Virginia Online Casinos | Best VA Casino Sites & Apps in September, 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide for Virginia online casinos! Are you ready to start playing all your favorite slots and table games for a chance to win big cash prizes from the comfort of your own home? Then, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about casino play in the Old Dominion, including the legal landscape, top platforms, latest news updates, and much more. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to dive into the exciting world of Virginia online casinos with confidence and excitement. Now, let’s get started!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Virginia?

Online casino gambling is currently prohibited in Virginia, and the state does not issues licenses to allow real-money online casinos to operate within its borders. Although nearly every other form of online gambling has been legalized and regulated in the Commonwealth of Virginia (including mobile sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, paid DFS contests, and state lottery games), traditional online casinos remain unavailable.

However, Virginia casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck. In 2020, the state passed legislation that allowed five cities (Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond) to hold local referendums to determine whether to open land-based casinos within their jurisdictions. Voters in four of the five cities approved, with Richmond being the only exception.

Today, there are three casinos currently operating in the state of Virginia: Caesars Virginia in Danville, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, and Rivers Casino in Portsmouth. HeadWaters Resort & Casino in Norfolk is expected to finish construction and open its doors in late 2024 to become the state’s fourth land-based casino.

In addition, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in the state of Virginia and are a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos. These casinos provide a wide range of games, do not require a deposit or payment of any kind, and typically offer a chance to win real cash prizes. We will discuss these innovative platforms in further detail in the next section.

Different Types of Virginia Casinos

Virginia casinos can be divided into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, and land-based casinos. The major similarities and differences between these three types of casinos are highlighted below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are virtual platforms where players can gamble with real money. They offer a vast selection of games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. These casinos provide an immersive and realistic gaming experience, featuring high-quality graphics, sound effects, and interactive gameplay.

In most cases, real-money online casinos will offer lucrative bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs to enhance the player’s bankroll and extend their gameplay. Additionally, these casinos provide convenient access, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games from anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7.

Unfortunately, these types of platforms are not yet available in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, real-money online casinos are only legal and regulated in seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As a result, Virginia residents will need to either travel north or wait until new legislation is passed in order to access all of the top U.S. mobile casino sites and apps.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes Casinos, also commonly referred to as social casinos, are a unique form of online casinos that operate using a sweepstakes model. Instead of wagering real money directly, players use virtual currency or tokens to participate in games. These virtual currencies can be obtained through various methods, such as signing up, logging in daily, or participating in promotions.

These innovative platforms offer a wide variety of casino-style games and give players a chance to win cash, digital gift cards, merchandise, and many other incredible prizes and rewards. These free-to-play platforms are completely legal in Virginia due to their distinct model that separates them from traditional gambling. As a result, Virginia casino enthusiasts are offered an exciting and engaging casino experience with no risk of losing their hard-earned money.

Land-Based Casinos

Land-Based Casinos refer to physical establishments where players can enjoy a wide array of casino games in person. These casinos provide a social and immersive gambling experience, allowing players to interact with dealers and fellow gamblers. In addition, visitors will often have access to a range of amenities, which may include restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, spas, golf courses, and much more.

Virginia’s gambling legislation allows one commercial casino in each of the following five cities: Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond. However, all land-based casino operations must first be approved by voters through a local referendum.

Three casinos (Caesars Virginia in Danville, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth) have already been awarded licenses from the Virginia Lottery Board and are currently operating in the state. They are subject to state regulations, licensing, and oversight, and contribute to the local economy by generating jobs and tourism.

What Are the Best Virginia Sweepstakes Casinos?

All of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are available in the state of Virginia. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider:

Chumba Casino

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: User-Friendly Platform
• Full Review: Chumba Casino Review

Chumba Casino is one of the fastest-growing social casinos in the United States and offers a top-tier online gaming experience. Players will have access to an extensive collection of slots and several table games, including Blackjack and Jacks or Better. Chumba also provides a user-friendly website and one of the best welcome offers in the industry.

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Frequent Bonus Opportunities
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Another fantastic option is Fortune Coins Casino, which launched in April 2022 and is owned and operated by Blazesoft Ltd. The site offers over 150 virtual slots and a solid collection of table games, ensuring their games cater to players of all interests and preferences. Users will also enjoy top-tier customer service, frequent bonuses and promotions, and the opportunity to win real cash prizes.

