Virginia finally has legal online sports betting, even if it had to ride a rough road to get there. The state was relatively quick to legalize sports betting, but legislative wrangling saw its launch delayed repeatedly.
Thankfully, the online sports betting scene in Virginia came online in 2021 and now includes a number of the country’s largest sports betting sites. Not only that, but retail sports betting is also available in the state, giving fans the ability to place their wagers in-person. Here’s the top five Virginia sports betting apps at this time, and what bonuses are available to users.
- SI Sportsbook – Best new betting app in Virginia
- Caesars Sportsbook – Top rewards program bet on the app get in-person rewards
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Best betting app overall in Virginia
- BetMGM – Most diverse betting app in VA
- Bet365 – Best new user welcome bonus, bet $1 get $200
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
Online sports betting is live and completely legal in the state of Virginia. While the state was slow to take advantage of its own legalization of sports betting, online sports betting launched in the state in 2021. Since then, a slew of top online sportsbooks have set up shop in the state, giving residents lots of great options to choose from.
Best Virginia Sports Betting Apps
Virginia has many sportsbook options to choose from, but BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel rank among the best. Alongside those favorites, a slew of other notable sportsbooks have also taken hold in the state. Here are some of the best options on the market and what they have to offer.
1. SI Sportsbook
- Tech partner: 888
The iconic Sports Illustrated publication is still alive today, and it’s branching out beyond just being a magazine. The company is partnered with gaming giant 888 to bring its trusted brand to the world of sports betting.
SI Sportsbook is a rock solid sports betting app, with an intuitive user interface that resonates with new and seasoned bettors alike. It’s set apart from other betting sites by implementing 888’s bet feed system, which tells users about the wagers that other users are placing. This is a great way to find interesting markets and opportunities. You can get started with SI Sportsbook with this exclusive welcome bonus:
2. Caesars Sportsbook
- Tech partner: William Hill
Caesars Sportsbook has been pulling in a number of leading names in sports to promote its brand. That’s par for the course, as Caesars Entertainment is a top brand in the casino industry and it’s partnered with famed European sportsbook William Hill. The duo account for some of the most recognizable names in gambling and bringing them together makes for a very strong experience.
Caesars is among the first major casino brands to expand into Virginia with its softening of gambling restrictions and people in the state will be able to get extra value out fo Caesars Sportsbook because of that. Caesars has a rewards program that unlocks benefits both for the betting app, and at its casinos and resorts. Fittingly, its welcome bonus offers benefits on both fronts as well.
3. FanDuel Sportsbook
- Tech partner: FanDuel
FanDuel became a sports institution thanks to its popular daily fantasy sports product, and pivoted off that success to become an industry leader in sports betting. FanDuel Online Sportsbook is a go-to for both new and experienced bettors, and there’s good reason for that.
The signup and deposit process of FanDuel is great relative to its peers thanks to its abundance of deposit options. On top of that it has an excellent app that makes it easy to find your favorite teams, rounded out by great features and ready-made same game parlays. It also has a rock solid welcome bonus, which can be found here:
4. BetMGM Sportsbook
- Tech partner: Entain
MGM Entertainment runs some of the biggest casinos in America and has many other locations dotted across the United States. Though Virginia isn’t slated to have an MGM casino within its borders anytime soon, residents can still get a taste of the action through the company’s BetMGM Sportsbook.
BetMGM Sportsbook is an excellent option for any sports fan thanks to its broad selection of prop bets and juicy promotions for major leagues and sporting events. All this is accentuated by a strong rewards program that can be enjoyed by regular users. Join in using this new user bonus:
5. Bet365
- Tech partner: Bet365
European bookmaker Bet365 acquired a Virginia sports license in August 2022 and has now launched in the Cavalier state. Bet365 is not widely recognized by bettors in the US, but that will change fast as it enters Virginia is the fourth market to date. In states like New Jersey, Colorado and Ohio Bet365 is a highly trusted betting site with a reputation for treating players fairly and providing excellent odds.
The Bet365 sports betting app features several significant advantages over most of its competitors as it excels with its in-play betting coverage and live-streaming options.
6. DraftKings Sportsbook
- Tech partner: DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook doesn’t have its roots in the casino industry like some of its top competitors, but the daily fantasy sports site has become a huge player in the industry. This is one of the most accessible sportsbook apps in the country, and is available in Virginia alongside a slew of other states.
