Sports betting is legal in Virginia, with online wagering available statewide through licensed sportsbook apps. Since launching in 2021, the market has grown to include several nationally recognized operators, each offering different betting features, promotions, and app experiences.
This guide compares Virginia sportsbook apps available in 2026 and explains how online sports betting works in the state, including key rules, eligibility requirements, and what to consider before choosing a betting app.
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There are 11 licensed online sportsbooks currently available in Virginia, giving bettors several options to choose from. This section highlights some of the most popular Virginia sports betting apps, chosen from the state’s full lineup of approved operators.
Caesars Sportsbook launched in Virginia in January 2021 and operates statewide under oversight from the Virginia Lottery. The platform is backed by Caesars Entertainment and uses sportsbook technology developed through its acquisition of William Hill’s U.S. operations.
In Virginia, Caesars offers a wide selection of betting markets covering both U.S. and international sports, along with live streaming on select events. Bettors can also earn credits through Caesars Rewards, which can be used both online and at Caesars casino properties.
That said, some users have reported issues with live betting, including odds remaining locked for extended periods during in-play markets. Caesars also offers fewer player prop options than some competing sportsbooks, which may matter to bettors who focus heavily on props.
FanDuel Sportsbook launched in Virginia in January 2021 and is one of the most widely used betting apps in the state. The platform is operated by FanDuel Group and built on technology developed through its parent company, Flutter Entertainment.
FanDuel stands out for its frequent odds boosts and ongoing promotions, which are updated regularly across major sports and events. It also offers a deep range of betting markets, with particular strength in player props and same-game parlays.
One drawback is that FanDuel does not offer a traditional loyalty or rewards program tied to sports betting activity. Bettors who prioritize long-term rewards or point-based perks may find other sportsbooks more appealing.
BetMGM Sportsbook launched in Virginia in January 2021 and is operated by BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain.
The app offers a broad range of betting markets across major professional leagues, international sports, and niche wagering types. BetMGM also includes BetMGM Rewards, which allows bettors to earn points that can be redeemed for bonuses or used at MGM properties.
On the downside, some users report performance issues with the mobile app, including slow load times or occasional glitches. While these issues are not constant, they can be noticeable during high-traffic betting periods.
bet365 Sportsbook operates in Virginia as part of its broader U.S. expansion and is backed by one of the most established sportsbook brands in Europe.
The platform is known for offering highly competitive odds, along with early payout features that allow bettors to lock in wins before events are officially decided. bet365 also delivers a strong live betting experience, with a large number of in-play markets and live streaming available on select events.
Some bettors have noted that bet365 can be quick to limit or restrict accounts that consistently beat the lines. The sportsbook also does not offer a traditional loyalty program, which may be a consideration for users who value being reward for consistent play.
DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Virginia in January 2021 and is operated by DraftKings, one of the largest online betting platforms in the U.S.
The app regularly features odds boosts and other ongoing promotions across major sports. DraftKings offers a deep betting menu, with a wide range of player props, alternate lines, and same-game parlay options.
On the other hand, the number of available features and markets on the DraftKings app can be a bit overwhelming for bettors who prefer a simpler, more streamlined experience.
To rank Virginia sportsbook apps fairly, ATS.io reviews each licensed operator using consistent criteria focused on usability, reliability, and overall betting experience.
Factors considered include:
These evaluations are updated regularly to reflect changes in sportsbook features, promotions, and regulatory requirements.
Signing up for an online sportsbook in Virginia is a straightforward process and can usually be completed in just a few minutes. All licensed sportsbooks follow similar account registration requirements under state regulations.
Start by comparing licensed sportsbook apps available in Virginia. While all approved platforms operate under the same state rules, they can differ in areas such as betting features, mobile app design, and available promotions.
Visit the sportsbook’s website or download its mobile app and complete the registration process. You’ll be asked to provide basic personal information and verify your identity, which is required for age and location compliance.
After registering, you’ll need to fund your account before placing bets. Most Virginia sportsbook apps accept common payment methods such as debit cards, online wallets, and bank transfers, though available options can vary by platform.
Some licensed sportsbooks provide welcome bonuses to new users, such as bonus bets or bet-and-get offers. Reviewing current Virginia sportsbook promos can help you understand the terms and any wagering requirements before opting in.
Once your account is funded, you can browse available sports and betting markets, select a wager, enter your stake, and confirm the bet. Any winnings are credited to your account balance based on the odds and final outcome.
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Virginia after the state passed House Bill 896 and Senate Bill 384 in 2020, legislation that formally authorized regulated sports wagering.
Following approval, Virginia launched online sports betting in January 2021, allowing licensed sportsbook apps to operate statewide. The market is regulated by the Virginia Lottery, which oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protections for both online and retail sportsbooks.
Today, Virginia residents who are 21 or older can place bets through approved sportsbook apps while physically located within the state, with all operators required to follow the same advertising, wagering, and responsible gambling standards.
Retail sports betting is live in Virginia. Not many retail sports betting sites have opened in the state, but there is action to be found with lots more coming soon.
A number of betting sites are positioned to come online in the near future as more gaming establishments open in the state. Here’s where things are in the state, and when you can expect more sportsbooks to open.
The Bristol Casino is the first proper casino to open in Virginia. Though it’s technically under construction, a temporary casino and sportsbook has been opened near its future permanent home, allowing Virginia residents to get some action in before the official ribbon-cutting.
The first Virginia retail sportsbook is operated Hard Rock Casino and is located just over the border in Bristol, allowing visitors from Tennessee and North Carolina to get in on the action. The location currently has over 30,000 square feet of gaming space with a number of betting windows in its retail sports betting site and several kiosks dotted throughout the casino.
Caesars Entertainment has planted its flag in a number of states across the U.S., and that’s going to go for Virginia as well. The gaming conglomerate is set to open up the new Caesars Virginia casino in 2024, but a temporary casino is opening in July 2023 to give residents an early taste of what’s to come.
The new Caesars branch is planned to include 1,300 slot machines, 85 live table games, 24 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room, with the cherry on top being a Caesars Sportsbook.
The Rivers Casino chain has made itself a premier gaming destination across the country. It’s also made itself into one of the best sports betting options thanks to BetRivers. Virginia already has access to the online betting app, and will be able to take part of the action in person in January.
The Rivers Casino is set to open in style with a whopping 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, and 24 poker tables on day one. Rivers’ very own sportsbook will also be on hand, giving visitors the opportunity to take in a game in between their trips to the tables.
Another temporary casino is set to be established in Norfolk, Virginia but the details surrounding have not been entirely hammered down. The current plan is to have a temporary casino open along the banks of the Elizabeth River near the Harbor Park arena. At this time, an official betting partner hasn’t been confirmed but it’s highly likely that a retail sports betting site will be opened at the casino.
Virginia sports fans are able to bet on all their favorite sports including football, basketball, MMA, and more. Betting on every major pro sports league from the NFL to the UFC to NASCAR is available in Virginia.
The one big caveat to this is that in-state college sports events are off-limits for betting in Virginia. While a game between Boston College and the University of Massachusetts is available for wagers in Virginia, games involving Virginia Tech are not. Here are some of the sports betting options available in Virginia:
Moneyline bets are a simple bet on which team you’re expecting to win a match. This applies to all sports and all methods of victory. Whether it’s a football team winning by a single point, a boxer winning by first round knockout, or anything else, the W is the only thing that matters.
The spread adds a handicap to the favored team, meaning that team needs to win for a certain number of points in order to have the bet hit. The good news is that this makes for very even lines, with the lines on both teams being a toss-up. This is a great way to bet on your favorite team, even if they happen to be a big underdog.
Live betting allows you to bet on a game that’s already in progress. The lines move around based upon how the game is unfolding, something that lets fans dial into the game in a whole new way. Different online sportsbooks will offer different markets, with some offering much more live betting options than others.
Over/unders deal with one specific stat and task bettors with guessing where the final tally will fall. For example, a football team may have an over/under set on the number of points scored at 25.5. If the team scores 26 or more points, the bet on “over” will hit while 25 or fewer will have the “under” score you some cash.
Totals are similar to over/unders, but they take both teams into account. If a football game has a total line set at 41.5, the “over” will hit if both teams combine for 42 or more points. Whether it’s a 24-23 squeaker or a 42-0 blowout, both will hit.
Prop bets cover a very wide range of different bets. On a weekly basis, major sports betting apps will offer player props on things like whether a specific player will score a goal during a hockey game or if a quarterback will throw an interception in a football game.
Parlays combine multiple bets into one large package, where every bet (called a “leg”) needs to hit in order to win. If any part of the parlay fails the bet won’t hit, but the trade is that the payouts escalate with every leg that’s added to the parlay. The risk is high, but the payoff can be huge.
Virginia Tech’s greatest successes in athletics stem from its track and field team. On both the men’s and women’s sides, the Hokies have brought home a number of national championships for a broad variety of events.
Historically, Virginia Tech is primarily notable for its football team that dominates at home thanks to its raucous stadium. Over recent years, Virginia Tech’s basketball team has been on a huge upswing as well. The school has appeared in every NCAA Tournament since 2017, which comes alongside an ACC Conference championship in 2022.
The University of Virginia has been raking in championships in recent years, winning 13 national championships across 11 years from 2012 to 2022. These accolades came in a wide variety of sports. The school’s greatest accomplishment during this time is winning five national championships in men’s tennis during this time.
That said, most NCAA sports fans will be familiar with the school thanks to its NCAA National Tournament win in basketball. It also has a growing reputation in football with Bronco Mendenhall coaching the team out of a bad rut during the Mike London era.
Virginia has some great collegiate teams but it doesn’t actually have any pro clubs in any of America’s biggest sports leagues. With that in mind, Virginia primarily shares teams with its neighbors in Washington, DC. Virginia’s favorite NFL, NHL, and MLB teams are the Washington Commanders, Washington Capitals, and Washington Nationals, respectively.
This is a mixed bag for Virginia, as the teams have a mix of performances from great to terrible in recent seasons. The Washington Nationals and Capitals have both taken home championships in recent years with the Nationals. The Commanders are a Washington sports staple, but a long Super Bowl drought dating back to 1991 and consistently controversial ownership has hampered optimism surrounding the team.
While Virginia looks to Washington for most of its favorite sports teams, that’s not actually the case with the NBA. Instead of looking to the Washington Wizards, it looks to Ohio’s own Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers are synonymous with NBA superstar Lebron James. A large part of that is the franchise’s inability to succeed without him, but the Cavs have started to find a level of success in the post-Lebron James era.
Virginia does have a number of pro teams in minor leagues and in smaller sports. Here are some of the Virginia-based sports teams that bettors can wager on:
Sports betting in Virginia is intended to be a form of entertainment, and it’s important to wager responsibly. If betting stops being enjoyable or begins to cause stress or financial harm, help and support are available.
Virginia provides confidential resources for anyone who may be experiencing gambling-related problems, as well as tools that allow players to set limits or self-exclude from betting platforms.
Responsible gambling resources in Virginia include:
Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. The state passed legislation in 2020 to allow online and mobile sports betting, and the first sportsbooks launched in January 2021.
Are There Age Restrictions for Sports Betting in Virginia?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years old to engage in sports betting in Virginia. This applies to both online and retail sportsbooks.
Can I Have Multiple Sportsbook Accounts in Virginia?
Yes, you can have accounts with multiple sportsbooks in Virginia. It's common for bettors to have accounts with different platforms to compare odds and take advantage of promotions.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Virginia?
You can bet on a wide range of sports in Virginia. Popular options include professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, golf, tennis, and more. However, betting on high school sports or events involving Virginia college teams is prohibited.
Written by Mike McDermott, Online Gambling Expert & Industry Analyst
Mike McDermott has been part of the online gambling world since the early days back when dial-up connections were still a thing and online poker rooms were just starting to take off. With over 20 years in the industry, he's seen trends come and go, watched regulations tighten, and helped shape the strategies behind some of the most recognizable names in iGaming. Mike doesn’t just write about online casinos and sportsbooks he’s worked inside them. From advising on risk management and user experience to testing games for fairness and compliance, his experience runs deep. He’s consulted for operators, contributed to gambling safety initiatives, and still plays regularly to stay sharp. His goal? Simple. To help players make smarter choices, avoid shady sites, and understand the real odds behind the games. You’ll find his work quoted in major gambling publications and trusted by thousands of readers looking for real, unfiltered insights - not marketing fluff.