LuckyLand Slots

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Immersive Social Experience
• Full Review: LuckyLand Slots Review

Along with Chumba Casino and Global Poker, LuckyLand Slots is a part of the Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) family. LuckyLand Slots went live in January 2019 and has quickly become one of the top sweepstakes casinos in the United States and Canada. The platform provides over 100 casino-style games from some of the top software developers in the industry and offers all users an immersive social experience.

Pulsz Casino

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Best Feature: Extensive Collection of Slots
• Full Review: Pulsz Casino Review

Pulsz Casino is a product of Yellow Social Interactive (YSI) Limited, and the platform is enjoyed and trusted by well over 500,000 online gaming enthusiasts all over the United States. Users can choose between over 500 Vegas-style casino games, including a wide range of slots (classics, jackpots, Megaways, etc.). In addition, Pulsz Casino offers a high-quality mobile app and a chance to win real cash prizes and digital gift cards.

Real-Money Online Casinos in Virginia’s Neighboring States

Although real-money online casinos remain unavailable in Virginia, they are currently legal and operating in several nearby states. For example, West Virginia offers nearly a dozen licensed online casinos, all of which are very reliable and offer secure payments and speedy payouts for all your winnings. Discussed below are a few of the best platforms that are currently available in West Virginia and may look to launch in Virginia should an opportunity ever present itself.

BetMGM Casino

• Available States: MI, NJ, PA, & WV
• Best Feature: Enticing Promotions for New & Existing Users
• Full Review: BetMGM Casino Review

BetMGM is a well-known online casino and sports betting platform that offers a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. BetMGM Casino is jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain Holdings and provides a user-friendly interface, a variety of payment options, and enticing promotions for both new and existing players.

BetRivers Casino

• Available States: MI, NJ, PA, & WV
• Best Feature: Generous Welcome Offer
• Full Review: BetRivers Casino Review

BetRivers Casino is another reputable online casino and has a fantastic collection of virtual slots, which includes Gonzo’s Quest, Divine Fortune, Dead or Alive II, 88 Fortunes, and many other popular options. Players will also enjoy an amazing customer loyalty program and a generous welcome offer intended to enhance their overall gaming experience.

Caesars Casino

• Available States: MI, NJ, PA, & WV
• Best Feature: Amazing Customer Loyalty Program
• Full Review: Caesars Casino Review

A major player and reliable name in the U.S. iGaming industry, Caesars provides a top-tier online casino to all players in eligible states. Caesars Casino offers a great selection of video poker and live dealer games, and users will have access to all of the newest and most popular slots on the market. A reliable mobile app, incredible customer service, and a fantastic customer rewards program are a few additional reasons why Caesars has become the go-to option for online casino enthusiasts across the country.

DraftKings Casino

• Available States: CT, MI, NJ, PA, & WV
• Best Feature: Top-Tier Website & Mobile App
• Full Review: DraftKings Casino Review

A renowned name in the world of fantasy sports, DraftKings has expanded its offerings to include online casino gaming as well. DraftKings Casino provides a wide array of casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and much more. The platform features an engaging and visually appealing interface, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.

Virginia Land-Based Casinos

As previously mentioned, there are three commercial casinos operating in Virginia. Rivers Casino Portsmouth is currently the state’s only permanent casino, while the two others (Caesars Virginia and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) have opened as temporary casinos during the construction of their permanent casino resorts.

In addition, HeadWaters Resort & Casino is expected to open towards the end of 2024 and become the state’s fourth land-based casino. Further information about each of the state’s premier gaming destinations is provided below!

Caesars Virginia (Danville)

• Address: 1100 W Main St, Danville, VA 24541
• Phone Number: (434) 483-4500

Caesars Virginia, jointly owned by Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, opened its temporary casino in Danville in May 2023 while a $650 million permanent casino resort is being built next door. The 40,000-square-foot temporary Caesars Virginia casino features 740 slot machines, 25 live dealer table games, and 28 electronic table games. In addition, retail sports betting is available via eight self-service Caesars Sportsbook kiosks.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Bristol)

• Address: 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201
• Phone Number: (276) 696-3660

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened its temporary casino (Bristol Casino: The Future Home of Hard Rock) in July 2022, and construction on its permanent casino resort is slated to be finished in 2024. Located at the former Bristol Mall, the casino will use the existing facility for the time being but plans to expand upon it with a hotel and outdoor amphitheater. Bristol Casino offers over 870 classic and trendy slots as well as many popular table games, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

• Address: 3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701
• Phone Number: (757) 840-2100

Rivers Casino Portsmouth became the state’s first permanent, full-service casino when it opened in January 2023. Owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming, Rivers Casino Portsmouth offers more than 1,400 unique slots, all the hottest table games, and the state’s best poker room. It is also worth mentioning that the casino is open 24/7 and offers retail sports betting through BetRivers Sportsbook.

