Real-money online casinos aren’t legal in Virginia right now, and the state doesn’t license platforms offering online slots or table games for cash play.
That said, Virginia players can still access casino-style games through sweepstakes casinos, which use virtual currencies instead of traditional wagering and operate under sweepstakes promotion rules.
This guide explains how online casino gaming works in Virginia today, highlights the best available options in 2026, and breaks down the legal landscape and what players should know before signing up.
Top Recommended Virginia Online Casinos – Updated for 2026
Are Online Casinos Legal in Virginia?
No. Real-money online casino gambling is not currently legal in Virginia.
Games like online roulette, blackjack, slots, and poker cannot be offered for cash play, and major iGaming operators such as DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are not permitted to accept online casino wagers from Virginia residents.
Here’s how state law addresses online gambling:
- Virginia Code § 18.2-325 – Defines illegal gambling as placing a bet or wager for the chance to win something of value when the outcome is determined by chance. This applies even if the game is hosted on servers located outside Virginia or overseas.
- Virginia Code § 18.2-326 – Participation in illegal gambling may be treated as a Class 3 misdemeanor, carrying fines of up to $500.
- Virginia Code § 18.2-328 – Operating an illegal gambling business is a Class 6 felony. If activity continues for more than 30 days or generates over $2,000 in a single day, penalties can increase to fines of up to $20,000 and potential prison time ranging from one to ten years.
Virginia Sweepstakes Casinos – Legality & How They Work
Real-money online casinos aren’t an option in Virginia, but sweepstakes casinos offer a legal alternative for players looking for casino-style games online. At first glance, these sites may look similar to traditional online casinos, but they operate under a different framework.

Instead of wagering cash directly, players use virtual currencies: Gold Coins for standard gameplay and Sweeps Coins, which function as sweepstakes entries that may be redeemed for cash prizes if eligible requirements are met.
Because these platforms operate as promotional sweepstakes rather than licensed gambling operators, they remain accessible to Virginia residents under current laws.
Regulation & Oversight for VA Online Casinos
Virginia does not currently regulate real-money online casinos, since online casino gambling remains illegal in the state. If legalization moves forward in the future, oversight would likely fall under the Virginia Lottery Board, which already regulates land-based casinos and online sports betting.
State-regulated online casinos typically include consumer protections such as game fairness testing, secure payment requirements, responsible gaming tools, and clear operating standards designed to protect players.
Important: Sweepstakes casinos are not licensed gambling operators in Virginia. Instead, they operate under promotional sweepstakes laws at the federal and state level, which require free methods of entry and prohibit mandatory purchases to participate.
Comparing the 5 Best Sweepstakes Casinos in Virginia
For Virginia residents, sweepstakes and social casinos currently provide the main way to access casino-style games online, since real-money online casinos are not permitted to operate in the state.
With dozens of platforms available, choosing the right one can be difficult. Each site differs in areas like game selection, bonuses, redemption policies, and overall user experience.
The five sweepstakes casinos below stand out based on factors such as promotions, game variety, usability, and overall value for Virginia players. Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each option unique.
| Best VA Online Casinos | No Deposit Bonus | First Purchase Bonus | Number of Games | Min. Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Spree | 1 Million GC + 2.50 SC | 30K GC for $9.99 + 30 SC free | 2,500+ | 10 SC |
| 2. WOW Vegas | 250,000 WC + 5.00 SC | 1.5 Million WC for $9.99 + 30 free SC | 2,000+ | 25 SC |
| 3. Stake.us | 250,000 GC + 25 SC | N/A | 1,900+ | ~50 SC (Depends on Price of Crypto) |
| 4. Sidepot | 10K GC & 1.00 SC | 80K GC for $19.99 + 40 SC free | 1,300+ | 100 SC |
| 5. Jackpota | 7,500 GC + 2.50 SC | 80K GC for $19.99 + 40 free SC | 700+ | 10 SC |

1. Spree Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 25K Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins
- 🎉 Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.2/5.0
Spree Casino is a sweepstakes casino available to players in Virginia.
The platform offers a large library of casino-style games, including slots from providers such as Evoplay, Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, and Playson. Live dealer titles are also available, including games like Gravity Roulette and Grand Bonus Blackjack.

