Sports Betting in Virginia 2025

Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?

You’ve landed on our Virginia sports betting page, where we cover the latest updates on the state’s betting laws and revisit the path to legalisation. Online gambling in Virginia officially became legal on April 22, 2020, when Governor Ralph Northam amended the first bill, opening the door for sports enthusiasts to begin wagering.

Top 5 Virginia online betting sites

Even with more than a dozen licensed sports betting apps available in Virginia, many residents still prefer to bet with offshore sportsbooks. Why? These platforms often offer bigger bonuses, fewer restrictions, and access to betting markets that go beyond what you’ll find on regulated U.S. apps.

If you’re in Virginia and looking for better odds, faster crypto payouts, and full access from anywhere in the state — no app downloads or geo-fencing — these five sportsbooks are trusted and widely used by players across the Commonwealth.

BetOnline

Year launched: 2001

Why Virginia players love it:

BetOnline has earned a loyal following thanks to its combination of sharp betting lines, early odds, and exceptional crypto support. Whether you’re betting on the Commanders, Cavaliers, or Champions League, BetOnline offers one of the most complete sportsbooks in the offshore world. It’s especially popular among seasoned bettors in Virginia who value high betting limits and fast Bitcoin withdrawals.

Key highlights:

• Early lines for major U.S. and international sports
• Massive prop bet selection and sharp live betting tools
• Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more
• Full-featured casino, poker, and racebook built-in

Welcome bonus: 50% up to $250

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

BetUS

Year launched: 1994 (online since early 2000s)

Why it’s a great choice in VA:

BetUS delivers a flashy, full-service betting experience with one of the most generous bonus packages in the game. Beyond the sportsbook, BetUS offers in-depth betting previews and video content via BetUS TV — perfect for Virginia bettors who like a little extra insight before placing their wagers. It’s a standout option for anyone who enjoys high-end presentation and top-tier customer rewards.

Key highlights:

• 125% welcome bonus with crypto options
• Live in-game betting and esports coverage
• Excellent VIP program and player perks
• Casino, table games, and sports all in one hub

Welcome bonus: 125% sports bonus up to $3,125

Bonus:

225% up to $3,125

Bet now

BetNow

Year launched: 2016

Why Virginians like it:

BetNow is a rising favorite among casual and recreational bettors in Virginia. It offers a no-frills betting interface with competitive odds and straightforward crypto deposit options. If you want a clean, easy-to-use sportsbook without the clutter, BetNow delivers — and their regular promos keep things interesting without overwhelming you with gimmicks.

Key highlights:

• Fast account setup and simple dashboard
• NFL, NBA, college sports, and horse racing markets
• Competitive odds and weekly promotions
• Reliable payouts, especially with Bitcoin

Welcome bonus: 25% up to a maximum of $250

Bonus:

125% up to $2,500 in free bets

Bet now

MyBookie

Year launched: 2014

Why Virginia bettors choose it:

MyBookie has a reputation for combining sharp odds with a smooth user experience. The platform is ideal for both beginners and experienced bettors who want reliable performance and clean navigation. It covers all major sports — from March Madness to MLB and UFC — and offers regular contests, odds boosts, and crypto incentives.

Key highlights:

• Trusted sportsbook with responsive mobile site
• Odds for major U.S. leagues and niche sports
• Frequent reload bonuses and seasonal promotions
• Crypto deposits accepted with fast processing

Welcome bonus: 50% up to $1,000

Bonus:

100% up to $1,000

Bet now

Bovada

Year launched: 2011 (successor of Bodog)

Why it remains a top option in Virginia:

Bovada is one of the most well-known offshore sportsbooks among U.S. bettors — and for good reason. With a massive betting selection that includes politics, entertainment, props, and live markets, it’s the go-to for Virginia players looking for variety. Bovada also features a clean mobile interface, fast Bitcoin withdrawals, and a thriving online poker room.

Key highlights:

• Huge variety of lines: from NFL to reality TV
• Integrated sportsbook, casino, racebook, and poker
• Seamless mobile experience without an app
• Fast crypto payouts with high reliability

Welcome bonus: 50% up to $250

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Legal Sportsbooks in Virginia

Sports betting has been fully legal in Virginia since 2020, with the market officially launching in January 2021. Unlike some states with limited options, Virginia offers a competitive landscape of privately operated, licensed sportsbooks. Mobile betting is widely available and does not require visiting a retail location, making it easy for residents to place bets from anywhere in the state.

