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Virginia has quickly developed into a strong betting market, with Virginia sports betting now fully legal and widely accessible through licensed online platforms. Since launching in early 2021, the state has built a competitive ecosystem with multiple operators offering a wide range of markets across major sports. Bettors can place wagers from anywhere within state lines, making it easy to stay engaged year round.
That said, Virginia gambling laws still shape what is and is not available to bettors. While mobile sportsbooks are fully operational, there are limits on certain types of wagers and features depending on the platform. Because of this, some players also turn to offshore sportsbooks as a popular alternative, especially when looking for broader betting markets, different bonuses, or more flexible account options.
At OnlineSportsBetting, we break everything down so you can navigate the Virginia market with confidence. Read to the end of this guide to get the full picture of how sports betting works in the state as of 2026, including where to bet and how to make the most of your options.
Virginia quick facts
| Fact | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2021 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | ✅ Yes |
| Number of licenses | 13 |
| Remote registration | ✅ Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| Retail casinos | ✅ Yes |
| Online casino sites | ❌No |
| Online poker | ❌No |
| Betting on college sports | ✅ Yes |
| Betting on esports | ✅ Yes |
| State population | 8 million |
| State regulator | The Virginia Lottery |
| Last verified | ✅ September 8 |
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Virginia, with the market officially launching in January 2021 after a period of legislative back and forth. Since then, Virginia sports betting has expanded into a competitive environment, with around a dozen licensed mobile sportsbooks operating across the state. This gives bettors plenty of choice when it comes to odds, features, and promotions, all accessible from anywhere within state lines.
In addition to mobile wagering, retail sports betting is also permitted. Virginia is home to a growing number of physical casino locations that include on site sportsbooks, offering a more traditional and social betting experience. While most activity still takes place online due to convenience, retail sportsbooks provide an alternative for those who prefer to place bets in person. As of 2026, Virginia remains one of the more established and balanced betting markets, combining strong mobile access with a developing retail presence.
Top offshore sports betting sites available in Virginia
Sports betting is legal in Virginia, but regulated sportsbooks do come with certain limitations. Bettors cannot place wagers on political events or entertainment markets, and there are restrictions when it comes to college sports. Specifically, betting on in state college teams such as the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech is not permitted at licensed sportsbooks, which can limit options for local fans.
Offshore sportsbooks offer a more flexible alternative for players who want access to a wider range of betting markets. These international platforms typically include options for political wagering, entertainment props, and full college sports coverage without the same restrictions. This makes them an appealing choice for bettors who want more variety, especially when it comes to niche or restricted markets.
While some players have concerns about offshore betting, the platforms we recommend have been thoroughly tested for safety, reliability, and consistent payouts. Our team has used these sites extensively and can confirm they provide secure transactions, fair odds, and responsive customer support. Below, you can explore the top offshore sportsbooks available to Virginia bettors:
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Regulated online sportsbooks available in Virginia
Virginia officially launched its sports betting market in January 2021, opening the door for both online and retail wagering across the state. Bettors can place wagers through licensed mobile apps or visit approved casino sportsbooks, creating a flexible and accessible betting environment. The market has grown steadily since launch, with multiple operators competing to offer a wide range of betting markets, odds, and promotions.
Today, Virginia features a competitive lineup of major sportsbooks, giving bettors plenty of choice depending on their preferences. Oversight from state regulators helps ensure a secure and fair experience, with a strong focus on consumer protection and responsible gaming. Below is a breakdown of the regulated sportsbooks currently operating in Virginia as of 2026:
| Name of Bookie | Launch Date | Online Betting Available? |
| Bet365 | Jan. 2024 | Yes |
| BetMGM | Jan. 2021 | Yes |
| BetRivers | Jan. 2021 | Yes |
| Caesars | Jan. 2021 | Yes |
| DraftKings | Jan. 2021 | Yes |
| ESPN Bet | 2023 | Yes |
| Fanatics | Jan. 2024 | Yes |
| FanDuel | Jan. 2021 | Yes |
| Hard Rock Bet | Aug. 2024 | Yes |
What can't you bet on in Virginia?
Virginia sports betting offers a strong range of markets, but it still comes with clear restrictions shaped by state regulation. While bettors can access major leagues and events, certain categories are not permitted through licensed sportsbooks, which can limit options depending on what you are looking to wager on.
Here are some of the main betting categories that are not allowed in Virginia:
- Local college teams: Betting on Virginia based college teams such as the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech is not permitted at regulated sportsbooks.
- College betting restrictions: Player props and live betting on college sports are not allowed, even for games involving out of state teams.
- Online casino gaming: While retail casinos are now operating in Virginia, online casino gambling is still not legal or regulated.
- Non sporting events: Markets like political elections, award shows, and entertainment outcomes are excluded, as they fall outside traditional sports betting.
These limitations are common across regulated markets, but they can leave gaps for bettors looking for more variety. At OnlineSportsBetting, we provide detailed offshore sportsbook reviews so you can compare trusted platforms that offer additional markets, including college props, entertainment betting, and other options not available in Virginia.
Who can legally bet in Virginia?
Now that we have covered the restrictions, let’s look at what bettors are allowed to do in this well established market. At OnlineSportsBetting, we have seen how Virginia combines a competitive sportsbook lineup with clear regulations, making it easy to get started as long as you meet a few key requirements.
Here are the main rules that apply to legal sports betting in Virginia:
- Legal age: You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Virginia, which is standard across regulated U.S. markets.
- Mobile betting: Online wagering is fully legal and widely used, allowing bettors to place bets from anywhere within state lines through licensed apps.
- Retail sportsbooks: In-person betting is also available at select casino locations, offering a more social and traditional sportsbook experience.
