Online Gambling Virginia – Complete Guide for Legal VA Apps and Sites
The online gambling Virginia piece is getting closer to becoming fully part of the online gambling USA puzzle. For example, it was among the first states to legalize daily fantasy sites in 2016. Virginians can also legally play the lottery online. Furthermore, it became one of the latest states to legalize online sports betting. Virginia online gambling laws were also passed in 2020 that permitted land-based casinos, however, online casino and poker sites remain unavailable.
If you want to learn more about your Virginia online gambling options, this How To Bet guide has all the answers. We’re going to examine the history of legal options, explore its sportsbooks in more detail, and introduce some of the ways you can benefit from the best online promotions, and bonuses the Old Dominion has to offer.
In short, yes. Virginia online gambling might not have been one of the first to go live in the USA, but online sports betting launched in the state in January 2021. There are even land-based casinos that are under construction for local casino gamblers.
The development of online sportsbooks became possible after a flurry of legislation activity in March and April 2020. It also follows on from the success of historical horse racing, which appeared in the Old Dominion in 2019.
Virginia is moving towards a new era of gambling, both land-based and online, and we’re going to make sure we keep you updated with all the latest developments.
Virginia Online Gambling Revenue
Now that sports betting is up and running in Virginia, it’s important to keep track of how the business is doing. The Virginia Lottery is responsible for releasing monthly revenue figures from both online and retail sportsbook action. The key numbers generally include the handle, (amount of money wagered across all sportsbooks), gross gaming revenue (GGR), adjusted gross revenue (AGR), and taxes.
The first couple of months of sports betting in Virginia saw the state’s online sportsbooks post combined net losses. This was due to welcome bonuses counting against revenue. The state only takes taxes from sportsbooks that post-net positive revenues.
Following on from the first few months, mobile tax revenue has been consistently coming in over the year. It has always cleared the $1 million mark each month since March 2021. May and June saw over $2 million in tax revenue. In the month of November, it hit a massive 2021 high of more than $4.23 million.
Complete List of Legal Online Gambling Sites and Apps in Virginia
Residents and visitors to Virginia might have to wait for their online casino and poker experiences, but for now, there’s plenty of sports betting action.
Legal Online Casinos in Virginia
There are currently no legal online casinos in Virginia, however, anyone who wants to play casino games online can do so at sweepstakes casinos. These sites mostly replicate the experience of playing in a real online casino. The difference is that the games are free to enter. Sweepstake sites and social casinos get around the rules by using a dual-currency system.
The most popular sweepstakes casino in Virginia is Funzpoints. The most popular social casino sites are Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. If you’re looking for poker, try the Global Poker site.
Legal Online Sportsbooks in Virginia
In Virginia, sportsbook fans can play at several legal online sportsbooks. Here is a list of the active Virginia sports bettingoperators online.
Online poker in Virginia is not yet legal, apart from sweepstakes sites such as Global Poker.
Which Operators are Best for Each Type of Online Gambling in Virginia
It’s now time to move on to How To Bet’s selection of the best sports betting sites and apps for Virginians. All of the mentioned online gambling Virginia operators had to undergo a series of tests and we’re happy to report that they passed with flying colors.
The Best Virginia Online Sports Gambling Websites and Apps
Don’t feel you’re missing out too much with online sports betting being your only option. If you want to know more about the other VA sportsbooks operators, the How To Bet website has a comprehensive selection of online reviews.
FanDuel Sportsbook VA
FanDuel is possibly better known for its fantasy sports options that include immediate payoffs and no commitments. However, what it can offer sports betting fans is not too shabby either. It’s also well known for providing a full variety of sports to bet in, and for giving excellent wagering advice and analysis.
DraftKings is another big name when it comes to sportsbook apps. Bettors will find the website easy to navigate and they’ll find a multitude of betting options, both in terms of the number of sports and the types of wagers. It’s also quite well known for having excellent odds.
Caesars bought William Hill in 2020 and its Virginia sportsbook app went live in February of the following year. The website is easy to navigate for live betting, you can expect the full gamut of betting options and excellent customer service.
BetMGM is one of the biggest betting companies on the planet and has a very solid reputation. Among its attractions are international betting opportunities on sports such as cricket, rugby, and soccer. It also offers an excellent rewards program, discounts, and a good selection of other bonuses.
BetRivers is rated among the best sportsbooks in Virginia because of its variety of bets, live betting, and selection of sports you can wager on. As well as major events, you can also bet on more minor sports such as snooker and volleyball.
The location of various sports fans is largely geographic. The presence of Washington DC, just north of Virginia, means that’s where many sports allegiances lie. Depending on where you live in the state, other options include teams in North Carolina or Tennessee. The top teams for Virginia sports bettors include:
NFL: Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers
NBA: Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies
MLB: Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles
NHL: Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators
In addition, sportsbooks in Virginia offer many other options.
Payouts and Odds at Online Gambling Virginia Sites and Apps
If you’re not sure which of your gambling options are best for you, odds provide an objective outlook on the matter.
