Gambling Online in Virginia States that don’t have much of a land-based casino market typically don’t show any interest in online gaming, and Virginia has so far fit cleanly into that category. Virginia Casinos and Legal Gambling Updates on Virginia's gambling referendum, where to play online and legal gambling news As shocking as it may seem to observers inside and outside Old Dominion, the Commonwealth of Virginia is moving quickly to become a full-service gambling state.

The frenzy that caught many technology-loving citizens, regarding the United States online gambling expansion, is not necessarily a phenomenon that we might see at a prevailing level in the law-creating structures of the states.

Virginia is at the bottom of the list when it comes to the prospect of instating such a regulation. We usually find this sort of reluctance to even debate the subject in states which haven’t a very liberal stance on gambling in general. Seeing how there aren’t any casinos in VA, it’s actually no surprise that talks about online casinos haven’t even started.

Best Virginia Online Casino Sites

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Virginia Gambling Laws Overview

Virginia gambling laws aren’t the strictest in the country, but they also don’t offer any intense support in expanding these activities. Putting it simply, the authorities are not yet convinced of the pluses the instalment of slot machines in Virginia is going to bring to state’s budget.
The biggest shortage in the VA gambling field is, without any doubt, the lack of land-based casinos state-wide. For those state residents that are keen on betting in table games, not offering this option can result in two things:

• An important part, as some of the more permissive states have found out, of potential tax revenues aren’t going to Virginia’s budget
• This money is still spent, only in the benefit of others: either travelling to nearby states, Maryland and Delaware being the main speculator of this opportunity, or even worse, going abroad, towards online casinos based off-shore

Statistics show that a state with tribes willing to put the base of casinos on their land, get a taste of what the extra revenue from casino activity means and are much more relaxed towards the idea of allowing the expansion of gambling. In Virginia, the only recognized tribe thus far, the Pamunkey have had a different approach, being completely against it, even having to reelect a new tribal chief, which would support less this idea.

However, gambling in Virginia isn’t completely non-existent. The largest part is played by race betting. Until 2015, a renowned horse racetrack, the Colonial Downs, offered live racing to enthusiasts. However, some issues and endless debates made the venue to close-up shop for an indefinite amount of time. At the time, it’s rumoured to become a golf course. Still, betting on races is possible through the OTB locations around the state.

Virginia also has a state lottery and allows charitable gaming, as well as the organizing of social events, in the form of social poker, as long as no fees are paid for taking part.

Virginia Online Gambling Possibilities

Online gambling Virginia is not a subject in the state’s fiery debates so far, VA having other priorities to handle in this field, before that. This means that no slot machines are available anywhere between state borders. A solution has been found for this issue, as well, and seeing how the best casinos, in this case, are the ones available for VA players, it was the loop that off-shore new RTG online casinos found to enter this market.
For example, Bovada is legal in Virginia through the fact that it’s not actually specified to be illegal anywhere in the legislation. Thus, for those who wish to play online slots for real money, the only thing to look out for is the best way to discern between plenty of options existent out there. Filtrating these online sites through the pluses and minuses are given to them in professional made reviews, like the ones from the list above, might just be the easiest and most reliable way to go about this.

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Offline Gambling

Racetracks

The races should have been the element to replace gambling casinos in Virginia’s market. They were the main betting entertainment provider, up until 2015, when the only racetrack active, suspended its operations. Nowadays, the track is said to become a golf course, which ironically enough would allow golf courses betting.

Lottery

What would gambling in VA mean without the existence of a state lottery? It also participates at the interstate available versions, Mega Millions and Powerball.

Charitable Games

Some non-profit organizations are allowed to host charitable gambling events, in the form of bingo games, raffles or duck racing, in order to raise money for a specified cause. Also, as a result of many people not wanting to travel to casinos near VA, social casino nights are allowed, as long as the organizers don’t receive a fee for hosting such events. Surely though, this is a weak replacement, as it mainly offers a form of social poker, while other types of gambling, such as baccarat, are hard to be found at such events.

Future Prospects

2019 came along with an unexpected twist in the gambling market of Virginia after a bill on expanding this domain has passed the State Senate. The main development that this bill stipulates is that of allowing sports betting Virginia, which would be a terrific first step on the road to gambling expansion. It also could lead to the opening of one of the first state casino resorts, located in Bristol. Before getting hopes up, at this point, a referendum must be held on the matter, which would only be possible in November, but it’s still great news on the authorities’ behalf.

Are There Casinos In Virginia

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Is gambling legal in Virginia?

There are some forms of gambling Virginia permits within its state: lottery, charitable games, and racetrack betting. There currently aren’t any gambling casinos, although some movement has been seen lately in that area, with a new bill passing Senate, which would allow a first casino to be built in Bristol. For those who haven’t the patience to wait that long, there is the option of traveling to nearby states, Maryland and Delaware being the closest go-to destinations. Also, online casinos are available, but only those situated in across borders jurisdictions.

Are there casinos in VA?

There aren’t any casinos in Virginia at this point, but the alternatives of going up online are permitted. As long as the operators of these online casinos are licensed in other countries which allow these activities. Also, driving around 100 miles to the closest casino in Maryland, for example, although uncomfortable, might just solve the issue.

Can I gamble online in Virginia?

If I would like to do some Internet gambling near me, there are only four states where I need to go, for that to be legal. As a resident of Virginia, these states are a bit farther away than comfortable, so another option to engage in online poker, would be to use the off-shore websites that accept players from the US. The main problem with not having Virginia online casinos is that if fraud happens, no American authority is allowed to check out the issue, but instead, you’d have to entrust the matter to the licensing authority, which is in another country altogether. For that not to happen, choose carefully the online casinos to play at. Instead of going solo on searching the wide web for a safe website, it’s better to follow the recommendation list of casinos from those sites specialized in reviewing online casinos.

What is the legal age for wagering in VA?

Not unlike the neighboring West Virginia gambling age, the same partition happens when it comes down to the Virginia gambling age: 18 for a lottery, bingo, racetrack betting and 21 for online casino gambling.

Are there any changes for the good in Virginia’s gambling market?

There is a real opportunity for a first addition to the Virginia casino list, in Bristol, after a bill has passed Senate in early 2019. If this bill manages to pass a state referendum, the possibility to play roulette should be available in no-time. The same bill is also trying to regulate sports betting, so it seems there are many things to be looking for in the near future.

Where To Place Bets In Virginia

Virginia legalized online sports betting just last year. Whereas some states take their time before launching, Virginia was not one of them. Quick to market, online sportsbook apps launched in Virginia at the end of January 2021. The first sportsbooks to launch in Virginia include:

Virginia Casinos expects more sportsbooks to launch in the coming days and months. The goal for both sportsbook companies and Virginia bettors was to launch apps in time for Super Bowl betting. Looks like they’ve been successful.

Virginia Online Sports Betting Bonus Offers

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William Hill Virginia Review

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FanDuel Virginia Review

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BetMGM Virginia Review

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BetRivers Virginia Review

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DraftKings Virginia Review

When Did Virginia Launch Online Sports Betting?

Virginia is the latest of many states to hop on the sports betting bandwagon. The state legalized sports betting on July 1, 2020, after a series of amendments to the bills that would eventually make sports betting legal. The first online sports betting site announced its launch on January 21, 2021, with several others launching over the following weeks.

On September 15, 2020, the Virginia Lottery set its final regulations. One month later, the licensing process opened. All applicants were subject to a 90-day review period. In short, this meant that Virginia online sports betting would launch in January before the Super Bowlaccording to Kevin Hall the Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery. The Virginia Lottery was good on its word.

VirginiaCasinos.com estimates that Virginia sports betting will produce $412 million in handle for the state with $61.8 million in annual tax revenue. In the first 11 days, Virginia did $58.9 million in sports betting handle.

Old Dominion is slightly unique among sports betting markets. The state’s legislation allows for online-only sportsbooks (much like Tennessee) alongside those tethered to a land-based casino. But the added factor that makes Virginia unique is an amendment requested by Governor Ralph Northam. The amendment, which made it into the final legislation, allows for NASCAR tracks to apply for sports betting licenses.

All-in-all, Virginia, is gearing up to become a competitive sports betting landscape.

Major Players In Virginia

With no land-based casinos (yet) and online-friendly legislation, Virginia is expected to be a heavy hitter in the sports betting industry. Big operators are sure to flock to the state to offer online sports betting. FanDuel launched its app on January 21, 2021. Other brands were hot on their heels to launch in Virginia.

William Hill Virginia

Visit: William Hill

William Hill Virginia partnered with Caesars Entertainment to bring its online app to Virginia. Caesars also has a license to build a land-based casino in Virginia. But, Virginia bettors have access to William Hill now.

William Hill has a rich history in the gambling industry, and its years of experience will bring a powerful sports betting operator to the state alongside other top-tier providers. They app offers a robuts market of both domestic and international sports. William Hill InPlay is easy to access on the sportsbook, offering a wide variety of live, in-game betting options.

New bettors can claim up to $2,021 in risk free bets now at William Hill Virginia.

FanDuel Virginia

Visit: FanDuel Virginia

FanDuel is often one of the first apps to launch in a state. It’s no surprise that they were the first to launch in Virginia, almost simultaneously with their launch in Michigan. FanDuel is most known for its reputation in the Daily Fantasy Sports market but is gaining ground in legal online sports betting by operating in almost a dozen states.

New FanDuel users in Virginia can claim a $1,000 risk-free bet bonus on sign up. It’s a great way to get started with sports betting without risking too much upfront.

BetMGM Virginia

Visit: BetMGM Virginia

BetMGM is backed by one of the most successful brands in gaming, MGM. Its launch in Virginia brings a top-notch sports betting brand to the Commonwealth. Virginia bettors can access BetMGM Virginia on web browser as well as an iOS or Android app.

The MGM brand has done well in markets where they have a land-based casino as well, but they’ve also launched in states without a local presence. Even without a retail casino in Virginia, BetMGM is committed to the region. They operate the MGM National Harbor, which is in Maryland at the DC border and close to Virginia bettors.

BetMGM also recently announced a partnership with the Washington Nationals, which will also lead to a BetMGM branded sportsbook located at Nationals Park.

New BetMGM users in Virginia can claim a risk-free first bet up to $600 on sign up.

DraftKings Virginia

Visit: DraftKings Virginia

A DraftKings Virginia launch was about the closest to a sure thing you could get. The operator already has a Daily Fantasy Sports presence in Virginia, and it was one of the first to launch sports betting in the state. Besides, it seems where FanDuel goes so does DraftKings.

DraftKings’ quest for leadership in each market is fueled by early launches wherever possible, and Virginia will be no different. DraftKings is offering new players in the state a deposit match bonus of 20% up to $1,000.

BetRivers Virginia

Visit: BetRivers Virginia

BetRivers has seen success in a number of states near Virginia, namely Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We expect BetRivers to continue its success in Virginia now that it is live in Virginia.

One of the reasons why BetRivers is so successful with bettors in new markets, like Illinois and Michigan, is because of its strong bonus offer. BetRivers offers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough requirement. Even if the dollar amount is lower than competitors such as DraftKings, the playthrough requirement is entirely attainable, even for new sports bettors.

Rush Street Gaming, the parent company of Rush Street Interactive and the BetRivers brand, was approved as the casino partner for Virginia’s new Portsmouth casino. With that casino greenlit, the BetRivers brand will have a strong foothold in Virginia, making it a top contender to lead the sports betting market and the casino gaming market in the state.

Virginia’s Legal Gambling History

Most of Virginia’s major gambling-related legislative developments have happened in the very recent past. Even in the grand scheme of things, Virginia’s legal lottery and horse race betting options are fairly new.

In 1987, Virginia legalized the lottery, with all profits going to education initiatives. One year later, the Lottery sold its first tickets. In 1989, the state created the Virginia Racing Commission to manage pari-mutuel wagers on races held out of state, mainly because there were no tracks in Virginia.

That changed in 1997 with the opening of Colonial Downs. It’s still the only race track in Virginia.

Fast forward to 2018. The Supreme Court declared PASPA unconstitutional, putting sports betting legislation in the hands of individual states. Virginia took notice and started to welcome new forms of gambling. LEgislation to authorize sports betting passed in July 2020. But the state wasn’t content to just add sports betting into the mix. Five Virginia communities voted in a referendum to allow for the construction of five casinos, one in each of the following towns:

• Bristol
• Danville
• Norfolk
• Portsmouth
• Richmond

These will mark the very first casinos in Virginia’s history, perhaps signaling a new era of gambling for the state.

Virginia Gambling Timeline

• March 2021 – WynnBet Virginia was approved by the Virginia Lottery and will launch in mid-march.
• January 2021 – Draftkings Virginia launched on January 24, 2021 while BetRivers, BetMGM and William Hill launched on the 27th.
• January 21, 2021: FanDuel Virginia becomes the first sportsbook app to announce its launch in Virginia
• November 2020: Voters approve casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond via referendum
  
• October 2020: Licensing application process for sports betting operators begins
  
• September 2020: Virginia Lottery finalizes regulatory framework for mobile sports betting
  
• July 2020: Sports betting legalized in Virginia
  
• 2018: SCOTUS declares PASPA unconstitutional, leaving sports betting legislation in the hands of individual states
  
• 1997: Colonial Downs, Virginia’s first race track, opens in New Kent
  
• 1989: Virginia creates the Virginia Racing Commission to regulate pari-mutuel betting
  
• 1988: The Virginia Lottery sells its first tickets
• 1987: Virginia legalizes lottery
  

Virginia Gambling FAQs

West Virginia Online Casino Legal

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Virginia Casino Legalization

Yes. But there’s one catch–Virginia doesn’t have any casinos yet. Voters in five Virginia communities recently approved casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond. This vote occurred in November 2020, so it coils still be at least a few years before Virginia casinos actually open.

Yes. The Virginia Lottery began accepting license applications on October 15, 2020. The first app launched on January 21, 2021, when FanDuel Virginia hit the ground running. Several other apps launched in the days that followed and more will be live soon.

Currently, Virginia’s minimum gambling age is 18. However, this is because the state only offers pari-mutuel wagering, bingo, Daily Fantasy Sports, and lottery games.

Sports betting and casino gaming will have a minimum age requirement of 21. Anyone 21 or above will be able to play at Virginia’s casinos or on the state’s sports betting sites.

Yes, but not every form of online gambling is available yet. Virginia legalized sports betting in July, and the Virginia lottery finalized regulations in September. The first sports betting app launched on January 21, 2021.

Sports betting, horse race betting, and online lottery are the other internet gaming options for Virginians. Online casino gaming is not legal in the state.

Yes. The Virginia Lottery was created in 1987 and sold its first ticket in 1988. The Virginia Lottery benefits the state’s education programs.

The Virginia lottery is also the governing body for sports betting. The organization creates rules and regulations that govern sportsbooks in the state.

Yes. You can purchase tickets and play lottery games online in Virginia. The Virginia Lottery has a helpful FAQ page that provides more detail on this option.

Yes. One of the best reasons to bet at legal online sports betting sites is that they are completely safe, unlike off-shore or illegal sportsbooks. Now that sports betting is fully legal in Virginia and online sportsbooks are available, there is no reason to go offshore. The Virginia Lottery and the government of Virginia do everything in their power to ensure online betting is safe for Virginia bettors.

Yes. All gambling winnings are taxed by the IRS. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is 25%.

In many cases, a casino or sportsbook will provide you with tax paperwork if your winnings exceed a certain threshold. If you win below the threshold, you still need to pay taxes on those winnings, but the paperwork is your responsibility.

Yes, especially if you play frequently. Rewards programs offer a lot of great incentives for casino players. Free meals, room discounts, free play on slots, special concert/event pre-sales…the list could go on. Frequent players can gain a lot from a casino loyalty program, so it’s worth signing up even if you expect to visit once every few months. Points add up over time!

Virginia has identified preferred casino partners for all five cities that authorized casinos to be built. Here are the identified preferred partners:

• Bristol: Hard Rock International
• Danville: Caesars Entertainment
• Portsmouth: Rush Street Gaming (Rivers)
• Richmond: Pamunkey Indian Tribe
• Norfolk: Pamunkey Indian Tribe