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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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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1996
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$1,000 Cash Bonus
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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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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.
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:
Virginia casinos reached $63M in August 2024, a 6% monthly increase and over 14% year-over-year.
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.
A Virginia House subcommittee rejects a proposal to allow cruise ships to operate their casinos off the coast of Virginia.
The Virginia Senate postpones until 2025 a bill to allow betting on college sports.
Virginians set a new record for monthly handle with players betting nearly $639 million, a 23.1% increase from November 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.
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.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens as Virginia’s first full casino, including BetRivers as a retail sportsbook for in-person betting.
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.
Virginia Governor signs a bill legalizing sports betting in the state.
Virginia legislature approves a bill legalizing sports betting in the state.
Virginia legislature forms a committee to study the potential impacts of legalizing sports betting.
The Supreme Court overturns PASPA. Each state can now choose whether or not to make sports betting legal.
Virginia lawmakers begin initial discussions about legalizing sports betting, acknowledging the potential revenue and interest in the state following national trends.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virginia’s gambling landscape remains limited to the state lottery, with no significant movements towards legalizing other forms of gambling, including sports betting.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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:
