Virginia Sports Betting (2024)

This guide discusses everything you need to know about sports betting in Virginia and reviews of the best legal VA sportsbooks.

Best Legal VA Online Sportsbooks

Guide to Sports Betting in Virginia (2024)

As one of the few American states without licensed casinos, Virginia sets the tone for other states in terms of online sportsbooks and sports betting in general.

After passing the most unexpected legislation in 2020, this Commonwealth-State has become a buzzing hive of sportsbook enterprises and sports bettors.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?

After the Virginia General Assembly and Senate signed the SB 386 and HB 894 bills into law in April 2020, sports betting in the state became a state-licensed gambling activity. However, the bill did not come into force until July 2020 and online sports betting only started in January 2021.

Before Governor Ralph Northam assented to the bill, the Supreme Court had proscribed the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) that prevented sports betting in all states except Nevada. Since that 2018 ruling, states have taken control of their sports betting regulations. And while Virginia is just starting its sportsbooks development, it is surprising that the state even considered legalizing sports betting.

Laws That Regulate VA Online Sports Betting

Sports betting in Virginia covers all forms of professional sports, but Virginia Amateur and University Football competitions are not allowed.

  • Sports betting in Virginia is currently mobile and online.
  • The minimum age for sports betting in the state is 21.
  • There are no land-based casinos in Virginia, but the state is working with online sportsbooks to create four casinos in the next few years.
  • Sportsbook operators are required to pay licensing fees as well as 15% gaming taxes.
  • The progressive act by Virginia that legalized sports betting in the state has opened it to the rewarding world of sportsbooks, and we are looking forward to more legislation to include modern sports evolutions.

Who Oversees Bookies in VA?

The Virginia Lottery is responsible for overseeing land-based casinos and internet sports betting in Virginia. It was formed in 1987 to regulate the state's lottery. In 2020, its function expanded to include casinos and sportsbooks.

While SB 384 and HB 896 guide the administration of sportsbooks in the state, the VA lottery discharges its duties based on the provisions of Virginia Code § 58.1-4007.

Why playing at licensed and legal VA online sites is better than Offshore Illegal Sites?

Despite the Commonwealth State's attempt to regulate sportsbooks in the state, there are several unlicensed betting sites in Virginia. These options pervaded the state before it legalized sports betting and have gained root among its gambling community.

While these illegal sites seemed to have offered the bettors the needed sports betting, they are mostly unregulated and present a high risk to their users.

State-licensed sportsbooks are highly regulated, unlike the offshore sites that are not vetted before starting operations. They have to meet the state's standard for security and gaming activities. The regulations assure you that your licensed sportsbooks would not infringe your privacy, shade your data or offer illegal gaming services.

Best Online Sportsbooks in Virginia (2024)

Virginia sportsbooks are currently taking the lead among the most unusual sports betting services in America. Its growing number of sportsbooks are entirely mobile.

Despite not having a licensed land-based casino, the Virginia sportsbooks became the first American sportsbook to reach the $1 billion wagers. A feat it reached in less than seven months with these online sportsbooks:

  • Caesars sportsbook
  • Fanduel Sportsbook
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • Unibet
  • WynnBet
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
BetMGM

#1 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐9.5/10

Launched in January 2021, BetMGM, formerly PlayMGM, was open to residents outside Nevada. The brand has worked its way to become one of the largest gambling operators in the world. The sportsbook operator has welcomed series of changes in its operations, structure, and software to become the sophisticated online platform you see today.

In other news, the sportsbook operator is focused on improving online gaming and sports betting in the United States. The action? GVC Holdings partnered with MGM to create the magic turnaround. The pair operates two sports sites, three casino sites, and three poker sites. Interestingly, this is more than any online gaming operator deals with in the United States.

BetMGM mobile betting license is from Nevada. Bettors can register from any location in the US but would have to complete their registration in person at any BetMGM sportsbook in the city of Las Vegas. Also, bettors can claim their winnings from any state using the various payment channels but cannot place bets in every state in the US. Virginia is one of the few states where bettors can place an online wager.

New members are eligible for a risk-free bet up to $1000 when they sign up using the available links on the website. There is also a couple of generous bonus offers available to regular bettors. In addition, the website's aesthetics is simple, and the site is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. Android users can download the app from the sportsbook’s homepage, while apple fanatics can visit the app store to get the app.

Caesars

#2 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐9/10

With its growing representation as the regal Sportsbook of America's sports betting sites, Caesars Sportsbook has gained root in Virginia's blossoming bet industry. The brand has experienced a significant transition in the first eight months of its launch in Virginia. While it started in January 2021 as Williams Hill, the brand name changed when Caesars Interactive Entertainment acquired and rebranded it as Caesars Sportsbook.

The rebranding also brought the exciting Caesar Rewards to Virginia, creating some of the most impressive loyalty bonuses in the state. New players can enjoy up to a $5000 risk-free bonus while loyal users receive free bets, casino, restaurant, and hotel discounts at any Caesar Interactive Entertainment property.

While customers often complain about bugs and glitches in the app, they admit that both the Caesars sportsbook website and the android and iOS apps have user-friendly interfaces that accommodate live betting and commendable customer support services.

Using the platform only requires signing up and moving on to select your preferred games on the side of the screen. The practical display of Caesars Sportsbook allows you to see wager odds along with the icons that display the available game options. While they may still be figuring out how to create seamless platforms, this sportsbook book has a firm grasp of simplicity.

The game includes a wide range of sports betting options, including the SuperBowl and the NFL. You also have extra features, including the typical gambling options associated with Caesars Casinos like slots, video poker, blackjack, and roulette.

FanDuel

#3 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐9/10

When it comes to selecting a favorite online sports betting app, Virginia seems to have picked America's most marketed Sportsbook. This increased usage might be because of FanDuel's early entrance into the Virginia sports betting race.

The Sportsbook set the standard for Virginian betting sites with its clean interface and betting options. FanDuel created the most modern and mobile-looking interface for their platform and stocked it with chains of enticing bet types. The platform also has easy navigation and search options that no other sportsbook has been able to replicate.

Despite the well-designed interface and its growing popularity, FanDuel is experiencing stiff competition in Virginia. Some might cite its European patronage as a cause for the increasing rivalry. Or it could just be the users choosing other sportsbooks with more updated odds and more enticing bonuses.

FanDuel has one of the lowest bonus rates in Virginia, as well as a strange lethargy towards increasing their game odds. While users love the platform's games, interface, and bet options, the most attractive feature of sportsbooks is how many wins it can provide its users.

DraftKings

#4 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐ 9/10

A renowned name in the sports betting industry, Draftkings has established itself as a forerunner with good odds, exciting games, and a well-structured platform. Its daily fantasy games and attractive payout gives it more edge over other sportsbooks in the state. With the second largest market share in Virginia, Draftkings offers a $50 Free Deposit Bonus to its new customers, allowing them to make their first few wagers without losing money.

The platform is available on Android, iOS, and website, creating flexibility for its users to wager and win from anywhere with any device. Players have access to various games, including NMA, NFL, horse races, Track Events, Boxing, Premier League, other soccer and field competitions.

Draftkings Sportsbook accepts deposits into its platform through the deposit option. Users can pay through different online payment means like Pay Near Me, PayPal, MasterCard, and even checks.

WynnBet

#5 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐8/10

Despite being one of America's youngest sportsbooks, this online sports betting division of Wynn Resorts has earned its place among the most used sportsbooks. After its NASCAR partnership, the Virginia sports betting platform acquired strong patronage among car race enthusiasts. However, WynnBet is more responsible for its increasing user base than we give its NASCAR partnership credit.

The Sportsbook has a simple but intuitive interface that seems to rile its users. The platform has enticing odds and an accredited operator that makes you ignore a missing gaming catalog on the betting site. However, players have an endless list of games to choose from and savory benefits to keep you interested.

