Sports Betting in Virginia: Laws, Platforms, and Insights

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Virginia

Sports betting in Virginia became legal in April 2020 after the General Assembly passed legislation permitting both online and land-based sportsbooks. The Virginia Lottery is the official regulatory body overseeing sports wagering activities in the state. The first legal online sportsbook launched in January 2021, marking the beginning of a new era for sports enthusiasts and bettors in the Commonwealth.

Types of Sports Betting Allowed

Virginia allows for a comprehensive range of sports betting options. Bettors can legally place wagers on:

Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc.)
College sports (with restrictions)
International competitions
Major sporting events (such as the Olympics and World Cup)

However, Virginia law prohibits betting on Virginia-based college teams, regardless of where the game is held. In addition, prop bets on individual college athletes are also banned.

Online Sports Betting Platforms

Virginia does not permit physical sportsbooks within casinos as of now. All sports betting is conducted online through licensed platforms. Major sportsbooks operating in Virginia include:

FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
BetMGM
Caesars Sportsbook
BetRivers
PointsBet
Hard Rock Bet
Betway

These platforms offer mobile apps and web-based access, allowing residents and visitors to place bets anywhere within Virginia state lines.

How to Start Betting in Virginia

To legally place sports bets in Virginia, users must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Physically located within Virginia borders.
Create an account with a licensed online sportsbook.
Complete identity verification and age checks.
Deposit funds via available payment options (credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, etc.).

Bonuses and promotions such as welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, and deposit matches are widely offered to new users.

Taxation and Revenue

Virginia imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenues earned by sportsbooks. A significant portion of this tax revenue supports public education and problem gambling treatment programs. Virginia’s sports betting market has grown rapidly, generating millions in monthly handle and tax revenues since its inception.

Responsible Gambling Measures

To ensure safe gambling practices, Virginia law mandates all licensed sportsbooks to offer responsible gambling tools, including:

Deposit and betting limits
Time-out features
Self-exclusion programs
Access to the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline

The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling works alongside the Virginia Lottery to monitor and support responsible betting initiatives.

Key Restrictions

No betting on Virginia college teams
No in-person sportsbooks (as of now)
No prop bets on college athletes
Geolocation required to verify user location within Virginia

Future of Sports Betting in Virginia

As public interest continues to grow, Virginia may explore expanding its market to include in-person sportsbooks and new betting features. Legislative updates could reshape restrictions, particularly regarding collegiate betting and physical sportsbook venues.

Conclusion

Virginia offers a robust and well-regulated online sports betting market. With multiple reputable platforms, strong consumer protections, and growing tax revenue, the state provides a model for modern sports betting legislation. Residents and visitors alike can engage in legal, safe, and entertaining wagering experiences, with continued oversight and enhancements expected in the years to come.