Online Gambling Laws in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Online gambling in Virginia is legal in specific forms, but with important restrictions and limitations. Residents and visitors should understand the current legal landscape to avoid any violations and to make the most of available legal gambling opportunities.
Legal Forms of Online Gambling in Virginia
Virginia has made significant strides in recent years by legalizing certain forms of gambling, especially in the digital space. As of now, the following forms of online gambling are permitted:
Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Virginia. The state passed legislation in April 2020, and the first sportsbooks launched in January 2021. Virginians can legally place bets on professional and select collegiate sports through licensed mobile sportsbooks. Popular platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers are all licensed and operational in the state. However, betting on in-state college teams is prohibited.
Online Horse Racing Betting
Virginia residents can legally bet on horse races online through Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, and XpressBet. This has been legal for several years and continues to be a popular option among gambling enthusiasts in the state.
What Is Still Illegal
Online Casinos
Online casinos, including slots, table games, and poker rooms, are still illegal in Virginia. The state has not yet passed legislation to permit full-scale online casino gambling. As a result, online casinos operating offshore and accepting players from Virginia are technically unregulated and not legal under state law.
Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
Although real-money online casinos are not allowed, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots operate under different legal frameworks. These platforms use virtual currencies and offer chances to win cash prizes through sweepstakes models, making them accessible to Virginians while skirting gambling laws.
Retail Casinos and Future Developments
Virginia has approved the construction of several land-based casinos in cities such as Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. These casinos are expected to offer traditional gambling options, and there is speculation that the success of these venues could lead to future legislation that would expand into legalizing online casinos.
Gambling Age and Regulations
To participate in legal online gambling in Virginia, you must be at least 21 years old. All licensed platforms require age and identity verification. Additionally, the Virginia Lottery Board oversees and regulates all gambling activities in the state, ensuring compliance, consumer protections, and fair play.
Conclusion
While online sports betting and horse racing are fully legal and regulated in Virginia, other forms of online gambling, such as casino games and poker, remain prohibited. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve with the development of physical casinos and potential changes in state law, residents should stay informed and rely only on legal, licensed platforms for their gaming activities.
