Virginia Sports Betting: Online Sportsbook VA Guide

Is sports betting legal in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia sports betting is now legal after the state lawmakers voted in favor with two relevant bills in April 2020. Something interesting to note here is that Old Dominion is only the second state, after Tennessee, to launch sports betting online without retail sportsbooks. The lack of casinos in the Commonwealth was the main reason behind this development but the Virginia Assembly permitted the launch of five retail casinos in different cities. Expectations are that all of them will host a VA sportsbook in the future.

So you don’t have to trouble yourself anymore with the question ‘is sports betting legal in Virginia?’. It totally is and all you have to do now is to find the sportsbook(s) matching your individual needs and preferences. With this, in terms of sports online betting USA becomes even more attractive for bettors.

Legal Virginia Sports Betting Sites & Apps

SOON-TO-FOLLOW:

• Barstool Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget
• PointsBet
• Bet365
• FoxBet
• theScore Bet
• Bally Bet

Top 5 Virginia Sports Betting Sites and Apps

Up until now, there are seven legal Virginia sports betting sites and apps currently in operation. All of them have many qualities and strengths, including promotions and bonuses, good odds, and user-friendly web pages. At the moment, the Virginia Lottery can’t give more than 12 sports betting permits and there are 25 applications by most of the major national operators. The competition always leads to better services on the market, which also means more attractive bonuses and promotions.

Examples of that on the various sports betting Virginia sites and apps include:

• Free Bets
• Boosted Odds
• Deposit Bonuses
• Referral Bonuses
• High Roller Bonuses

Keep in mind many promotions and bonuses will vary and change over time. Meanwhile How To Bet presents you our Top 5 Virginia sportsbook list.

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook VA offers a $1,000 risk-free bet upon first deposit and is one of the giants in the sports betting industry. In addition to offering fantasy sports all the way back to 2009, this operator is well known for providing a full variety of sports to bet. It also gives excellent wagering advice and analysis.

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia has a full range of bonuses to choose from. Its fantasy sports benefits include immediate payoffs and no commitments. It allows you to bet on all the major American sports, including auto racing and boxing. You can’t be wrong if you pick the online sport betting pioneer in Old Dominion.

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

DraftKings is also a big name when it comes to sportsbook apps. Its website makes it easy for bettors to navigate their way around. It also provides a multitude of betting options – both in terms of the number of sports and types of wagers that can be made, and is also known for having excellent odds.

This sportsbook offers a deposit bonus up to $1,000 and is considered by many as the best for daily fantasy sports. Another plus for DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia is its free $50 bet when you sign up.

This operator is also good for betting on the go, including live betting on your phone. It has a very good cash-out feature and allows bettors to select from a wide range of both American and international sports.

William Hill/Caesars Sportsbook Virginia

William Hill was bought by Caesars in 2020. Its sportsbook app appeared live in Virginia in February of 2021. It made a big splash by offering the largest risk-free bet in the amount of up to $5,000 for new players.

William Hill is one the oldest running sportsbooks and also has the biggest number of retail sportsbooks in the country. It is known for constantly offering new promotions (the William Hill Refer a Friend sports betting bonus is one of the popular ones) and its website is easy to navigate for live betting. This operator also provides excellent customer service and the full gamut of betting options.

Available on iOS and Android, Caesars/William Hill's additional benefits include live betting on sports as well as live streams of games on TV and radio. These radio stations bring you up-to-date information to provide more insight into your potential bets.

BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia

Famous for its gambling expertise with its connections to the MGM casino and sportsbook in Las Vegas, BetMGM is one of the biggest wagering companies on the planet and has a very solid reputation.

Among its many attractions are international betting opportunities on sports such as soccer, rugby and cricket. It has a substantial bonus for new accounts in Virginia of $1,000 and offers a $600 risk-free bet.

Other perks it offers are access to excellent rewards, discounts and other bonuses at its MGM resorts. A somewhat unusual attraction with BetMGM are its one-game parlay bets where you can combine different aspects of a game into a single bet. BetMGM's mobile app is very user friendly and makes it simple to place bets and do your banking.

BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia

BetRivers is considered among the best for deposit bonuses and will match the $250 you deposit when opening a new account. Instead of one app for the entire nation, this operator has an individual app for each state, including Virginia.

BetRivers is rated among the top sports apps because of its many choices of bets, live betting and variety of sports on which you can wager. Among these are minor sports such as volleyball and snooker.

Other strengths for BetRivers include its number of prop bets, odds boosts and live streaming of events on your phone. For the NFL it shows the down and distance of games live and lists all the plays in which points have been scored.

