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Mitchell South

by Mitchell South

Updated Apr 4, 2024 · 10:08 AM PDT

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The Old Dominion is in a new era: legal Virginia sports betting went live on January 21, 2021.

Your friends have probably already been raving about sports betting – it’s soared in popularity faster in Virginia than in any other state thus far.

If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to get off the sidelines! Virginia is one of the newest sports betting markets in America, so you can take advantage of huge sign-up bonuses from VA sportsbooks.

ESPN BET Virginia is now live. Copy our promo code DIME, click BET NOW, and paste DIME into the required field to unlock our Bet Anything, Get $150 bonus offer.

Betting on your favorite sports brings you closer to the action, but we know it can be a bit confusing at first.

Sports Betting Dime is here to guide you through the process by providing all the information Virginians need to bet with confidence. Plus, we’ve partnered with top VA online betting sites to bring you exclusive promos that will give you a head start.

Find straightforward answers to all the important questions about sports betting in the Old Dominion.

Best Virginia Sports Betting Apps

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook

    DraftKings has grown from a daily fantasy powerhouse into one of the most popular betting apps and online sportsbooks in the United States. If you’re looking to wager on sports in Virginia you’ll find a large menu of betting options and many promotions at DraftKings Sportsbook.

    Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + NBA No Sweat SGP
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook

    FanDuel has built on their daily fantasy success with a flawless betting app and excellent online sportsbook. Virginia users can expect a superior live betting experience and lots of features for new bettors.

    Promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  3. BetMGM

    Enjoy BetMGM's wealth of experience in the industry. Sports bettors in Virginia can take advantage of impressive sign-up bonuses, weekly free bets, and tons of in-play betting options at BetMGM's sportsbook.

    Promo: Up To $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  4. Bet365

    Virginia sports bettors will love the smooth betting experience they'll get with bet365 as the brand continues its US expansion with a great product in tow. Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

    Promo: Bet $5, Get $150 or $1K First Bet Safety Net
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  5. Fanatics Sportsbook

    Bet on your favorite sports with Fanatics Sportsbook and use FanCash to make even more wagers or spend on new team swag.

    Promo: Get Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  6. ESPN BET

    Type in promo code DIME to claim your exclusive welcome bonus. ESPN BET is powered by the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" and is slated to become a sportsbook powerhouse boasting an excellent range of betting options to choose from.

    Promo: Bet Anything, Get $150 + Up to $500 Deposit Match with Code DIME
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  7. Caesars Sportsbook

    Caesars brings ultimate flexibility to the world of online sports betting with tons of banking options, competitive odds on all major sports, and few restrictions when it comes to constructing parlays.

    Promo: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  8. Betway

    Betway makes it easy to get started and then keeps you there with its huge selection and numerous ways to bet. With some of the best promos you'll find at any sportsbook, Betway is a fantastic platform to wager with.

    Bonus: Bet $50, Get a $200 Bonus Bet
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  9. BetRivers

    BetRivers is ready to make their mark on the Virginia sports betting scene. You can sign up with BetRivers from anywhere in VA, and their welcome offer will make you happy you did.

    Promo: $500 2nd Chance Free Bet
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  10. Betfred

    With over 50 years of experience, Betfred is one of the world's most renowned bookmakers. They're expanding across the US sports betting market, bringing a top-notch online sportsbook and mobile app along with them.

    Bonus: No Sweat Bet Up to $105, If Your First Wager Loses
    More Info Icon
    Rated 4/5

Key VA Sports Betting Info

Virginia legalized sports betting in April 2020. The Virginia Lottery is responsible for overseeing and regulating sports betting activities in the state.

The Virginia Lottery has approved many sports betting operators to offer their sportsbook apps within in the state. You can choose from these VA sports betting apps to place wagers anywhere within state lines. The minimum betting age in Virginia is 21-years old, and retail sportsbooks are also available in the Old Dominion.

This in-depth page has everything you need to know about Virginia sports betting, but we understand some people only want the highlights. If you’re looking for something specific, skip ahead – we won’t be offended!

Jump to: Online Sports Betting / Betting Apps / Bonus Offers / Signing Up & Getting Started / Latest News / Rules & Regulations / Licensing & Taxes / Retail Sportsbooks / FAQ / Local Partnerships

Sports Betting Sites in Virginia

Here are the sportsbooks currently active in Virginia.

Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia

As part of Fanatics Betting & Gaming’s acquisition of PointsBet USA assets, the Fanatics Sportsbook app is now available in Virginia. Users of the previous platform should have seen a smooth transition over to Fanatics Sportsbook on their mobile devices in November 2023.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
Bet & Get Up To $1000 from Fanatics!

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, KY, MD, OH, MI, TN, VA, WV); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); (800) 327-5050 or mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); 1800gambler.net (WV)
Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, OH, TN, VA, WV. 1 sign up offer per user. Must opt in daily & place $5+ qualifying wager for Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Must place initial wager within 5 days of account opening. Terms apply.
LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
BET & GET
UP TO $1,000!

SIGN UP NOW

Sign up with Fanatics Sportsbook VA and discover everything to offer. New users can claim a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code and earn FanCash bonuses as they continue to wager. The Fanatics Sportsbook app has a 4.7-star rating on the App Store, so Virginia sports bettors are sure to enjoy it.

ESPN BET Virginia

Sports bettors in the Old Dominion were ready for the arrival of ESPN BET, the latest sportsbook powered by gaming giant PENN Entertainment. Following the rebranding of Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN BET Virginia went live on Nov. 14, 2023.

Use code DIME when registering with ESPN BET Virginia:

ESPN BET


Bet Anything and Get $150 + Up To a $500 Deposit Match!

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: DIME
CODE: DIME
SIGNUP OFFER
USE PROMO CODE
DIME

GET $150 + $500 DEPOSIT MATCH

GET OFFER NOW

Previous customers who already registered with PENN Entertainment’s previous sportsbook should see a seamless transition over to ESPN BET, meaning re-registration won’t be necessary. The ESPN BET app will be chalk full of great features, along with powerful integrations within the ESPN app.

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

DraftKings Sportsbook opened in Virginia on January 24, 2021 as the second online sportsbook to welcome mobile bets in the state. Virginia only legalized online sports betting in April 2020, but DraftKings has quickly become one of the premier sportsbooks in the state.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!


Excludes MA.
LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

DraftKings has a different license situation in Virginia, holding a stand-alone license operating under the Virginia Lottery. Sports bettors in Virginia appreciate DraftKings’ versatility, as they offer live in-game betting, teasers, pools, and daily fantasy. With physical sportsbooks planning on coming to Virginia in the Spring of 2022, DraftKings does not have a brick-and-mortar location right now but rest assured, they will have an immaculate retail location when possible. The DraftKings VA sports betting app has a wide range of bet types, and while it’s available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for Android and iOS devices, using the links here will unlock our best DraftKings promo code.

Bet365 Virginia

Bet365 made its way to Virginia in February 2023 as part of its US expansion that began with Ohio, New Jersey, and Colorado. While Bet365 Virginia may be one of the newer additions to the Old Dominion, they are quickly proving themselves as a top-tier sportsbook in the state.

BET365
SPORTSBOOK VA
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets or a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000!
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply
LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: SBDXLM
CODE: SBDXLM
SIGNUP OFFER
BET $5
GET $150

CLAIM OFFER

To show just committed they are to the DMV region, Bet365 also signed a multi-year partnership with the NFL’s Washington Commanders. If you’re looking for the best Bet365 bonus code, simply hit the link above to sign up for the sportsbook in Virginia and the bonus code will be automatically applied.

bet365 responsible gaming

Caesars Sportsbook Virginia

Formerly operating under the William Hill Sportsbook brand name until August 2021, Caesars Sportsbook Virginia is fully backed by the Caesars hotel and casino machine. This makes Caesars Virginia a great option to bet on all your favorite sports teams and events.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK


Get Your First Bet Back - Up To $1,000 On Caesars!

LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: SBD1000
CODE: SBD1000
SIGNUP PROMO
GET UP TO
$1,000 BACK

CLAIM OFFER

With generous promotions in tow for Virginians, Caesars is a reputable sportsbook option that American bettors know and love. They have an official, multi-year partnership with the NFL and a notable lineup of brand ambassadors, including former ESPN host Trey Wingo. To celebrate the rebranding, Caesars also deployed a national advertising campaign with actor-comedians JB Smoove and Patton Oswalt, a Virginia native. Be sure to claim a Caesars Sportsbook promo code to get the best bang for your buck when wagering on this world-class sports betting app.

