Virginia sports betting is one of the most competitive markets in the United States 🇺🇸. Following legalization in 2020, an online-only launch happened in 2021, with retail expansion following in 2023. Sports betting has proven to be a massive hit in Virginia, which ranks among the leaders for both total revenue and handle generated since the debut of legal sports betting.
Bettors can pick and choose from top books including BetMGM and Caesars. While there’s no pro teams for residents to call their own, neighboring clubs such as the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Commanders have a massive fanbase. As the sports betting industry continues to evolve, Virginia remains among the top sports betting markets 👏.
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Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ CO DC IN IA IL KS KY LA MA MD MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV WY |
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Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ CO DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA MD ME MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV |
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Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ CO CT DC IL KS KY LA IN IA MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA VT WV WY |
Virginia Sportsbooks
No books available.
Virginia Promotions & Bonuses
Please check back for promotions to be added for upcoming events.
There’s a wide range of promotions and bonuses for Virginia sports bettors to consider. New customers can grab sportsbook sign-up offers, while existing users can jump on new sportsbook promos. Typical offers include:
- Welcome Offer: Typical sign-up offers include deposit matches and no sweat bets.
- Odds Boosts: Boosted odds give you the chance for greater profits on winning wagers.
- Bonus Bets: Grab these credits and place your bets with no cash outlay.
- Rewards Programs: Rack up points, climb tiers, and claim various incentives.
To make the most of the bonuses and promos that you claim, keep the following in mind:
- Check the Terms: Read the fine print to understand the terms and limits.
- Shop Around: See what’s out there in the marketplace to find the best options.
- Use Promo Codes: Use bonus codes from trusted sources for access to great deals.
- Game Plan: Establish your plan to meet requirements and maximize rewards.
For more information on Virginia sports betting promos - visit our VA Promos page.
Top Virginia Sportsbooks
The Odds Shark team keeps its finger on the pulse of the competitive Virginia sports betting market. We’ve taken a deep dive into all of the available options and curated a list of the most trusted and reputable sportsbooks that you can play with today.
Whether you’re an experienced bettor or a complete newbie, we’re here to help you find your edge. Our expert reviews are thorough, objective, and unbiased. They’re also updated regularly, so you can confidently choose the books that best suit your needs.
Check out our detailed summaries of the top Virginia sportsbooks below. You can also read our extensive reviews of industry leaders like BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365, all of which hit the right notes, such as competitive odds, great promos, and an awesome user experience.
BetMGM
Whenever there’s a big game or event going on, BetMGM is all over the airwaves. Thankfully, this is a case where the hype is justified. The iconic MGM brand has delivered a fantastic online and mobile product that it bills as “The King of Sportsbooks” 👑.
If you consider the number of markets you’ll find available on the platform, regularly competitive odds, and the chance to rack up rewards as you play, the moniker isn’t off the mark. Add in regular promos like odds boosts and no-sweat tokens, BetMGM fits the bill in many ways.
For Virginia sports bettors specifically, BetMGM is a go-to spot for Commanders games, March Madness, and whatever else is on the docket. It’s great for live betting, makes parlay building a breeze, and has an extensive menu of props. What’s not to love? ❤️
- Lucrative Promos and Oddsboosts
- Early Cash Outs
- MGM Loyalty Rewards
- Live Streaming (including MLB)
- Responsible Gambling Policy
- Limited Sports in Certain Regions
- Competitive Odds
BetMGM User Experience
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Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is another legacy company that is now at the forefront of online and mobile betting. The platform is among the most user-friendly you could ask for. The layout is super clean, and the intuitive search future helps you locate what you want instantly.
For Virginia bettors, this is a smooth option that does a lot of things right. If you’re into futures, there’s an extensive menu of markets. Parlay bettors will love how easy it is to build out SGPs and other multi-leg bets, while “FireBets” 🔥 will quickly become a favorite of live bettors.
The book also stands out with an excellent rewards program that features top-notch perks like free and discounted stays at Caesars destinations 🏨. They're also not shy about regular promos like boosts and bonus bets. Check out Caesars for an outstanding experience.
- Live streaming of NFL Games with "Watch & Bet" feature
- Frequent Promos & Generous Offers
- Daily "Bonus Bets"
- Enhanced Live Betting
- Live Chat Feature
- Slow verification
Caesars User Experience
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bet365
If you like your platforms simple while still being completely stacked with options, bet365 will fit you like a glove 🧤. Top highlights include one of the most extensive player prop menus that you’ll find, bet boosts, and an early payout feature on big leads that helps you avoid disaster.