HeadWaters Resort & Casino (Norfolk)

• Address: 999 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
• Phone Number: (757) 627-1988

Owned and operated by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, HeadWaters Resort & Casino is expected to become the state’s fourth land-based casino when it opens in late 2024. It will be a $500 million casino hotel built on the Elizabeth River next to Harbor Park and will bring world-class gaming to the Norfolk waterfront. HeadWaters Resort & Casino is set to include a 45,000-square-foot gaming floor, several restaurants and bars, and much more.

What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Virginia?

In addition to the state’s land-based casinos, there are several other forms of legal gambling offered in the Old Dominion State. Here are a few of the different options currently available:

Sports Betting

Sports betting was first legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and launched in January 2021. Today, there are more than a dozen licensed sportsbooks permitted to offer mobile sports betting to anyone 21 years or older. In addition, in-person wagering opportunities are available at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol and the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth. Wagers can be placed on both professional and college sporting events, with the only exception being matchups involving in-state schools.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in the state of Virginia. There are several different options currently available to horse racing enthusiasts in the Old Dominion. First, bets can be placed on live races taking place at Colonial Downs and several other active horse racing tracks across the state. Additionally, simulcast wagering is available at Breakers Sports Grill in Henrico and Buckets Bar & Grill in Chesapeake.

Furthermore, the Virginia Racing Commission has issued licenses to several online racebooks, including TwinSpires and TVG, meaning bets can be placed online from anywhere in the state on your computer or mobile device. Lastly, Virginia offers historical horse racing (HHR) machines, which resemble slot machines and allow users to bet on past races with the specific race information (horses, jockeys, location, etc.) being unknown.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Virginia became the first U.S. state to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests when Governor Terry McAuliffe signed the Fantasy Contests Act into law in 2016. This landmark legislation established a clear legal framework for DFS operations within the state. Under the act, DFS operators are required to obtain licenses from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and adhere to regulations aimed at ensuring consumer protection and fair play.

The law sets a minimum age of 18 for participants and includes provisions for responsible gaming measures and the segregation of player funds. With the legalization of DFS, Virginia residents gained access to many popular DFS platforms (including FanDuel, DraftKings, OwnersBox, and Underdog Fantasy), which offer a wide range of contests and prize pools to all participants.

Virginia Lottery

The Virginia Lottery is a state-operated program that was established in 1987 with the goal of generating revenue for educational initiatives in the state. The Virginia Lottery offers scratch-off tickets, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, and much more to anyone who is 18 years or older. Players can purchase tickets from authorized retailers throughout the state or online using the Virginia Lottery app and have the chance to win huge cash prizes.

How To Sign Up & Start Playing Casino Games in Virginia

Strategies & Tips for Virginia Casino Players

Although your total winnings at a casino are largely determined by luck and random chance, there are plenty of general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of long-term success. Here are the best tips and tricks for Virginia casino players:

• Explore Different Games: Virginia online casinos offer a wide range of games. Take the time to explore different options such as slots, table games, live dealer games, bingo, slingo, fish games, and more. Familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of each game to maximize your chances of winning.
• Practice Bankroll Management: Manage your bankroll effectively to prolong your playing time. Avoid placing large bets that may deplete your funds quickly. Instead, opt for smaller bets and consider utilizing betting strategies that suit your playing style.
• Learn Game Strategies: If you enjoy table games like blackjack or poker, learn and practice different strategies. Strategies can improve your decision-making and potentially increase your chances of winning. Online resources, tutorials, and books can provide valuable insights into game-specific strategies.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news, updates, and developments in the Virginia casino industry. Stay informed about new game releases, promotions, and changes in regulations. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities.
• Network With Other Players: Engage with other players and join casino communities or forums. Interacting with fellow gamblers can provide valuable insights, tips, and recommendations. Sharing experiences and knowledge can enhance your overall understanding of the games and improve your gameplay.
• Enjoy the Experience: Above all, enjoy the experience of playing at Virginia casinos. Remember that gambling should be fun and entertaining. Celebrate wins, learn from losses, and savor the excitement that comes with casino gaming.

Virginia Online Casino FAQ