The Commonwealth of Virginia launched online sports betting beginning in January of 2021. Here is a complete list of every online sportsbook available to bettors in-state sorted alphabetically.
- Bally Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- SI Sportsbook
- Unibet
- WynnBET
This guide fills you in on all things sports betting in Virginia, ranging from sports betting education, local rules and guidelines regarding sports wagering, and how you can get started on placing bets on sports in the Commonwealth.
Contents
- Sports Betting Education
- State Sportsbooks
- Best Sports Betting Apps in Virginia
- Recent Sports Betting News in Virginia
- How to Place a Sports Bet in Virginia
- Virginia Betting Markets By Professional Sport
- Betting on Pro Sports Teams
- Virginia State Betting Restrictions
- Virginia Online Sports Betting FAQ
- Virginia Casinos
- Best Sports Bars for Betting in New Jersey
- More on Virginia Sports Betting
Sports Betting Education 101
New to sports betting, you’ve come to the right place.
BetSided is all about connecting with every kind of sports bettor; ranging from those who wager every day to others wanting to experience the fun of wagering on games for the first time.
Our Sports Betting Education section includes all sorts of articles to help you get started.
That’s just the beginning!. Visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel below for video breakdowns and information regarding betting on specific types of sports.
Virginia Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
While the Virginia General Assembly and Senate approved sports betting in March of 2020, it didn’t officially launch until the beginning of 2021.
Senate Bill 394, along with House Bill 896 allowed full state-wide sports wagering for mobile users, as well as a select number of brick and mortar sportsbooks. After Governor Northam sent back amendments to the bill, the bills were approved and placed into law in April 2020.
Tax Rates in Virginia
Virginia’s tax rate, along with its licensing fees come in at 15% of gross gaming revenue. So far, 14 sportsbook operators have entered into the fold with Virginia law allowing for up to 18 sportsbook licenses in total.
The principal application is a non-refundable $50,000 fee per principal, with $125,000 for a sports betting platform.
Virginia Sportsbooks
- Bally Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- SI Sportsbook
- Unibet
- WynnBET
Best Sports Betting App in Virginia
Bally Bet App
Bettors may recognize the name from the local regional sports networks, as Bally has integrated lots of betting coverage into their content. The app offers intriguing bonuses, a good rewards program and makes the user experience very easy and straightforward.
GRADE: A
Barstool Sportsbook App
GRADE: B
Betway Sportsbook App
GRADE: B
BetMGM Sportsbook App
BetMGM’s mobile app is easy to navigate for betting on games, but getting to player prop screens may be a bit more difficult than options such as DraftKings. However, BetMGM is super clean to use, and the betslip is very easy to access. It is also available for both iPhone and Android.
Grade: A-
BetRivers Sportsbook App
BetRivers has a solid betslip functionality, and it is also easy to withdraw your money at BetRivers, which is obviously important. BetRivers also offers slightly less promos to the quality of some of its competitors. It is also available for both iPhone and Android.
Grade: B+
Caesars Sportsbook App
The Caesars app is available for both iPhone and Android, and the bet slip is very interactive. The drop down menu is very easy to use, and there are several same-game parlay options available.
Grade: A
DraftKings Sportsbook App
DraftKings Sportsbook is also available for both iPhone and Android, and it offers a ton of different options for each major sport. The betslip is easy to navigate, and the odds on the same-game parlay feature make it easier to choose picks.
Grade: A
FanDuel Sportsbook App
FanDuel Sportsbook is also available for both iPhone and Android, and it is very smooth moving and quick to navigate the entire app. FanDuel’s cash out feature is also one of the best in the business.
Grade: A
Golden Nugget App
GRADE: B+
Hard Rock Sportsbook App
GRADE: B+
PointsBet Sportsbook App
The interface for PointsBet is really fast, which is always great for bettors looking to place a wager quickly before a game. It is also available for both iPhone and Android, and it has the dark-mode available as well. PointsBet isn’t as data dense, but it still is a solid app to use.
Grade: A-
SI Sportsbook App
GRADE: B
Unibet App
GRADE: B+
WynnBET Sportsbook App
WynnBET Sportsbook has an easy navigation, with each sport and the league’s logo at the top of the page. WynnBET doesn’t offer as many props at times, but its Build Your Own Bet feature is very comprehensive for same-game parlays. It is also available for both iPhone and Android.
Grade: A-
All of these apps are great options, and our team recommends taking advantage of several of their different promo options and testing them out to see which app best fits your needs and what you desire when betting on sports. Everyone’s preferences are going to be different, so there is no harm in testing several out.
Recent Sports Betting News in Virginia
- July 2022: DC Sports Betting Down as Virginia Sports Betting Kicks Off
The District of Columbia’s sports betting handle was down more than 20% from $17.23 million dollars to just under $14 million in the month of June. This is largely due to Virginia’s ability to reach many in the state who had placed bets previously in D.C.
- July 2022: Virginia opens its first retail sportsbook as Hard Rock opened at a temporary casino based in Bristol.
How to Place a Sports Bet in Virginia
Placing a sports bet in Virginia state is a very easy and straightforward process; once you sign up for the app(s) of your choice.
To sign up, users will need register with the following information and personal details:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Username/User ID
- Password
- Last four digits of Social Security Number
- Phone Number
- Home Address
After being prompted for security questions and confirming you are at least 21 years of age, users can deposit into the account and get ready to start betting.
Step-by-Step Process for Virginia Online Sports Betting
Once you have created your account and deposited, you can navigate through the sportsbook to place your wager.
For example, if you want to bet on an NBA playoff game, here is the step-by-step process at WynnBET Sportsbook.
Step 1: Select the game you would like to bet on
Step 2: Select the wager you’d like to make, in this scenario, we are taking the Warriors -5.5.
Step 3: Select your bet amount and place your bet.
Details of Virginia’s Sports Betting Law
With sports betting available in Virginia, there are a select number of rules in place for bettors in the state.
Similar to other states, you cannot bet on in-state college teams from Virginia, even if they are playing in another state. These teams include: Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU, Richmond, George Mason, James Madison, Liberty, Radford, Hampton, Longwood, Norfolk State, College of William & Mary, and VMI.
Bettors can wager on college sporting events taking place in Virginia, so long as no in-state teams are participating in those games.
Bettors can still can still gamble on the NFL, CFL, NBA, WNBA, European/international basketball leagues, MLB, NHL, international hockey leagues, MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA European, IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One, Boxing, Tennis and NCAAF and NCAAB.
Virginia Betting Markets: NFL, NBA, NHL and More
Popular Virginia Events
- Super Bowl/NFL Playoffs
- NBA Finals/NBA Playoffs
- World Series/MLB Playoffs
- Stanley Cup Finals/NHL Playoffs
- NCAA Tournament (non-VA teams)
- College Football Playoff
- The Masters / PGA Championship / U.S. Open / The Open Championship
Common Types of Bets/Terms
Point Spreads
The point spread in the margin of victory in a game. A team must win or lose by a specific number of points in order to cover the point spread and win the bet.
Example: If you wanted to bet on the Washington Commanders to cover a spread as 4.5-point favorites, they need to win the game five or more points for your bet to cash.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is simply choosing the winner of a sporting event regardless of the point spread. You can choose the favorite or underdog to win the game.
This is pretty straightforward, as if you bet a moneyline on any team, all you need is a win. The Washington Nationals have struggled to do that for their fans and bettors this year, so hopefully Virginia bettors have been leaning with different squads.
OVER/UNDER and Total Bets
An over/under or total is a bet on the total points scored in a sporting event. Over/unders are also used on prop bets.
Want to be on the total points in the Washington Wizards' season opener? A total is the way to go.
Parlay
A parlay is a bet where multiple wagers are linked together in order to increase the odds on the payout. Every leg (bet) in the parlay must hit in order for it to win.
An all Washington parlay? That could be fun. The Wizards and Commanders could be a fun combo once the NFL and NBA seasons start.
Prop Bet
A prop bet is any bet placed on a game that is not not directly affecting the game's final outcome. This can include player props as well as game props.
Want to bet on Bradley Beal's points? What about Carson Wentz's passing yards? That's where prop bets come in handy.
Most Popular Sports to Bet On
The most popular sports to bet on in Virginia include football, basketball, baseball and hockey.
The NFL is king in the sports betting world, but college sports have also been a strong betting market since the beginning of legalized online sports betting in Virginia.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Virginia
Daily Fantasy Sports are deemed games of skill rather than games of chance in Virginia, therefore making them legal under state law. Furthermore, the state of Virginia was actually the first in the country to pass pro-DFS legislation back in 2016.
Betting on Pro Sports Teams in Virginia
While none of the major professional sports teams play in the state of Virginia, fans traditionally tend to back teams in the Washington D.C and surrounding area. This includes the following:
NFL Betting in Virginia
- Washington Commanders
The Commanders are looking to get back to the playoffs after a down season in 2021. Carson Wentz takes over at quarterback this season for Ron Rivera's squad.