VA Sports Betting: Online Bonuses and Promo Codes

By trying to attract players, VA sports betting sites and apps give tempting bonuses and the biggest one is the $5,000 risk-free bet which Caesars Sportsbook gives to newcomers. Here are some of the best offers in Old Dominion that you should take advantage of as soon as possible. In terms of sports betting Virginia is quite generous so benefitting from it is a must. Just don’t forget to use How To Bet’s links and promo codes to make sure you are getting the best bonus possible.

How to Pick the Best Virginia Sportsbook for You

There is a whole range of things to consider when choosing the best sportsbook Virginia can offer you. The reasons you should compare them before opening an account or placing a bet are fairly obvious.

• To find which one is offering the best odds in order to increase your chances of a higher payoff for a successful bet.
• To have a full range of sports because many bettors will have a better feel or hunch of how the game may unfold based on their knowledge of the sport, teams or players.
• To have a user-friendly site or app.
• To have a convenient banking system for fast payouts and security features designed to protect your money and personal data.

The good thing for Virginia gamblers is that all sports sites and apps operating in the early part of 2021 are of high quality and are known for being strong in the above-mentioned areas.

Ease of Use

No one wants to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to place a bet instead of concentrating on trying to make a successful wager. Although they can vary a bit and people will have their own personal preferences, the operators that were the first to offer sports betting in Virginia have well-designed apps that make it easy for gamblers to bet and manage their accounts.

Betting with ease is particularly important for making in-play wagers where time is a factor because the game is unfolding live. You also want to use an app where it's easy to quickly find the updated odds for the obvious reasons of increasing your chances for higher winnings. Furthermore, you want an app that provides up-to-date information on things such as injuries and weather conditions that may influence your bet.

It's also important to fully understand exactly what kind of bet you are making, especially for novice gamblers. Make sure the sportsbook has a section that provides customer service to have any questions answered. If it has an on-line chat room where you can get questions answered immediately, that’s even better.

Promotions and Bonuses

All the operators offering Virginia online sports betting give them in some form or another for the obvious reason they want to attract (and keep) your business. Keep in mind many of the bonuses and promotions will change over time, so you need to make sure which ones are currently active.

Codes that give you access to these bonuses are usually very easy to find on the main page. As a general rule, promotions tend to rotate more and be smaller than bonuses. Bonuses often refer exclusively to welcome bonuses, which are a set amount of money you will receive for either making a deposit or simply setting up an account. The sites will offer different amounts of money and often they will depend on how much real money you actually deposit.

Similarly, sites will have deposit bonuses, which matches a percentage of how much money you placed in your account. Additional bonuses can include reloading bonuses, free bet bonuses and loyalty bonuses that reward a bettor for making frequent wagers. Some sites also have high-roller bonuses for gamblers who wage large amounts of money. Additional options may include refer-a-friend bonuses, boosted odds bonuses, rewards for using cryptocurrencies and parlay insurance bonuses that return some of your money for getting part of a parlay bet right.

Banking Methods

While these can also vary according to the app, there are many ways to make deposits and withdrawals on sports betting apps.

• Electronic wallet such as PayPal – By far one of the most common options. Advantages with these include the fact they are easy to set up, affordable and secure.
• Credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover.
• Prepaid cards in which you load your card with funds from your bank and use it with your sportsbook.
• Online banking transfers where bettors use their bank accounts to place money in their sportsbook account.
• ACH or e-check – An e-check is simply an electronic funds transfer (EFT) that utilizes the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.

You want depositing money to be easy to save time and avoid headaches, and for the most part it is by simply going on the sportsbook site and hitting the deposit button. The speed by which your money is deposited and withdrawn is usually pretty fast, although withdrawals can take a little longer. Electronic transfers tend to occur faster than other ways such as a money order or check.

Most online sportsbooks have numerous ways in which you can make withdrawals. How fast you receive your money can depend on the fees that are charged. You can often receive your money more quickly by paying an extra small fee.

Legality, Safety and Security

With the five operators that became legal for online sports betting Virginia gave bettors the peace of mind knowing their funds and personal information are secure. This is because all of them are well-established and trusted sites. Unlike offshore ones, they are also licensed and approved in Old Dominion, which means they have to answer to the state law enforcement if a problem were to arise.

There are two main reasons for doing business with a secure website. In addition to the obvious one of knowing your money is safe, you want your personal information to be safely stored. Having someone gain access to your banking account or credit card information can become an absolute nightmare. Make sure the Virginia sports betting apps and sites you pick have a section that deals with protecting your security and a two-step verification system in place. It's also a good idea to use a password that is virtually impossible to guess.