New users receive 25,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins at sign-up, along with a 200% match on the first Gold Coin purchase. More information about gameplay, bonuses, and platform details is available in the full Spree Casino review.

2. WOW Vegas Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 250K WOW Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins
- 🎉 Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0
WOW Vegas places a strong emphasis on live dealer games while also offering a large library of casino games to Virginia players.
Live titles include Auto Roulette, Top Card, War, Crash Live, and Lightning Dice. The site also lists more than 2,000 games, covering slots, scratch cards, and specialty titles.

Players can access ongoing promotions such as daily login rewards and weekly promotional offers. Additional details about gameplay, bonuses, and account features are available in the full WOW Vegas review.

3. Stake.us Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up
- 🎉 Promo Code: ATSBONUS
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0
Stake.us differs from many other sites on this list by supporting cryptocurrency-based transactions. Players can purchase Gold Coin packages and redeem eligible prizes using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum through external crypto wallets.

The site offers more than 1,900 games, including slots, live dealer titles, and original games like Plinko and Crash. You can find more information about games, bonuses, and prize redemption rules in our complete Stake.us review.

4. Sidepot Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 10K Gold Coins + 1.00 FREE SC
- 🎉 Promo Code: ATSBONUS
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.2/5.0
Sidepot is owned and operated by the team behind Fliff, a sweepstakes-based sports prediction app that’s also available in Virginia.
The site includes roughly 1,300 slot games, featuring formats such as Megaways, Hold & Win, and Buy Feature titles. It also offers a selection of exclusive instant-win games, including Limbo, When Moon Bro, and Chart Betting, which differ from traditional slot and table game formats.

More information about game availability and features can be found in our full Sidepot Casino review.

5. Jackpota Casino
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 2.5 SC FREE and 7.5K Gold Coins
- 🎉 Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 3.8/5.0
Jackpota centers its game library around opt-in progressive jackpots.
Players can choose to participate in progressive jackpots available on eligible games, with prize tiers labeled Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. The jackpot pools increase over time and may trigger randomly during gameplay.

The site also adds new games on a regular basis and includes live dealer titles alongside its slot catalog. More information about the game selection, welcome offers, and prize redemption process is available in our complete Jackpota Casino review.
Latest Virginia Online Gambling News: A Timeline of Events
January 21, 2025
Virginia pumps the brakes on its online casino plans. In a Senate subcommittee hearing, Locke (the original sponsor of SB 827) says it’s better to wait a year. She’s worried about lottery revenue and about what iGaming could do to casinos that are still new.
December 31, 2024
On New Year’s Eve, Sen. Mamie Locke files Senate Bill 827. The proposal would legalize online casinos and put the Virginia Lottery Board in charge of oversight. It also lets each retail casino run (or partner with) up to three separate online platforms.
December 17, 2024
Caesars Virginia opens in Danville. A morning parade sets the tone. By noon, guests are inside and the casino is buzzing. Five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman greets fans and poses for photos.
January 23, 2023
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens to the public. The debut marks a first for Virginia — a permanent, full-service casino that’s open year-round.
January 21, 2021
Virginia’s first legal sports bets are placed. FanDuel handles the inaugural wager, marking the official launch of online sports betting in the state. A few months later, more than a dozen licensed sportsbooks are up and running.
April 22, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam signs new gambling legislation. It opens the door to as many as five commercial casinos and legal sports betting (both in person and online). Later in the year, voters in certain cities decide if they want a casino in their community.
How We Rank the Best Virginia Online Casinos
ATS.io reviews sweepstakes casinos available to Virginia players by testing how each site works in everyday use. This includes creating accounts, exploring the game library, checking promotions and terms, and contacting customer support when needed.
Only sites that meet basic standards for reliability and transparency are included. The goal is to highlight options that are easy to use, clearly explained, and consistent over time.
When comparing sweepstakes casinos in Virginia, the following factors matter most:
- Player feedback – Common experiences reported by other users.
- Promotions and terms – How clearly bonus rules and requirements are explained.
- Game selection – The size and variety of available games.
- Redemptions – How verification and prize redemption processes work.
- Customer support – How easy it is to reach help and receive responses.
- Mobile usability – How smoothly the site runs on phones and tablets.
- Account safety tools – Features that help protect accounts and manage play.
Best Casino Games for Virginia Players – What’s Available?
There might not be any traditional online casino gambling sites in Virginia, but social casinos and sweepstakes casinos cover a lot of ground. Chances are, you’ll find all your favorite games (and more) ready to play.
Here’s what to expect:

Slot Games
From classic three-reel titles to modern Megaways and bonus-packed video slots, there’s no shortage of variety. Many Virginia casino sites pull from top studios, so the quality stays high.

