Sports Betting

Virginia Online Sports Betting Details: Sportsbook Bonus Options & Mobile Betting Apps


SPORTS BETTING APPS IN VIRGINIA

The commonwealth of Virginia is one of the latest states to legalize sports betting, and it was officially live as of January 21, 2021. The first sportsbook to launch in the state was FanDuel Sportsbook, but DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM were soon to follow along with BetRivers. Virginia is a massive state in terms of political pull, as it is considered in the southern band of states that were unlikely to pass legal sports betting. This bodes well for the future of sports betting in neighboring states, and of course a large selection of bettors can now wager on sports in the state. Let’s take a look at sportsbooks available, who will be available in the state going forward, and more.

Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, states across the country have been having somewhat of a “rat race” to get sports betting legalized and legislated. With that said, certain states were not thought of to have the political background to allow sports betting. Times have certainly changed though, as the state of Virginia is inching closer to having legal sports betting in the state. Not only will bettors be able to wager on sports betting from their own mobile devices and computers, but there are talks that the state will open at least five casinos which was previously unheard of in Virginia. Let’s take a look at when betting will be available in Virginia, where bettors can expect to wager, and more.

Virginia Launches Online Sports Betting in January 2021

As of January 21st, 2021, legal sports betting in the state of Virginia is official. FanDuel Sportsbook was the first app to launch, but others have launched since then to provide options for bettors in the state. More information can be found on the VA Lottery page for the details on legal sports betting.

Sports betting was technically “legalized” in Virginia, as it passed on July 1, 2020 per HB 896 and SB 384. It has taken a few years, but the law permits legal sports betting officially and bets were first taken in January 2021.

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Virginia Sports Betting Apps

There will be up to 12 mobile-only licenses in total, which leaves plenty of room for big name sportsbook operators in Virginia. Expect to see the following legal sportsbooks in Virginia, if they are not live already.

With at least five land-based casinos likely to be opened in Virginia, there will be plenty of branding opportunties for online sportsbook operators to either partner or offer mobile-only.

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

As one of the clear leaders in the space, DraftKings Sportsbook ranks in the top two in terms of total handle and downloads in nearly all states that it is legal in. DraftKings Sportsbook is known for its odds boosts, aesthetics, and a live-betting feature that is second to none. DraftKings Sportsbook was one of first sports betting platforms available in Virginia.

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first sportsbook to launch in the state of Virginia, and it had a leg up on others in terms of capturing initial market share in the state. FanDuel Sportsbook is a fan favorite, and is right along with DraftKings in terms of being top two in every state in which it takes bets. FanDuel has an easy-to-use app, generous welcome bonuses, and is one of the more recognizable gaming brands in the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia

BetMGM Sportsbook was the third legal sports betting app to launch in Virginia. While BetMGM is behind DraftKings and FanDuel on the totem pole, it is one of the older brands in gaming in the US and certainly has its fair share of the sports betting landscape. BetMGM is known for having some of the best lines on the prop market.

Where Can I Bet in Virginia?

With the legal sports betting bills in Virginia, there will be plenty of places to bet on sports in the state. There will be casinos built in:

  • Richmond
  • Danville
  • Norkfolk
  • Portsmouth
  • Bristol

These five casinos plus Colonial Downs racetrack and pro sports venues (Washington Football team, maybe) in the state would present physical locations to wage on sports. In addition, four online sportsbooks are available as of February 2021 and there will be 12 mobile-only operator licenses would would allow Virginia residents and visitors to wager from their own computers or mobile devices anywhere in the state.

As of January 2021, bettors can wager effectively anywhere in the state of Virginia with the launch of DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and more.

When Can I Bet on Sports in Virginia?

While legally, sports betting in Virginia was allowed as of July 1, 2020, wagers were not taken until January 2021. With a full list of regulations, there were rules that have to be followed for the state, bettors, platforms, data providers, and more. The Virginia Lottery Board will be the overseer for legal sports betting apps, which first launched in 2021. Here is a look at four apps that are available already in Virginia.

SportsbookLaunch Date
DraftKings SportsbookJanuary 2021
FanDuel Sportsbook VirginiaJanuary 2021
BetMGM SportsbookJanuary 2021
BetRivers SportsbookJanuary 2021

What Sports Can I Bet in Virginia?

With the only exception being in-state college teams as prohibited, Virginia offers the following sports to wager on:

  • Auto Racing
  • Baseball
  • Basketball (Pro and College)
  • Bowling
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • eSports
  • Football (Pro and College)
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • Olympics
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Virginia Sports Teams to Bet On

Oddly enough, there are no professional sports teams in Virginia but there are plenty of professional programs that are associated with Washington, DC…which a large number of Virginians live and work. The only restrictions in Virginia will be the inability to bet on Virginia college teams, college props, and in-game college sports betting. This unfortunately means no wagering on Virginia, VCU, or Virginia Tech basketball. Here is a list of the professional teams that are most associated with Virginia that most bettors in the state will wager on.

  • Washington Football Team – NFL
  • Washington Wizards – NBA
  • Washington Nationals – MLB
  • Washington Capitals – NHL
  • DC United Soccer Club – MLS

With the restrictions on college betting, that hinders some of the teams for Virginians to wager on but not all of them. With Virginia being in ACC country, they can still wager on plenty of ACC basketball and football, among other sports.

What Types of Bets Can I Place in Virginia?

Legal sportsbooks in Virginia offer the following types of bets, available at all sportsbooks in the state.

  • Moneylines
  • Totals
  • Spreads
  • Parlays and Teasers
  • Props (except on college teams)
  • Futures
  • Live In-Game Betting (except on college sports)
  • and more!

How to bet on sports in Virginia

After launch of the legal sportsbooks in the state, it has become very easy to bet on sports in Virginia. You will need to complete a few steps in order to place legal sports bets, but that is customary across all states. Here are a few steps to take in order to sign up and bet at legal sportsbooks in the state.

Step 1: Choose your favorite sportsbook

Choose your favorite sportsbook to play at, as there are many options. You will be able to select one (or more) of the following to play at, including:

  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • PointsBet
  • BetMGM Sportsbook

Step 2: Register to sign up

To sign up, you will need to provide some personal details in order register for an account. When registering, here is the information that is likely needed to create an account:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Email Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Last four of SSN, and other information.

This information is needed to ensure you are 21 years of age or older and eligible to wager on sports in Virginia.

Step 3: Deposit

Depositing is how you can fund your sportsbook account, and how you can wager on sports legally in the state. To deposit, you will just need to click “Deposit” on your sportsbook, then choose a monetary amount. Remember, there are many types of welcome bonuses that will be tied to your first deposit including deposit matches, risk-free bets and more.

Step 4: Place your bet

After you deposit, you will be able to place your first wager and start betting on sports in Virginia. To do this, there are a few steps.

  • Select your sport
  • Select your betting market, such as who will win the Heisman Trophy
  • Select your wager, such as Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler
  • Input your wager amount
  • Click submit, and you have placed your first bet!

How Can I Deposit Money at Virginia Sportsbooks?

Some of the following deposit methods are available for legal sportsbooks in Virginia. See your favorite sportsbook for official methods of payment.

  • Cashier’s Cage in person
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • Bank Transfers
  • Prepaid Casino Cards
  • PayPal
  • NETELLER
  • eCheck

Virginia Sports Betting Law and Licensing

There are many rules when it comes to the law and licensing for Virginia sports betting. Here are some highlights.

  • Five casinos will be built, in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Richmond, and Portsmouth.
  • Voter referendum to approve casinos.
  • Casino tax for public school construction.
  • No prop bets on college teams.
  • No live-betting for college sports.
  • No betting on elections, sporting events only.
  • No wagering on Virginia college teams.
  • Can bet on college games IN Virginia, as long as it is not Virginia teams (NCAA tournament, etc)
  • $250,000 sports betting application permit
  • 12 mobile-only sports betting licenses.
  • Official league data for in-game betting.
  • 15% tax.
  • Commonwealth gets 95% of the tax money, 5% going to Virginia Lottery Board.

Virginia Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports betting legal in Virginia?

Yes. Legislation passed, and sports betting was offered as of January 2021.

How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Virginia?

You must be 21 years of age or more to bet on sports in Virginia.

Do I have to live in Virginia to bet on sports?

No. As long as you are physically located in the state, you may place a wager on sports.

Can I bet if I visit Virginia from another state?

Yes, as long as you are physically located in Virginia, you may legally wager assuming you meet the requirements.

Can I bet on college sports in Virginia?

Yes, but you cannot bet on teams that are in Virginia while in the state.

When does sports betting launch in Virginia?

Legal sports betting has launched in Virginia, as of late January 2021


Mitchell South

Mitchell South

Strategic wordsmith breaking down each legal market in the US online casino landscape. Covering latest news, creating informative articles, and providing comprehensive how-to guides.


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