Customer Service

Customer service can often be extremely important when you create an online sportsbook account. Questions can arise about banking methods as well as placing bets, particularly for the novice gambler. Operators want to help you in order to keep your business and the better ones are usually very responsive to your questions. The last thing a sportsbook wants is to lose you because you are stressed out or unhappy with the way you are treated. Don't be afraid to ask so-called ‘dumb questions’. It's your money and you have every right to be sure. Pick a VA sports betting site or app that offers you 24/7 support with knowledgeable agents speaking different languages.

How to Start Your Virginia Online Sports Betting Journey

It is a very simple task to make your first steps in Virginia online sports betting once you have picked the right sportsbook for your needs and preferences. The process is very smooth and quick from start to finish. Our bet guide would not be complete without showing you these easy four universal steps, so take note and be ready to place your first wager today.

1. Visit your preferred sportsbook’s site or mobile app

After detailed research and following our guidance, enter the site of the sportsbook you have picked or download the app. Just remember to use one of How To Bet’s exclusive promo codes and links in order to get the best sign-up offer possible.

2. Sign up for your betting account

Register for an account at your preferred Virginia sports betting apps and sites. Some pretty basic information will be required from you to verify your identity. Now is the time to provide our bonus code.

3. Make a deposit at the online sportsbook

We already made some remarks on this subject. You should know that most Old Dominion online sportsbooks give you an array of options and depositing money is really easy, simple, and fast.

4. Place your bet

Once you have found your way to navigating the menu and find the wanted sport or prop the market, use the bet slip, and voila – you have made your first wager online in the Commonwealth. Now all that is left for you is to win.

Benefits of Using Legal Virginia Sports Betting Apps & Sites

Once you start your journey in online sport betting in Virginia, you will enjoy many advantages which will keep you as satisfied as you may be as a bettor. Here are the most important benefits.

• Convenience – The Virginia sports betting sites and apps will make your life easier because in a matter of seconds you will have all the tools you need to place a winning wager. The latest odds, the most up-to-date team & game info is offered to you on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. And, most of all, you can then save time and money by not having to visit a land-based sportsbook. Gas, parking, food, drinks/beverages, waiting in lines, driving, etc. – all of this is history now and you should rejoice.
• Safety – Using legal VA sports betting apps and websites will provide you the fundamental security you need in order to be a calm and successful bettor. Those online operators that are regulated by the state strictly follow all the respective laws and protocols. This allows you to deposit and withdraw money really safely and swiftly, which may not be the case with offshore or overseas sportsbooks.
• Easy usage – Choosing to bet with a legal online Virginia sportsbook will also give you smooth operating experience in navigation and wagering. You won’t get that easiness in a land-based venue.
• Bumper bonuses and promotions – Retail sportsbooks rarely give such generous offers to new customers so it would be wise to take advantage of those provided by online operators.

Sports Betting in Virginia Compared to Other States

In terms of sports betting Virginia ranks as one of the leading states in the country. We at How To Bet grade it with a more than deserved A-. See our reasons why.

Diversity – The attractive conditions in the Commonwealth make all of the best US sportsbooks want to join the party after the first five pioneers. Soon there may even be 20 operators providing services legally in Virginia and this gives bettors an array of opportunities with the only condition that they don’t cross state lines or go to Washington D.C.

Deposits and withdrawals – Making them is swift and simple at all licensed Virginia online sports betting operators, with multiple methods being available for your convenience.

Odds – Because of the competitive market the odds are attractive and this gives bettors plenty of options to shop for the best lines.

Bonuses and promotions – It’s logical with any opening new market that the operators fight for customers, so for sports betting Virginia is blessed with more than generous bonuses and promotions for new bettors.

Offerings – You can bet on dozens of sports in the Commonwealth and the only thing that’s not legal is wagering on in-state college teams programs (live betting on them included).

Using official league data – The state requires sportsbooks to do it when determining betting results.

Retail sportsbooks – Virginia sports betting will be made available in land-based operators in the nearest future (unlike in states like Tennessee for example, where by law you can only bet online).

Brief History of Virginia Sports Betting

While it's true Virginia was the first state to approve daily fantasy sports betting in 2016, it was a long and arduous fight for other forms of sports betting to become legal in the state.

After the federal ban on sports gambling was lifted in May of 2018, it wasn't until the following year before the state began even looking at possibly approving sports betting. Fortunately for gamblers, Old Dominion approved legal online sports betting in 2020 and in January of 2021 it officially got underway in the state, regulated by the Virginia Lottery.

While all of this was going on, the Commonwealth also approved building the state's first-ever land-based casinos. Construction of these were underway at the start of 2021 and they are expected to officially open in the near future. The casinos will provide another way to bet on sports in the state.