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first to receive a sports betting license in Virginia and is one of the top options for sports bettors in the Old Dominion. Sports bettors in Virginia were able to start betting with the popular FanDuel website and app as of January 21, 2021, thanks to a partnership with the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Guaranteed!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
BET $5
GET $150

BET NOW

There are currently no retail betting locations in Virginia. However, the FanDuel mobile app and online sportsbook is one of the best in the business, no matter your experience level. As the twelfth largest state in America, Virginia represents a great opportunity for FanDuel to generate betting handle, and they’ve done just that. In May 2021, Virginia became the fastest state to reach $1 billion in handle. Nearly half of that came from FanDuel, the clear leader in the state. We’ve got a top-notch FanDuel promo code ready for you if you’re ready to sign up and ‘Make Every Moment More’.

BetMGM Virginia

Online sports betting officially launched in Virginia on January 21, 2021, and BetMGM was up and running just a week later. The January 27 launch date for BetMGM brought the total number of Virginia sportsbooks to four, giving BetMGM an early advantage in the state.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Don't Win

Not Available in NV, NY, NC or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: SBD1500
CODE: SBD1500
SIGNUP BONUS
GET $1,500
BACK

BET NOW

Virginia isn’t home to any pro teams in the major sports leagues, but they’re close to hotbeds like Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, DC, and sports bettors in the state can use their local knowledge to their advantage. You can bet with confidence if you’re wagering with our BetMGM promo code in Virginia, no matter what team or sport you’re betting on.

BetRivers Virginia

BetRivers was the fourth online sportsbook to go live in Virginia. The brand opened its virtual doors on January 27, 2021, just a few days behind FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings, and BetMGM. While BetRivers isn’t the flashiest sportsbook out there, it is one of the most well-rounded and quickly becoming one of the best options for legal sports betting in the United States.

Virginia doesn’t have any retail betting locations just yet, but the Rivers Portsmouth Casino Resort is expected to open in 2023. Bettors in the Old Dominion can look forward to catching the action from the sportsbook floor. In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of BetRivers promotions and the iRush Rewards Program.

WynnBET Virginia

WynnBET Virginia launched on March 11, 2021, becoming the sixth sportsbook to go live in the Old Dominion. The company partnered with NASCAR to gain market access in the Commonwealth, so you may find some extra NASCAR promos as a result.

There are no retail betting locations currently, but Virginians can wager at home or on-the-go using the WynnBET app on both Android and Apple devices. You’ll find fair odds on all the major sports and a solid welcome bonus, while niche sport offerings have room to grow. Best of all, WynnBET has top-notch customer support and is operated by one of the biggest and most-trusted names in gambling.

Sports Illustrated Sportsbook

Sports Illustrated is a household name in the media world, and now they’re getting into the sportsbook business. Operating in partnership with the 888 sports betting brand, the SI Sportsbook is now officially available in the Old Dominion. SI Sportsbook Virginia partnered with Virtual Entertainment Partners (VEP), a Virginia-based, minority women-owned company to launch in the state. VEP, 888, and SI Sportsbook will make contributions to communities across Virginia.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
SPORTSBOOK VA


Bet $5 & Win $100 in Free Bets!

LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
BET $5
WIN $100

GET PROMO

Sports Illustrated Sportsbook Virginia is the second operational market for this emerging sports betting site. SI Sportsbook is also live in Colorado, and they intend to launch in more states in the coming months. Former Bleacher Report chief executive Howard Mittman was hired as the president for 888 US operations with the responsibility of leading the rollout for the SI Sportsbook. Sign up with SI Sportsbook Virginia today and unlock their best promo.

Top Betting Apps for Virginia

As of January 21, 2021, Virginia sports fans can place a bet from anywhere in the state at any time.

Mobile sports betting apps are the most convenient way to get in on the action. Mobile apps make it easy to sign up, manage your bankroll, see the odds, and place your bets. As an extra perk, several of the best sportsbook apps now allow you to live stream sporting events on the go.

Here are the sports betting apps available in the Old Dominion:

Betting App App Store Rating Get Started
draftkings logo 4.8/5 Get App
Caesars Sportsbook logo black font 4.6/5 Get App
fanduel logo 4.8/5 Get App
4.8/5 Get App
4.3/5 Get App
Unibet logo 3.2/5

Each app listed above is available for Android and Apple, except for BetRivers, which is Android only. Note that in some cases, you may be required to download the state-specific version.

Now that the ESPN BET sportsbook has launched in Virginia, make sure you check out the excellent  ESPN BET promo available right now.

If you want our honest opinion, our reviewers prefer FanDuel for mobile betting. It’s the most intuitive, easy-to-navigate app available. Plus, you can use the app in each of the ten states FanDuel Sportsbook operates in, which is handy if you travel a lot.

