JUMP TO:
- Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
- Online sportsbooks available in Virginia
- How to sign up and place a bet in Virginia
- What you can't bet on in Virginia
- Virginia sports betting promos and bonus offers
- Responsible gambling resources in Virginia
Virginia, a state steeped in tradition, has welcomed sports betting as one of its newest sources of revenue. The commonwealth first legalized sports wagering in 2020, with online-only betting launching in January 2021.
With a number of sportsbooks licensed to operate in Virginia, both residents and visitors have plenty of options when it comes to betting.
Here are all the details you need to know, including how to join a sportsbook, which sportsbooks are offered in the state and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.
MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting has been legalized in the state of Virginia since July 2020. It started with an online-only market launching in January 2021 and then eventually introduced retail casinos.
The Virginia Lottery regulates casino gambling and sports betting. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) regulates all charitable gaming, and the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) regulates live horse racing and associated wagering and HHR.
To place sports bets in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you will need to be:
- at least 21 years old with online access
- physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
- able to verify your sportsbook account
Please note that betting on in-state colleges, such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, is prohibited in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Online sportsbooks available in Virginia
Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of Virginia.
How to sign up and place a bet in Virginia
The process to start your sports betting journey in the Old Dominion is quite simple. Here's the three steps:
Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Virginia sportsbook
Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above.
Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit
Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.
You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in Virginia.
Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Step 3: Place your bets!
Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!
To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!
MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?
What you can bet on in Virginia
While sports betting is legal in Virginia, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for Virginia sports bettors.
- Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
- College sports lines, totals and futures (with some restrictions)
- Olympics
- Esports
- Horse racing
What you can't bet on in Virginia
There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Virginia. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind.
- Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
- Prop bets on college athletes
- In-state college teams
- Pro sports drafts
- Awards markets determined by a voting panel (like the Heisman Trophy)
- High school sports
- Political events
- Entertainment events (like the Oscars)
- Live greyhound dog racing
- Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
- Must physically be in Virginia to place wagers
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
Virginia sports betting promos and bonus offers
When deciding which sports books to use, it also makes sense to take a look at what promotional offers may be available to you.
- DraftKings: Get up to a $1,200 new user bonus!
- FanDuel: Bet $5 get $300 in Bonus Bets!
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Bet $10 get $100 in FanCash + up to $100 back in FanCash every football gameday!
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets!
- Bet365: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets win or lose
- Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, double your winnings your next 20 bets!
- Hard Rock Bet: Bet $5, get $150 in Bonus Bets if you win
Popular teams to bet on in Virginia
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Washington Nationals (MLB)
- Virginia Cavaliers (NCAA)
- Virginia Tech Hokies (NCAA)
- VCU Rams (NCAA)
- Richmond Spiders (NCAA)
- James Madison Dukes (NCAA)
Responsible gambling resources in Virginia
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.
- State-wide gambling helpline: 1-888-532-3500
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): 1-800-522-4700
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG)
- Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH)
- Voluntary self-exclusion program via Virginia Lottery
MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting