricing throughout the season.
- Live streaming: High-definition live streaming has become a staple in Virginia sports betting platforms, allowing you to watch and bet on live games, taking the betting experience to a whole new level.
- Secure payment options: Virginia sportsbooks have partnered with reliable banking methods such as PayPal, Trustly, and other processors to facilitate secure and speedy deposits and withdrawals.
- Extensive sports coverage: Virginia Lottery has approved wagering on 21 sports, including some niche-specific sports like Jai Alai and lacrosse. Most VA sportsbooks cover all of these sports, particularly their leading competitions and tournaments.
- Various bonuses and promotions: Most bookies have elaborate bonus schemes in place, such as deposit match bonuses, reload bonuses, loyalty bonuses, and more, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.
How to create an account on a Virginia betting site
Creating an account on a Virginia sports betting site is a walk in the park. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a licensed sportsbook that operates in Virginia. The best Virginia sports betting sites are found right here on our list.
- Click on the “Join” or “Sign Up” button on the sportsbook’s homepage.
- Fill in the registration form with your details, including your name, phone number, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- Select a username and password for your account.
- Enter a promo code if applicable to avail of bonuses or promotions.
- Confirm your registration.
After the initial registration, the sportsbook must verify your account as part of their “Know Your Customer” (KYC) process. This is typically done using the information you provided. Still, in some cases, you might be required to submit additional documents like a copy of your ID or a recent utility bill for address verification.
Only after your account has been fully verified will you be able to make a deposit, place bets, and use the full range of services offered by the sportsbook.
How to deposit on a Virginia betting site
Follow these simple steps to make a successful deposit on a VA betting site.
- Log in to your Virginia sports betting app or website.
- Navigate to the “Deposit” or “Banking” page, often accessible from your account balance section, usually located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
- Click on the “Deposit” button.
- Select your preferred payment method from the options available. These could include debit or credit cards, PayPal, or other digital wallets.
- Input the amount you wish to deposit.
- Confirm the transaction and submit the request.
Some sportsbooks, like bet365, also offer a “Quick Deposit” feature for those who have added a debit or credit card. This feature allows you to quickly top-up your account balance while in the middle of placing a bet if you find yourself with insufficient funds. You’ll simply need to input your CVV/CVC number (the last three digits on the signature strip on the back of your card) to deposit the required amount and then proceed with the bet.
Most Popular Deposit Methods on Virginia Betting Sites
Check out our table with the most popular deposit methods found on VA betting sites in 2023, together with their top features.
| Deposit method | Best for |
| PayPal | Fast withdrawal processing times |
| ACH e-check | Cost-effective |
| PayNearMe | Payments in cash |
| Visa/Mastercard/Discover | Credit and debit card issuers working with all U.S. banks |
| Play Plus Card | Customizable |
| Online banking | Convenient solution |
| Cash at cage | Instant payouts |
Sports Betting Law and Regulations in Virginia
Retail and sports betting in Virginia launched January 21, 2021, after the two mirror Senate Bill SB 384 and House Bill HB 896 legislations passed by both chambers in 2020. The laws directed the Virginia Lottery to regulate sports betting and issue licenses to operators according to the predetermined rules.
Virginia Sports Betting History
In 2019, Virginia lawmakers commissioned a study to discuss the economic impact of sports betting in the state. The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), tasked with the project, concluded that sports betting could be a tremendous opportunity for Virginia, prompting the legislators to develop appropriate rules and regulations.
Gov. Ralph Northam added certain pieces to the bill, such as a concession for a NASCAR, sending the bill to the Senate and the House for further deliberation. After accepting the changes, the lawmakers allowed the bill to become law.
The first online sportsbook in Virginia was FanDuel, taking its first wager on January 21, 2021.
Current situation in Virginia for sports betting
Virginia Lottery will issue no more sports betting licenses for now. During the 2022 legislative session, two accompanying bills, SB 576 and HB 1127, aiming to allow sports betting on Virginia college programs, were tabled in the Senate and the House, reaffirming the current ban.
The next step for sports betting regulation in Virginia
Virginia bettors can expect Betr to launch its operation by the end of the year, becoming the third operator to receive a license in 2023.
The Next Step for Sports Betting Regulation in Virginia
It seems that sportsbooks will continue to advocate for the inclusion of betting on Virginia college sports in the next legislative session.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
The Virginia Lottery warrants all operators to uphold responsible gambling policies, so you’ll find resources on the issue on all sites, including the phone number to the 24-hour confidential helpline powered by the VA Council on Problem Gambling. Voluntary exclusion programs and responsible gambling tools are also available.
Virginia Sports Betting Tax Rate
All sportsbooks in Virginia are taxed at 15% of the Gross Gaming Revenue.