Virginia – March 2024
The horse racing industry has existed for centuries in the state of Virginia, one of the oldest states in the country. But it has only been in recent years that horse racing betting sites have gone live, and actual horse betting has been done at online sportsbooks, making it one of the most popular forms of internet gambling today.
In this guide, we show you how to get started with online horse race betting, the top sports betting sites in Virginia, what makes them the best, how horse racing odds work and some info on upcoming races this year.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2014
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50% Free Play
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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Resources:
Table of Contents
Is horse betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, horse race betting is one of the oldest legal forms of gambling in Virginia, with roots going back to 1988. Wagering on tracks has a minimum gambling age of 18 in the state and you can bet in person or using online horse race betting sites with Advance Deposit Wagering.
There are also offshore sportsbooks that are legal and available. These online sites can provide a number of different benefits to bettors, including competitive betting odds and generous promotions. Additionally, you can bet on much more than just horse racing at these sites.
Virginia Horse Racing FAQs
Can you bet on horse races in Virginia?
Virginia has horse racing. Colonial Downs, located in New Kent, is the main thoroughbred racing track in the state. Steeplechase racing events like the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup take place at Great Meadow near The Plains.
Where is the Virginia Derby?
The Virginia Derby takes place at Colonial Downs, located in New Kent County, Virginia. It features state-of-the-art racing surfaces and hosts various prestigious races, including the New Kent County Virginia Derby. Visitors can enjoy horse racing excitement and participate in wagering activities at this venue.
What days does Colonial Downs run?
Colonial Downs runs live horse racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The official season runs from July 11 to September 7 in 2024.
Where is the Virginia Gold Cup?
The Virginia Gold Cup is an annual steeplechase event that takes place at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia.
What is the famous horse race in Virginia?
The most famous horse race in Virginia is the Virginia Gold Cup. This annual steeplechase event, held at Great Meadow in The Plains, is a longstanding tradition known for its exciting races and lively social atmosphere.
VA’s Top-Rated Online Racebooks
In going through the vast amount of online racebooks, we have compiled a top 10 list that will accept Virginia users looking to wager and win real money on horse racing. These sites are all located in territories where online gambling is legal, so feel free to join them today.
- Heritage Sports – Cashback racebook
- Bovada – Fun virtual racing markets
- BetOnline – Biggest daily rebate on racebook
- BetAnySports – Dozens of racetracks available
- BookMaker – Fixed odds racebook
- JustBet – Excellent rewards program
- BetUS – Offers useful gambling guides
- WagerWeb – Fast and easy crypto payouts
- Everygame – High-quality site design
- SportsBetting.ag – Risk-free horse bet for new users
Comparing the Top Virginia Racebooks
We have included a review of our top five racebooks on these offshore sites that accept Virginia bettors. We have listed our pros and cons for each and provided details specific to the racebook. These sites also offer an online sportsbook and plenty of table games to maximize your internet gambling options.
1. Cashback Racebook: Heritage Sports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features
- Racebook has 8% daily rebates
- Bonus funds can be used without restrictions
Heritage Sports features over 60 racetracks from America, Europe, Australia and others. The major tracks can pay out up to $10,000, and the Triple Crown races, the biggest in the sport each year, pay even more. Smaller tracks are limited to $5,000 per race.
You can earn up to 8% in daily rebates on the racebook. Those bonus funds come with a 4x rollover requirement, but remember that bonus funds can be used anywhere on the site at Heritage Sports. It would be very easy to play those on the casino and be able to withdraw them for cash.
Heritage Sports has a good design for its mobile site, and the same can be said of the racebook. We like to see the exotic wagers in tabs, but the extra nice touch you get at this online horse racing site is more detailed racing information like the horse’s trainer and jockey and their weight. Some jockeys win more often than others, so this extra piece of info is a good add-on for die-hard horse racing bettors.
In addition to the racebook, Heritage Sports offers a top-tier sportsbook, a solid casino section with a wide range of gaming options, and no one does esports better.
2. Fun Virtual Racing Markets: Bovada
Best For
Trust
9.9/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$750 Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Virtual racing is the best here
- Good rewards program
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: Bovada does not offer any daily rebates for your racebook bets. That is a bummer, but you can accumulate points with the reward program to earn bonus bets and poker entries, and your points never expire and you never lose your tier status no matter how long your account is inactive.
As for the racebook itself, the design is very sleek and well done with drop-down menus making it easy to switch between races and betting types. Bovada has a strong offering of exotic wager options on racetracks from all over the world. They also have very high limits for big events like the Triple Crown races and Breeders’ Cup.
While no daily horse racing rebate is a letdown, new users can get big welcome bonuses if they deposit with crypto. The sports bonuses – 75% bonus up to $750 – can be used on the racebook. The promo codes at Bovada can be used to unlock a range of benefits and perks.
If you have an interest in virtual racing, then Bovada is also by far the best at that. You can bet on horses, camels, greyhounds, and supercars in virtual races that play similarly to slot machine games.
3. Biggest Daily Rebate on Racebook: BetOnline
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features
- $25 risk-free bet to try the racebook
- Highest daily rebate (9% on exotics) for racebook
BetOnline offers dozens of racetracks from around the globe. The 9% daily rebate in the racebook is the highest in the market, and there is no limit on that rebate. The 9% is for exotic wagers (4% on win/place/show bets). But there are some restrictions on which races count towards the rebate, based on the track type and whether it was fixed odds instead of a pari-mutuel wager. Prop bets do not count either.