The table below highlights several of the most well-known sportsbook apps in Virginia, but it is not an exhaustive list. Other operators — including Betr, ESPN BET, and additional brands licensed in 2025 — are also live and serving bettors across the Commonwealth. Together, they provide a convenient, regulated, and feature-rich online betting experience.

Virginia Sports Betting Quick Facts

Virginia legalized sports betting in April 2020, with the first online sportsbooks launching in January 2021. Since then, the state has developed a robust and accessible betting environment. Unlike some states with limited options, Virginia offers a competitive landscape of privately operated, licensed sportsbooks. Mobile betting is widely available and does not require visiting a retail location, making it easy for residents to place bets from anywhere in the state. With several top-tier sportsbook apps now live, bettors in Virginia enjoy a convenient, regulated, and feature-rich online betting experience.

Virginia’s Betting Landscape – Legal, Accessible, and Competitive

Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, officially launching its market in early 2021. Unlike states with government-run monopolies, Virginia embraced a competitive model from the start, licensing a range of private sportsbook operators. Bettors enjoy full mobile access without needing to visit a physical location — a major advantage for convenience and flexibility. With multiple apps available and strong consumer protections in place, Virginia’s sports betting scene is modern, regulated, and user-friendly.

Why Some Virginia Bettors Still Consider Offshore Sportsbooks

Even with a well-regulated market, some Virginia bettors turn to offshore sportsbooks for added flexibility. While the legal apps offer plenty of features, offshore platforms can sometimes provide sharper odds, faster crypto payouts, and access to markets that aren’t always available on licensed platforms, like political betting or international events.

What Offshore Sportsbooks Offer That Virginia Operators May Not

Here’s where offshore sites can still appeal to certain bettors:

• Crypto-Friendly Payouts – Offshore sportsbooks often support Bitcoin and other fast, private payment methods.
• Fewer Restrictions – Offshore sites usually allow bets on entertainment, politics, and other categories not permitted in the U.S.
• Higher Limits – For high-stakes bettors, offshore books may offer larger maximum bets.
• Privacy and Anonymity – Many offshore sites don’t require the same level of personal data or geolocation tracking.
• Bonus Variety – Promotions, reload bonuses, and free bets may be more frequent or generous.

Virginia’s Regulated Betting – The Upsides and Trade-Offs

While the regulated market is strong overall, there are still a few limitations:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to legally bet.
• Verification: Identity verification and geolocation are required to place a bet.
• Restricted Bet Types: Wagers on Virginia college teams are not allowed.
• Payment Options: Crypto payments are not supported by legal sportsbooks.

Who Can Bet in Virginia?

• Minimum Age: 21 years old
• Location: You must be physically located within Virginia’s borders (geolocation required)
• Residency: Not required — visitors can legally bet in-state
• Prohibited Participants: Certain industry insiders and individuals on self-exclusion lists are banned from betting

Bottom Line: Virginia Offers One of the Nation’s Strongest Legal Betting Markets

Thanks to its competitive licensing model and mobile-first access, Virginia is one of the more advanced states for legal sports betting. For most users, the regulated sportsbooks provide a secure and seamless experience. But for those who want additional features like crypto support or fewer restrictions, reputable offshore sportsbooks remain a viable — though unregulated — alternative.

Whether it’s the NFL, NBA, or you fancy your chances on Virginia horse racing betting, we will cover it all on this page. For those bettors that prefer wagering in-person, we’ll list all the land-based betting facilities and casinos operating in the state as well. On top of that, we’ll go into detail about the various offshore bookmakers, giving details about each and directing you towards the very best.

For any of our readers who are from other states, we’ve created a page with the complete list of US betting laws, as well as pages for each state. Also, check out the best sports betting apps in Virginia.

