Virginia Sports Betting
The sports betting boom has taken over the country, and as part of it, Virginia adopted laws making it legal to participate. Sports betting has been legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia since January 2021, and the business continues to grow. At the outset, Virginia had just a few options available to sports bettors, but there are now many different legal apps within the state. One of the best pieces of advice we at oddschecker can give you is to always check multiple books for lines so that you get the best value. With all the different options available, you’ll be able to be an informed and value-driven bettor! This page will help you discover the best Virginia sportsbooks, bonuses, and VA promotions available.
The Best Virginia Sports Betting Sites
1. BetMGM Sports
New customers earn up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets if the first real money wager is graded as a loss. New customers only. Bonus bets expire in seven days. Additional terms apply.
Promo Code: OCMAX1500
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Offers up to a $1,000 bonus bet if the customer’s first real money wager is graded as a loss. Terms and conditions apply.
Promo Code: OC1000
3. ESPN Bet Virginia
Offers new customers up to $1,000 in bonus bets if the first wager is graded as a loss. Users must make an initial deposit of $10+ to qualify. Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
4. bet365
Bet $5, Get $200 no matter what, as you get paid out as long as soon as your bet settles as a winner or a loser. You must meet the minimum odds requirement of -500 and deposit $10 to qualify. Terms and conditions apply.
First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000. If a customer’s first wager is graded as a loss, they receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Terms and conditions apply.
Promo Code: CHECK
5. DraftKings Sportsbook
Virginia bettors receive $150 in bonus bets once a minimum $5 qualifying wager is placed. Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
6. FanDuel Sportsbook
New Virginia sports bettors can bet $5 on their first bet and receive up to $200 in bonus bets if they win. All Virginia customers can receive a boost or bonus on bets every day, all summer long. Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
7. Hard Rock Bet
Sign up at Hard Rock Bet and receive up to $100 back if your first bet doesn’t win. Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
8. BetRivers Sportsbook
Receive a risk-free bet of up to $500 on your first wager. Place a wager, $10 - $500, and if it is graded as a loss, you’ll receive a second chance bet of equal value. Terms and conditions apply.
Promo Code: No Code Needed
9. Fanatics Sportsbook
Earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets as a newly registered customer. Bet up to $100 on your first bet, and you’ll receive up to $100 in bonus bets each day for 10 days. Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
The Best Sportsbook Betting Sites in Virginia
Now that you know about the promotional offers from the sports books, you have the difficult task of choosing which books to use. Oddschecker is here to help you with the evaluation of the books and which best suits you. Of course, welcome bonuses, promotional opportunities, payouts, and rewards are all things that should be considered when choosing a Virginia sportsbook.
1. BetMGM Sports Virginia
BetMGM is one of the premier options for sportsbooks, and not just in Virginia. Not only will you receive great customer service, but you can also earn points and rewards for your next trip to Las Vegas at one of the many hotels the operator is associated with. Their welcome bonus provides great value for new customers and is one of the most generous available.
2. Caesars Sportsbook Virginia
Another high-quality sportsbook available to those in VA that also has strong Las Vegas ties is Caesars Sportsbook Virginia. Earn Caesars Rewards as you play in addition to the generous welcome offer. With a sleek interface and quick payouts, you’ll feel like the emperor of Virginia in no time!
3. ESPN Bet Virginia
Formerly PENN, you may think that ESPN Bet is a bit newer to the game. Yes, ESPN Bet Virginia is tied to the sports media giant in both namesake and programming, but don’t think it is a gimmick. ESPN Bet features an easy-to-use interface, strong promotional offers, and great odds.
4. bet365 Virginia
One of the nicest things about bet365 Virginia is that they offer two different options to new bettors. You can receive either a risk-free $1,000 bonus bet, or you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets. This is a great option for those starting out and not ready to make a big wager. They also offer a nice feature of early payouts for MLB games and profit boosts.
5. DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia
Known originally as a daily fantasy company, DraftKings is now one of the biggest names in sportsbooks in Virginia and throughout the United States. The app and desktop interface are world-class in user experience and make placing bets a breeze. They offer fast payouts and early cashout options that are among the best in the business.
6. FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia
The other daily fantasy giant FanDuel also entered the sportsbook market and has flourished with its innovative options. Virginia bettors should consider opening an account not only for the welcome bonuses and profit boost but also for the Same Game Parlay option that is among the easiest to build for all sportsbooks. Virginia bettors will love the simple interface and the daily profit boost or bonuses that are offered by FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia.
7. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Virginia
Hard Rock Bet has acquired the market in Virginia originally run by Sports Illustrated Sportsbook. With bold colors, a simple interface, and many quick payouts, the user experience of this app is second to none. Hard Rock Bet Virginia provides great rewards to users. While some sites won’t allow you to combine Same Game Parlays and other bets, Hard Rock has embraced this feature and allows users to build unique combinations for bigger payouts.
8. BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia
BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia allows customers to enjoy one of the best playthrough bonus options available. This is a great feature as you receive bonus bets and means you’re not going to have to jump through hoops to cash out. They are a good option for in-game betting with quickly updated lines for you to bet on as you’re watching a game.
9. Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia
One of the newer names in sports betting but not the sporting world is Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia. Fanatics, known for offering memorabilia, has ventured into the sports betting world and created a strong option for sports bettors. They offer a unique option where you can earn up to 10% FanCash from bets, win or lose. This reward can be spent, dollar-for-dollar, on jerseys, hats, bonus bets, and more. Win or lose, you’ll be able to look good in some of your favorite VA sports gear while doing it!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. In March 2020, Virginia legalized sports betting in person, and online sports betting became legal in January 2021.
Legal Sportsbooks in Virginia
There are many legal sportsbooks available to Virginia residents. A partial list includes:
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- bet365 Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
What Are the Legal Requirements for Sports Betting in Virginia?
As with any heavily regulated entity, sports betting has several rules that need to be followed to legally comply. Below, oddschecker has compiled a few of the requirements that are most important to know before you start with a VA sportsbook.
Age Requirements
You must be 21 to place a wager either in person or online while betting at a Virginia sportsbook. In order to create or validate an account, you will need proper identification.
Remote Registration
Virginia allows bettors to register and fund an account remotely, meaning you will not need to go into a casino or sportsbook to finalize or register for an account. You will, however, need to prove identification even when registering remotely.
Within Virginia Borders
You do not need to live in Virginia to place a bet on a Virginia app or at a VA sportsbook. However, in order to place the bet, you must be within the state borders at the time.
How to Bet in Virginia
Now that you know the options, rules, and regulations of sports betting in Virginia, here is how you can get started!
1). Choose a Virginia Sportsbook
Welcome bonuses and promotional offers change from time to time, so continue to monitor oddschecker and Virginia sportsbooks for the most current information. You should always try to understand what is most important to you in a sportsbook before starting with one - ease of payout, promo bonuses, rewards, and betting options available - are just a few examples. It is recommended to open an account at multiple books so you can use the best lines available.
2). Register Your Virginia Betting Account
After selecting a Virginia sportsbook, online or in person, you must register your VA sports betting account. This can all be done online and takes only minutes to complete. You will need to provide proper photo identification to complete registration.
3). Claim a Bonus or Promotion
After your account is registered and approved, you can begin betting. Typically, you need to deposit real money and make a wager to activate any type of promotion. Make sure you check the rules and stipulations for any bonus before placing the wager so you can ensure you get the full promotional value.
4). Place a Wager
Once approved and your funds are available, you can make your first wager. Most Virginia sports bettors will look for a point spread, an over/under total, a same-game parlay, or a player prop to put their first wager on.
Virginia Sports Teams
Despite no sports major league sports team playing in Virginia, two teams currently have their headquarters in the state; the NFL’s Washington Commanders (based in Ashburn) and the NHL’s Washington Capitals (based in Arlington).
The proximity of Washington DC means that the capital’s other teams, the NBA’s Wizards and MLB’s Nationals, also are popular with fans in the Old Dominion State. Read our overviews of the most popular teams in VA below.
The Washington Commanders are a member of the NFC East Division of the NFL and are headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia. The team was founded in 1932 as Boston Braves but moved to Washington DC in 1937.
The team won its first championship in its first season in DC, beating the Chicago Bears to win the 1937 NFL Championship. Despite losing in 1940 to the Bears by a record margin of 73-0, Washington would get revenge against Chicago, winning its second-and-last pre-merger championship in 1942. They would return to the championship game in 1943 and 1945, losing both.
Washington would suffer a long decline after the 1945 season and would wait until 1972 to reach its first Super Bowl, losing to the undefeated Miami Dolphins. It would be a decade before the team would lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy, winning Super Bowl XVII against the Dolphins.
They would win two more Super Bowl rings in 1987 and 1991. In 1996, the team moved from its long-time home of RFK Memorial Stadium to its current home, FedEx Field.
The Washington Capitals are a member of the NHL’s Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The Capitals were founded in 1974 as an expansion franchise and struggled early in their history before reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 1982.
The team would then become a regular postseason contender and win their first divisional championship in 1989, then called the Patrick Division. Washington would move to the Capital One Arena in 1997, having initially played their home games at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland.
Nine years after their first divisional championship, the team would win their first conference championship in 1998 but lost the subsequent Stanley Cup Finals to Detroit Red Wings in four games. The Capitals would win the first of three Presidents’ Trophies in 2010 and finally won their first Stanley Cup Finals in 2018, ending a 44-year wait to bring the cup to DC.
Playing its home games in neighboring Washington DC, the Washington Wizards are popular with basketball fans in Virginia. The team is a member of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Southwest Division.
The franchise played its inaugural season as Chicago Packers in 1961 and has undergone several name changes. They were renamed the Zephyrs the following season before moving to Baltimore in 1963 to become the Baltimore Bullets. Ten years later, they became the Capital Bullets for a season as they moved to Washington DC, then the Washington Bullets in 1974, and finally, the Washington Wizards in 1997.
The team won a single NBA championship in 1978, four conference titles, and eight divisional titles. The Wizards play its home games at the Capital One Arena.
Due to its proximity to Virginia, the Washington Nationals are the most popular baseball team in VA. The Nationals were established in 2005 and are the eighth major league baseball franchise based in Washington, DC.
Multiple short-lived franchises had a presence in the capital in baseball’s early days before a new team called the Senators became a charter member of the American League in 1901. The AL Senators reverted to the Nationals name in 1905 before moving to Minnesota to become the Twins in 1960. They were replaced by another Senators franchise, who moved out of DC a decade later to become the Texas Rangers.
Finally, in 2005, the Montreal Expos moved to Washington to become the Washington Nationals, returning MLB to the capital. Since the relocation, they have won one World Series title in 2019 and three divisional titles.
FAQs
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. It became legal in April 2020, and the first sportsbooks launched in January 2021. Currently, 14 online sportsbooks are available in VA alongside two retail sportsbooks - the Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol and BetRivers Sportsbook in Portsmouth.
Plenty of VA sportsbooks offer a generous welcome bonus for new players and promotions for existing players. For example, if you’re a new customer with DraftKings Sportsbook, you can grab a $50 free bet after your first deposit, plus a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000. Also, FanDuel Sportsbook players can get a second chance free bet up to $1,000, and BetRivers offers a risk-free bet up to $500.
Caesars Sportsbooks players can get a risk-free bet of up to $1,250, and rewards for existing players include free hotel stays and meals at restaurants at Caesars locations nationwide. BetMGM players get access to exclusive MGM Rewards and a $1,000 free bet alongside a free $10 weekly bet for existing players.
Of course, you can play DFS in Virginia. The Old Dominion was the first state to legalize DFS operators with the passage of the Fantasy Contests Act in 2016. This legislation means you can use DFS operators like FanDuel and DraftKings legally.
The Virginia sports betting tax rate is 15%. The tax revenue allocation in the Commonwealth is split: 97.5% is deposited into the VA general fund, and 2.5% is deposited into the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, operated by the Department of Behavioral Health.
With fourteen sportsbooks available to players in Virginia, you have plenty of choice on where to place your bets. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are popular with bettors and offer a wide range of markets.
Despite this, newcomers like PointsBet can offer unique features like PointsBetting, where the more accurate your points line bets are, the more profit you can win. With so much choice, it’s wise to shop around and look for an excellent welcome package and bonuses for existing players.
You sure can bet with DraftKings Sportsbook in Virginia. The operator launched its online sportsbook on January 24, 2021, marking Virginia as the 12th state to operate a DraftKings Sportsbook in the US. You must be over 21, have a social security number, and be physically located within state lines to play in VA.
Absolutely, you can bet legally with FanDuel Sportsbook in Virginia. The site launched on January 21, 2021, and if you are over 21 and located within state lines, you can bet with its sportsbook.
Yes, you can use BetMGM in Virginia. The sportsbook launched on January 27, 2021, and players within state lines who are over 21 can place sports bets with the sportsbook.