Virginia Sports Betting
Virginia sports betting kicked off in January 2021 with online sportsbooks from brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM and bet365 joining them over the years. You are able to place wagers on pro leagues and major events all year round, including local favorites like the Washington Commanders.
I will cover everything you need to know about how online sports betting in Virginia works, the best sports betting apps, promotions and general tips on getting started. So if you are 21+ and you are in Virginia and want to give it a go, keep reading to find out more.
Online sports betting is live in VA
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Is Virginia sports betting legal?
Yes. Sports betting launched on January 21, 2021 after becoming legal in July 2020, courtesy of the passage of HB 896 and SB 384 by the state legislature earlier in the year and the subsequent signing of the legislation into law by Gov. Ralph Northam. The law is the result of multiple years of deliberation in the normally conservative state.
These are the relevant launch dates for Virginia online sports betting:
| Sportsbook | Virginia Bonus | Status |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win | Launched as of January 26, 2021 |
| Bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets | Launched as of Jan. 31, 2023 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost | Launched as of February 2, 2021 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins! | Launched as of January 21, 2021 |
| Hard Rock Bet | Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win | Launched as of October 16, 2023 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash | Launched as of November 2023 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us! | Launched as of January 26, 2021 |
If you are interested in a brief overview of how sports betting came around and any VA sports betting updates, check out this timeline:
- April 22, 2020: Governor Ralph Northam signed the sports betting legislation (SB 384/HB 896) into law which officially legalized sports wagering in Virginia. (The law took effect on July 1 2020)
- January 21, 2021: FanDuel Sportsbook launches as the first online sportsbook in Virginia, with many more to follow shortly after (as mentioned above).
- July 8, 2022: The first retail sportsbook opened at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol.
Virginia sports betting apps for January 2026
Virginia sports betting apps make the dream of having a legal sportsbook at your fingertips a reality. The platforms from industry leaders are top-notch and simple to use, and they’re offering up some fantastic bonuses for new players to take advantage of. We’ll cover everything you need to know about downloading and using the apps in a bit. For now, let’s take a closer look at the top options you’ll have available.
BetMGM
The well-known MGM brand from the casino world is also becoming a major player in online and mobile sports betting. BetMGM sports betting app offers a range of sports, competitive odds, and regular sportsbook promotions for users to take advantage of. BetMGM Sportsbook in Virginia arrived January 2021.
They offer a wide range of sports markets, from major US leagues all the way to international events. These all come with very competitive betting odds. What continues to make BetMGM great is their regular promotions (including up to $1500 in Bonus Bets paid back if your first bet does not win) ,ongoing odds boosts, and a rewards system.
One of BetMGM’s standout features for me is its mobile app. The general feel is clean and it is easy to use, you can find everything in one place and browsing all of the markets can be done in an instant. So if you are someone who likes to check up on things on the go, their app is for you.
Bet365
Bet365 Sportsbook joined the sports betting industry in Virginia in 2023, but is no rookie sports betting operator. The app tops most "best of" lists across the world and is extremely popular overseas thanks to its proprietary betting software and top-flight live betting suite. Bet365 launched in Virginia in January 2023.
You can also use our promo code THELINES to get your welcome bonus. This is a fantastic way to get started so you can explore all what their app has to offer. Which is a huge variety of markets and one of my favorite parts is the live stats. Also, for those of you who are into niche sports, you are very likely to find them here.
Caesars
A major name on the international gambling scene, Caesars Sports' presence continues to grow here in the US. The platform isn’t quite as flashy as its competitors, but it’s still a great spot to jump in and get down to business. Caesars Sportsbook launched in Virginia in 2021.
The platform is straightforward and perfect if you are just starting out as I find that they focus on functionality first. This can help you get used to sports better while having access to their wide range of betting markets, strong odds and a rewards system. With this rewards system, every wager collects Caesars Rewards credits, which can be redeemed for bonuses, hotel perks, or VIP experiences.
Plus, right now for new users if you bet $1, you can double your winnings on your next 20 Wagers, up to $25 max bet per boost.
FanDuel
FanDuel Sportsbook has become the go-to spot in a number of states. The visually appealing and user-friendly interface has a lot to do with that, as does its recent focus on innovative offerings such as single-game parlays. FanDuel was the first app to go live in Virginia in January 2021.
Since then it has become more and more popular for the right reasons. The app supports live betting which personally is something I often look for, but to top it off the odds are displayed very clearly so they make it easy to participate. They have also built up a great reputation with their users for always improving the platform and having frequent updates.
They are currently offering a bonus where if you bet $5 you can get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins!
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is the new kid on the block in Virginia. It has a terrific welcome bonus of Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win.
Although it may be one of the newer ones to the VA market, Hard Rock is an iconic brand for all the right reasons. The app is great for new and experienced bettors with a variety of betting markets and, in my opinion, steady odds. The app itself too has a lot to rave about, it is easy to use and when I have tested it out, I have never experienced any lag or loading issues, which is exactly what you are looking for with the fast pace of sports betting.
Some of my favourite features I discovered while testing out the app were the in-play betting, where you can place bets as the events happen with dynamic odds. They also offer same-game parlays, prop parlays and flex parlays so you really are spoilt for choice. To finish things off, they also run daily odds boosts and profit boost promotions you can take advantage of.
Fanatics
The Fanatics brand was a bit late to the scene, establishing itself as one of the top betting sites in the US in 2023. Here to stay, Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the best options in Virginia.
The app has a mix of major leagues and global sports which are both easy to find with the layout. But by far my favorite feature is their FanCash system. It is a rewards currency that you can get on nearly every wager, and it depends on the types of bets, so the same game parlays may get a slightly higher rate than a straight bet. You can redeem FanCash for bonus bets, profit boosts and for merchandise.
Be sure to sign up today to take advantage of the dynamite sign-up offer which is where if you bet $5 you can get $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins.
DraftKings
It’s pretty easy to see why the DraftKings online betting app has raced to the top of the charts in all markets entered to date. The platform is super slick and filled with bells and whistles. Among the top highlights is an outstanding live betting feature. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in January 2021.
Known originally for its daily fantasy sports platform, they have also built a fantastic reputation for their sportsbook due to its live betting functionality. You can track the odds in real time and place bets during games which makes watching them that little bit better! As well as a wide range of markets and also some niche options, DraftKings also offers a welcome offer for new customers where if you bet $5+ you can get $200 in bonus bets if you win.
Sportsbook bonus offers
When getting set to play at a new sportsbook, be sure to take a pause and ask yourself a simple question: What’s in it for me? It’s a competitive world out there, so Virginia sports betting operators are constantly offering deals to new players. Here’s some of what you’ll see.
- Bonus bets: Some books will give you bonus bets in the form of site credits that you can use to place bets. Any winnings are yours to keep.
- Deposit match: Certain operators will match your first deposit up to a set amount, sometimes by as much as 100%.
- Sign-up offers provide a great way to try out new sites while also potentially building up your bank roll. Sportsbooks are happy to pay for your business in today’s competitive environment, so be sure to take advantage.
How to start online sports betting in Virginia
You can get started with betting on sports in VA at any time. You can register online or via app with legal and regulated operators. You’ll need to enter just a few simple pieces of information but it is very easy to get started:
- Choose a licensed Virginia sportsbook (website or app) by clicking the banners on our page and begin registration.
- Enter the required details: name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, etc.
- Confirm you are 21+ and complete age/identity verification (upload documents if requested).
- You may need to enable location services as you must be physically within Virginia state lines to place bets.
- Note: There’s no residency requirement, but geolocation is required for wagering. You can manage your account (e.g. deposit, view lines) from elsewhere, but bets only process inside VA.
Once you’re completely up and running, take some time to look around and get the lay of the land. Here are a few of the areas you’ll want to check out.
- Sports available for betting.
- How the bet slip works.
- The area to deposit and withdraw funds.
- How to get help and contact support.
The good news is that the leading sports betting operators invest heavily on the tech side. That means that both the sites and apps are generally easy to navigate. You should be able to find what you’re looking for quickly.
After you get a handle on the basics, you can dive in and get ready to place some bets. This is a simple process, as you just need to click on your choices to have them added to the betting slip. From there, plug in your bet amount, review the wager and click submit.
VA sportsbook pricing and lines
The best sports betting lines are no longer the sole domain of Las Vegas. While it was like that for decades, the new legal landscape has been a game-changer. Leading operators across the legal states are offering odds that are on point.
Here in Virginia, it’ll be more of the same. You can still take the time to see what the oddsmakers out in Sin City have to say about a game or event, but know that you’ll find comparable lines here at home.
On the operator front, competition helps to breed efficiency in betting markets. You won’t find the exact same numbers at every sportsbook in Virginia, so you should always take the time to shop around for the best prices.
VA sports teams to bet on
While no teams from any of the major sports leagues make their home in VA, many residents have adopted clubs from the DC metro area as local favorites. For each of them, you’ll be able to bet on the individual game outcomes, place some props and live bets, and even check out the futures market for season-long wagers.
- NFL: Washington Commanders
- NBA: Washington Wizards
- MLB: Washington Nationals
- NHL: Washington Capitals
- MLS: DC United
Of course, you can bet on any squad you choose for each of the above sports. It’s a different story with college. For college football and basketball, you can’t bet on any in-state teams. However, betting on all other Division I programs in both sports is perfectly fine.
Beyond the pro and college team sports, you’ll find a whole host of options to consider. The most popular of the other sports will also attract tons of betting volume, while others fall into the niche category and see much less action.
- Golf
- Tennis
- NASCAR
- UFC
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Handball
- MMA
- Rugby
- Snooker
- Table tennis
- Volleyball
Please note that not all of the above will be available at every VA sports betting site, but each of the individual sportsbooks will have a solid overall selection. In short, you won’t be lacking for things to bet on here in VA.
Futures and prop betting in Virginia
Your betting action doesn’t have to be limited to the outcome of individual games and events. There are several other ways to get in on the fun, including with futures and props. Futures are long-term wagers, while props are ways to get some side action in.
A futures bet is a wager on something that won’t be decided until a later date. Many of the most popular markets revolve around league championships or the winners of top individual events, such as:
- Super Bowl
- World Series
- Stanley Cup
- NBA Finals
- College Football Playoff
- March Madness
- Golf majors — Masters, etc.
- Tennis Grand Slams — Wimbledon, etc.
- NASCAR Daytona 500
There are also futures for individual team performances, such as regular season win totals and the winners of conferences and divisions. Odds for futures come out in the offseason. Bettors stay engaged throughout the year, and the numbers will move in response to betting action.
The general gist is to find the selections you want at the best prices, so shopping around to compare numbers is always a good idea. If you make the right call on futures bets, you could be in for a nice score when the wager is settled.
Keep in mind that settlement doesn’t happen until the outcome is known. A futures bet requires a long-term perspective, so budget accordingly. For props, you’ll find some of the season-long variety.
Bets in this category include the NFL passing yards leader, or on the MLB player who will hit the most homers. Props are also available on individual games. Some revolve around team performance or the game as a whole, while many are based on player accomplishments.
- How many yards will Carson Wentz throw for — over/under 269.5?
- Will Alex Ovechkin score a goal in the game — yes/no?
- Which pitcher will have more strikeouts — Max Scherzer or Jacob deGrom?
There’s a dedicated section for the futures market under the tabs for each of the individual sports at online sportsbooks. For props, clicking through on the individual game listings will bring you to a page with the available offerings.
Live betting in Virginia
Live betting is a segment of the sports betting industry that has gained a great deal of traction in recent times. Also known as in game betting, live betting opens the doors to placing wagers as the action plays out in real time.
The market moves really fast, but staying on top of things is easy with a VA sports betting app from DraftKings or FanDuel. Offerings will vary based on what’s going on, but you’ll see things like updated game lines and prop betting opportunities.
- What will be the result of this next drive for Washington — TD/FG/TO/punt?
- Which side will score three runs first — Nationals or Braves?
- Which team will hold the lead at halftime — Wizards or Hornets?
When you log in to the VA sports betting app of your choice, you should see a dedicated section for live betting. Once you click on that, the lobby will be populated with current and upcoming offerings. Live betting is a great way to stay engaged with the games and potentially turn a profit, but remember to always bet within your comfort level.
What’s legal and illegal to bet on in VA
You can bet on all of the major sports in Virginia, as well as a whole host of others that are on a smaller scale. While there’s plenty to choose from, there are some restrictions to keep in mind.
- ❌No betting on Virginia based college teams.
- ❌No college player props.
- ❌No bets on non-sports events
The restriction on non-sports wagering is not exclusive to Virginia. Many other states have adopted the same policy, while wagering on elections is prohibited across the US. College rules have been handled on a state-by-state basis, and we have seen plenty of variance.
Virginia law is one of the more restrictive in that you can’t place bets on in-state teams. New Jersey sportsbooks also implemented such a policy, while Pennsylvania sportsbooks has no such restrictions in place.
How sports betting licensing works in VA
There are high expectations for the Virginia online sports betting market. Operators who are approved and vetted by the Virginia Lottery are on the hook for $250,000 for a three-year license as well as a 15% revenue tax in order to set up shop.
As part of the legalization process, there was plenty of back and forth on where the tax dollars would be allocated. That has all been squared away now that the bill is signed into law. Here’s the breakdown.
- The state gets 95%.
- The Virginia Lottery Board gets 5% for overseeing the industry.
- The final 5% is dedicated to a problem gambling and support fund that is slated to be overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Legal sports betting has been a hit in all of the new markets across the US. We can expect more of the same in VA. That’s great news for those who have been patiently waiting to legally and safely place their wagers at home, as well as for the state’s tax coffers.
Where to Bet on Sports in Virginia
Sports betting fans in VA can enjoy the sportsbooks both online and in person. Here are the retail locations:
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Caesars Virginia (Danville)- Caesars Sportsbook
Last but not least, the two operating racetracks in VA also have the opportunity to have their own sportsbook or to partner up with an existing operator. For a retail option that could open up quickly, this is the spot to watch. Here are the details on the two tracks.
Martinsville Speedway
- Address: 340 Speedway Road, Ridgeway, VA
- Tickets: 877-RACE-TIX
Richmond Raceway
- Address: 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA
- Tickets: 866-455-RACE
VA Sports Betting FAQs
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