Solid promos that come out often make DraftKings a great option for those who expect to bet regularly or those who want to get the most out of occasional betting. The app is also excellent for beginners, making it easy to get started for newcomers to sports betting.
7. BetRivers
- Tech partner: Kambi
The Rivers Casino chain has planted its flag in Virginia, with the Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The branch will host a BetRivers retail sports betting site, but Virginia is already able to enjoy Rivers’ online sportsbook from the comfort of their couch.
BetRivers has a very strong rewards program and 1x wagering, making it easy to get the most out of bonuses relative to many of its competitors. Bettors have other ways of getting value out of BetRivers thanks to its profit boosts and special betting promos.
8. PointsBet
- Tech partner: PointsBet
PointsBet has quickly emerged as a leading sportsbook in the United States and Virginia sports fans get to take advantage of this. The sports betting app is available in the state, allowing sports fans to take advantage of its unique offering.
While most betting apps have generally the same product offering, PointsBet has the unique Points Betting option. This is a type of over/under where wins and losses grow based on the outcome of the game. If you bet “over” on a QB throwing 250 yards, you win more if they pass for 350 than if they pass for 300. There’s also the Karma Kommittee that can award free bonus bets to users that lose to some odd shenanigans or weird happenstance. This makes for a particularly fun experience for bettors:
9. Unibet
- Tech partner: Kambi
With no need for a land-based partner in Virginia, Unibet was able to begin operations on April 28, 2021 in the state for lovers. Casinos are under construction in Virginia, but at the time of launch, the state was one of two with all-online and all-mobile sports betting.
Therefore, there is no retail sports betting site for Unibet in the state but the app and the website are accessible for anybody in the state to place real-money wagers. Unibet is one of the most trusted names in sports betting thanks to its powerhouse status in Europe. Virginia is one of the lucky states that get to place wagers through the oddsmaker.
10. WynnBet
- Tech partner: CUMULUS MEDIA
WynnBET launched in Virginia in the middle of March 2021, just in time for March Madness. It became the sixth sports betting app to go live in Virginia. With all-mobile and all-online betting, users can sign up from anywhere to bet in Virginia but must be physically located within the state to use the app or access a real-money balance.
The sports betting arm of the Wynn Resorts chain has a rewards program attached to the establishments it owns and operates. It has an intuitive interface and weekly sports betting promos that can add value to bettors in Virginia.
How To Sign Up for a Sports Betting App in Virginia
Are you ready to sign up and start betting on all your favorite players and teams? Just follow the steps provided below!
- Choose Your Virginia Sportsbook
Research and compare different sportsbooks available in Virginia. Look for reputable platforms that offer a wide range of sports, competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable customer support. We highly recommend Caesars, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, and SI Sportsbook.
- Register for an Account
Next, Virginia sports fans can register for an online sports betting site by clicking on one of the links above, visiting the sportsbook’s website, and signing up for an account. The signup process is effectively the same as creating an account with an online retailer. You’ll need to provide some personal information and verify your email address but after that’s done, the account is made.
- Make Your First Deposit
The next big step is to make a deposit. This adds funds to your account which are used to place bets. There are a broad range of deposit methods, with each sportsbook having its own set of options. Credit and debit cards are the standard and are accepted by all major sports betting apps, but some may require an intermediary to move the money. Other popular services such as PayPal and Venmo are also accepted by some sports betting apps.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
All of the Virginia sportsbooks discussed in this article provide welcome offers or bonuses to new users. These can include bonus bets, deposit matches, or first bet insurance. Use the promo codes provided above to opt in to your welcome offer and collect your reward!
- Start Placing Bets
With funds in your account and any bonus claimed, you’re ready to start placing bets. Browse the available sports and events, and select the one you want to bet on. Choose the type of bet you want to place, enter your stake amount, and confirm your bet. If your bet is successful, you’ll receive winnings based on the odds and the outcome of the event.
Where To Bet on Sports in Virginia
Retail sports betting is live in Virginia. Not many retail sports betting sites have opened in the state, but there is action to be found with lots more coming soon. A number of betting sites are positioned to come online in the near future as more gaming establishments open in the state. Here’s where things are in the state, and when you can expect more sportsbooks to open.
Hard Rock Sportsbook at Bristol Casino
- Location: 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201
- Retail Sportsbook: Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games
- Projected Opening Date: Open now!