NBA Betting in Virginia
- Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal is back for the long haul, which is a good sign for the Wizards, who are looking to get back in the playoff mix in the near future.
NHL Betting in Virginia
- Washington Capitals
The Capitals are a perennial playoff team, and likely will be as long as Alex Ovechkin remains on the roster.
MLB Betting in Virginia
- Washington Nationals
Things have been better for Nats fans. Juan Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres this season, adn the team faces a long rebuild ahead.
Statewide Restrictions
In-state collegiate teams are not available to be bet on in Virginia. That includes college teams such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU, Richmond and George Mason.
As for in-state collegiate events, bettors can partake in wagering on those events, providing the local collegiate teams are not participating.
Other Virginia Teams to Bet On
There are several other sports teams in the Virginia/Washington D.C. area that fans can wager on, including the Washington Mystics (WNBA), D.C. United (MLS soccer), Defenders (XFL), and many others.
Betting on College Football in Virginia
Residents in the state of Virginia can bet on college football, as long as the wager is:
- Placed on a team that is not an in-state college
- Placed in-person on an in-state collegiate team
Games that are outside of the state and don’t involve in-state teams are fair game for bettors.
Teams unavailable to wager on include: Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU, Richmond, George Mason, James Madison, Liberty, Radford, Hampton, Longwood, Norfolk State, College of William & Mary and VMI.
Betting on College Basketball in Virginia
Similar to football, betting on college basketball in Virginia is allowed, as long as it does not involve a local in-state college. Betting on tournament events is OK in Virginia provided a local school is not participating.
Virginia Online Sports Betting FAQ
Did Virginia Legalize Sports Betting?
Yes! Virginia has allowed legal sports betting since January of 2021.
Can I Bet Online on My Phone in Virginia?
You bet! Betting online via mobile app can be done using any of the following apps and sportsbooks listed here.
- Bally Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- SI Sportsbook
- Unibet
- WynnBET
How old do I have to be to Bet and Play on Virginia’s Legal Sportsbook Apps?
Bettors must be 21 years of age or older to bet on Virginia's legal sportsbook apps.
Can I bet on my local College Football Team?
If your local college football team resides in the state of Virginia, then no, you cannot bet on them in-state.
What Payment Options Can I Use for Betting in Virginia?
You can deposit money into your sports betting account by way of credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, prepaid cards, and, in some cases, cash.
Virginia Casinos
Here are all the physical sportsbook locations for online sportsbooks.
- BetRivers (Rush Street Gaming - Portsmouth)
- Caesars Sportsbook (Caesars - Danville)
- WynnBET (NASCAR - Martinsville, Richmond)
- Hard Rock Sportsbook (Hard Rock - Bristol)
Best Sports Bars for Betting in Virginia (Virginia Beach, Arlington, Roanoke, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond)
- Crystal City Sports Pub, Arlington
- Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse, Virginia Beach
- Home Team Grill, Richmond
- First Down Sports Bar, Arlington
- Paul’s Deli and Restaurant, Williamsburg
- Martin’s Downtown, Roanoke
- The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Billiards, Lynchburg
- LongShots Billiards and Darts, Chesapeake
- Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, Portsmouth
Common Payment Options
- PayPal
- ACH/eCheck
- Prepaid Card
- PayNearMe
- Cash @ Cage([Casino])
- Check
Sports Betting Quirks in Virginia
No real major quirks exist currently in Virginia besides the inability to bet on local college teams in-state. However, with the Washington Commanders looking for a new stadium deal over the next several years, Virginia could be very lucrative due to the state’s embrace of legal sports gambling.
How Sports Betting Works in Washington D.C.
The District of Columbia was the first between Virginia, D.C. and Maryland to legalize sports betting in the Beltway. Unfortunately, their initial rollout through the sportsbook wing of the D.C. Lottery, GambetDC has been a disaster.
Fortunately, several more online sportsbook operators, including BetMGM, Caesars, and others are now available in-state via mobile app.
State-to-State Differences for Neighboring State(s) to Virginia
DC allows for all bets on professional and college teams, but does not allow for wagers on horse racing, as well as any college game taking place within D.C. proper.
Virginia does not allow for bets on in-state college games and teams. Bettors can wager on college games taking place in the state, as long as those in-state teams are not participating.
Final Thoughts on Betting in Virginia
Virginia has embraced sports betting from the very beginning, offering up lots of competition in the market with several mobile sportsbooks available, as well as several brick and mortar locations to follow.
Ultimately, between the availability of odds and action, Virginia is set up to continue to be a very profitable enterprise for sports betting providers for many years to come.