Average payouts for sports will fluctuate, so keep in mind that they change regularly. Sportsbooks use profit margins to determine the operator’s advantage.
In the table below, there are some examples of the most interesting markets you can bet on, as well as their average rates in Virginia.
Sport
Payout
Soccer
90.53% – 93.65%
Basketball
92.01% – 93.55%
Cricket
93.34% – 94.15%
MMA
95.47% – 95.76%
Table Tennis
89.70% – 91.66%
Tennis
91.70% – 93.32%
Online Gambling in Virginia in Comparison with Other States
While Virginia appears to be falling behind a great many other states, you can enjoy a good selection of sports betting options. Some of the big brand sportsbooks are active in the state, so you’ve got a variety of reputable names to choose from.
Benefits of Legal Virginia Online Gambling over In-Person Gambling
There are some undeniable benefits to choosing online gambling over the in-person experience.
Let’s compare the two options further in this table:
Online gambling Virginia advantages
Land-based gambling Virginia advantages
Access to multiple operators
Unique atmosphere
Ease of use
Excellent customer service
Exciting welcome offers
Live interaction with dealers
Doesn’t require a physical presence
You can enter various events
Mobile device access is possible
Exciting VIP perks and entertainment
How to Pick the Best Online Gambling Virginia Site or App
How To Bet spent time examining the selection of Virginia sportsbooks on your behalf. We only recommend those that deliver an outstanding online gambling experience, whatever your game of choice. We base our selections on the following:
Security: Your security is a priority so we make sure our recommended sites and apps have strong security measures in place. There are some things you can do as well to further protect yourself, such as making sure your password is not generic, and being careful that the internet connection you use is not public. In addition, look for the small padlock at the top left of the browser.
Bonus offers: We like to see sites that offer a number of bonus and promo options.
Multiple game options: A broad range of gaming options makes a massive difference to your gaming experience.
Software: Great software is vital if you’re going to have a good time. All of the best online gambing Virginia sites and apps should have the best software.
Payment options: Operators should provide a range of secure choices for both deposits and withdrawals.
Licensing and regulation: We only ever recommend online gambling Virginia apps and sites that are licensed and regulated by a respected and trustworthy regulator.
How to Start Your Virginia Online Gambling Journey
If you’re a newbie to the Virginia online gambling scene, there are a few steps you need to take, regardless of whether you’re going to be playing online casino games, poker online, or placing sports bets online. It’s a very simple process, but it’s crucial you make the right choices every step of the way.
Select a gambling product: Choose what type of gambling games you want to play.
Ensure the platform is secure: Check that your chosen Virginia online gambling site is safe, secure, and licensed by the Virginia Lottery.
Create an account: Create an account by completing the operator's registration process.
Check for welcome bonuses: Check if the operator offers a welcome bonus to its new players and use it to your advantage.
Choose a payment method: Make a deposit using one of the operator’s safe and convenient payment methods.
Follow these five steps correctly and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.
Benefit from Free Bets, Promos, and Bonus Codes in Virginia
Each one of our How To Bet recommended online gambling Virginia sites offers an exciting free bet, promo, or bonus code that is sure to motivate you to sign up and gamble some more. You can regularly check our Free VA Bets and Promo Codes page for constant updates of bonuses and promotions from online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms in the Old Dominion.
Of course, it’s important that you make yourself aware of the specific terms and conditions attached to each offer and bonus code so that you avoid any misunderstanding and unnecessary financial loss. The most important factors to consider include wagering requirements, expiry periods, and game contributions.
Responsible Online Gambling in Virginia
The Virginia Lottery has been working on programs to help people dealing with problem gambling. In conjunction with the VA Council on Problem Gambling, the lottery maintains a confidential, 24-hour free helpline. The number to call is 1-888-532-3500. The VACPG website also has a char function that you can use anonymously if you wish. There are trained staff members who can help you formulate a plant to get your gambling back under control.
Additionally, the National Council on Problem Gambling has a wealth of free resources as well. Gamblers Anonymous is a support group for people with compulsive gambling issues. Gam-Anon is the same thing but more for family and friends of problem gamblers.
Self-exclusion is another option. Virginians can choose to exclude themselves for two or five years, or for the rest of their lives.
Online Gambling Virginia FAQs
Can you gamble online in VA?
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Yes, you can and you don’t have to be a NJ resident either.
Is online gambling legal in Virginia?
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Yes, it most certainly is and has been since 2013. Casino games and poker were legalized first, followed by sports betting in 2018.
Do I need to be in Virginia to open a gambling account?
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No, you don’t and you can log in outside of Virginia borders. However, you must be physically located inside of Virginia state lines to place bets.
Is it safe to play at Virginia online gambling sites?
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How To Bet only features online gambling Virginia sites and apps that are licensed by the Virginia Lottery.
Who is allowed to play for real money on Virginia online gambling sites?
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Only those 21+ years of age who are physically inside the borders of Virginia may gamble for real money at online gambling Virginia sites. You do not need to be a resident to play and can do so even if you are just visiting. To ensure players are inside the state, operators use geolocation software to verify a players location.
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