The Bristol Casino is the first proper casino to open in Virginia. Though it’s technically under construction, a temporary casino and sportsbook has been opened near its future permanent home, allowing Virginia residents to get some action in before the official ribbon-cutting.
The first Virginia retail sportsbook is operated Hard Rock Casino and is located just over the border in Bristol, allowing visitors from Tennessee and North Carolina to get in on the action. The location currently has over 30,000 square feet of gaming space with a number of betting windows in its retail sports betting site and several kiosks dotted throughout the casino.
Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars Virginia
- Location: 1100 West Main St, Danville, VA
- Projected Retail Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker
- Projected Opening Date: July 2023
Caesars Entertainment has planted its flag in a number of states across the U.S., and that’s going to go for Virginia as well. The gaming conglomerate is set to open up the new Caesars Virginia casino in 2024, but a temporary casino is opening in July 2023 to give residents an early taste of what’s to come.
The new Caesars branch is planned to include 1,300 slot machines, 85 live table games, 24 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room, with the cherry on top being a Caesars Sportsbook.
BetRivers at Rivers Casino Portsmouth
- Location: 3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701
- Projected Retail Sportsbook: BetRivers
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker
- Projected Opening Date: January 15, 2023
The Rivers Casino chain has made itself a premier gaming destination across the country. It’s also made itself into one of the best sports betting options thanks to BetRivers. Virginia already has access to the online betting app, and will be able to take part of the action in person in January.
The Rivers Casino is set to open in style with a whopping 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, and 24 poker tables on day one. Rivers’ very own sportsbook will also be on hand, giving visitors the opportunity to take in a game in between their trips to the tables.
Sportsbook at HeadWaters Resort and Casino
- Location: Norfolk, VA
- Projected Retail Sportsbook: Unknown
- Other Features: Slots, table games
- Projected Opening Date: 2023
Another temporary casino is set to be established in Norfolk, Virginia but the details surrounding have not been entirely hammered down. The current plan is to have a temporary casino open along the banks of the Elizabeth River near the Harbor Park arena. At this time, an official betting partner hasn’t been confirmed but it’s highly likely that a retail sports betting site will be opened at the casino.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Virginia?
Virginia sports fans are able to bet on all their favorite sports including football, basketball, MMA, and more. Betting on every major pro sports league from the NFL to the UFC to NASCAR is available in Virginia.
The one big caveat to this is that in-state college sports events are off-limits for betting in Virginia. While a game between Boston College and the University of Massachusetts is available for wagers in Virginia, games involving Virginia Tech are not. Here are some of the sports betting options available in Virginia:
- NFL
- NCAA Football
- NCAA Basketball
- NHL
- MMA
- Boxing
- NBA
- MLB
- Tennis
- Soccer
- PGA
- Racing
- Darts
- Lacrosse
Types of Bets To Make on Virginia Sports Betting Apps
Moneyline
Moneyline bets are a simple bet on which team you’re expecting to win a match. This applies to all sports and all methods of victory. Whether it’s a football team winning by a single point, a boxer winning by first round knockout, or anything else, the W is the only thing that matters.
Spread
The spread adds a handicap to the favored team, meaning that team needs to win for a certain number of points in order to have the bet hit. The good news is that this makes for very even lines, with the lines on both teams being a toss-up. This is a great way to bet on your favorite team, even if they happen to be a big underdog.
Live betting
Live betting allows you to bet on a game that’s already in progress. The lines move around based upon how the game is unfolding, something that lets fans dial into the game in a whole new way. Different online sportsbooks will offer different markets, with some offering much more live betting options than others.
Over/Unders
Over/unders deal with one specific stat and task bettors with guessing where the final tally will fall. For example, a football team may have an over/under set on the number of points scored at 25.5. If the team scores 26 or more points, the bet on “over” will hit while 25 or fewer will have the “under” score you some cash.
Totals
Totals are similar to over/unders, but they take both teams into account. If a football game has a total line set at 41.5, the “over” will hit if both teams combine for 42 or more points. Whether it’s a 24-23 squeaker or a 42-0 blowout, both will hit.
Prop bets
Prop bets cover a very wide range of different bets. On a weekly basis, major sports betting apps will offer player props on things like whether a specific player will score a goal during a hockey game or if a quarterback will throw an interception in a football game.
