08/17/2025
Sports betting in Virginia was officially legalized in April 2020, marking a significant milestone for both residents and the state’s economy. The Virginia Lottery Board was appointed as the regulator, overseeing licensing, operations, and compliance. Online sports betting launched in January 2021, allowing Virginians to place wagers through approved mobile applications. Unlike some other states, Virginia initially prohibited physical sportsbook lounges within casinos, but legislative adjustments have since allowed retail sportsbooks to operate in licensed casinos located in cities such as Norfolk, Danville, Bristol, and Portsmouth.
Virginia has embraced a competitive online betting market, with multiple licensed operators providing services to residents. Prominent brands include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetRivers. Each operator offers a unique set of features such as welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and in-play betting options. The convenience of mobile wagering has made online platforms the most popular choice for sports enthusiasts, particularly given the wide coverage of professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA competitions.
Virginia sportsbooks provide a diverse range of betting options to appeal to both novice and seasoned bettors. Standard bet types such as moneylines, point spreads, and totals are widely available, alongside advanced options like parlays, teasers, prop bets, and live in-game betting. While wagering on Virginia-based college teams is prohibited under current law, bettors can still place wagers on college games involving out-of-state teams. This regulation aims to maintain integrity in local amateur sports competitions while still offering a wide variety of betting opportunities.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has placed a strong emphasis on responsible gambling practices. Licensed sportsbooks are required to implement measures such as self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and mandatory display of gambling helpline information. The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling also partners with operators to provide educational resources and support services. These safeguards aim to ensure that betting remains a form of entertainment rather than a harmful activity for residents.
The legalization of sportsbooks has generated substantial economic benefits for Virginia. Tax revenues collected from operators contribute to public education funding, community development projects, and responsible gambling initiatives. The opening of retail sportsbooks in casinos has also created job opportunities and attracted tourism in designated host cities. As the market continues to expand, experts predict that Virginia will remain one of the leading states in terms of betting volume and overall industry growth.
The future of sportsbooks in Virginia is promising, with ongoing discussions about expanding betting options, including potential legalization of wagers on in-state college teams. Technological advancements such as enhanced mobile interfaces, artificial intelligence-driven odds, and integrated streaming services are expected to further elevate the sports betting experience. Additionally, the anticipated completion of new casinos in cities like Danville will provide residents with more retail sportsbook options and enhance competition among operators.
Sportsbooks in Virginia have quickly established themselves as a vital part of the state’s entertainment and economic landscape, offering residents safe, regulated, and diverse betting opportunities while contributing significantly to public funding and community development.