- Remote registration: You can sign up, verify your identity, and begin betting entirely online without needing to visit a physical location.
- Taxable winnings: All gambling winnings must be reported as income at both the federal and state level, meaning bettors are responsible for paying taxes on any profits.
Latest Virginia Betting News
May 15, 2025 11:38 AM
DraftKings CEO Says Company Continues to Monitor California Sports Betting Future
Latest Virginia Legal Betting Updates
Mar 25, 2026 12:37 PM
Virginia's sports betting operators set a new record, generating $87 million in revenue in January.
Virginia sports betting timeline
2026 — Digital-First Market Continues Strong Growth
Virginia remains a leading mobile betting state, with consistent activity across multiple online operators.
2025 — Competitive Online Market Maintains Momentum
Licensed sportsbooks continued operating statewide, offering a broad range of betting options.
2024 — Market Expands with Additional Operators
Virginia continued adding new operators, increasing competition within its online-focused system.
2023 — Mobile Betting Continues Driving Market Activity
Online wagering remained the dominant form of betting, supported by strong user adoption
Virginia sportsbooks & casinos
Virginia law allows up to five cities to host casino developments, following legislation approved in 2020. Progress has varied by location, with several projects now operational and others still in development. As of 2026, the state has a mix of fully open casinos, temporary facilities, and ongoing construction projects tied to future resort expansions.
Here is the current status of casinos across Virginia:
- Caesars Virginia (Danville): Opened in late 2024 as a full scale casino resort, offering gaming, dining, and an on site sportsbook.
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol: Operating as a permanent resort as of 2024, following an earlier temporary facility launched in 2022.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: Opened in January 2023 as the first full service casino in Virginia, featuring a sportsbook and full gaming floor.
Projects still in development or pending:
- HeadWaters Resort & Casino (Norfolk): Currently under development, with construction ongoing and opening expected in the coming years.
- Richmond casino project: No active development, as proposals have been rejected by voters, leaving the city without an approved casino as of 2026.
Betting on Virginia teams
Virginia offers a unique betting landscape shaped more by college sports than professional franchises. While the state does not have teams in the major U.S. leagues, its proximity to Washington DC and Baltimore means many bettors follow teams from nearby markets. At the same time, in-state college programs like the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies drive strong local interest, especially during football season and March Madness.
Football
Football leads the way in Virginia betting activity, with heavy interest in both NFL and college games. Many bettors follow nearby pro teams, while college football remains a major draw thanks to programs like Virginia and Virginia Tech, particularly during the fall and bowl season.
Basketball
Basketball plays a central role in the state, driven by competitive college programs and strong engagement during March Madness. Teams like Virginia, VCU, and George Mason regularly attract betting attention, especially during the NCAA Tournament.
Baseball
Baseball provides steady betting opportunities throughout the year, thanks to its long regular season and daily schedule. Even without a local MLB team, Virginia bettors stay active by wagering on national matchups and futures markets.
Combat sports
UFC and boxing events generate consistent interest, with fight cards taking place throughout the year. From major headline bouts to smaller promotions, combat sports offer regular betting opportunities beyond traditional team sports.
Virginia betting revenue statistics
Virginia’s sports betting market has shown consistent growth since launch, with strong year over year increases in total handle. In 2022, bettors wagered around $4.9 billion across the state. That figure climbed to approximately $5.59 billion in 2023, marking a 13.7 percent increase and highlighting the growing popularity of Virginia sports betting.
Momentum continued into 2024, with steady monthly activity throughout the year and typical seasonal spikes during football season. For example, July 2024 saw about $377.6 million in wagers, a quieter summer period compared to the much higher volumes seen in the fall. By 2025, the market continued trending upward, with annual handle estimates pushing beyond $6 billion as more operators entered the space and user engagement remained strong.
These figures underline a market that is still expanding, driven by mobile accessibility and consistent demand across major sports. With football continuing to anchor peak betting periods and other leagues contributing year round, Virginia remains one of the more active and mature betting markets as of 2026.
Other betting types in Virginia
Casino gaming
Casino gaming is legal in Virginia, following legislation passed in 2020 that allowed for the development of land based casinos in select cities. Several properties are now open, offering traditional games such as blackjack, roulette, slots, and poker, with more developments still in progress. However, online casino gaming is not currently regulated in the state as of 2026.
Horse racing betting
Horse racing is also permitted in Virginia, with options available both in person and online. Bettors can visit racetracks and off track betting locations, or use licensed advance deposit wagering platforms to place bets remotely. This provides flexibility for those who want to follow races from across the country.
Lottery and DFS
The Virginia Lottery is widely available, offering scratch off tickets, daily draw games, and national jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. Daily fantasy sports is also legal and has been since 2016, making Virginia one of the earlier states to regulate DFS. These options complement sports betting and provide additional ways for residents to engage with gambling in the state.
Sports betting rules in other US states
Looking to place bets in states outside of Virginia? Take a look at this comprehensive guide:
Find the full list of states with legalized gambling in the US.
Responsible gaming in Virginia
If you or someone you care about needs help controlling their betting habits, assistance is available. We've compiled some of the best Virginia-based and nationwide services below:
Local
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) (https://vcpg.net/): A statewide organization offering confidential assistance for individuals struggling with gambling issues, including a 24/7 helpline and access to resources.
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) (https://dbhds.virginia.gov/): Provides a range of services and support for individuals dealing with problem gambling, including prevention programs and treatment referrals throughout Virginia.
- VACPG Helpline: Residents in Virginia struggling with problem gambling can call 1-888-532-3500 to get connected to resources.
National
- Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/): A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/): The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
- 24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/): A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