Parlays
Parlays combine multiple bets into one large package, where every bet (called a “leg”) needs to hit in order to win. If any part of the parlay fails the bet won’t hit, but the trade is that the payouts escalate with every leg that’s added to the parlay. The risk is high, but the payoff can be huge.
Teams To Bet on in Virginia
Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech’s greatest successes in athletics stem from its track and field team. On both the men’s and women’s sides, the Hokies have brought home a number of national championships for a broad variety of events.
Historically, Virginia Tech is primarily notable for its football team that dominates at home thanks to its raucous stadium. Over recent years, Virginia Tech’s basketball team has been on a huge upswing as well. The school has appeared in every NCAA Tournament since 2017, which comes alongside an ACC Conference championship in 2022.
Virginia Cavaliers
The University of Virginia has been raking in championships in recent years, winning 13 national championships across 11 years from 2012 to 2022. These accolades came in a wide variety of sports. The school’s greatest accomplishment during this time is winning five national championships in men’s tennis during this time.
That said, most NCAA sports fans will be familiar with the school thanks to its NCAA National Tournament win in basketball. It also has a growing reputation in football with Bronco Mendenhall coaching the team out of a bad rut during the Mike London era.
Washington Commanders, Nationals and Capitals
Virginia has some great collegiate teams but it doesn’t actually have any pro clubs in any of America’s biggest sports leagues. With that in mind, Virginia primarily shares teams with its neighbors in Washington, DC. Virginia’s favorite NFL, NHL, and MLB teams are the Washington Commanders, Washington Capitals, and Washington Nationals, respectively.
This is a mixed bag for Virginia, as the teams have a mix of performances from great to terrible in recent seasons. The Washington Nationals and Capitals have both taken home championships in recent years with the Nationals. The Commanders are a Washington sports staple, but a long Super Bowl drought dating back to 1991 and consistently controversial ownership has hampered optimism surrounding the team.
Cleveland Cavaliers
While Virginia looks to Washington for most of its favorite sports teams, that’s not actually the case with the NBA. Instead of looking to the Washington Wizards, it looks to Ohio’s own Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers are synonymous with NBA superstar Lebron James. A large part of that is the franchise’s inability to succeed without him, but the Cavs have started to find a level of success in the post-Lebron James era.
Virginia does have a number of pro teams in minor leagues and in smaller sports. Here are some of the Virginia-based sports teams that bettors can wager on:
- Loudoun United FC
- Norfolk Tides
- Richmond Elite
- Northern Virginia Eagles
- Northern Virginia FC
- Richmond Kickers
- Lionsbridge FC
- Virginia Beach United FC
History of Sports Betting in Virginia
For most states, the relevant history of sports betting goes back to 1992 when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was passed. This effectively resulted in a nationwide sports betting ban, which stayed in place for decades.
Legal challenges mounted during the 2010s and by 2018, they worked their way to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court overturned the nationwide sports betting ban, which gave states the ability to legally allow sports betting within their jurisdiction.
Virginia was relatively quick to take advantage of this by moving to legalize sports betting in 2019. Delays and false launch dates kept legalized wagering from launching in 2020, a year in which Virginia voters approved a ballot measure for the construction of four casinos in the state.
This process dragged for some time as lawmakers failed to come to terms on various regulations, most notably disagreeing over whether collegiate sports should be fair game for betting. Middle ground was eventually found in 2020. From there, the regulatory foundation was laid. In January 2021, Virginia sports betting officially went live with FanDuel accepting wagers.
In 2022 the first retail sports betting site was opened by Hard Rock. Multiple other retail betting sites broke ground during the year, with 2023 set to increase the number of gaming establishments.
Virginia Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. The state passed legislation in 2020 to allow online and mobile sports betting, and the first sportsbooks launched in January 2021.
Yes, you must be at least 21 years old to engage in sports betting in Virginia. This applies to both online and retail sportsbooks.
To sign up, choose a licensed sportsbook, visit their website or download their mobile app, and complete the registration process. This usually involves providing personal information such as your name, email, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number.
Yes, you can have accounts with multiple sportsbooks in Virginia. It’s common for bettors to have accounts with different platforms to compare odds and take advantage of promotions.
You can bet on a wide range of sports in Virginia. Popular options include professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, and more. However, betting on high school sports or events involving Virginia college teams is prohibited.