Whether you choose FanDuel or another betting app, make sure you sign up and make a deposit using the unique links on this page to get the best welcome bonuses available.

Get the Best Virginia Sports Betting Promos

You’ve likely seen all kinds of sportsbook advertising and promotions lately. The top books offer a wide variety of bonuses to entice customers. You can (and should!) take advantage of this to boost your bankroll.

Most bonus offers don’t require a promo code, so they are very easy to redeem. Some of the biggest brands in the US sports betting market have already launched in the Old Dominion, so there are plenty of promotions you can now access.

Examples of ongoing offers include:

  • Sign Up Bonuses
  • Boosted Odds
  • Free Bets
  • Parlay Insurance
  • Refer-A-Friend Bonuses
  • Sport-Specific Contests and Bonuses
  • Free to Play Pools

For a complete guide to the various types of bonuses offered by top sportsbooks, visit our Bonuses section. If you’re looking for today’s best bonuses for new users, you can find a handy list with unique links in the section below.

Virginia Sign Up Bonuses

Typically, sign-up bonuses are the most lucrative promotions sportsbooks will offer. You can add hundreds, if not thousands, to your bankroll!

Sign-up offers are for new users only and typically take the form of a risk-free first bet, a deposit match, or a no-deposit bonus.

There’s no shortage of welcome bonuses you can take advantage of in Virginia. If you’ve already been using one sportsbook, it might be time to try a different one. We’ve partnered with all of the top sportsbooks to bring you the best selection of sign-up offers available.

Here’s what you can access today:

 

Betting Site Virginia Welcome Bonus
ESPN BET Bet Anything, Get $150 Use Code DIME
DraftKings Sportsbook $1,050 in Bonus Funds
FanDuel Sportsbook $1,000 No Sweat First Bet
Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,250 on Caesars
BetMGM $1,000 First Bet Offer
BetRivers $250 Deposit Match

Sign-up using the unique links above to ensure you’re getting the best bonuses available today. You can also find more details about these offers and other ongoing promotions via our Virginia bonus page.

Sign Up and Get Started

Thanks to remote registration, it’s super easy to get started at a VA sportsbook and redeem the full value of your sign-up bonus. Most adults who are at least 21 years old can sign-up using their laptop or mobile phone from anywhere within state lines.

Here’s a general overview of the sign-up process in Virginia:

  1. Create a new account with a premier Virginia sports betting site. Click here to sign-up at DraftKings Sportsbook.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll need some basic info ready for verification, including your:
    1. Full name
    2. Address
    3. Date of birth
    4. Social Security Number
  3. Once your account is verified, make a deposit using your payment method of choice. You’ll want to do this right away to take full advantage of the welcome bonus on offer. Most Virginia sportsbooks will accept credit cards, debit cards, ACH eCheck, PayPal, or prepaid Play+ cards.
  4. Bear in mind that the amount of your initial deposit typically determines the value of your sign-up bonus.
  5. Place your sports bet(s)!

Virginia Sports Betting Local News

Stay on top of the latest VA sports betting news as more sportsbooks enter the state and we learn more about the future of sports wagering in the Old Dominion.

  • August 3, 2021: William Hill is officially rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook in Virginia.
  • July 1, 2021: As of today, sportsbooks are allowed to offer lines on the Olympics, just in time for bettors to put money down on Tokyo 2021.
  • April 28, 2021: Unibet launches in Virginia after receiving approval for an online sports betting license on April 21, 2021.
  • March 25, 2021: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signs Senate Bill 1254 and House Bill 1847, which will officially take effect on July 1, 2021. The amendments to Virginia’s sports betting laws will allow up to 12 mobile sportsbooks that are not tethered to casinos or other gaming businesses. The bills also ensure that Virginia sports bettors will be allowed to bet on the Olympics in time for Tokyo 2021.
  • March 15, 2021: The Virginia Lottery approves sports betting licenses for Golden Nugget, Bally Bet, and Barstool Sportsbook. All three will launch in VA at a later date.
  • March 9, 2021: WynnBet, approved on March 4, 2021, begins taking bets.
  • February 3, 2021: William Hill launches in Virginia in partnership with Caesars Sportsbook, joining FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and BetRivers as the sportsbooks available in VA.
  • November 3, 2020: Voters in four VA cities approve of casino construction through a referendum on election day.