WynnBet provides its users with up to $1000 risk-free bets to wager on games across several sectors, including:

  1. Aussie Rules Football
  2. Baseball (MLB)
  3. Basketball (NBA)
  4. F1
  5. IndyCar
  6. MMA (UFC)
  7. NASCAR
  8. Football (NFL) and others

Users have expressed confidence in this sportsbook, and our review was just as seamless.

Unibet

#6 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐ 8/10

Like FanDuel, this is another Europe-spawned sportsbook. However, Unibet has cultivated more experience from its operations in Europe than FanDuel can attempt. This experience has helped the building of the brand and its interaction with users.

The Unibet Sportsbook features excellent customer service, a user-friendly interface, and bonuses. New users can have up to $500 risk-free best when they deposit their first $10. The platform also provides some sticky bonuses to indemnify these new players if they lose their first deposits.

Users can also spend their bonuses on a wide range of game options. The platform offers more wagers than other sportsbooks in the industry, comprising thousands of stakes for each major sport.

bet365

#7 Best VA Sportsbook App - 8/10

Bet365 creates an incredible platform for sports enthusiasts to have endless fun with live betting. In essence, the interface is magical, and the bookmaker covers almost all live sports. There is absolutely no difference between watching the broadcast live on the website or the app. With this feature and a couple of others, users get the chance to make more informed decisions with their bets.

Bettors who sign up get a substantial $100 in bet credits—a perfect way to begin the gambling voyage. The odds are pretty competitive regarding the various bet types-which are quite a lot. But the sportsbook allows bettors to end their bet before the game ends. This cash-out feature saves bettors from losing their money in a live bet.

At Bet365, there is a wide range of sports and betting options to take. Beyond the sports betting action, bettors get to try out their luck in the poker section. The website is focused on betting; extraneous frills and bogus flashes are kept at the barest minimum. Players get to experience a simple interface that is easy to navigate.

The payment section does not comprise every available option in the gambling space. However, bettors get to use the best methods out there. These include online banking, PayPal, e-checks, Paysafecard, PayNearMe, cash deposits at the casino, Visa, Mastercard, and many others.

Bet365 is a great platform for serious players. New players can easily find their footing in gambling here.

BetRivers

#8 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐8/10

BetRivers was launched in January 2021 to the people of Virginia. In 2020, the General Assembly working together with the Senate had already passed SB 384 and HB 896, allowing legal sportsbooks to offer their services to bettors in Virginia. BetRivers is one of the 27 sportsbooks that came into the state. With more states passing the same legislation, BetRivers plans to expand its reach to others states.

The Kambi Group designed BetRivers' online sportsbook platform. This includes technology, risk management services, and sports betting software. The parent company for the online sportsbook is Rush Street Interactive, which had previously run social gaming sites.

The signup procedure is straightforward. When an account is created on BetRivers using the links, the first deposit is matched, 100% up to $250. However, bettors have to read the T&Cs to know what is required before claiming the bonus.  The BetRivers loyalty program is eligible to bettors once they start placing bets. In addition to the loyalty bonus, there are just a few additional bonus offers.

Betting options at BetRivers include the usual single-game bets on point spread, moneylines, and totals. In-game, futures, jackpot parley, buy-out feature, and many others are also available. The interface of the website is easy to navigate. However, some might still find it a bit difficult at the early stage of using it. Users often get accustomed to its features after a while. The site is pretty fast on a desktop or mobile device.

Pointsbet

#9 Best VA Sportsbook App - ⭐7.5/10

The Australian sportsbook has been impressive in its services on US soil. In essence, it has carved itself a niche in the US online betting market with a more compelling form of betting called Points betting. The wins or losses of a user reflect how right or wrong their wager turns out. The sportsbook offers an easy-to-use, unique and engaging platform.

