While Virginia's sports wagering operators are legally verboten from using the phrase "Virginia is for Bettors," it's certainly proven to be true.
For those outside of Virginia, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
Virginia sports betting is fully legal, and the Commonwealth’s regulated online market officially launched on January 21, 2021. Since then, Virginia has developed one of the more competitive mobile betting markets on the East Coast. Bettors can place wagers statewide through licensed online sportsbook apps, as well as in person at approved retail online sportsbooks promos located inside Virginia’s growing number of casino properties.
As of mid-2025, the Virginia Lottery - the official regulator - reports 13 licensed mobile operators actively accepting bets. In addition, retail sportsbooks are open at casinos in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with Norfolk and Richmond developments progressing. The combination of statewide mobile access and expanding retail locations gives bettors flexible options no matter where they are in Virginia.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Virginia sports betting, including:
The best Virginia sportsbook promos
Top-rated betting apps
Step-by-step instructions on how to get started
Key local teams and betting markets
Important legal facts and restrictions
Whether you’re new to sports betting or looking to compare apps, this overview will help you bet confidently and safely in Virginia.
📆 Online Launch Date: January 21, 2021
📱 Online Sportsbooks Available: 13
🏬 Retail Sports Betting: ✅ Legal (Casinos in Bristol, Portsmouth, Danville; Norfolk open; Richmond pending)
🎂 Legal Betting Age: 21+
🏈 College Sports Betting: ✅ Allowed with restrictions (no in-state teams, no college player props)
🎰 Online Casinos: ❌ Not legal in Virginia
Yes. Sports betting became legal in Virginia in April 2020 when lawmakers passed Senate Bill 384 and House Bill 896. The legislation authorized online wagering and established the Virginia Lottery as the regulatory authority responsible for licensing and oversight.
Online betting officially went live on January 21, 2021, and Virginia has operated as a mobile-first market ever since. Retail sportsbooks later opened inside newly built casinos as the state’s gaming expansion continued.
To legally place a wager in Virginia, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Be physically located within state lines at the time of the bet
Use a licensed sportsbook operator
Sportsbooks use geolocation software to confirm your physical location before allowing a wager. Even if you live in Virginia, you cannot place a bet unless you are physically inside the state at that moment.
The Virginia Lottery ensures that all licensed operators follow strict compliance standards, including consumer protections, responsible gambling resources, and financial safeguards.
Virginia’s online market is competitive and features several nationally recognized sportsbook brands. While additional operators may enter the market over time, the following rankings highlight leading apps based on:
Market share
App performance and user experience
Depth of betting markets
Promotional value
Live betting capabilities
Best known for: Extensive betting menu, fast live odds, and premium app design.
DraftKings promo code launched in Virginia on January 24, 2021, just days after the market opened. It quickly became one of the most widely used sportsbook apps in the state thanks to its deep wagering catalog and smooth live betting interface.
Welcome Offer:
Bet $5, Get $300 if your bet wins
App Experience & Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (847,000+ ratings)
Robust live betting hub
Same-Game Parlay builder (SGPs)
Extensive player prop markets
Fast, reliable odds updates
DraftKings is especially strong for bettors who enjoy live wagering and prop markets. The platform regularly offers odds boosts, profit boosts, and same-game parlay insurance promos throughout major sporting events.
Best known for: The most intuitive Same Game Parlay (SGP) builder in the industry and elite live betting markets.
FanDuel promo code made history as the first mobile sportsbook to go live in Virginia on January 21, 2021. Since then, it has remained one of the most widely used betting apps in the state. As a national market leader, FanDuel is recognized for its clean design, smooth user experience, and best-in-class parlay tools.
The app is especially popular among casual and experienced bettors alike because it makes building wagers simple and visually clear. The Same Game Parlay builder stands out for its real-time odds adjustments and instant payout previews, allowing bettors to customize multi-leg wagers with full transparency before placing a bet.
Welcome Offer:
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins. No promo code required.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (847,000+ ratings)
Industry-leading Same Game Parlay builder
Comprehensive live betting hub with rapid odds updates
Wide player prop catalog across major sports
Early cash-out and partial cash-out options
FanDuel excels during NFL and NBA seasons, where its parlay tools and frequent odds boosts create strong value opportunities.
Final Take:
Choose FanDuel if you prioritize a slick, beginner-friendly interface paired with elite parlay-building tools and competitive live markets.
Best known for: Frequent profit boosts, wide Same Game Parlay options, and MGM Rewards integration.
BetMGM bonus code launched in Virginia on January 27, 2021, and quickly established itself as one of the premier sportsbook brands in the state. Backed by MGM Resorts International, BetMGM combines a full-featured betting platform with one of the strongest rewards ecosystems in the industry.
One of the biggest advantages of BetMGM is its integration with MGM Rewards. Eligible wagers can contribute toward loyalty status, unlocking perks such as hotel stays, dining credits, and entertainment benefits at MGM properties nationwide.
Welcome Offer:
“First Bet Offer” - Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses (Promo Code: FOXSPORTS).
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (~240,000 ratings)
Deep Same Game Parlay functionality
Live betting with in-play stats integration
Early cash-out options
Broad sport and niche market coverage
BetMGM frequently offers profit boosts, odds boosts, and insurance promos across NFL, NBA, MLB, and major events.
Final Take:
If you value frequent promotional boosts and a rewards system that extends beyond sports betting, BetMGM is a strong addition to your Virginia sportsbook rotation.
Best known for: FanCash rewards that convert into bonus bets or merchandise credits.
Fanatics Sportsbook Promo code entered the Virginia market on November 21, 2023, and has been expanding nationally with a rewards-focused strategy. The platform stands out for its FanCash system, which allows bettors to earn rewards on eligible wagers that can be used either as bonus bets or for merchandise purchases at Fanatics.com.
This crossover between betting and sports apparel is unique in the industry and particularly appealing to fans who regularly purchase team gear.
Welcome Offer:
No Sweat Bet for 10 consecutive days - up to $200 in FanCash per day on losing bets.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (138,000+ ratings)
Clean, modern user interface
Live betting and in-game cash-out
Transparent FanCash tracking
Strong responsible gaming tools
Fanatics is particularly aggressive during football season, often rolling out daily rewards and enhanced odds promotions.
Final Take:
Fanatics is a strong choice for rewards-focused bettors, especially those who want consistent FanCash value during peak sports seasons.
Best known for: Daily “Super Boosts” and Caesars Rewards integration.
Caesars Sportsbook promo code, operating via the William Hill platform, launched online in Virginia on February 3, 2021. It remains one of the most recognizable sportsbook brands nationwide, largely due to its strong promotional calendar and loyalty program integration.
The Caesars Rewards program allows bettors to accumulate credits that can be redeemed at Caesars properties across the country, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Welcome Offer:
First bet matched up to $250 as a bonus bet, win or lose.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.7/5 (89,000+ ratings)
Daily Super Boost promotions
Same Game Parlay builder
Live in-game wagering
Simplified navigation and quick bet slips
Caesars is known for consistently offering enhanced odds and seasonal promotions tied to major sporting events.
Final Take:
If you want steady boosts combined with a national rewards program that translates into real-world perks, Caesars is a dependable sportsbook to keep in your Virginia lineup.
Best known for: Best-in-class live betting, early payout features, expansive global markets, and extremely deep alternate spreads and totals.
bet365 bonus code officially launched in Virginia on January 31, 2023, and quickly positioned itself as one of the most feature-rich sportsbooks in the state. Globally respected as a leader in in-play wagering, bet365 brings its international reputation for advanced live markets, integrated streaming, and wide-ranging betting menus to Virginia bettors.
Where bet365 truly separates itself is in live betting. The platform offers rapid odds updates, a constant stream of in-play markets, and one of the most robust alternate line menus available. Whether you’re betting alternate spreads, adjusted totals, player props, or niche markets, bet365 typically lists more options than competitors.
Welcome Offer :
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
OR
First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
This flexibility allows new users to select either a low-risk entry offer or a larger first-bet protection structure.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (189,000+ ratings)
Elite live betting hub with rapid market refresh
Early payout offers (e.g., MLB/NBA early win promos)
Integrated live streaming on select events
Deep alternate totals and spreads
Detailed in-game statistics for smarter live wagering
bet365’s early-payout feature is especially popular - for example, if your team jumps to a significant lead, the book may settle the wager as a winner before the game ends.
Final Take:
bet365 stands out as the premier option for serious live bettors. With fast odds updates, deep alternate markets, and integrated streaming, it delivers one of the smoothest in-game betting experiences in Virginia.
The Virginia Lottery currently licenses the following operators:
Bally Bet
bet365
Betr
Betfred
BetMGM
BetRivers
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings
ESPN Bet (now rebranded as theScore Bet)
FanDuel
Hard Rock Bet
Fanatics Sportsbook
Sports Illustrated Sportsbook
Virginia’s market remains competitive, and while not every operator offers identical features, bettors have a wide range of choices statewide.
New Virginia users can typically unlock $500 to $650+ in total promotional value by strategically claiming multiple welcome offers across different apps.
The recommended approach:
Claim welcome bonuses first.
Test each app.
Decide which sportsbook works best for your live betting, parlays, or prop preferences.
Always review:
Minimum odds requirements
Bonus expiration windows
Settlement timing
Wagering restrictions
Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins
Place a $5+ bet at -500 odds or longer using the New Customer Token
If your bet wins, receive $300 in Bonus Bets (12 × $25)
Minimum deposit: $5
Bonus bets expire within 7 days
Void or cashed-out bets do not qualify
One per customer
A strong payout relative to a small qualifying bet, making it appealing for lower-risk entry.
Register for DraftKings in VA
Deposit at least $5
Select the New Customer Token
Place a $5+ bet at eligible odds
Win to receive $300 in bonus bets
Bet $5, Win, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Place your first $5 bet
If it wins, receive $100 in bonus bets
Minimum deposit: $5
Bonus credits post after a winning first bet
Typically issued within 72 hours
Pairs well with FanDuel’s top-rated Same Game Parlay builder.
Create a VA account
Deposit $5+
Place your first $5 cash bet
Get $100 if it wins
Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets
First Bet Insurance up to $1,500
Minimum deposit usually $10
Only triggers if your first wager loses
Bonus bets split and expire per terms
High protection ceiling for larger first wagers.
Register and opt in
Deposit
Place your first bet using promo code FOXSPORTS
Receive bonus bets if it loses
Get Up to $2,000 in Bet Insurance FanCash
No Sweat Bet for 10 consecutive days
Up to $200 FanCash per day
Minimum deposit: $10
Qualifying bet must meet odds requirements
FanCash converts to bonus bets or merchandise
Unique dual-purpose rewards system.
First Bet Matched Up to $250, Win or Lose
First wager matched up to $250
Minimum deposit typically $10
Boost credits issued across multiple days
Frequent 100% profit boosts provide flexibility on parlays and straight bets.
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Deposit $10+
Place qualifying bet
Receive $150 in bonus bets regardless of outcome
Bonus bets expire 30 days after registration
Minimum odds -500 or longer
Bonus stake excluded from returns
One of the few offers that pays bonus bets whether your first bet wins or loses.
Sign up with bet365
Deposit $10+
Place your first qualifying wager
Enter promo code FOX365
Receive $150 in Bonus Bets
Getting started with legal sports betting in Virginia is straightforward, thanks to the state’s fully remote registration system and competitive mobile market. Whether you’re brand new to wagering or switching from another state, here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you begin safely and confidently.
The first step is selecting a licensed Virginia sportsbook. The Virginia Lottery regulates all legal operators, so you’ll want to ensure you’re signing up with an approved platform.
When comparing sportsbooks, consider:
Welcome bonus value
Odds competitiveness
App performance and usability
Live betting features
Same Game Parlay tools
Customer support quality
Region-specific promotions
Some apps are stronger for live betting, while others excel in parlays, boosts, or rewards programs. Many experienced bettors maintain accounts with multiple sportsbooks to maximize value (more on that below).
Virginia allows fully remote account registration, meaning you can complete the entire process from your phone or computer.
You’ll typically need to provide:
Full legal name
Email address
Date of birth
Physical home address
Last four digits of your Social Security number
This information is used for identity verification, fraud prevention, and age confirmation. All bettors must be 21 years or older to legally wager in Virginia.
Sportsbooks also use geolocation software to confirm you are physically located within Virginia at the time of your bet. Even if you live in the state, you must be inside state lines to place a wager.
Once registered, you can opt into a welcome promotion. Many sportsbooks require you to:
Click a “Claim Bonus” link
Enter a promo code (if required)
Or toggle a promotion before placing your first bet
Always read the full terms and conditions carefully. Pay close attention to:
Minimum qualifying bet amount
Minimum odds requirements
Bonus expiration window
Wagering restrictions
Settlement timing
Understanding the details helps you avoid missing out on bonus eligibility.
Virginia sportsbooks offer multiple secure deposit options. Most platforms support:
Credit cards
Debit cards
Online banking (ACH/eCheck)
PayPal
Venmo
Apple Pay
Play+ prepaid cards
ACH and e-wallets are often the most reliable and widely accepted options. Some banks may block gambling-related transactions on credit cards, so having a backup method is helpful.
Minimum deposits typically start at $5 or $10 depending on the operator.
After funding your account, you’re ready to place your first wager.
If you’re using a Bet-and-Get promotion, for example, you might:
Bet $5 on an NFL team at eligible odds
Place a moneyline bet
Or wager on a game total (Over/Under)
For beginners, simpler bets like moneylines or totals are often easier to understand than complex parlays or props.
Many apps also offer:
Same Game Parlays
Player props
Futures bets
Live in-game betting
Take your time exploring the betting menu before placing larger wagers.
If your bet wins, you can withdraw through the same payment methods used for deposits.
Common Virginia withdrawal options include:
Online banking (ACH)
PayPal
Venmo
Play+
E-wallet withdrawals often process the fastest, sometimes within 24 hours. Bank transfers can take several business days depending on the sportsbook and financial institution.
Always check the cashier section inside the app for estimated processing times.
Virginia’s competitive market allows bettors to open accounts at multiple legal operators - and doing so can provide several advantages.
Each sportsbook offers its own sign-up promotion. By creating accounts at several platforms, you can stack bonuses and significantly boost your starting bankroll.
Odds vary slightly between sportsbooks. Having multiple apps allows you to compare lines and select the most favorable price, which can increase long-term profitability.
Different operators excel in different areas:
FanDuel: Best-in-class Same Game Parlay builder
bet365: Elite live betting
BetMGM: Rewards integration
DraftKings: Deep prop markets
Using multiple sportsbooks ensures you benefit from each platform’s strengths.
Sportsbooks regularly offer:
Odds boosts
Profit boosts
Insurance bets
Sport-specific promos
Having several accounts ensures you never miss the best offer available for a given game.
If one sportsbook experiences technical problems during a major event, having accounts at other platforms gives you a reliable backup option.
Virginia’s sports culture combines historic traditions, regional rivalries, and national events, creating steady betting interest throughout the year.
Although the Commanders play in nearby Maryland, Northern Virginia has a large and passionate fan base. NFL betting generates some of the highest wagering volume in the state, particularly during divisional matchups and primetime games.
Held each May at Great Meadow, the Virginia Gold Cup is one of the state’s most historic sporting events. This prestigious steeplechase race blends horse racing with social tradition, drawing thousands of attendees annually.
Richmond Raceway hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year - one in spring and one in fall. Its short-track layout and night racing atmosphere make it a favorite among motorsports bettors.
Virginia is home to two ACC programs:
University of Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia Tech Hokies
Their annual rivalry game, the Commonwealth Clash, consistently drives strong in-state betting interest.
While based in Washington, D.C., the Nationals draw heavy support from Northern Virginia residents. MLB betting markets remain active throughout the 162-game season.
Both programs attract consistent betting attention during conference play and March Madness. UVA’s national championship pedigree and Virginia Tech’s competitive ACC presence keep interest high.
The betting handle represents the total amount of money wagered at legal sportsbooks over a given period.
Important distinctions:
Handle: Total money bet
Revenue: Handle minus payouts
Hold (Win Rate): Revenue divided by handle
If bettors wager $200 million and sportsbooks pay out $188 million:
Revenue = $12 million
Hold = 6%
Handle does not equal profit - it reflects total betting volume before payouts.
Virginia consistently reports hundreds of millions in monthly handle, reflecting the strength of its competitive mobile market.
While Virginia operates one of the more accessible and competitive online sports betting markets in the United States, there are important restrictions that all bettors should understand before placing a wager. These regulations are designed to protect amateur athletes, preserve competitive integrity, and ensure that wagering remains limited to regulated sporting events.
Understanding what is not allowed is just as important as knowing what you can bet on.
One of Virginia’s most significant restrictions involves in-state college programs.
Bettors cannot place wagers on Virginia-based college teams, including:
University of Virginia (UVA)
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
Old Dominion
Liberty University
Norfolk State
VCU
Other in-state institutions
This prohibition applies regardless of where the game is played. Even during nationally prominent events such as March Madness or bowl games, Virginia residents cannot bet on teams representing Virginia colleges.
This rule exists to reduce potential integrity concerns and protect student-athletes from external pressure.
Virginia law also prohibits betting on individual college athlete performance markets. That means no wagering on:
Passing yards
Rebounds
Touchdowns
Points scored
Strikeouts
Any other individual statistical outcome for NCAA players
Even for out-of-state college teams, player props are off-limits. Bettors may still wager on game outcomes (spread, total, moneyline) for eligible college teams outside Virginia, but individual performance props are not allowed.
Wagering on high school athletic competitions is strictly prohibited.
This includes:
Football
Basketball
Baseball
Soccer
Track & field
Any other scholastic sporting event
Protecting minors and amateur athletes is a central component of Virginia’s regulatory framework.
Virginia sports betting laws focus strictly on athletic competition. As a result, betting is not permitted on:
Political elections
Legislative outcomes
Academy Awards
Reality TV contests
Award shows
Entertainment events
Non-athletic novelty markets
While some international markets may offer these types of wagers, Virginia-licensed sportsbooks do not.
Virginia only permits wagering on regulated, recognized sporting events approved by the Virginia Lottery. This ensures proper oversight, official data integrity, and consumer protection.
Despite these restrictions, Virginia bettors still have access to:
NFL
NBA
MLB
NHL
MLS
UFC/MMA
NASCAR
PGA Tour
International soccer
Out-of-state college sports (team-based markets only)
Olympic events (when approved)
The market remains robust and diverse, even with these guardrails in place.
Sports betting should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment - never a financial strategy or a source of stress. Virginia places strong emphasis on responsible gambling protections, and every licensed sportsbook offers tools designed to help users stay in control.
Most apps allow you to set:
Deposit limits
Daily or weekly wagering limits
Session time reminders
Cooling-off periods (temporary time-outs)
Self-exclusion programs
These tools are free and can be activated directly within your sportsbook account settings.
If gambling begins to feel overwhelming or impacts your financial well-being, confidential help is available.
🌐 vacpg.org
📞 1-888-532-3500
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling provides confidential support, educational resources, and referral services statewide.
🌐 ncpgambling.org
📞 1-800-522-4700
📱 Text “HELP” to 800-522-4700
💬 Live Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
Available nationwide 24/7 for confidential support.
🌐 gamblersanonymous.org
📞 1-855-222-5542
Peer-support meetings are available throughout Virginia and online.
You must be 21 years or older to participate in sports betting in Virginia.
Gambling is regulated at the state level and may be illegal outside approved jurisdictions.
Only use licensed Virginia sportsbooks.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sports betting should remain entertainment within your personal budget. Set limits, stay informed, and always wager responsibly.
Current Sportsbooks
12Caesars Virginia: 1100 W. Main St., Danville, VA 24541
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
April 22, 2020
After serious discussion during the 2019 legislative session, Governor Ralph Northam and the state legislature agree to legalize mobile sports betting. In November of 2020, voters in select cities approve the construction of brick-and-mortar casinos, paving the way for the debut of retail sportsbooks.
January 21, 2021
The first online sports wager in Virginia is placed on the FanDuel Sportsbook platform, with 10 additional mobile operators taking bets by year's end.
April, 2022
The Virginia Legislature bans gaming companies from using the phrase "Virginia is for Bettors" in all advertising or promotional materials.
July, 2022
Hard Rock begins accepting sports wagers at its casino and resort in Bristol, marking the dawn of retail sports betting in Virginia.
October, 2024
The betting exchange Sporttrade launches in Virginia, bringing stock market-style sports wagering to the Old Dominion
It sure is. The Virginia State Legislature legalized sports betting on April 22, 2020 and the first wager was accepted on January 21, 2021.
People who are at least 21 years of age and physically located within the boundaries of Virginia can place mobile and retail wagers with licensed sportsbooks in the state.
The Virginia Lottery oversees and regulates sports betting, as well as other forms of gaming.
If you've been anxious to wager on the Kazakhstan Ice Hockey Federation, you're in luck. The Virginia Lottery approves which sports and leagues can be bet on in Virginia, and the current list ranges from mainstream to quirky. Included are basketball, volleyball (indoors and beach), Australian Rules Football, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, football, golf, handball, hurling, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, NCAA wrestling, pickleball, rugby, sailing, snooker, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, and water polo.
Virginia bettors cannot bet on sporting events involving any college located within the state. Prop bets on all collegiate sporting events are also prohibited, as are bets on negative outcomes such as how many games an injured player will miss or when the first foul will be called in a basketball game.
Wagering on the winner of subjective athletic awards, like the Heisman Trophy or the Cy Young Award, which are chosen by a panel of voters is also not legal in Virginia. Furthermore, bettors are banned from betting on the results of amateur drafts in leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NHL.
Yes. In fact, Virginia was the first state to explicitly legalize daily fantasy sports, and top DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have been up and running in Virginia for several years.
It's legal to bet on horse racing in Virginia at racetracks like Colonial and Shenandoah Downs and through advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms like TwinSpires, Xpressbet, FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, and Caesars Racebook. Colonial Downs and its associated off-track betting parlors are also home to one of the most lucrative networks of Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines in the U.S. These machines resemble slots, but their results are based on actual past horse races instead of a randomizer.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.