Top Virginia Sportsbooks & VA Sports Betting
Updated May 24, 2022
Sports betting is now live in Virginia. It launched with fully online sports betting, meaning bettors can do everything from home — no casino visits needed to place a wager. Virginia has multiple mobile sportsbooks available to consumers, including big names like BetMGM, PointsBet and FanDuel. Here's everything you need to know about legal Virginia betting.
Latest Sports News in Virginia:
- The Nationals dropped 2-of-3 during their weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They also lost the first game of their series against the L.A. Dodgers on Monday. (5/24)
- The Wizards landed the 10th pick in the NBA Draft Lottery last week. They did not move up or down from their original position entering the night. The draft will be held June 23. (5/19)
- The Capitals saw their season end earlier this month after losing to the Florida Panthers 4-3 in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. (5/16)
Things to Keep an Eye on:
- In their post-lottery mock draft, ESPN has the Wizards selecting Wisconsin's Johnny Davis with the 10th pick in next month's NBA Draft. (5/19)
- The Capitals dropped three straight games to the Panthers after going up 2-1 in their series. They lost twice in overtime (including the series-deciding Game 6) and blew a 3-0 lead in their Game 5 defeat. (5/16)
- The Washington Commanders, along with the rest of the teams in the NFL, released their full schedule earlier this month. Washington will open the season with a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 11. (5/12)
Virginia Sports Betting Key Takeaways
| ⚖️ Is online sports betting legal in Virginia? | Yes |
| 💸 When did online sports betting become legal in Virginia? | January 2021 |
| 📒 What online sportsbooks are available in Virginia? | BetMGM, PointsBet, FanDuel, BetRivers, Caesars, WynnBET, Unibet, SI Sportsbook and DraftKings |
| 🏈 What sports can you bet on in Virginia? | You can bet on all major sports (relative to other legal U.S. markets), but you can't bet on Virginia-based college teams, there is no live betting on any college sports and betting on college player props is not allowed. |
Top Virginia Sportsbooks
Virginia currently has seven statewide mobile sports betting operators, most with existing partnerships with each of the four commercial casinos so far approved by voters.
It will also have somewhat reasonable fees for operators to enter the market ($250,000 for three years) and a favorable tax rate (15%). So you can expect national players like FanDuel and BetMGM to be present, plus plenty of others. The Virginia Lottery is required to “issue a number of permits that will maximize tax revenue collected pursuant to the bill,” so there will be no shortage of big-time operators there.
BetMGM Virginia
BetMGM is solid sportsbook option with great market coverage for Virginia bettors along with the opportunity to claim $1,000 in risk-free bets for new registrants. The BetMGM app has one of the top user interfaces, and they also offer robust promotions for current users as well as new users. BetMGM is the official gaming partner of the MLB, NBA and NHL.
BetMGM Bonus
Claim $1,000 in risk-free bets
BetMGM Bonus Code
ACTION
Action Network Score
9.8/10. See our BetMGM review for more in-depth information about BetMGM and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks
PointsBet Virginia
PointsBet features some of the best sign-up offers, as well as regular daily/weekly options to keep users engaged throughout every season. PointsBet originated in Australia, and now has a partnership with NBC and the PGA Tour. New users can utilize promo code ACTION2K1 to claim up to $2,200 in risk-free bets.
PointsBet Promo
Up to $2,200 in risk-free bets
PointsBet Promo Code
ACTION2K1
Action Network Score
9.7/10. See our PointsBet review for more in-depth information about PointsBet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options PointsBet vs Other Sportsbooks
Caesars Virginia
Caesars Sportsbook (formerly WilliamHill) is one of the cleaner sportsbook apps on the market. Caesars is also one of the three sports betting partners of the NFL. New users can claim $1,100 in first bet insurance.
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Receive up to $1,100 in first bet insurance
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code
ACTIONCZR
Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our Caesars review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks
FanDuel Virginia
FanDuel was originally known for its daily fantasy sports options, but residents of the Old Dominion can utilize this user-friendly app for all of their sportsbook needs as well. FanDuel is one of the official sports betting partners of the NBA, as well as the NHL and the MLB. There's no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer of a $1,000 in risk-free bet.
FanDuel Promo
FanDuel Promo Code
There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer
Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our FanDuel review for more in-depth information about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks
BetRivers Virginia
BetRivers is another book that is legal in Virginia. They pride themselves on their exceptional customer service and fast payouts. Be sure to follow our link to claim your $250 bonus match!
BetRivers Promo
BetRivers Promo Code
ACTION
Action Network Score
8.6/10. See our BetRivers review for more in-depth information about BetRivers and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetRivers vs Other Sportsbooks
DraftKings Virginia
DraftKings Promo
DraftKings Promo Code
No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings offer
Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our DraftKings review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks
Unibet Virginia
Unibet Promo
Up to $100 risk-free bet credits
Unibet Promo Code
ACTION
Action Network Score
8.5/10. See our Unibet review for more in-depth information about Unibet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Unibet vs Other Sportsbooks
Virginia Sportsbooks
How Virginia Sports Betting Compares: The Sports Betting Report Card
We graded Virginia on its sports betting bill and experience relative to other states.
Mobile Betting Options
Virginia has nearly a dozen statewide mobile sportsbook options with more on the way. Eligible bettors anywhere within state lines have multiple wagering options but will not be able to bet with their Virginia sportsbook apps if they cross into another state or Washington, D.C.
Deposit
Depositing at all licensed Virginia sportsbooks is fast and easy. Bettors can use their bank accounts, PayPal and many other options.
Prices
The competitive market means prices are fair and consistent with industry standards. The multiple live sportsbooks give Virginia bettors plenty of options to shop for the best prices.
Offerings
There are hundreds of professional options available, though betting on in-state college teams programs as Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia is prohibited.
Virginia's Timeline to Legalization
Click for Previous Virginia Sports Betting Legalization Updates
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Senate Bill 96 passed unanimously. Sportsbooks will now be penalized for using the phrase, "Virginia is for bettors." This is a play on words from the state's popular phrase, "Virginia is for lovers."Virginia Sports Betting Background
Virginia was one of the last states without commercial or tribal casinos. Sports betting operators don't need to be tied to a brick-and-mortar casino to operate.
Virginia's bill did specify that five cities — Richmond, Norfolk, Danville, Portsmouth and Bristol — can build casinos and sportsbooks.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wanted NASCAR tracks Martinsville and Richmond Raceway included in the sports betting landscape. He pushed these tracks to launch their sportsbooks or partner with an existing operator.
The bill also allows a sports franchise that relocates to the state to have sports betting in its stadium. When might this apply? The Washington Commanders might be headed to Virginia when their lease at FedEx Field in Andover, Maryland, expires in 2027.
How to Place a Sports Bet in Virginia
It's easy to get started with sports betting in Virginia. Here's how:
Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook
Virginia has a handful of worthy sportsbooks, so eventually you'll want multiple accounts so you can shop for the best lines. But you have to start with one. Let’s start with BetMGM, which will give you a $1,000 risk-free bet.
Step 2: Sign Up & Deposit
Follow the prompts to set up your account with BetMGM. They may ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age. BetMGM will take you right through the deposit flow. We’d recommend direct deposit via a bank account — that way when you cash out, the money reflects in your checking account instead of being credited back to a card.
Step 3: Verify Your Location in VA
If you’re using a desktop computer, Virginia sportsbooks require you to download GeoComply, a location-tracking software that verifies you're in the state. If you’re on your phone, just allow the BetParx app to track your location when prompted, and you won’t need additional software.
Step 4: Place a Legal Bet
BetMGM offers fair odds compared to its competitors in a lot of markets.
- Go to the sport
- Click the line you want to bet
- Click bet slip (or navigate if you’re on a computer)
- Enter your bet amount
- Submit
Virginia Sports Betting Tips
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Sports Betting for Beginners
New to sports betting? Awesome, it's not too early to start studying! Check out our sports betting tips for beginners so you can get started on the right foot in Virginia.
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Sports Betting Glossary
Sports betting has a language of its own that you’ll want to get familiar with if you’re new to the space. Get up to speed here with our sports betting glossary.
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Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid
You’re probably ready to unload some bets on the Liberty Flames, but you need to be responsible if you’re going to stay afloat in the sports betting world.
Here are some sports betting mistakes for Virginians to avoid.