In addition to Pointsbet, the promotions and rewards are incredible, and bettors cannot resist such offers. The speed of the site is something the sportsbook operator prides itself on. Bettors don’t feel comfortable wagering on a site or app that is slow or freezing up because every second counts.

Betting options are impressive; bettors get to select from Moneyline bets, betting on futures, betting the spread, parlays, over/under, betting props, and teasers. Virginia bettors can bet on March Madness, professional sports like golf, basketball, baseball, MMA, hockey, tennis, etcetera. A few lesser-known sports are also available – cricket, rugby, cycling, table tennis, darts, etcetera.

The sportsbook operator accepts a minimum of $10 and has a few banking options available. Visa, MasterCard, e-check, or bank transfer are payment channels used at PointsBets sportsbook.

PointsBets offers an incredible customer supports team to the bettor who might need assistance. Answers may not be instant, but they have a response time within 24 hours. The live chat is available all day.

How We Review and Picked The Best Sportsbook in Virginia

Our review assesses Virginia's online sportsbooks and tries to present the best option for new players and others trying to explore new options.

We also recognize that players have several criteria for what endears them to a sportsbook, which is why we have listed our standards for ensuring that our reviews cover the essential qualifications for an acceptable sportsbook. The most important features include:

License and Security

Many sportsbooks operate without the regulatory bodies to keep them in line with standard practices. Before registering at any sportsbook, scroll to the foot of the mobile app homepage, and search for a licensing body. There should be at least one, with the full name stated and its license number.  Some of the best sportsbooks provide a link to the regulatory body’s site to confirm it yourself. 

A primary factor is the security measures in place by the sportsbook. Most sportsbooks use the latest encryption technology to protect your financial information. You can confirm by trying to log in from the webpage. There should be a padlock icon on the address bar showing that the site uses ‘HTTPS’ to protect its site. If these measures are not in place, you should consider another sportsbook.

It is important to us that our recommendations are licensed and considered legal in Virginia. We recommend them to help players find options that support their gaming preferences without toeing the legal line.

The sportsbooks must also show sufficient security to protect their users' identities and ensure that their payment methods are secure and easy to use.

Payment Methods

A good criterion for a top sportsbook is the availability of many payment methods to choose from. However, we believe that quality over quantity is ideal. When we consider VA sportsbooks, we look out for the operators that have some popular payment methods so that VA players can use the one convenient to them. Some of the popular methods of payment include:

  • Bank Transfers
  • eChecks
  • Prepaid Cards
  • E-wallets
  • Debit/credit card

When searching for a good VA sportsbook to join, a good tip is to confirm the processing time for deposits and withdrawals. A good sportsbook processes deposit instantly and take 24-72 hours for withdrawals.

Sports and Betting Markets

Players may want security, but they also want excitement and opportunities to win. These sportsbooks provide several betting options across all sporting events. We understand that players may want other options that specific platforms don't offer.

Still, we cover every available game option and ensure they provide all gaming and viewing services the player may require. The games covered in this review include:

  • Basketball (NBA)
  • Football (NFL)
  • F1
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • IndyCar
  • Baseball (MLB)
  • MMA (UFC)
  • Aussie Rules Football
  • NASCAR

We will continue to review and list gaming options as the platforms make them available, and answers your questions about their viewing, and odds.

High Betting odds

Sportsbooks may have exciting game options and quality interfaces, but they are not worth much to the players without rewarding odds. We review the odds and the update frequency of each sportsbook before ranking them in this list.

User Interface and Customer Support

When placing bets on any sports betting app, some situations may arise where you need the help of customer support personnel to resolve them. Sometimes, a user could have questions not answered on the FAQs, and only a support team can answer. We search for a sportsbook with active customer support that can answer your inquiries through different channels.

Some of the channels we confirm during the review include:

  • E-mail
  • Telephone
  • Social media
  • Live chat
  • Contact forms

Even with the availability of all these modes of communication, we make sure to test each one to confirm they are manned, and inquiries are attended to in the shortest possible time. 

