Virginia Sports Betting

Below are answers to the most popular questions we get surrounding the Virginia sports betting market. Virginia should be a fairly straight-forward launch for sportsbooks, as many of their policies mirror what we saw in other states. That being said, as with any state, there are some unique rules that are specific to Virginia residents and visitors.

Is sports betting legal in Virginia?

Yes, sports betting is officially legal in the state of Virginia. Several online sportsbooks are available as of October 2023.

What restrictions are in place in Virginia?

There are several rules that Virginia bettors should be aware of. The first is that wagering on the state’s college teams will not be allowed. Not only will this include games featuring the state’s colleges (Virginia, Va Tech, VCU, Liberty…) but will also include tournaments these teams are competing in (March Madness).

Where can I bet on sports in Virginia?

As we mentioned earlier, mobile betting is legal in Virginia, so you will be able to bet anywhere. One interesting note here, however, is that the law allows for legal sports betting in one professional sports stadium. Early speculation is that the state is going to make a run at a new location for the Washington Commanders, and a sportsbook would certainly help their cause.

So will there be any brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Virginia at launch?

This seems unlikely in the near future, but five cities are currently allowed to explore building a casino and sportsbook. We would expect each of them to jump at the opportunity, but these would clearly be long-term projects. Those cities include Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Richmond. A decision from each of these cities voters are expected in November.

Is live betting legal in Virginia?

Yes, live betting will be available in Virginia on any sportsbook that offers it. Obviously, the state’s college teams will not be eligible for live betting.