Virginia Sports Betting – Recent Updates

• June 2025 — Handle dropped seasonally to $477.8 million, still 15% higher than June 2024. Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) was $57.1 million and tax collection was $8.7 million.
• February 8, 2024 — Virginia’s sports betting handle slightly decreased to $633.18 million in December, marking a 0.8% decline from November but showing a significant 25% year-over-year increase.
• January 29, 2024 — SB 142, a sports betting bill allowing wagers on in-state college teams, successfully passed through the gaming sub-committee of the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee.
• January 23, 2024 — Gaming company IGT signed a three-year contract extension with the Virginia Lottery. As part of the agreement, IGT will replace 5,500 lottery terminals with IGT machines and implement other improvements.
• January 23, 2024 — Some Virginia lawmakers are reportedly planning to introduce legislation that would legalize skill games.
• January 16, 2024 — Virginia Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg introduced a new bill, SB 142, aimed at allowing betting on in-state college sports teams. This practice is currently prohibited in all instances.

Six Reasons to Bet on These Virginia Betting Sites

For those bettors and sports enthusiasts that feel it would be interesting to work with Virginia betting sites, we’d strongly recommend taking a look at our list of things to look out for when selecting a top-tier provider. If you prefer the gambling casinos in Virginia beach, keep reading. But, if online sports betting in Virginia is your gig, here are six of the most important aspects of a bookmaker to look out for when selecting a provider.

List Of Casinos In Virginia

As of 2025, several casinos are already open and operating in Virginia, marking a major shift in the state’s gaming landscape. These venues offer full-service casino gaming alongside sports betting, creating new entertainment hubs across the Commonwealth:

• Caesars Virginia (Danville) – Permanently opened December 17, 2024
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol – Grand opening on November 14, 2024
• Rivers Casino Portsmouth – Open since January 23, 2023

Virginia’s casino market is still young but already features three fully operational resorts. With more projects on the way, these openings have established the foundation for one of the fastest-growing gambling markets on the East Coast.

Virginia Sports Betting Timeline

2025

Virginia sports betting market expands with record growth and new casino openings

Virginia’s sports betting handle reached new highs in early 2025, with January wagers surpassing $736 million, a 12.8% year-over-year increase. Seasonal fluctuations continued throughout the year, but overall revenue and tax collections remained strong, cementing Virginia’s place as one of the most active betting states on the East Coast. On the casino front, Caesars Virginia in Danville and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol both opened their permanent facilities in late 2024, giving Virginia residents and visitors three fully operational casinos by 2025 when combined with Rivers Casino Portsmouth.

2024

Virginia betting market grows and first full-scale casinos open

Sports betting continued to grow steadily in Virginia throughout 2024, with the state posting year-over-year gains in nearly every month. In December, wagers exceeded $734 million, a 16% increase compared to 2023. The year was also historic for casino gaming in the state: Rivers Casino Portsmouth completed its first full year of operations, while Caesars Virginia (Danville) and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol celebrated their grand openings in November and December. These milestones marked Virginia’s transition from an online-only market to a hybrid model with both digital and land-based casino options.

2023

Virginia’s notable sports betting surge and casino construction update

Virginia experiences a significant surge in sports betting activity as the handle reaches $638 million in November, marking a 23% year-over-year increase and an 11.7% rise from October. Additionally, construction for the proposed HeadWaters Resort and Casino in Norfolk is anticipated to commence in early 2024.

2022

Virginia’s sports betting landscape in 2022

In 2022, Virginia maintains its legal sports betting framework established in previous years. The state continues to permit online and mobile sports betting platforms, contributing to a growing and regulated betting environment.

2021

Sports betting launches in Virginia Jan. 21

The state has joined Tennessee as an online-only sports betting state, with the market expanding into nine online bookmakers, including top-tier brands like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. With the plan to open up to 12-sportsbooks in the near future, meeting the state limit for registered online bookmakers.

2020

A study bill indicates a huge economic opportunity for the state.

Virginia hopes to allow for sports betting in the state to take advantage of the state tax income by supporting wagering. A house bill and Senate bill quickly passes through the chambers. The bill goes to Gov. Ralph Northam, including a concession for NASCAR, then went back to the Assembly, where lawmakers accepted the governor’s changes and allowed the bill to become law.

Chris Boline

Chris Boline is a renowned sports journalist with a lifelong passion for the industry. Originally from Reno, Nevada, he is a key business development figure in college athletics, with over a decade of experience with the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and Mountain West Conference. Boline holds an MBA from the University of Nevada. He has received MVP an...

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