Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?

Online Sports Betting Virginia: How It Started

Sports betting became legal in Virginia after lawmakers passed SB 384 and HB 896 in April 2020. The bills created a framework for both online and retail sportsbooks. The market officially launched on January 21, 2021, just in time for the NFL playoffs.

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first app to launch, and within months other giants like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars joined. Today, Virginia is home to more than a dozen licensed sportsbook apps, one of the most competitive markets in the country.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Virginia?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is fully active in Virginia. Players must be 21 or older and physically located inside the state to place bets. Geolocation software ensures compliance.

Virginia’s online market mirrors other sports gambling legal states, but with one key restriction: no betting on in-state college teams. That means you can’t bet on schools like Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia, though betting on out-of-state college games is allowed.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Virginia

Virginia players have access to a strong lineup of sportsbook apps, including:

• FanDuel Sportsbook
  
  
• DraftKings Sportsbook
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• Caesars Sportsbook
  
  
• Bet365
  
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook
  
  
• Hard Rock Bet
  
  
• WynnBET
  
  
• PointsBet (now operated by Fanatics)
  
  
• Local operator BetRivers
  
  

Example: A Commanders fan in Richmond wants to place a $40 NFL betting parlay on Washington to cover +4, the over on total points, and a wide receiver anytime touchdown. With apps like DraftKings, this bet is placed instantly and tracked live, with cash-out features available.

With so many sportsbook apps, bettors in Virginia enjoy heavy competition, which means promos, odds boosts, and loyalty perks.

Online Sports Betting How To in Virginia

Getting started is easy:

1. Pick a Sportsbook App – Download DraftKings, FanDuel, or another licensed app.
   
   
2. Sign Up – Verify your identity and age (must be 21+).
   
   
3. Deposit Funds – Options include debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
4. Place Bets – NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB parlays, and more.
   
   
5. Withdraw Winnings – Cash out through the app with fast payment options.
   
   

Virginia’s mobile-first setup means you don’t have to visit a retail location to register. Everything happens online.

What You Can Bet On in Virginia

Virginia allows wagers on nearly all professional sports, including:

• NFL betting, NBA games, MLB totals, NHL props.
  
  
• Soccer, golf, tennis, and combat sports.
  
  
• Parlays, live in-game wagers, and futures.
  
  

Restrictions:

• No betting on Virginia-based college teams.
  
  
• No player prop bets on college athletes.
  
  

Outside of those limits, the market is wide open.

Virginia Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Virginia is one of the stronger online sports betting USA markets. Here’s how it compares:

• Maryland: Online and retail betting live since 2022, with similar app availability.
  
  
• North Carolina: Online betting launched in 2024, but with fewer operators.
  
  
• Tennessee: Mobile-only, no retail sportsbooks.
  
  
• Virginia: Both online and retail sportsbooks, more than 12 licensed apps.
  
  

This variety places Virginia ahead of many states in terms of options and convenience.

Online Sports Betting Example: March Madness in Virginia

Imagine it’s March and you want to place a $25 wager on an out-of-state NCAA matchup. Using Caesars Sportsbook, you parlay Duke -5.5 with the over on total points. The app confirms the bet, locks the odds, and updates your ticket in real time.

If that same bettor wanted to wager on Virginia Tech, however, the bet would be blocked due to the in-state college restriction.

Regulation and Consumer Protection

The Virginia Lottery oversees sports betting. This includes licensing operators, enforcing rules, and protecting consumers. The state has a Sports Bettors’ Bill of Rights, which requires operators to provide clear terms, transparent odds, and responsible gambling tools.

Tax revenue from sports betting goes to public programs, while operators must contribute to problem gambling services.

Market Performance and Growth

Virginia’s sports betting market has grown quickly since its 2021 launch. Wagering handles have surpassed billions annually, with NFL betting and March Madness as the top drivers.

The combination of online sports betting apps and new retail casinos makes Virginia one of the busiest mid-sized markets in the U.S.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Virginia

The market is stable and competitive, but expansion is possible. With casinos continuing to open across the state, more retail sportsbooks may appear. Online operators may also innovate with micro-betting, personalized promos, and expanded live markets.

Virginia will remain one of the most attractive sports gambling legal states, especially for NFL betting fans and mobile-first players.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Virginia

Online sports betting Virginia is legal and thriving. Since January 2021, players 21 and older have been able to place bets on more than a dozen sportsbook apps. Retail sportsbooks at casinos also add variety, though mobile betting dominates the market.

While restrictions on in-state college teams exist, the overall experience is strong. Virginia bettors have more options than many other states, with NFL betting, NBA parlays, and live wagering all at their fingertips.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.