Although the state of Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, the first VA sportsbook did not go live until January 21, 2021. Similar to other states, you don’t need to be a resident of the Commonwealth to legally use a VA sportsbook. You just need to be wagering within legal state limits.
Upon legalization, north of two dozen different online sportsbooks applied to legally operate in the state of Virginia, but only 12 licenses were made available through the Virginia State Lottery, which oversees and commissions legal sports betting in VA.
Currently, Virginia has seven sportsbooks operating legally in the state.
Can I Bet on Sports in Virginia?
Yes, you can bet on sports in Virginia. You can use any one of the sportsbooks that are legal in the state of Virginia to place wagers on sports.
Do I Have to be a Resident of Virginia to Bet Online?
No, you do not have to be a resident of Virginia to place wagers on sports. You just need to be placing your bet within legal state lines.
What is the Legal Betting Age in Virginia?
You must be 21-years-old to legally bet on sports in the state of Virginia.
Why Should I Join a Virginia Betting Site?
- Contrary to Offshore Sportsbooks, a Virginia sports betting site is safe, legal, and regulated by the VA Lottery Board.
- Most of VA’s online sportsbooks offer enticing promotions and welcome bonuses for new users. Some of these promotions will include deposit matches, free bets, and second-chance bets. Who wants to turn down free money? I don’t!
- Secure deposit and withdrawal methods. Contrary to Offshore accounts, your money is protected.
- Convenience — wagering on sports at your fingertips without leaving your house.
- Especially if you join multiple online sportsbooks in Virginia, you can get the best odds by shopping around. Again, at your fingertips, literally.
- Live Betting and Streaming of Events (not all sites offer this).
Why Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
It’s 2021. If you’ve been in the sports betting game, like me, for any length of time, then you were more than likely placing your wagers through offshore sportsbooks and betting accounts. However, now that sports betting is growing and becoming legalized in more and more states in the United States as the years go by, you don’t have to utilize the aforementioned offshore betting sites. I will tell you why offshore betting accounts are no longer the way to go below:
- While some offshore sportsbooks have been around since the infancy of the internet, they were never, and will never be, regulated by the United States — you are unprotected as a result.
- Despite their past popularity, offshore betting accounts are illegal in the United States.
- Offshore betting sites are legal overseas, more so, in the Caribbean, which means they are not governed and regulated by the United States. Thus, they have never been held to acceptable operating standards since their inception.
- Offshore betting sites are illegal and mostly operate in the grey, which means they are unsafe. Your money is not protected.
- Since offshore sportsbooks are illegal and unsafe, they are a proverbial breeding ground for suspicious activity.
- Offshore betting sites do not protect their users or their user’s hard-earned money.
- Limited deposit and withdrawal options.
- No guarantees that you will get paid upon cashing out.
Virginia Sports Betting Sites
Here are some of the best sports betting sites in VA:
DraftKings
The Draftkings Sportsbook is one of the most recognizable brands in the gaming industry. Because of its size and recognition in the industry, the DK Sportsbook is one of the most aggressive in terms of promotions, rewards, and range of bets and bet types. In addition, the DK Sportsbook has one of the most user-friendly apps and websites on the market.
FanDuel
Similar to the DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel is one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the gaming industry, plus is the No. 1 most popular online sportsbook in the United States. FanDuel has elite odds and tremendous rewards, promotions and boosts to keep the customer happy and coming back.
While you would think a more popular and notable brand would have lagging speeds on their website and app, there is none. In fact, FanDuel is one of the quickest I have used. FanDuel’s web and app interfaces can be cluttered to a newbie, but you will get used to it.
BetMGM
I can’t say enough good things about the BetMGM sportsbook. From the ease of use to a wide range of betting markets and types, to ample terrific promotions to keep a user coming back, BetMGM is one of the more complete sportsbooks on the market. In addition to wagering on sports, BetMGM is one of the few brands that have sports betting, poker, and an online casino all in one place. I have done many sportsbook reviews and I also use many sportsbooks to place wagers.
I have to say, if you are an NFL guy like me, I don’t think you can go wrong with BetMGM. They have more options than anyone I have seen with aggressive odds to boot.
Unibet
Although Unibet sportsbook may not be the most notable of names in the gaming industry to a user, especially a newbie, they are certainly worth checking out. I wouldn’t fret about the brand name of the sportsbook, however. Unibet is partnered with the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. We all know who they are. One of my favorite things about Unibet is the simplicity of their website’s interface. There is not a lot going on. Everything is easy to find and navigate.
And despite the simplicity of the interface, Unibet offers complex and diverse betting options — more than you would initially think upon logging on. But when you begin to dig and sift through sports, markets, and betting options, you will be more than satisfied.
BetRivers
BetRivers sportsbook is affiliated with the Sugarhouse Casino and Sportsbook in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The website and apps are nearly identical and equally as user-friendly. One of the biggest draws to BetRivers is their Jackpot Parlay feature. A Jackpot Parlay is a quick-pick lottery type of parlay in which BetRivers (or Sugarhouse) builds the parlay for you.
If all the legs hit, you can win a massive amount. One knock I have on BetRivers is their website and app layout. It will appear cluttered, especially to a new user.
Caesars
Caesars took over the popular British-based sportsbook William Hill then launched an aggressive marketing campaign where it built brand awareness for its fledgling online sportsbook. Caesars is one of the most recognizable and reputable brands in betting and is poised to grab a strong share of the nation’s sports betting market with its elite odds and user-friendly app.
Plus all bets come with Caesars Rewards, the site’s VIP loyalty program that provides points that can be redeemed for dining and hotel credits at Caesars properties as well as free bets in the online app.
WynnBET
The WynnBet Sportsbook is related to Wynn Resorts. They offer competitive odds and lines with a simple app interface. Speaking of the WynnBet app, it is the only way to wager online. Unless I am missing something, WynnBet does not offer a website to place a bet on. You must download their app.
If you don’t mind punting the website completely and strictly wagering via WynnBet on their app, then they are worth a shot. Despite lacking a website, promotions, and a variety of wagering options, WynnBet makes up for its deficiencies with some of the most aggressive lines on the market.
How Do I Join VA Sports Betting Sites?
Registering for Virginia sportsbooks is simple and easy! Here is how:
- Choose the sportsbook you want to join and click on one of our “Get Bonus” or “Claim Now” buttons to activate the welcome bonus.
- Once you are redirected to the VA mobile sportsbook of your choosing, you will fill out a registration form with the following information that includes name, address, email, last 4 digits of SSN, DOB, geolocation check, etc.
- If you found one of Virginia’s online sportsbooks on your own, you can plug in one of thegameday.com’s promo codes to make sure you receive your bonus upon registering.
- Agree to all terms of service and hit submit, which completes the process and triggers your bonus. However, keep in mind that most bonuses could require your first-time deposit to receive their benefits.
- You will receive an email confirmation for your records. You may also be asked to confirm your email and account.
- Click ‘Deposit’ and choose a banking method.
- Deposit into your new account. If receiving a deposit match bonus, both your money and the bonus will appear in your account
- Begin placing wagers and winning some money.
How To Fund My Account
At Virginia mobile sportsbooks, funding your account is as simple and easy as registering for them. Although all sportsbooks differ, their processes are more or less uniform.
Deposit Process
Whether you are new to sports betting or a returning veteran, depositing money into your account is easy.
Once you are at your selected sportsbook, you will usually find a “Deposit” button at the top left or right of the page. Click it and away we go. Here is the process:
- Click Deposit or Add Funds.
- Choose a banking method (Card, PayPal, Online Banking, etc).
- Enter the amount you want to deposit.
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, enter your username/email and password to confirm the process.
- The sportsbook will verify the process is complete and your funds will be available to use.
- Check your email for further confirmation from the sportsbook to make sure the funds were deposited with no issue.
Withdrawal Process
Similar to depositing funds into your Virginia sports betting account, withdrawing them is just as simple. Here is a quick run-down of the process:
- Find the withdrawal option on the sportsbook app or site. This is normally located in or around your account tab.
- Choose a method of withdrawal (Online Banking/ACH, PayPal, Check by Mail, etc).
- Enter the amount you want to take out.
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, you will need to enter your username/email and password to confirm the process and complete the transaction.
- Your sportsbook account balance should now reflect the withdrawal amount.
- Check your email for further confirmation from the sportsbook to make sure the funds were taken out with no issue.
Payment Options
Although all Virginia online sportsbooks support different deposit and withdrawal options, most of them operate with similar methods.
Deposit Options
Here are the most common deposit options available at VA mobile sportsbooks to fund your account:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Discover)
- Prepaid Cards
- Play+ Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill
- PayNearMe (7-Eleven, Family Dollar, CVS).
- ACH/eCheck
Withdrawal Options
While there are fewer withdrawal methods available at VA online sportsbooks, there are enough options out there to satisfy everyone’s needs.
- Play+ Cards
- Prepaid Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill
- ACH/eCheck
- Check By Mail
How to Download a Virginia Betting App
Whether you use iOS or Android, downloading VA sports betting apps is as easy as joining them. Here is how:
iPhone (iOS)
- Visit the Apple App Store.
- Search for the sportsbook you want to download.
- Click on the app and click “Get.”
- Confirm the download — you may need to enter your password.
- Your app will now download.
- When it is finished, click on the app, sign in or sign-up and get ready to bet!
Android
- Visit the Google Play/Google Store App.
- Search for the sportsbook you want to download.
- Click on “Install.”
- Your app will now download.
- When it is finished, click on the app, sign in or sign-up and get ready to bet!
If you can’t find the app on the Play Store, you can download the app directly from the sportsbook’s official website.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Virginia?
- Football (NFL)
- Basketball (NBA)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Soccer (MLS)
- Motor Sports (NASCAR)
- WNBA
- Tennis
- Golf
- UFC
- Boxing
- Aussie Rules
- Cricket
- Darts
- Cycling
- Lacrosse
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
Betting Restrictions
While you can place wagers on college sports at VA sportsbooks, it is illegal to bet on local colleges or high school sporting events in the Commonwealth. These include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William and Mary, George Mason University, James Madison, Old Dominion, and more. In addition, you can not place bets on the Olympics or any political event at Virginia mobile sportsbooks either.
Local Sports Teams to Bet on
While the state of Virginia does not have its own local professional sports teams to place wagers on, it does share a market with Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland sports clubs.
Here are the top professional sports clubs that share a market with VA:
- Washington Football Team
- Washington Nationals
- Washington Wizards
- Washington Capitals
- Washington Mystics
- Baltimore Orioles
- Baltimore Ravens
- D.C. United
- Washington Spirit
Bet Types Available
- Moneyline: A Moneyline bet is a wager in its simplest form. Also classified as a straight bet, you are betting on one team (side) or another to win.
- Point Spread: A Point Spread bet is the margin of victory when wagering Against the Spread (ATS). You are betting on the margin of victory between two sides. For instance, if the Cowboys are favored to beat the Giants by (-3.5) points, but you think the Giants will win outright, you would place your money on the side of the Giants getting (+3.5) points. If the Cowboys win by any margin less than 3.5 points or the Giants win outright, then you would win the bet.
- Totals: A totals bet is another one of the elementary forms of sports betting. Also classified as an Over/ Under wager, you will place your money on the side (Over or Under) of the total points scored. For example, if the Cowboys versus Giants game has a total of 49 points scored and you think the total will fall at 47, then you would place your wager on the Under.
- Props: A Prop bet can pertain to individual players or teams. For example, Alvin Kamara’s touchdown total of (1.5). If you think Kamara will score two times, then you would place your wager on the Over. For team props, if you think the Saints will score a safety, you can place your wager on Yes. If you don’t, then, obviously, you are putting your money on no.
- Live Betting: You can place wagers while a game or an event is happening. While the lines are ever-changing according to the flow of the game, you can place your wager at the right time to get the best odds to fit the outcome that you think will occur at the end.
- Futures: A Futures wager can pertain to player or team totals at the end of a season. For example, a futures wager can be on the Super Bowl winner any time in the offseason. It can also be on NFL MVP or Rookie of the Year awards. You can also find futures on team win totals, in or out of the playoffs, and pretty much anything that has an outcome depending on the sportsbook that you use.
- Parlays: A Parlay bet is a wager with multiple legs. You must hit all legs of the Parlay in order to win the bet. While a Parlay is much more difficult to hit compared to a standard bet, the odds and return are drastically better than the norm. For instance, you can take the Cowboys to win and parlay that with the Bears and the Saints to win. If all three teams win, you win the Parlay bet and will likely have a tremendous payout, especially if one of the winning teams was an underdog.
Virginia Sportsbook List
Currently, the state of Virginia does not have any physical retail sportsbooks. The primary reason that Virginia does not currently offer any retail sportsbooks is that the Commonwealth does not have any physical casinos at the time of this writing.
However, in the forthcoming years, Virginia voters did approve the following cities to not only supply casinos, but that means they will have retail sportsbooks as well. These potential locations include Richmond, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Norfolk.
Can I Play at Online Casinos in VA?
While you can legally bet on sports in Virginia, the Commonwealth does not currently support wagering at online casinos.
When Did Virginia Sports Betting Become Legal?
In April of 2020, the state of Virginia officially legalized sports betting when the state legislature passed SB 384 and HB 896. However, Virginia sports betting did not go live until January 21 of 2021. The first mobile sports betting permit in the state of Virginia was awarded to FanDuel via their partnership with the Washington Football Team.
VA Sports Betting Timeline
- July 1, 2020: Sports betting became legal in Virginia.
- September 15, 2020: The Virginia State Lottery Board published its final list of VA sports betting regulations.
- November 2020: The VA State Lottery Board opened a two-week window for sportsbook apps to apply for a license.
- January 21, 2021: The first VA Sportsbook — FanDuel — went live.