Rewards and Bonuses

A selling point for top online sports betting operators is the bonus offers targeted at potential users. Every day, new and exciting bonuses are released for the benefit of the players. We constantly search for the juiciest welcome bonuses that players can receive. One of the main reasons we take our time is that these bonuses are temporary, and also bear some strict terms and conditions. So, we look for the perks that come with better terms.

Some of the best bonuses you should watch out for include:

  • No deposit bonus
  • No risk bonus
  • Match bonus
  • Cashback bonuses

As new sportsbooks emerge, the attention of regular players is drawn away to try out new sportsbooks with selling welcome bonuses. So, sportsbook operators try to retain their players by using promotions and loyalty programs to encourage their existing players on the platform. Some of them could be ladder programs, where the players are offered loyalty points and climb the ladder, VIP club, odds boosts, etc. 

Live Streaming

Live streaming is another critical criterion we look out for. This feature comes in handy for users who are far away from home or do not have a TV set nearby to watch the game. We believe that sportsbooks should be able to provide the technology for live game streaming.

The streaming should be sharp and clear with no buffering whatsoever. They can also add live updates, commentaries, and scores as the game go. Many VA sportsbooks offer this feature, so if the sports betting platform you want to register at does not have live streaming, then consider others.

How to Join/Create an Account at Sportsbooks in Virginia

Almost all VA sportsbooks have different systems for the registration of new customers. These processes may include you submitting your documents for verification by a member of their customer support. Do not be scared; it is used to checkmate the rate of minors registering on sports betting sites and prevent fraud. It is also a means of protection against identity theft. 

We’ll use this section to highlight the process, step by step, of how to register your account at your favorite sportsbook site.

  • 1

    Choose A Sportsbook & Sign Up

    Step 1: On the homepage, navigate to the sign up/sign in tab. (this tab varies from one sportsbook app to another)

    Step 2: Fill in the registration requirements. First, you’ll have to select a user name and password. And also, a valid email would be required.

    Step 3: you would proceed to add other personal information about yourself such as country, state, SSN number, phone number, and many others. For some sports betting platforms, they’ll send a confirmation link to your email containing a link to the next registration phase). 

    Once your account is created, you should be able to proceed to the next phase. This phase is where you would be required to submit certain documents to verify your identity, address, or age. Remember, you would have to tick the box that confirms you are 21 years old or more.

  • 2

    Make Your Deposit

    You can make your deposits and withdrawals request directly on the sportsbook site without visiting a physical pay point. Depending on the method of payment you choose, the withdrawal request processing period will differ. However, in most cases, deposits are always instantaneous. 

    You can deposit using any of the following gateways:

    • Bank/wire transfer: Deposit is instant. Withdrawals take up to 72 hours
    • Debit/credit cards: Deposit is instant, withdrawals get completed within 24-72 hours
    • E-wallets: Deposit is instant, withdrawals are within 24-72 hours

    When making a withdrawal request, be sure to do it on a business day. Withdrawal requests on the weekend may take longer processing time before they are approved.

  • 3

    Verify your account

    To verify your details, you would need to upload some required documents. This is how the sportsbook maintains an impenetrable security system. Every user must complete this phase before they can gain access to the betting app. 

    • A copy of your passport,  drivers license, or any government-issued ID
    • Recent bank statement or utility bill

    The passport or government-issued ID is used as proof of your identity. The Bank statement or utility bill is used as a means to verify your address. 

  • 4

    Start Betting

    Now that you have met all the requirements, you can go ahead to wager on your preferred game. The sportsbooks could include live betting and other casino games to give you the whole gambling experience.

FAQs

Robert is responsible for all content on BettingGuide US. Robert previously worked as a poker dealer during his college years at MIT where he studied Computational Science and Engineering. With a great interest in gambling, Robert likes to go in-depth when writing so that you can make a wiser choice when choosing an operator.