This is a book that doesn’t need a whole lot of bells and whistles to keep things rolling, but don’t let that deceive you. Both the website and app are super smooth and responsive. From pregame to live betting and all points in between, bet365 delivers without issue.
On the promo front, bet365 isn’t shy about delivering bet and get opportunities, no sweat 😅bets, or regularly dishing out boosts for all of the top games and events. If you’re on the hunt for a book that consistently delivers in many ways, bet365 deserves your attention.
- Generous Boosts and Super Boost
- Early Payouts
- Parlay Boost Initiative
- Fast Deposit/Withdrawal Options
- Great Customer Service
- Great Platform Design
- Competitive Odds
- Location Issues
- Props Hidden in Menu
bet365 User Experience
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DraftKings
DraftKings has emerged as one of the top sportsbooks in legal states across the nation, and Virginia is no exception. A super slick platform has helped it become a top destination for bettors of all experience levels. The menu is packed with markets, with the odds generally on point.
Top features include a super clean menu layout, a fantastic live betting section, and unique features like betting pools where you can compete for prizes. Ready to see what all of the fuss is about? Check out DraftKings today and you’ll quickly understand why it’s a big deal.
- Same-Game Parlays
- Generous Bonuses & Bet Boosts
- Player Friendly Refund Policies
- User-Friendly App
- Fast Deposit/Withdrawals
- Robust Betting Options (by sport and bet type)
- Excellent Customer Support
- Lack of Live Streaming Options
- Low Limits on Odds Boosts
DraftKings User Experience
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how to start betting in virginia
Getting started with sports betting in Virginia is a quick and painless process. You can be up and running with an account at your sportsbook of choice in mere minutes. If you’re 21 or older, physically located in the state, and ready to go, here’s what you need to do.
decide where to play
Compare the latest welcome offers and pick a legal and regulated Virginia sportsbook. You can find top options here on this page. Click the links to begin the simple registration process and claim your promos.
register and verify
On your smartphone or desktop, you’ll follow the onscreen instructions and enter the requested information. Verify your age and location, accept the sportsbook terms and conditions, and click through to create your account.
add funds to play with
Once you’re registered, it’s time to make a deposit. Gp to the cashier section and choose your preferred banking method. Decide how much you want to add and follow the instructions to deposit.
choose your bet
Browse the available betting markets and decide what you want to wager on. Click the odds for your selection to add it to the betting slip. Add your stake, apply any applicable promos, confirm, and place your bet.
cash in your winnings
When you win, winnings will hit your account as soon as the bet settles. If you want to cash in, head back to the cashier section, choose your method, and follow the prompts to make a withdrawal.
Popular Sports and Teams for Betting in Virginia
Virginia sports betting interest runs the gamut, from the top pro and collegiate sports to major events and niche sports. You can bet on all in a variety of ways, such as moneyline, spread, totals, props, futures, parlays, and live betting.
On the pro side, the NFL is a top draw, with the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens regularly capturing a ton of attention. MLB, NBA, and NHL interest also trends toward neighboring Maryland and DC: Orioles, Nationals, Wizards, and Capitals.
As with many other states across the nation, there are plenty of transplants, which translates into varied rooting interest. College hoops and football are also big deals, but wagering on in-state teams such as Virginia and Virginia Tech is prohibited.
Many top sportsbooks also have partnerships in place with surrounding teams, including:
Virginia Legal Status and Regulations
Sports betting has been legal in Virginia since 2020. The online and mobile launch took place in January 2021, followed by retail expansion in 2023. The state has been a very popular draw for sportsbooks and bettors alike. The market is fully regulated, with protections in place for consumers and stringent rules for operators to follow.
- Legal Framework: Legalization happened in 2020, with the official launch of sports betting taking place in 2021. Before setting up shop - and to continue doing business - sportsbooks have to adhere to strict requirements.
- Regulatory Body: Sports betting falls under the purview of the Virginia Lottery. The lottery helped craft the rules and regulations for the industry in the state and continues to serve as the overseeing body.
- Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and located in the state to wager with Virginia sportsbooks. No prop betting on college sports or wagering of any kind on in-state collegiate teams.
history of sports betting legislation in virginia
In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA, effectively ending the federal ban on sports betting and placing the matter into the hands of individual states to decide for themselves. Here’s how legalization efforts have played out in Virginia.
november 2019:
Efforts to legalize sports betting begin to pick up steam. Passage of an actual law remains out of reach, but the commissioning of bills and studies is underway.
april 2020:
After extensive work behind the scenes, bills SB384 and HB 384 are passed, opening the doors for legal sports betting in Virginia.
september 2020:
The Virginia Lottery Board unveils sports betting regulations. Notable items include restriction on wagering on in-state collegiate teams.
january 2021:
FanDuel becomes the first legal online sportsbook to debut in Virginia. Books including DraftKings and BetMGM soon follow.
july 2022:
The first brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook opens its doors as Hard Rock Sportsbook debuts at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Bristol.
january 2024:
Efforts to allow wagering on in-state collegiate teams start to ramp up as legislators introduce bill SB 142. The matter carries over into the 2025 session.
How Virginia Compares with Other States
The Virginia sports betting market quickly took off following the launch, with many top sportsbooks flocking to the state. Revenue and handle have remained consistent, with natural seasonal ebbs and flows based on the sporting calendar. The state is surrounded by other legal sports betting markets, including neighboring Maryland and West Virginia.
- Market size and wagering handle: Virginia is larger than both Maryland and West Virginia in terms of population. The same holds true when it comes to wagering handle. Using December 2024 as an example, here’s the handle tally:
- Virginia: $734.3 million
- Maryland: $637.3 million
- West Virginia: $54 million
- Tax rates and impact on the market: More handle generally translates into more tax revenue, but that’s dependent on the rate in the market. Virginia and Maryland are both at 15%, with West Virginia at 10%. Here’s how that translated into taxes in Dec. 2024:
- Virginia: $6.5 million
- Maryland: $6.5 million
- West Virginia: $387.3k
- Overall implications: Virginia is the larger of the three sports betting markets. The population size combined with a passionate sports fanbase and range of sports betting options suggests that it will continue to soar as the industry matures.
Future of Sports Betting in Virginia
Sports betting is no longer a shiny new toy in Virginia. The market is now several years old while continuing to grow. Are there any notable changes on the horizon? Here are some possibilities that we’ll be keeping our eyes on.
- Legislative changes: While there are no current efforts in progress to do so in Virginia, individual states that have seen booming sports betting interest aren’t shy about taking a bigger slice of the pie. More taxes on sports betting equals more revenue for the state coffers, making it an issue worth monitoring.
- Wagering changes: There has been a push to allow wagering on in-state collegiate teams. Once again, it comes down to revenue possibilities. College basketball and March Madness are huge draws in Virginia. Why not bring even more money into the house, and by extension, earn even more tax revenue?
- Sportsbook expansion: There are currently 13 sportsbooks for Virginia sports bettors to choose from, with the law permitting up to 18 to be open for business. Could we see more slots filled in the coming months and years? It’s possible, but the maturation of the industry has seen increased separation of the market leaders and also-rans.
- Emerging trends and technology: Change is a given in the online and mobile world, and innovations are likely to continue accelerating due to marked advancements in technology. Potential developments to watch for include:
- Speed: Payment processing speed continues to improve, and the same holds true for the live betting experience on many of the top sites. It’s a great convenience for now, but will likely translate into more customer demand for optimization. Sportsbooks that deliver will separate themselves from the pack.
- Advancements: Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality aren’t going anywhere. For example, DraftKings has introduced predictive models powered by AI, while FanDuel has explored virtual reality environments. This could be just the start of what’s to come with innovations.
- Other: Data analytics are steadily improving at top platforms, as are streaming capabilities. There could be more to come on both fronts, including more streaming rights deals. Meanwhile, there continue to be calls for advancements in payment tech to account for the blockchain and cryptocurrency demand.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
Sports betting is meant to be a source of entertainment. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. Problem gambling is a real issue that impacts many, but there are resources to lean on. If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects, you can find help here:
- The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-532-3500
- Virginia Lottery: Play Responsibly
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
Beyond always adhering to responsible gambling tenets, such as always playing with your head and never over it, be sure that you’re doing business with legal and regulated sportsbooks. The Virginia Lottery website provides complete information and useful resources.
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