Virginia Sports Betting Rules & Regulations: What the Law Says

A moderate state, the Old Dominion has taken a very pragmatic and measured approach to the legalization of sports betting.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) authorized sports betting in 2020 under Senate Bill 384 and House Bill 896. The Virginia Lottery regulates the industry and has an extensive online info center for casinos and sports betting.

You can find the complete letter of the law in Chapter 40 of the Code of Virginia, or keep reading for a recap of the most essential details everyday bettors should know.

Remote Registration Allowed

Virginia’s rules make it very easy for bettors to get started with a mobile betting app or online sportsbook in the state.

You can register and fund your sports betting accounts from anywhere in the country, which is a blessing for bettors and sportsbooks alike.

Geolocation Required

You must be physically located within Virginia state lines to place a bet with a Virginia sportsbook. Most other state platforms like online sportsbooks in Colorado, for example, will use geolocation verification software to confirm your whereabouts each time you place a wager.

Most mobile betting apps have integrated this functionality with the location services on your phone. Computer users may need to download an unobtrusive software package directly from their sportsbook’s website.

If you sign up for a sportsbook that doesn’t require you to enable location services on your device, consider it a red flag: that sportsbook is not legal in Virginia.

Non-Residents Allowed

You do not need to be a Virginia resident to use a betting app or online sportsbook in the state. Location requirements apply to your physical presence in the state rather than your place of residence. Therefore, sports bettors from nearby states such as Maryland or Kentucky are welcome to wager using a VA sportsbook app while within Virginia state lines.

Sportsbooks Must Use League Data

By law, sportsbooks in Virginia must use official league data to settle all in-play wagers. This requirement is a win for sports leagues themselves as it’s easy revenue for the likes of the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL.

However, buying league data adds further operating costs for sportsbooks. Unfortunately, these are likely to be passed on to bettors through increased vigorish.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Virginia?

Most adults can legally bet on sports in Virginia through online sports betting sites and mobile apps.

You Must Be At Least 21 Years Old to Bet in Virginia

The legal gambling age in Virginia is 21. This age restriction applies to all bets placed in-person or through the internet. All legal operators will verify your age and identity upon registration.

Some operators require you to upload a government-issued photo ID, while others rely on approved e-verification software to confirm your age and identity electronically.

Industry Insiders Are Restricted

To mitigate potential conflicts of interest or unfair advantages, Virginia lawmakers placed the following restrictions on industry insiders:

  • Employees and board members of the state lottery are prohibited from sports betting
  • Sportsbook employees and members of their households cannot place bets on their own platform
  • Any competitor, coach, trainer, employee, referee, or owner of a sports team in a professional or college sports event is prohibited from betting on any event in a league they participate in

These restrictions are in line with the sports betting regulations in place in other states. Ultimately, the vast majority of adults in Virginia are legally allowed to bet on sports in the state.

Which Events Can I Bet on in Virginia?

Virginia bettors can wager on most major sports and events, with a couple notable exceptions.

No Betting on Local Colleges or High School Sports

You cannot bet on a game where a Virginia college team is a participant, and betting on youth sports is strictly prohibited.

Political Betting is Off Limits

Unfortunately, wagering on the Presidential Election and other political outcomes is prohibited in Virginia. Betting on American politics is very popular at many international sportsbooks, but the only way to do so legally from within the United States is by using a political prediction market.

Which Types of Wagering Are Allowed on These Events?

Virginia’s sports betting law allows for all the most popular wagering types.

  • Want to bet on the Nats against the Yankees? You’ll find moneylines, spreads, and totals lines.
  • Got a hunch Ovechkin will score two goals against the Penguins? Check out prop betting
  • Want to add even more excitement to Super Bowl Sunday? Give live betting a try.
  • Think Elena Delle Donne and the Mystics can win another WNBA title this year? Put money on it with WNBA championship futures.
  • If you seek more advanced wagering types, parlays, pleasers, and teasers are always an option.
  • Wager directly against your friends or fellow sports bettors through exchange betting.

There are nearly limitless betting options available at Virginia sportsbooks. The only restrictions in place affect proposition betting. Virginia prohibits prop bets on all college sports events. This applies to both pre-game and in-play wagering.

Licenses and Taxes: The Business of Virginia Sports Betting

Virginia’s sports betting laws create space for significant consumer choice within a competitive market. The state plans to issue at least four and up to 12 licenses for online sports betting, and retail sports betting will be available at soon-to-be-built casinos.