Virginia Highlights
How Land-Based Casino Ballot Measures Could Shape Sports Betting
Voters in Virginia overwhelmingly approved ballot measures that will expand casino gaming options. This means slots and table games for the Old Dominion, but the 2020 ballot measures could have further-reaching implications for sports betting.
Virginia Approves Sports Betting Regulations and Opens for Sportsbook Applications
At long last, the Virginia Lottery Board approved sports wagering regulations after nearly two months of public forum. Sportsbook operators can apply for one of 12 Virginia licenses between Oct. 15 and Oct. 31, and regulators will consider applications for up to 90 days. That would launch sports betting in Virginia sometime in January 2020. Professional leagues did get a surprise win when they were granted data access in the Virginia Lottery decision.
Virginia Releases Initial Proposed Regulations for Sports Betting
Now that Virginia has legalized sports betting, the Virginia Lottery Board has only until Sept. 15 to build and approve regulations. Initial regulations stipulate that Virginia will have between four and 12 sportsbooks along with a 15% tax rate. The state also legalized casino gaming, giving the state five casinos, which are also eligible to apply for the 12 sports betting licenses. The board also introduced a Virginia Sports Bettors' Bill of Rights.
Virginia Officially Legalizes Sports Wagering
Sports betting is officially legal in the state of Virginia! After some mostly administrative recommendations from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, the state approved both SB 384 and HB 896 as law. Sports betting officially becomes legal on July 1, but Virginians won't be able to wager just yet. The Virginia Lottery Board will then have until Sept. 15 to complete regulations with a targeted launch of late 2020.
Virginia Teams
Virginia Teams to Bet On
States don't need their own professional team to have a strong sports market. Technically speaking, Virginia doesn't have any pro teams. In fact, Virginia is the most populous U.S state without a pro franchise playing within its borders. But the truth is that Virginia is more or less "home" to all of the Washington, D.C. pro teams, and the fan base is especially strong in northern Virginia. The Washington Commanders (NFL) and Washington Capitals (NHL) even have practice facilities and team headquarters in Northern Virginia.
Some Virginians root for teams from Baltimore or Carolina, or even others around the country, but sports wagering knows no team allegiances. Virginia bettors can wager on any team around the country or world, but we expect big bets to be placed on these DC-based sports teams soon!
Pro Sports Teams
NFL Betting in Virginia
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders is a five-time NFL champion. It won championship games before the Super Bowl era in 1937 and 1942 and then won the Super Bowl in 1982, 1987, and 1991, its most recent Super Bowl appearance. Those three Super Bowl wins tie Washington for seventh-most all-time.
Washington changed its name to the Washington Commanders in 2022. The Burgundy and Gold play their home games at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on football in Virginia:
- How to Bet on Football Guide
- Check our Expert NFL Picks
- Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data
NBA Betting in Virginia
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are the closest NBA team for most Virginians. That was true when the franchise played in Baltimore, too, and then the franchise moved to Washington, D.C. and became the Bullets until 1997. The team played in the NBA Finals four times in the 1970s with NBA legends Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes.
The Wizards play their home games at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., which they share with the Washington Capitals (NHL). Scotty Brooks coaches the team.
WNBA Betting in Virginia
Washington Mystics
In 2019, the Washington Mystics won their first and only NBA championship. They were led there by Elena Delle Donne, who won the MVP and led the Mystics to the WNBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. Washington initially joined the WNBA in 1998. The Mystic plays their home games at St. Elizabeth's East Arena in Washington, D.C.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Virginia:
MLB Betting in Virginia
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have existed as such since 2005. Before that, this franchise was the Montreal Expos. The Expos began playing as an expansion team in 1969 and was nearly contracted before relocating to Washington, D.C. In a strange twist, they were the first MLB team to be relocated since a team from Washington left in 1971, in that case, the Washington Senators moving to Texas.
Washington plays its home games at Nationals Park on South Capitol Street in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. Dave Martinez manages the Nats.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles Baltimore played in six World Series between 1966 and 1983, winning three times with Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Cal Ripken, Jr. Baltimore has not been back to the World Series since 1983, one of the longest droughts in baseball.
The Orioles play their home games at the beautiful Camden Yards in downtown Baltimore, Maryland.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on baseball in Virginia:
NHL Betting in Virginia
Washington Capitals
The Capitals finally broke through and won their first and only Stanley Cup in 2018, as Alexander Ovechkin finally made good on his superstar status and lifted the game's biggest trophy. The Caps began to play in 1974 as an expansion franchise and originally played their home games in Landover, Maryland. They moved to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., in 1997, where they play today.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Virginia:
MLS Betting in Virginia
D.C. United
D.C. United began as one of the 10 charter clubs of the MLS in 1996. They were an absolute dynasty in the early going under head coach Bruce Arena, winning eight of the first 13 MLS championships. D.C. D.C. United is, without a doubt, the most successful club in MLS history. United play their home games at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
NWSL Betting in Virginia
Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit has a unique arrangement and split their home games between three stadiums in three different states or districts. Washington's main stadium is the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland. Still, they also play some home games at Audi Park in Washington, D.C., and others at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. The Spirit is looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since that heartbreaking final in 2016.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Virginia:
College Sports Teams
Virginia loves its college sports, with football and basketball leading the way but, sadly, state law does not allow betting on any of these teams.
College Football Betting in Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers Football
Virginia has been one of college football's great and incisive programs since its inception in 1888. Virginia had 28 straight winning seasons to start its tenure and won 12 southern championships, and they were the first program outside of the Northeast to defeat perennial powerhouse Yale in 1915. Virginia also played a significant role in shaping the game's early code of ethics, eligibility, and safety.
Virginia plays its home games at Scott Stadium on campus in Charlottesville.
Virginia Tech Hokies Football
The Hokies football program has slowly worked its way up from mostly irrelevant to a national powerhouse, peaking under nearly three decades of football with College Football Hall of Fame Coach Frank Beamer. Under Beamer, Virginia Tech joined the Big East Conference and then the Atlantic Coast Conference, where they play today. The Hokies made it to the BCS National Championship Game in 2000 with freshman phenom QB Michael Vick, even leading Florida State in the fourth quarter before falling. Virginia Tech's No. 3 finish was the state's highest ever in the AP poll.
The Hokies play their home games at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, widely recognized as one of the loudest stadiums and best home-field advantages in the country.
Liberty Flames Football
What a meteoric rise the Liberty football program has been on. The football program didn't even begin until 1973 when Liberty joined the NAIA. The Flames moved up to Division II in 1980, then to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1988. They finally joined FBS (formerly Division I-A) in 2018 and are playing as an independent.
Liberty plays its home games at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg.
Old Dominion Monarchs Football
Old Dominion first played football in 1930 as the William & Mary Norfolk Division Braves, but the program was disbanded after 1941. The university didn't play football again for almost seven decades, restarting as an FCS team (formerly Division I-AA) in 2009. Then the Monarchs moved up to the top level for the 2014 season, joining Conference USA.
The Monarchs play their games at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk and are coached by Ricky Rahne.
James Madison Dukes Football
Over the past half a decade, James Madison has become an absolute powerhouse at the FCS level. The Dukes won their second national championship in 2016 and played in the national title game three times in the four-season between 2016 and 2019.
James Madison plays its home games at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg. Curt Cignetti coaches the Dukes. They played football in the spring this year due to the pandemic.
Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college football in Virginia:
College Basketball Betting in Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers Men's Basketball
The Virginia Cavaliers are one of college basketball's best programs. The Cavs play in the Atlantic Coast Conference and future Hall-of-Famer Tony Bennett coaches Virginia. The Hoos play their home games at the John Paul Jones Arena on campus in Charlottesville.
Virginia Tech Hokies Men's Basketball
The Hokies first started playing basketball in 1909 but had a long and winding road to relevance at the highest level. Virginia Tech plays its home games at Cassell Coliseum on campus in Blacksburg. Mike Young coaches the Hokies.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams Men's Basketball
VCU basketball has had a heck of a decade. Few outsides of Virginia would have even known what the letters of VCU stood for 10 years ago, but they certainly did now after a memorable Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2011. VCU joined the Atlantic 10 Conference for the 2012-13 season and still plays there. The Rams play their home games at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center on campus in Richmond.
George Mason Patriots Men's Basketball
George Mason does not have a long basketball history. Still, the program rose to prominence out of nowhere in 2006 when they made a memorable Cinderella run to the Final Four under longtime coach Jim Larranaga. Before that year, the Patriots had never even won an NCAA tournament game and were one of the last teams in the draw. George Mason plays its home games at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax.
Old Dominion Monarchs Men's Basketball
Old Dominion first fielded a basketball team in 1930 and won a Division II national championship in 1975. Soon after, Old Dominion made a move to Division I for the 1976-77 season. The Monarchs made the NCAA tournament for the first time in 1980 and won their first tournament game in 1986. The Monarchs play their home games at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk and compete in Conference USA. Jeff Jones coaches them.
Richmond Spiders Men's Basketball
Richmond may be a smaller basketball program on the NCAA level, but they have developed a serious reputation as a giant killer when it comes to the NCAA tournament. The Spiders play their home games at the Robins Center in Richmond. Chris Mooney coaches them.
Liberty Flames Men's Basketball
Unlike their football program, which is barely a decade old, Liberty has played basketball for one year after the university was founded in 1971. They play their home games at the Vines Center in Lynchburg and are coached by Ritchie McKay.
Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college basketball in Virginia:
Other Events
Virginians love their NASCAR in particular. The state is home to four annual races in the NASCAR Cup Series. The biggest one is at Richmond Raceway, known as "America's Premier Short Track," and even has a "Virginia is for Racing Lovers visitors center. Martinsville Speedway is another short, speedy track, and many Virginians travel to nearby Bristol, Tennessee, for more big races. Virginia loves Denny Hamlin in particular, who got his start in Chesterfield and is the 2020 Daytona 500 champion.
You can place big bets at some of these Virginia NASCAR races and other key Virginia athletic events:
- ValleyStar Credit Union 300
- Xfinity 500
- Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500
- Federated Auto Parts 400
- Dominion Energy Charity Classic
More Reading on Virginia
To reference Virginia's sports betting bills, see House Bill 896, House Bill 4 and Senate Bill 384.
For supplemental sports coverage, see The Virginian-Pilot, The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Roanoke Times.
For more on legal sports betting, check out our legalization tracker.
Virginia Sporting Locations
Crystal City Sports Pub
Crystal City Sports Pub has tons of HD TVs and beers on tap.
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill is a brewpub a separate sports bar with a casual dining area. For in-game food? There’s an on-site smoker and wood-fired grill with 20 HDTVs. There are even pool tables to entertain yourself between the big games!
Brass Bell Steakhouse & Lounge
Friendly, lively, and great prices at this spot. Why catch the game anywhere else in Virginia?
CP Shuckers
CP Shuckers has big cable packages so you can watch almost any game.
Brock's Riverside Grill
Tons of televisions, great music, drink specials and friendly staff.
Martin's Downtown
Locally owned and operated.
Virginia News
See AllSports betting officially launched in Virginia in Jan. 21, 2021.
As of Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, you can bet on sports online in Virginia. The bill includes online and in-person sports betting. It’s a favorable bill for bettors in the state.
FanDuel Sportsbook officially went live on Jan. 21, 2021 in the state, offering fully online betting to Virginians.
Virginia offers betting on all the major sports leagues with a few notable exceptions:
- No betting on Virginia-based college teams. New Jersey and Illinois are the other states with this carveout, and it hasn’t hurt the state much from a revenue perspective. But it is a bummer for anyone who’s a fan of one of the four FBS football teams or 14 Division I men’s basketball teams in the state.
- No live betting on any college sports.
- No betting on college player props.
The Virginia Lottery is in charge of issuing sports betting licenses to operators.
As of now, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, FanDuel, PointsBet and WynnBET sportsbooks are available to Virginians.
There are four steps to signing up in Virginia: Choose a sportsbook, create an account, deposit money online (not in person), and place a bet. It's incredibly simple but see here for more information if needed.
You must be at least 21 years old to place a bet in Old Dominion, which is the standard age across other states that have legalized sports betting.
No, you do not need to be a VA resident in order to deposit and withdraw funds. This can be done from anywhere with internet access.
Yes, you can bet anywhere in VA with internet access. That means users will be able to create accounts, deposit and bet all with any internet-capable device. Most sportsbooks, if not all, will have dedicated mobile apps as well.
No, Bovada is an illegal, offshore sportsbook that is not legal in any U.S. state, including VA.
Claim Promo Code Offers from VA Sportsbooks
Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Virginia:
BetMGM Promo Code | PointsBet Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | BetRivers Promo Code | Caesars Promo Code | WynnBET Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | Unibet Promo Code