Blackjack
Straightforward, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser. Play blackjack one hand at a time or try multi-hand tables (offered at most online casinos in Virginia) if you want more action.

Roulette
European, American, or even Auto Roulette. It’s all about placing your bets and watching the wheel spin.

Video Poker
Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus… if you enjoy strategy with your luck, you’ll feel right at home with video poker games on Virginia online casino apps.

Live Dealer Games
Streamed straight from professional studios, live dealer tables bring a real-world casino vibe. Expect blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even game-show style options at the top online casinos in Virginia.

Specialty Games
Most Virginia online casinos offer bingo, keno, scratch cards, crash games, and other specialty options, too. These are perfect for when you want something quick and different.

Sports Betting
Online sports wagering is fully legal in Virginia. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM. Plenty of others. They’re all licensed and taking action on everything from the NFL to March Madness.
Some sweepstakes casinos in Virginia (like Legendz or Sportzino) even let you make sports picks with Gold Coins for fun or Sweeps Coins for a shot at real cash prizes.
No Deposit Bonuses at Virginia Casino Sites
No-deposit bonuses are a common feature at sweepstakes casinos available to Virginia players. Because these sites operate under sweepstakes promotion rules, they typically provide a free way to participate without requiring a purchase.
New users usually receive Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins at sign-up, allowing gameplay without an initial payment. The exact bonus amounts and terms vary by site, so reviewing the details before registering is important.
The table below highlights several no-deposit offers currently available at Virginia casino sites.
| 🎰 VA Online Casinos | 🎁 No Purchase Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1. RealPrize | 100K Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins |
| 2. Mega Bonanza | 7,500 Gold Coins & 2.5 Sweeps Coins No purchase necessary. Not available in AL, CA, CT, DE, ID, KY, LA, MD, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, TN, WA, WV. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 21+. T&Cs apply. |
| 3. Stake.us | 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up |
| 4. High 5 Casino | 3 SC, 400 GC, & 300 Diamonds on Sign Up |
| 5. McLuck | 120K GC + 60 Free SC + a chance to win 500 Free SC |
| 6. Spree Casino | 25K Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins |
| 7. Moonspin | 60K Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps Coins Free |
| 8. Chumba | 2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins |
| 9. WOW Vegas | 250K WOW Coins + 5 Sweeps Coins |
| 10. The Money Factory | 15,000 Gold Coins & 3 Sweeps Coins |
For more bonus offers and key information, you can check out our full guide to Virginia online casino no-deposit bonuses.
Paying Taxes on Your Online Casino Winnings in Virginia
Did you win money gambling in Virginia? The state wants a cut, no matter where it came from. Land-based casinos, online sportsbooks, lottery tickets, even sweepstakes casino prizes… if you finish the year with net winnings, you’re supposed to report them as income.
Virginia’s income tax rate runs from about 2.00% to 5.75% (depending on your income). And that’s just the state side, too. The IRS counts gambling winnings as taxable income, too.
Casinos and other gambling operators might hand you a Form W-2G if you win over a certain amount. But even if you never see one, you’re still required to report what you made.
If you’re unsure how it all applies to you, ask a tax pro. Better to know the rules up front than get a surprise later.
How Virginia Uses Tax Revenue From Gambling
It’s easy to assume the taxes you pay on gambling wins just vanish into the state budget. In Virginia, though, part of that money is set aside for programs that most of us see (or benefit from) every day.
A few places it ends up:
- Public Services – Money that keeps K-12 classrooms running and supports healthcare programs. It also helps pay for the roads, bridges, and public spaces we all rely on.
- Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund – Provides help when gambling stops being fun and starts causing harm. This includes early prevention work, treatment options, and recovery programs.
- Family and Children’s Trust Fund – Funds projects aimed at preventing and responding to family violence.
No one enjoys giving up part of a win. But here, at least, some of the tax revenue finds its way back into schools, community health, and programs that make a difference.
Should You Play at Offshore Casinos in Virginia?
Some Virginia players consider offshore casinos because real-money online casino gambling is not currently legal in the state. However, these sites carry important risks that players should understand before signing up.
Offshore casinos operate outside the United States and are not governed by Virginia gambling laws or any U.S. regulatory authority. As a result, players may encounter issues such as:
- No guaranteed payouts – If a dispute occurs, there is no U.S. gaming regulator, such as the Virginia Lottery Board, able to intervene.
- Lower security protections – Personal and financial information may not be protected under U.S. standards.
- Unverified game fairness – Independent testing and oversight may be limited or unavailable.
Virginia gambling laws primarily target operators rather than individual players, meaning enforcement actions have historically focused on illegal businesses rather than users. However, the absence of regulation also means fewer consumer protections.
How to Get Started at a VA Online Casino
Creating an account at a sweepstakes casino available to Virginia players usually involves a few simple steps. While details can vary slightly between sites, the process generally looks like this:
Step 1: Choose a Sweepstakes Casino
Select a site that offers the games and promotions you want to explore. The comparison list earlier on this page highlights several options available to Virginia players.
Step 2: Create an Account
Enter basic registration information such as your name, email address, and date of birth to set up an account.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Most sites require email or phone confirmation and may request photo identification to verify age and eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Claim Sign-Up Promotions
New users typically receive Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins during registration, depending on the site’s current promotions and terms.
Step 5: Play Games and Redeem Prizes
After registering, users can access casino games using virtual currencies. Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes once the site’s redemption and verification requirements are completed.
How Do Virginia’s Online Gambling Laws Compare to Other States?
Virginia sits somewhere in the middle when it comes to online gambling laws. Here, it’s not a free-for-all. But it’s not like everything is completely banned either.
Some U.S. states are a lot stricter, outlawing pretty much every form of internet wagering. Others have fully embraced the iGaming revolution, with state-licensed online casinos, online poker rooms, online sports gambling, and more.
In case you’re curious, here’s how Virginia stacks up against other states around it when it comes to online casino gaming:
- Alabama Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Delaware Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Florida Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Georgia Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Kentucky Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Maryland Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- North Carolina Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Ohio Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Pennsylvania Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- South Carolina Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Tennessee Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- Washington DC Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
- West Virginia Online Casinos & Real-Money Gambling
Other Legal Ways to Gamble Online in Virginia
Real-money online casinos aren’t an option in Virginia yet. But that doesn’t mean your phone or laptop can’t be part of the action.
A few types of online gambling are completely legal here (some have been around for years, while others are fairly new). Here’s the quick rundown:
| Type of Online Gambling | Is It Legal? | Key Info |
|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | Legalized in April 2020, launched January 2021. About a dozen sportsbooks now operate in the state (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and more). All licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board. |
| Online Poker Rooms | No | Virginia treats online poker the same as online casino games, so it’s not allowed for real money. The only legal option is through sweepstakes sites like Clubs Poker and Global Poker. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | Virginia was the first state in the country to pass a DFS law back in 2016. Only licensed operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, PrizePicks, and Underdog can offer paid contests. |
| Online Horse Race Betting | Yes | Fully legal under pari-mutuel wagering rules. Overseen by the Virginia Racing Commission, with licensed platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and DK Horse taking bets. |
| Online Lottery | Yes | The Virginia Lottery sells draw tickets and instant-win games online through its official website and mobile app. |
If sports betting’s what you’re most interested in, our guide to the best Virginia online sportsbooks has everything you need. We’re talking a full list of licensed sites, the sign-up bonuses they’re offering right now, the current laws in place, and so much more.
Virginia Land-Based Casinos: A Quick Overview
Right now, Virginia has three land-based, commercial casinos open to the public. Two more (in Norfolk and Petersburg) are planned to open in the coming years, and that’ll bring the total to the five allowed under current state law.
At each one, you’ll find slot machines, table games, and plenty of other ways to gamble in person. Let’s check each of them out:

Caesars Virginia
- 📍 Address: 1100 W Main St, Danville, VA 24541
- 📞 Phone Number: (434) 483-4500
First, there’s Caesars Virginia. It opened in Danville in December 2024, and it’s an enormous property. There’s just over 100,000 square feet with rows of slot machines (about 1,500 of them) and dozens of table games spread across the floor.
A full Caesars Sportsbook sits inside, too. And there’s also a World Series of Poker Hall of Fame Poker Room that’s close to 5,000 square feet, offering games like Three Card Poker and Mississippi Stud.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- 📍 Address: 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201
- 📞 Phone Number: (276) 696-3660
Next up on our list of Virginia land-based casinos? It’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which opened in November 2024.
It’s a massive property (about 620,000 square feet) with slot machines covering much of the floor. There are nearly 1,500 in total, and the table games are spaced throughout Hard Rock Bristol, offering blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and a few other options.
Sports bettors can head to the on-site Hard Rock retail sportsbook. The poker room, located nearby, runs games around the clock. No Limit Hold ’Em and Pot Limit Omaha are the most popular, but other variants are dealt as well.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth
- 📍 Address: 3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701
- 📞 Phone Number: (757) 840-2100
Last but not least, let’s check out Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
It opened in January 2023 and was the first permanent, full-service casino in Virginia. Step inside and you’ll see rows of slot machines (more than 1,400 of them), along with 57 table games. There’s even a poker room with 24 tables.
It’s open all day, every day. And if you’re into sports betting, the on-site BetRivers Sportsbook is ready for action.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
Gambling’s supposed to be fun. You know… a few spins, a few wagers, maybe a lucky win here and there. But when the fun starts costing too much (in time, money, or overall peace of mind), it’s probably time to step back. Virginia gets that, and there are tools and resources ready to help.
Tips for Virginia Gamblers to Play Responsibly
- Set a budget – Know your limit before you play. Stick to it.
- Watch the clock – Time moves fast when you’re gambling. Set a limit and walk away when it’s up.
- Don’t chase losses – Lost your stake? That’s your signal to stop, not to double down.
- Keep it in perspective – This is entertainment, not a way to make a living.
Responsible Gambling Resources From the Virginia Lottery Board
The Virginia Lottery Board offers plenty of ways to keep your play in check:
- Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline – Call, text, or chat at 888-532-3500. It’s free. It’s confidential. And it’s always there when you need it.
- Support networks – Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, National Council on Problem Gambling, and Gamblers Anonymous.
- Voluntary Exclusion Program – Want a break? You can self-ban from Virginia casinos, sports betting, account-based lottery, and other regulated gaming. Right now, you can exclude yourself for: 2 years. 5 years. Or forever.
Conclusion: When Will Virginia Legalize Online Casinos?
Online casino gambling is still illegal in Virginia, and there’s no confirmed timeline for when that might change. However, the issue continues to come up in legislative discussions, and several factors suggest it could return for consideration in the future.
- Online sports betting is already legal in the state, and Virginia’s growing network of land-based casinos could eventually support online expansion if lawmakers approve it.
- Neighboring states such as West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey already operate regulated online casino markets, adding regional pressure for future debate.
- In 2025, Senator Mamie Locke introduced SB 827, a bill that would have legalized online casinos, showing that legalization has already been explored.
For now though, any changes remain uncertain, and online casino gaming will depend on future legislative action.
Virginia Online Casino FAQs
Virginia law doesn’t allow real-money online casinos, but the sports betting industry is thriving. Since 2021, residents have been able to wager through licensed online sportsbooks. For now, legal online gambling is limited to pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and online lottery games.
Three: Hard Rock Bristol, Caesars Virginia in Danville, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Two more brick-and-mortar casinos are on the way, too (one in Norfolk, one in Petersburg). You’ll also find nearly a dozen Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums. These are tied to Colonial Downs and its OTB parlors, and they offer historical horse racing (HHR) machines but no live table games or traditional slot machines.
It’s 21+ years old for retail casinos, sports betting, and historical horse racing machines. But it’s just 18+ for lottery games, pari-mutuel horse racing betting, daily fantasy sports, and bingo.
No. Real-money online casinos aren’t allowed to accept Virginia players. But if you’re into sports betting, DraftKings Sportsbook is live in the state.
Yes, you can play Chumba if you live in VA. It’s one of the few legal Virginia casino sites, and it’s allowed because it uses a promotional sweepstakes model. No real-money gambling involved.

