The Top Virginia Sportsbooks
Virginia made the leap into legal sports betting in March 2021 and since then, the Old Dominion has reached the top 10 in betting volume. Virginia sportsbooks have taken in over $13 billion in sports bets, with the biggest names in gambling setting up shop in the state.
There are currently 14 legal sportsbooks in Virginia, ranging from major players such as DraftKings and BetMGM to newcomers such as Fanatics and Hard Rock Bet.
Our team of sports betting professions has delved into Virginia’s sportsbook scene to bring you the top picks. We’ve focused on platforms that combine user-friendly experiences with irresistible betting bonuses.
Which Sportsbooks are Legal in Virginia?
Here’s a list of the licensed online sportsbooks in Virginia:
- Bally Bet
- Bet365
- BetFred
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- ESPN BET
- FanDuel
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet
- SI Sportsbook
- Unibet
The Legalization of Virginia Sportsbooks
For more than a quarter-century, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) put a nationwide halt to betting on most sports, with only a handful of exceptions. This all changed in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, paving the way for individual states to craft their own online sports betting regulations.
Virginia stepped up by legalizing online sports betting in April 2020 and officially opened the doors to sports betting in early 2021. Since this launch, a number of sportsbooks have set up shop in the state, reinforcing the idea that Virginia is a welcoming place for bettors.
Virginia Sportsbook Bonuses
The sportsbooks entering Virginia have offered great bonuses to all new players in the state. These sign up bonuses include free bets ranging from $150 to $1,500 for all new depositing players, allowing bettors to try out different books risk-free.
And there’s even more on offer! In addition to welcome bonuses, Virginia sportsbooks also feature perks like daily free bets, free casino spins, and rewards through loyalty programs.
A Range of Betting Choices in Virginia
Virginia’s sportsbooks cater to all kinds of bettors, offering a vast array of betting options. From straightforward point spreads and moneylines to the more intricate parlays and prop bets, the state’s sports betting scene is rich and varied. As Virginia’s sports betting market expands, expect an increase in both the variety and complexity of betting options.
We have also made a list of the best same game parlay sportsbooks in Virginia, as they have easily become a favorite for players looking to wager on NFL, NBA, NCAA, MLB and more!
The Regulation of Virginia Sportsbooks
Getting sports betting up and running in Virginia was a marathon, not a sprint. The legislative effort kicked off in 2019 but didn’t culminate in a functioning law until April 2020. The state didn’t see its first bets placed until January 2021. A bit later, some legislative tweaks were made. These changes clearly distinguished between casino and online licenses, revealing that up to 18 licenses could be up for grabs. They also empowered the Virginia Lottery to green-light new betting markets as needed. Here’s how the licensing breaks down:
- Twelve licenses are exclusively for online betting.
- Five are for retail casinos, although currently, only four casinos are in the works.
- One license is reserved for a professional sports team based in Virginia.
- There’s a provision for extra licenses if a pro sports team decides to make Virginia their home.
In Virginia, you can bet on both professional and college sports. But, there’s a catch: betting on games involving in-state college teams is off-limits. During tournaments like March Madness, you can place bets on matches as long as they don’t feature Virginia college teams. Also, prop bets on college games are a no-go. And remember, you need to be 21 or older to place sports bets in the state.