Thanks to persistent lobbying by Washington Commanders Team owner Dan Snyder, and others, state law stipulates that authorized professional sports facilities within Virginia can operate retail sportsbooks on their premises.

Online sports betting operators in Virginia do not need to partner with a land-based casino or retail location, as is the case in some states. This would have been highly restrictive in Virginia, given the state doesn’t have any casinos currently.

A three-year sports betting license costs a modest $250,000. However, there is an additional $50,000 fee for each principal – defined as any person who owns five percent or more of a permit-holding entity and any individual employed in a managerial capacity for a sports betting platform on behalf of a permit holder.

Licensed operators are charged 15 percent on all sports betting revenue in Virginia. Most states fall in the six percent to 20 percent range, so this is considered a reasonable tax rate. Virginia’s tax rate is slightly higher than New Jersey’s (13.5 percent) but far lower than Pennsylvania’s (36 percent).

Of note, sports leagues are legally entitled to access betting data in Virginia whenever they request it from sportsbook operators in the state. Leagues can access information regarding a bet’s amount, type, the time it was placed, where it was placed (including the IP address), and the outcome. To access the data, leagues must be licensed suppliers in the state of Virginia.

There are high expectations for Virginia’s sports betting revenue, which can be tracked here. Thus far, Virginia sports betting volume is off to the hottest start of any state to date, surpassing neighbor Tennessee for the highest betting handle in a market’s first three months.

FanDuel is the early favorite in terms of VA sports betting apps, accounting for more than half the market share from launch in January through March 2021.

Virginia Retail Sportsbooks

While not strictly prohibited by law, Virginia does not have any retail sports betting locations. The main reason for this is the Commonwealth doesn’t have any casinos currently.

Virginia voters approved casinos to be built in several cities in the coming years. Expect sports betting to be available at retail locations in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and most likely Richmond in the future.

In the meantime, if you’re craving the excitement of in-person wagering, you can drive over to Washington, DC, where retail sports betting is available at major sports arenas and select bars and restaurants. See our DC sports betting page for more details.

Additionally, both the Hollywood Casino and the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia are a short distance from the WV-VA border. Longer trips to states like PA or TN might be worth it if you’re looking for a new experience that isn’t on the other side of the country.

Virginia Sports Betting FAQs

Need some additional answers about Virginia sports betting? We got you covered.

Is sports betting legal in Virginia?

Yes. Legal sports betting launched in Virginia in January 2021. FanDuel and DraftKings were the first operators to begin taking bets online while BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook soon followed.

Do I need to be a Virginia resident to place bets in the state?

No, you do not need to be a resident of Virginia to bet on sports from within state boundaries. Furthermore, you can transfer money in and out of your account from anywhere with internet access. You just need to be physically in Virginia when placing bets, which is also the case if you're betting with WV online sportsbooks in the neighboring state.

Can you play fantasy sports in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia signed into law the “Fantasy Contests Act” in 2016, making Virginia the first state to formally legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Does Virginia have any sports teams?

No major professional sports franchise calls Virginia home. However, the Washington Commanders and Washington Capitals have practice facilities or a team headquarters in Virginia.

Local Sports Teams & Partnerships

Virginia has the unfortunate distinction of being the most populous US state that doesn’t have any major professional teams of its own. That said, many Virginians back teams from neighboring jurisdictions, including:

  • Washington Capitals
  • Washington Commanders
  • Washington Nationals
  • Washington Wizards
  • Washington Mystics

It’s worth noting that FanDuel Sportsbook has an official partnership with the Washington Commanders, which has training facilities and team headquarters in Virginia. FanDuel promises extremely generous odds on hometown teams everywhere they operate. This formal partnership all but guarantees they’ll have the best lines on the Washington Commanders, so we highly recommend fans sign up for an account.

Similarly, the Washington Capitals practice in Arlington County and have a partnership with William Hill.

Sports Betting Dime provides comprehensive betting tools and editorial coverage to help you make confident and informed bets no matter who you support. Remember to always bet with your head and not your heart!

Find the Best Sportsbook in Any State

Home to more than eight million people, Virginia is sure to be a hot new sports betting market in 2021 and beyond.

Sports Betting Dime is here to provide valuable resources for new and experienced bettors alike. We have detailed betting guides to help you gain the edge you’re looking for, plus in-depth reviews of all the best online sportsbooks and bonuses available.

If you’re trying to find an online sportsbook in a particular state within the USA, we list sportsbooks licensed to provide sports betting in each state.

Have fun and enjoy the action out there!

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