But BetOnline is definitely a fine spot to bet on the big horse races as you get very high limits, generous promotions and fast payouts. If you have never bet on horse racing before, BetOnline has a risk-free $25 bet to get you started on the racebook. There are also other BetOnline promo codes that bettors can use to unlock exclusive benefits.
4. Dozens of Racetracks Available: BetAnySports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Daily racebook rebate (6%)
- Sportsbook has best reduced juice (-105)
BetAnySports doesn’t offer rebates as high as some of its rivals, but you do get a 6% daily rebate on the racebook, which is better than nothing. However, the most you can bet for a qualified rebate is $500 on win/place/show wagers and $200 on exotic wagers. This may turn high rollers towards other horse racing betting sites. For the average bettor, BetAnySports’ bonuses can provide a lot of additional value, including bonus funds.
Remember, those limits apply to the daily rebates. There are more reasonable limits for how much you can wager on the races at BetAnySports. For the big Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup events, there is a maximum profit of $100,000 per race. Track A races, like Churchill Downs, pay up to $30,000 per race, Track B is $15,000, and Track C is limited to $10,000. The lowest limit on the site is for the Australian Tracks, where your maximum payout is $1,000.
BetAnySports does far more than just horse racing. You get a fantastic prop builder, a casino section with seven different casinos, and you can even play the state lottery – Virginia’s Pick 3 and Pick 4 included – from your mobile device.
5. Fixed Odds Racebook: BookMaker
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features
- All betting is fixed odds in the racebook
- 8% daily rebates on your horse racing bets
Bookmaker.eu is more than just our top-ranked sportsbook from Costa Rica. The racebook is also very respected and offers fixed-odds betting, which will make sports bettors feel right at home. Bet on a line and know exactly how much you will win if the bet is a winner. You are locked into that number no matter what happens between now and the time the race starts.
No matter if your bets win or lose on the racebook, you will get up to 8% daily rebates. There are dozens of tracks from around the world that have races on BookMaker, and you can always bet a huge amount on the most popular events like the Triple Crown races and Breeders’ Cup.
Bookmaker is best known for its sportsbook with the earliest lines on the market. You will also get high limits and a great reward program where you can get huge deposit bonuses in addition to the other bonuses and promos that are available at BookMaker.
Our Racebook Rating Methodology
The horse racing industry has made a successful transition into becoming one of the most popular forms of gaming at online gambling sites. We grade these offshore betting sites based on important performance metrics like customer service, promotions, banking methods, betting market variety and mobile site design. We feel confident in our metrics finding you the best online horse race betting sites.
Virginia’s History of Gambling Laws
You can say the history of horse racing goes back over 400 years in the state of Virginia. It was 1609 when British colonialists first brought horses over to the territory we now call Virginia. It was not long before people were betting on horses, though this was largely an activity for the wealthy.
There were multiple race tracks in use in Virginia in the 1700s, including a 1-mile oval track in Williamsburg. The legal status of horse racing was under scrutiny, but in 1851, the General Court of Virginia ruled horse racing to be more a sport than a game. Bets for under $20 were not prohibited under the state’s anti-gambling laws.
Tracks could fix races to hurt gamblers, but it was not until 1871 that pari-mutuel wagering was introduced in the United States. But by 1894, Virginia voted to ban most horse race betting outside of exceptions for tracks owned by agriculture associates or at state fairs. The ban tightened in 1897, and for nearly a whole century, horse race betting was technically illegal in the state, even though it still occurred frequently.
In 1988, Virginia voters approved pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing with 1,086,966 votes for and 858,850 votes against. The Virginia Racing Commission would be formed a year later to oversee all horse racing activity in the state, but years would pass before there was any action.
Finally, in 1997, Colonial Downs opened and started hosting races with betting, which it would do through 2014 before closing. After years of court battles, things changed in 2018 when Virginia approved historical horse racing machines, which play like slot machines, where bettors wager on a race, and the results are formed from a historic race. These became very popular and were thought to be enough to fund the reopening of the track.
In 2019, Colonial Downs was sold to new management, and the track held its first thoroughbred race since 2013. In 2020, sports betting laws were passed in the state, leading to a January 2021 launch with retail sportsbooks providing online betting services, including horse wagering. Licensed horse racing betting sites like TVG, TwinSpires and Xpressbet are also allowed to operate in Virginia, refueling the horse race betting industry in the Old Dominion State.
Timeline of Gambling in VA
The following timeline shows the important events in the horse racing industry in the state of Virginia:
- January 2021: Retail launch in the state, with many offering horse racing betting. Virginians can also join TVG, TwinSpires and Xpressbet.
- 2020: A sports betting bill is approved and signed by Gov. Ralph Northam, expanding Virginia’s legal gambling industry.
- 2019: Under new management, Colonial Downs holds its first thoroughbred race since 2013.
- 2018: Historical horse racing machines launch in the state, becoming an unexpected hit among bettors.
- 2014: Colonial Downs stops hosting races and gets into legal fights to resume racing in the next few years.
- 1997: Colonial Downs opens as a major racetrack in Virginia with pari-mutuel wagering back on the table.
- 1989: The Virginia Racing Commission forms to oversee the state’s on and off-track betting facilities.
- 1988: In a state-wide referendum, voters approve pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
- 1894: Virginia bans most horse racing in the state. While not legal for the next century, horse race betting would still happen in the state at clandestine off-track betting facilities.
- 1871: Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing was first introduced in the United States.
- 1851: he General Court of Virginia rules that horse racing is more of a sport than a game of chance like other gambling games. Bets under $20 will not be prohibited.
- 1739: A 1-mile oval track opens at Williamsburg.
Key Features of the Top Racebooks
Horse racing is one of the most popular forms of gaming with online gambling sites. In the next section, we look at the key features of a top racebook and why this criterion is important.
Competitive Betting Odds
Most racebooks are going to offer similar odds on the same race, but some may have a better number for a longshot you have an interest in. This is why bettors like to have an account with multiple sites to make sure they are getting the best prices. The more one site does a good job of having competitive betting odds, the more likely you are to keep giving them your business.
Multiple Betting Markets Available
For a good racebook, we want to see more than just win/place/show bets. Everyone has those, but we also want to see the options for exotic wagers, including boxed bets, superfectas, daily doubles, and more.
Banking Methods
It should be easy to fund your account and just as easy to get real money payouts when you win. The name of the game with banking methods is diversity. Give us the most options possible for deposits and withdrawals as some people prefer traditional methods while others want to use crypto options instead.
Bonuses & Promotions
The type of bonus you get when joining a site could determine if you do in fact join them. That is why the sign-up bonus is usually so big as these sites compete for your business. But a truly great racebook will continue offering promotions, including a daily rebate on your horse race betting volume. Be sure to read the terms and conditions on those rebates to see which tracks and types of race bets are not eligible for rebates.
Live Betting & Event Streaming is Available
Streaming a live horse race is a great touch at sites like TwinSpires and TVG, but it is harder for offshore sites to get the necessary licensing to stream those races. Live betting is also a huge deal now too, but horse racing is so fast that it can be next to impossible to do that. But we could see live betting offered on the big Triple Crown races at more sites in the near future.
User Interface
For the racebook, we want a user interface that is simple to use and engaging to the bettor with detailed information on the horse’s trainer and jockey. Some racebooks do a good job of providing that info, while others leave it out. But the use of drop-down menus or tabs to choose different bet types for the racebook is a nice touch most of the top racebooks utilize.
Mobile Site Quality
We want a mobile site that runs lag-free and looks good on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Many people place their bets on the go, so they need a site that is reliable and can handle high-traffic server times like right before a huge event like a Triple Crown race. We should be able to deposit money and place our bet in a hurry.
Customer Service Options
Sometimes we need help, so we want customer service that is available 24/7 with a diverse set of contact methods: message forms with the ability to add attachments, an email address, a phone number, and live chat preferably with an agent instead of an AI bot.
Security Features
Good security is crucial in this day of internet scams and data hacks. You always want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable site with a secure connection that will keep your data encrypted and safe since you will be sharing personal data with these sites. The online racebooks we recommend have many years of experience in the industry, so you can trust they are safe sites to use.
Major Horse Races in the United States
There are numerous prestigious horse races in each calendar year. The Triple Crown races are always among the most popular horse racing betting markets. We look at those races and some of the other major horse races in the United States.
The Kentucky Derby
The Super Bowl of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is held each May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown circuit for Thoroughbreds, and no race draws a bigger betting handle than this Thoroughbred horse race.
On May 4, 2024, the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place.
The Preakness Stakes
The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Preakness Stakes. This Thoroughbred race is held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The 149th running of the Preakness Stakes will be held on May 18, 2024.
The Belmont Stakes
The third and final leg of the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes. This Thoroughbred race is held on a Saturday in June each year at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The 155th running of the Belmont Stakes will be held on June 8, 2024.
Other Popular Horse Race Events
Beyond the Triple Crown races for Thoroughbreds, there are other popular horse racing events fans look forward to on the American circuit. Here is a list of some of those:
- Breeders’ Cup
- Arkansas Derby
- Travers Stakes
- Pacific Classic Stakes
- Santa Anita Handicap
- Haskell Invitational Stakes
Betting on Historical Horse Races in Virginia
For a different style of horse betting, since 2019, Virginia has offered historical horse racing machines. In fact, there are over 2,000 such machines throughout the state. They work similarly to slot machines. A player places a bet using a pari-mutuel pool system just like a normal horse race, and the results are then generated at random from a historical horse race that has already happened.
Kentucky and Virginia are two states where historical horse racing machines have been thriving.
Virginia Horse Racing Betting Odds
In this section, we are going to go over the main types of horse racing betting odds. Sports bettors should already be familiar with one of them:
Fixed Odds in Virginia
If you do a lot of sports betting, you should be familiar with this type of bet. Fixed odds betting is when you place a wager on odds that the operator has set. You are locked into that number, and you know exactly how much your bet will return if it is a winner. The odds do not change after your bet was placed no matter what happens before game time.
Pari-Mutuel Betting in Virginia
With pari-mutuel betting, this type of bet is a system where all the players are betting against each other rather than the bookmaker. Their bets are all placed in a pool, the house takes their cut, and the remaining money is paid out to the winners. You do not know until the race is over how much you are going to win. If a lot of people were betting on a favorite and you put your money on a longshot who won, then you could stand to make a lot more money with pari-mutuel wagering than you would if you placed the same bet with fixed odds.
But pari-mutuel betting works best for something like horse racing, where the event is short and the ranked finish matters.
Pool Betting on Virginia Horse Races
Pool betting is essentially just another name for pari-mutuel wagering. Because the bets from all players are collected in a pool, this style of horse betting is also known as pool betting. This type of bet makes the most sense for something like horse racing where a ranked order of finishers means everything.
How to Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds
To give you an idea of how the horse racing odds and your wager work, we have provided a reference table for what a $2 wager would payout at various odds. We have also included the implied probability of winning each wager in this table:
| Horse Racing Odds | $2 Wager Payout | Implied Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 (-500) | $2.40 | 83.33% |
| 1/4 (-400) | $2.50 | 80% |
| 1/3 (-300) | $2.60 | 75% |
| 1/2 (-200) | $3.00 | 66.67% |
| 4/6 (-150) | $3.33 | 60% |
| 1/1 (-100) | $4.00 | 50% |
| 2/1 (+200) | $6.00 | 33.33% |
| 3/1 (+300) | $8.00 | 25% |
| 5/1 (+500) | $12 | 16.67% |
| 10/1 (+1000) | $22 | 9.00% |
| 50/1 (+5000) | $102 | 1.96% |
If you wanted to know what a $10 wager payout would look like at these odds, you can just multiply the middle column by 5. A 50/1 horse at $10 would then pay out $510.
Common Types of Horse Racing Bets
There are several betting markets for horse races. Typically, you can only find pari-mutuel betting in person, which is one of the things that makes online horse race betting sites great; not only can you place nearly any type of bet, you also get fixed odds. You can access multiple bet types, on single and consecutive races.
Here are some of the most popular ways to bet on horse racing:
- Win: Pick the horse that will win the race.
- Place: Pick the horse who will finish first or second in the race.
- Show: Pick the horse who will finish first, second or third in the race.
- Exacta: Pick the horses who finish first and second in the exact order.
- Trifecta: Pick the horses who finish first, second, and third in exact order.
- Superfecta: Pick the top four finishing horses in the exact order.
- Daily Double: Pick the winner in two consecutive races.
- Pick 3/4/5/6: Similar to Daily Double, you have to pick the correct winner in three, four, five or six consecutive races.
Horse Race Betting Terms
To get you comfortable with horse racing, we have included some common terms and jargon used:
- Ante-Post: This is a bet on a horse race before the final runners are even confirmed.
- Drifter: A horse who sees their odds continue to get higher and higher (more unlikely to win) as race time gets closer.
- Dead Heat: When multiple horses finish a race at the same time (tied).
- Dutch: This type of hedge betting is when you bet on multiple outcomes in the same event to minimize loss. In horse racing, you may bet a lot on a favorite to win the race, but also put a smaller amount on a longshot to win the same amount of money.
- Exotic Bet: Bets that are not win/place/show bets. These are more difficult to win as you usually have to get the exact order of the top 2-to-4 horses or pick the winner of consecutive races.
- Favorite: The horse with the best odds of winning the race.
- Furlong: A unit of distance in horse racing tracks, one furlong is equal to one-eighth of a mile.
- Longshot: A horse with poor odds to win the race.
- Morning Line: These are an estimate of the final odds usually provided by a bookmaker before a race starts.
- Odds: The mathematical probability of a horse winning. The odds account for how much money is bet on a particular horse to win the race.
- Pari-Mutuel: A betting system where players bet against each other with all the money going into a pool with the house taking their cut and using the rest to pay out the winners.
- Stake: The amount you wager on a horse race.
Creating a Racebook Account
Getting started at an online horse racing betting site or any internet gambling site is a simple process. We are going to walk you through the steps below, which should be about the same no matter which online gambling site you choose to join:
- Sign-Up With a Racebook: Choose the racebook you want to join and visit their website. You will find a place to register and create your account. One of the first things you will have to do is create a good password for your account that you will keep to yourself and not use anywhere else.
- Verify Your Account Details: To verify your account details, be sure to enter accurate and valid info, including your name, address, email address and a mobile phone number you can be reached at.
- Fund Your Bankroll: You need to make a deposit before you can start doing any actual horse betting. Head to the deposit or cashier section to do this, but before you do, you should read about the site’s welcome bonus since that will usually be based on how much you deposit the first time. Read that to make the most of your first deposit bonus. But when you are ready, make that first deposit using your preferred deposit method.
Now that your account is live and funded with real money, you can start placing bets on horse races. Head over to the racebook section and decide what type of bet or type of race you’d like to bet on.
Virginia sports betting became legal in 2021, and the market is growing rapidly with popular apps like FanDuel and DraftKings. However, there are even more options available through offshore Virginia sports betting sites.
Our guide will help you discover the top Virginia sports betting sites offering competitive odds, exciting bonuses and the ability to bet on college teams.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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1996
|
$500 Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2002
|
55% Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
100% Free Play
|
|||
|
|
2011
|
$750 Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
$250 Free Bet
|
|||
|
|
2014
|
50% Free Play
|
|||
|
|
1996
|
$500 Cash Bonus
|
Resources:
Latest Update
September 2024:
Virginia casinos reached $63M in August 2024, a 6% monthly increase and over 14% year-over-year.
Virginia Sports Betting Apps FAQs
Can you bet on sports online in Virginia?
Virginia residents have tons of options when it comes to betting on sports, especially NFL football. For the most competitive odds, most VA bettors prefer offshore sites.
Where can I bet in Virginia?
You can bet in person at Portsmouth Casino, over the internet or via mobile device using offshore betting sites or through licensed mobile apps. Virginia’s legal sports betting industry provides plenty of options, but offshore platforms, such as BookMaker or Bovada, typically provide more perks and a better overall experience.
How can I bet on sports in Virginia?
You can bet on sports with licensed sports betting operators who have a mobile site or legal betting apps like FanDuel and BetRivers. You can bet in person at the casino in Portsmouth. For the biggest variety of betting options, we suggest using offshore sportsbooks, like BetOnline and Everygame.
Is mobile betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, mobile betting with offshore sites is perfectly legal. No federal laws or regulations prohibit players in the United States from using these platforms for real-money gaming.
How old do you have to be to bet online in Virginia?
The legal betting age for using offshore betting apps, such as Bovada Sportsbook or BookMaker Sportsbook, is 18 years of age.
Table of Contents
The Best Mobile Sports Betting Sites
We used our specialized grading system to come up with the 10 best mobile sports betting sites that will accept Virginia users. You can win real money today by placing sports bets at these sites:
- BetOnline – Provides users with unique sports promos
- Bovada – Features a prop builder for Virginia bettors
- Heritage Sports – Best mobile platform overall with cashback-reduced juice
- BetAnySports – Offers reduced juice betting lines
- Everygame – Provides the most intuitive site design
- WagerWeb – Features a new player welcome bonus for crypto users
- SportsBetting.ag – Features special contests and poker
- BetUS – Provides expert analysis for Virginia bettors
- JustBet – Offers large reload bonuses
- BookMaker – Renowned VIP program and early access to lines
It is important to note that none of our top 10 mobile sports betting platforms have downloadable apps. However, these offshore betting sites are optimized for mobile devices without the need for making unnecessary downloads.
The History of Virginia’s Gambling Laws
Virginia’s gambling laws have evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a strict anti-gambling stance to embracing sports betting and expanding gambling options. This timeline of events tracks the development of Virginia’s gambling laws:
September 2024
Virginia casinos reached $63M in August 2024, a 6% monthly increase and over 14% year-over-year.
April 2024
Virginia’s Governor Youngkin aims to legalize skill games while imposing stringent regulations. However, in a 34-6 vote, the state Senate rejected his proposed amendments. Now the bill is headed back to the governor’s desk.
February 2024
A Virginia House subcommittee rejects a proposal to allow cruise ships to operate their casinos off the coast of Virginia.
March 2024
The Virginia Senate postpones until 2025 a bill to allow betting on college sports.
November 2023
Virginians set a new record for monthly handle with players betting nearly $639 million, a 23.1% increase from November 2022
2022
Discussions in the Virginia legislature focus on further expanding sports betting to include additional sportsbook operators and potentially new betting options, reflecting the growing trend in the United States towards diverse betting platforms.
January 2021
Once they acquired their sports betting licenses from the state, many of the top retail sportsbooks (FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, etc.) open live operations in Virginia.
January 2023
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens as Virginia’s first full casino, including BetRivers as a retail sportsbook for in-person betting.
2020
In anticipation of the launch of sports betting, Virginia’s regulatory bodies finalize rules and regulations, setting the groundwork for a robust sports betting environment.
April 2020
Virginia Governor signs a bill legalizing sports betting in the state.
March 2020
Virginia legislature approves a bill legalizing sports betting in the state.
2019
Virginia legislature forms a committee to study the potential impacts of legalizing sports betting.
2018
The Supreme Court overturns PASPA. Each state can now choose whether or not to make sports betting legal.
2017
Virginia lawmakers begin initial discussions about legalizing sports betting, acknowledging the potential revenue and interest in the state following national trends.
2016
Virginia is the first state in the country to formally legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS), a big move for legitimizing DraftKings and FanDuel as licensed operators.
2015
A proposal to expand gambling options in Virginia, including the potential for sports betting, is introduced but does not advance. This reflects the state’s cautious approach to gambling expansion beyond DFS.
2013
The Virginia State Lottery begins exploring the implications of online lottery sales, setting the stage for future discussions about the legalization process for online gambling, including sports betting.
2011
Despite a nationwide trend towards the legalization of gambling, Virginia remains steadfast in its prohibition of all forms of gambling, except for the state lottery and DFS.
2000s
Despite no legal gambling options beyond the state lottery, there is growing interest in sports betting among Virginia residents, with many participating in informal and unregulated betting pools.
1990s
Virginia’s gambling landscape remains limited to the state lottery, with no significant movements towards legalizing other forms of gambling, including sports betting.
1980s
The state of Virginia maintains a strict anti-gambling stance, with no legal casinos or sports betting options, reflecting the conservative attitudes towards gambling prevalent in the state.
1970s
Virginia introduces the state lottery, marking the state’s first legal foray into gambling and signaling potential openness to future gambling expansions.
As Virginia continues to assess the performance and impact of sports wagering on its economy, the state’s history in gambling serves as a guide to its potential future developments in this dynamic industry.
Reviews of the Best Virginia Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
We have included a more detailed review of our top five mobile sportsbooks, each of which has received a 10/10 rating. These sites are located offshore in countries where online gambling is legal, so they will accept Virginia players today:
1. BetOnline: Best for Unique Sports Promos
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features:
- Sportsbook has opinionated lines
- Great combo of fast payouts and high betting limits
BetOnline does a good job of giving sports fans opinionated lines on popular markets. Instead of just betting at -110 or -115 odds on a spread or total, BetOnline may throw a -113/-107 curveball in the betting odds.
Beyond the opinionated lines, BetOnline offers niche markets, including cricket, snooker and even surfing. Along with unique markets at every turn, users can enjoy a variety of deposit bonuses and generous BetOnline promo codes to keep loyal players engaged.
BetOnline offers a very good live betting platform, allowing you to live bet on niche events like esports soccer leagues. But if you need a little more than sports, BetOnline always does a great job with poker games and a plethora of casino games too.
2. Bovada: Best Prop Builder
Best For
Trust
9.9/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$750 Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Excellent prop builder
- Huge welcome bonus
Bovada stands out as a well-regarded offshore sportsbook, known for its competitive odds, extensive league coverage, excellent live betting options and a wide variety of poker tournaments, offering a comprehensive online gambling experience.
It features an exceptional prop builder on its mobile platform, simplifying the process of creating parlays with favorite props across different leagues. The website is user-friendly, offering an alphabetical listing of sports markets and a unique numbers game akin to roulette for quick betting.
Although Bovada may lack frequent promotions for existing users, it compensates with a rewarding program where points do not expire and users maintain their tier status regardless of activity levels, ensuring a consistent and engaging betting journey.
3. Heritage Sports: Best Mobile Platform Overall
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features:
- No restrictions on where you can spend bonus funds
- Excellent in-game betting service
Heritage Sports was once an invitation-only site, but now it’s open to everyone. You get some of the best cashback programs out there, such as a daily rebate for horse racing, a weekly rebate for net casino losses and a quarterly rebate for your total sports betting volume.
You can also get reduced juice at Heritage, with -108 lines on all sports. Heritage has nearly every sport and league you can imagine and their live betting section is top-notch.
The sign-up bonus is not as big on Heritage compared to other sites, but you can make up for it with cashback rebates. You also get lower rollover requirements on bonus funds at Heritage and the bonus funds can be used anywhere on the site.
4. BetAnySports: Best Reduced Juice Betting Lines
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Offers the best reduced juice (-105)
- Get up to 25% cashback on monthly sports betting losses
BetAnySports is known for its user-friendly interface, enticing betting lines and unique betting perks. This platform is a favorite among mobile users for its quick and easy access, allowing bettors to place wagers on the go with just a few taps.
What sets BetAnySports apart from its competitors are the reduced juice lines, often finding lines at -105 which allows for better payouts on winning sports bets.
The seamless mobile experience, coupled with cost-effective betting options, makes BetAnySports a go-to choice for those looking to place sports bets efficiently in Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, this platform delivers a solid betting experience right at your fingertips.
5. BookMaker: Best Virginia Sports Betting App for Early Lines
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Best value with early sports betting odds
- Unique props for key markets like NFL
Bookmaker.eu stands out in the online sports betting market for its early line settings, attracting both sharp and new bettors. Its comprehensive online sports betting markets include prop bets, live betting and a strong focus on totals across a broad spectrum of leagues and sports worldwide.
The platform accommodates high betting limits without restricting winning players, making it an attractive option for serious bettors. While it lacks a dedicated app, BookMaker’s mobile-optimized site mimics app functionality, providing easy access for users.
Additionally, regular users benefit from a rewarding program offering cashback and attractive deposit bonuses, enhancing the overall betting experience.
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports bettors have been able to enjoy legal sports betting since it launched in the state in 2021 after being approved in 2020.
The legal status was allowed to change after PASPA was overturned in 2018. Virginia has passed sports betting for online sportsbooks and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks located in casinos like Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The Virginia Lottery is in charge of regulating both the sports betting industry and the land-based casinos in the state. Whether it is a physical sportsbook or a member of the online sports betting market, they must apply for a three-year license to be a sports wagering licensee in the state.
Operational sportsbooks in the state are subject to auditing and compliance from the state lottery to make sure they are offering a fair product to the bettors.
Details About Our Rating Methodology
We will get into our rating methodology below, but for an online sportsbook to offer a solid user experience, we need a wide variety of betting options, banking options, customer service contact methods and a mobile site that can handle live betting to keep up with the rest of the sports betting industry. Here are the criteria we use to rate online sports betting sites:
Competitive Betting Odds
Top sports bettors will tell you to keep an account with multiple sportsbooks because some are going to offer better prices for the bets you want to make. It is always a good idea to shop around for the best betting odds.
Some online sports betting sites do a great job of offering reduced juice, which is -105 or -108 lines instead of the standard -110. Always shop around for the best deals like you would at any other market as a buyer.
Variety of Betting Markets Available
The top sportsbooks do a good job of being competitive about this, but you want to see as many sports and leagues as possible. Some people just love popular ones like the NFL and NBA, but we want to see some respect for cricket and snooker too.
Beyond the major sports leagues, we need to see a wide range of betting options, including straight bets, spreads, totals, parlays, same-game parlays, multi-sport parlays, props (game/team/player), round robins, teasers, pleasers and the aforementioned live betting markets.
Banking Methods
There is a greater sense of urgency in depositing money at an online sportsbook if you want to place a bet before the game starts. We look for sites that have a great variety of banking methods for both deposits and withdrawals.
Not everyone wants to use standard methods like a credit card, bank transfer, prepaid card or debit card. We like to see the eWallet and crypto options that many land-based casinos will not accept.
Promotions & Bonus Offers
Bonus bets are a big deal for many. It is always nice to get a big bonus right away when you create an account, make your initial deposit and maybe there is a promo code or bonus code to enter to get a deposit match in bonus bets. We also love the ongoing promos for returning customers, like risk-free bets and odds boosts on select markets.
Live Betting Available
Most bets are placed with a mobile device, so it is only natural that live betting would take on greater importance in this digital age. People want to watch the game and bet on the go, so a good live betting section is critical now.
We also like to see more than just the moneyline, spread and total offered as live betting markets, especially for the popular leagues like NFL and NBA, where there are always so many good prop bets.
Mobile Site Quality
As we just said with live mobile betting and banking methods, mobile site quality is a huge deal when it comes to bettors being able to deposit money and beat the start of the game to get a bet in. Maybe they want to live bet on the game too or hedge a pre-game bet with a live bet. Having a mobile site that works well with no lag and easy navigation is very important in pulling that off.
Customer Service Options
The sportsbook could be the most legitimate section on a gambling site to try to settle a dispute about how something was judged. Maybe there was a player injury, a stat correction after the game or an argument over a player’s active status.
This is when you need a strong customer service team. Our priorities are to see 24/7 hours of availability and the most contact methods possible (message, email, phone number and live chat).
Security Features of the Mobile Site or App
Any online sports betting app or mobile site needs to be using strong security features to ensure your data is safe and your connection is secure. This is why we only recommend trustworthy online sportsbooks with a great reputation and a longstanding history in the online sports betting industry. We feel safest sharing our personal data with such sites.
The Best Virginia Sports Betting Bonuses
In the following sections, we are going to look at the most common bonuses a user can expect to see with sports betting sites. Some sports betting bonuses may require a bonus code and some may only ask you to opt in first.
Welcome Bonuses
The biggest bonus you are likely to get at any time with an online sportsbook is the welcome bonus, also known as the sign-up bonus. The way this usually works is your initial deposit is matched in bonus funds up to 100% or greater depending on the mobile sports betting site.
These bonus funds come with a rollover requirement that you must satisfy by wagering the bonus funds x times over before any of that money can be withdrawn. If you want a big bonus right away, the welcome bonus is the best way to do that.
Deposit Match Bonus
The deposit match bonus is often how the welcome bonus works, but you could also get one periodically as a returning customer. However, it may only be a bonus of 30% or 50% of your deposit in bonus bets instead of the welcome bonus, which is usually 100% or higher. These bonus funds have an expiration date, so be sure to use them in time.
No-Deposit Bonuses
Online gambling sites will sometimes offer a no-deposit bonus, which is nice to see. This could be done by placing a bet of a certain amount of money, then you will receive a bonus bet in your account once your bet settles.
Free Bets & Bet Insurance
Sportsbooks often have risk-free bets, which can be played on singles or a same-game parlay depending on the site. Basically, you place the bet and if your bet loses, you get bonus bets or second-chance bets in your account equal to a certain amount (usually your wager up to a limit). Those bonus bet credits must be used on the sportsbook and cannot be withdrawn for cash.
Odds Boosts
Many online sportsbooks will offer odds boosts each day or multiple days a week on select markets. For example, instead of getting -200 odds on two NBA superstars scoring 20 points that night, you might get an odds boost for them to do that with +100 odds.
Keep in mind odds boosts are almost always ineligible for parlays, they can only be bet on once and there is usually a strict limit to how much you can bet on one like $25 or $50. But they are a nice boost if you plan on betting that line in the first place. Check the site daily for odds boosts.
VIP & Loyalty Programs
Most online gambling sites offer some sort of VIP or loyalty program. Basically, the more you bet, the more points you accumulate in this program, which can then be redeemed for perks like bonus bets or profit boosts. This is a good thing to join for a site that you plan on frequently wagering at.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Virginia
Virginia sports fans have a lot of options when it comes to placing bets. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball or hockey, there’s always a game to follow and bet on. Here’s a look at some of the most popular sports to bet on in Virginia.
Football – NFL
Football is a major draw in Virginia, even though the state doesn’t have its own NFL team. Fans here often support nearby teams like the Washington Commanders, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Carolina Panthers. The Commanders, with their storied history and large fan base, are a favorite for many. The Ravens, known for their strong defense and multiple Super Bowl wins, also attract a lot of betting interest. Betting on NFL games is popular, with fans placing wagers on point spreads, moneylines and prop bets, especially during the Super Bowl.
College Football
College football is also big in Virginia. The Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies are the top teams that fans follow. The rivalry between these two teams, known as the Commonwealth Clash, is a highlight of the season and a big event for bettors. Fans enjoy placing bets on point spreads, over/under totals and individual player performances. The passion for college football in Virginia keeps this market very active.
Basketball – NBA
While Virginia doesn’t have its own NBA team, basketball fans in the state often support nearby teams like the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets. The Wizards, with their dynamic players and competitive play, are a popular choice during the NBA season. Betting on NBA games can include point spreads, total points and player props, making it an exciting sport to follow and bet on.
College Basketball
College basketball has a strong presence in Virginia, with teams like the Virginia Cavaliers and the VCU Rams leading the way. The Cavaliers, especially, are known for their solid defense and recent national championship win, which keeps them in the spotlight. March Madness is a peak time for betting, with fans placing wagers on point spreads, totals and individual player performances during the tournament.
Baseball – MLB
Baseball fans in Virginia often look to teams like the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals, with their recent World Series win, have garnered a strong following in the state. The Orioles, with their rich history, also attract attention. The long MLB season provides plenty of opportunities for betting, from run lines to player props, making baseball a popular choice for bettors.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey may not be the first sport that comes to mind in Virginia, but the Washington Capitals have a dedicated following. The Capitals, with their exciting style of play and recent Stanley Cup win, draw a lot of interest from hockey fans in the state. Betting on NHL games often includes moneylines, point spreads and total goals, with the Stanley Cup playoffs being a major highlight.
Virginia's Favorite Teams to Bet on
Virginia, while not hosting any major league professional sports teams within its borders, has a vibrant sports culture that thrives through its college teams and the support for nearby professional teams in Washington, D.C. and other areas. This unique sports landscape offers a variety of betting opportunities for enthusiasts.
Here, we delve into the most popular sports teams in Virginia, highlighting their current standing and potential betting angles.
- Washington Commanders (NFL): As the closest NFL team geographically, the Washington Commanders garners significant support from Virginians. Betting on the Commanders often revolves around analyzing their divisional games within the NFC East, which are notoriously competitive and unpredictable. Bettors should keep an eye on injury reports and divisional standings to make informed wagers.
- Washington Nationals (MLB): The Nationals, based in the nation’s capital, are a favorite among Virginia’s baseball fans. For sports betting enthusiasts, the key is to monitor the pitching rotation and the team’s performance against division rivals in the NL East. The Nationals have shown they can compete at the highest levels, making them a potentially lucrative team for futures bets.
- Washington Capitals (NHL): The Capitals have a strong following in Virginia, especially after their recent Stanley Cup victory. Hockey bettors should consider the Capitals’ strong offensive play and consistency during the regular season when placing bets, particularly in head-to-head matchups and over/under on goals scored.
- Virginia Tech Hokies (NCAA Football & Basketball): A powerhouse in college sports, Virginia Tech competes fiercely in both football and basketball within the ACC. Bettors should note this college sports team’s strong home-field advantage in football at Lane Stadium and the competitive nature of ACC basketball.
- University of Virginia Cavaliers (NCAA Basketball): The Cavaliers have become a dominant force in college basketball, known for their stifling defense. Bettors focusing on UVA games should consider under bets on total points and closely watch ACC tournament play, where the Cavaliers often excel.
- Virginia Commonwealth University Rams (NCAA Basketball): The VCU Rams have made a name for themselves with consistent appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Their up-tempo style and aggressive defense make them unpredictable, which can be leveraged for betting, especially in underdog and over/under scenarios.
These teams represent the heart and soul of Virginia’s sports scene, offering a rich tapestry of betting opportunities across different levels of play. Whether it’s the strategic depth of college basketball, the physicality of NFL games or the unpredictability of NHL matchups, Virginia’s sports teams provide a wide range of options for online sports bettors.
How to Sign up With Virginia Mobile Sportsbooks
The sign-up process for online gambling sites is quite simple. We will walk you through it in just a few steps below:
Create Your Online Sports Betting Account: Once you have chosen an operator from the selection of potential sportsbooks, head to the mobile site or download the mobile app and start creating your account by clicking on the proper link that says “Join” or “Sign-Up.” One of the first things you will be asked to do is create your password. Pick something unique that you are not using elsewhere.
Verify Your Account Details: Allow the site to verify your account in a quick process by providing accurate information such as your full name, address, email address, Social Security Number and phone number.
Deposit Funds: An account will need to be funded before you can use it, but first, you will want to read about the welcome bonus so you are getting the most out of the bonus funds. Those deals usually involve a deposit match on your first deposit with bonus funds. Be sure to read all about them and when you are ready, choose from your favorite deposit method and fund your account with cash.
Now that your account is verified and funded with money, you can start betting on the sportsbook. Choose the markets you want to bet on and stake your first wager.
Android User Guide
Offshore sportsbooks lack a downloadable app, but retail sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings all have them. Just head to the Play Store and download and install the app from there.
If you visit the mobile site of an offshore site like Bovada or BookMaker, simply go to the options screen at the top (three dots) of your mobile browser and choose “Add to Home screen” from the list of options. You’ll be asked to give it a name and confirm. Do that and you will have easy access to your online sportsbook from your home screen.
iOS User Guide
For iOS users, the process for apps and mobile sites is basically the same as for Android users. If your chosen sportsbook does not have a standalone mobile sportsbook app available in the App Store, then you can add a shortcut to your home screen.
Use a browser like Chrome or Safari and choose the options menu to select “Add to Home screen.” Then just give it a name and confirm the creation of the link and it will be on your home screen for the quickest access, just like an app. Now you are a touch away from doing mobile betting.
Virginia Betting Guides
For bettors who are looking for more ways to gamble in Virginia, we recommend checking out one of our other comprehensive betting guides:
