Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Virginia Sports Betting Sites – Best Online Sportsbooks 2024
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: March 19, 2024
Best Virginia Betting Sites for 2024
Virginia has approved licensing for up to 17 sportsbooks, which means you have plenty of high-quality options to choose from. We hand-pick the best online sportsbooks in Virginia using tried and tested criteria such as the variety of markets, betting odds, and payment methods.
Here are the best VA online sports betting sites for 2023:
| VA Online Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Top Sports | Site Rating | Secure Link | Payments | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | Football Basketball Golf | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Football UFC Baseball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | Not Needed | Football Baseball Basketball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers | Up to $500 Free Bet | SPORTS | Basketball Tennis Ice Hockey | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Best Virginia Sportsbooks by Category
| 🥇 #1 VA Online Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🏈 #1 Football Betting Site | BetMGM |
| 🏉 #1 Baseball Betting Site | BetRivers |
| 🎁 Top Sports Betting Bonus | BetRivers |
| 🆕 New VA Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🔝 Best Sports to Bet On | DraftKings |
| 📈 Top Sports Betting Markets | BetMGM |
| 🏅 Best Types of Sports Betting | DraftKings |
| 📱 Best Sportsbook App VA | BetRivers |
| 🚀 Highest Odds Payouts | BetMGM |
We appreciate that sports gamblers have different preferences, which is why we like to list the top VA betting sites by category. However, we always start by checking an operator’s license. Once we confirm a sportsbook is licensed by the Virginia Lottery, we can evaluate everything else.
The type of gambling you prefer plays a crucial role in helping you find the best fit.[3] However, it’s not the only factor we consider when reviewing the best betting sites in Virginia.
To help narrow down your choices for the best Virginia sportsbooks, we consider various other elements, including betting options, the number of markets, payment methods, bonuses, wagering requirements, and more.
In general, Virginia online sports betting sites typically give attention to different areas, as this helps them stand out from their competitors. Some focus on providing a greater variety of betting bonuses, while other sportsbooks concentrate on developing a high-end app.
Criteria to Pick Best Sports Betting Sites in Virginia
In order for gamblers to bet at the best betting sites in Virginia, we created the Betting.us rating system that contains a list of several factors. Firstly, we paid close attention to the licensing of each sportsbook to make sure they are operating legally. Then, we checked the safety and security features each site uses to keep your information safe.
Security & Licensing
Live Betting
Virginia Betting Bonuses
VA Sports Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
Other factors we looked at were the availability of betting bonuses and sports betting apps. In addition, we examined the various payment options and payout times along with the accessibility and variety of live betting. We considered all these aspects when picking out the top VA online sports betting sites.
Security & Licensing
To see if a betting site is licensed, you can check the footer for the Virginia Lottery logo. This organization develops, implements, and enforces gambling laws in the Commonwealth. Each legal sports betting state has a different licensing authority, so be sure the one you choose has the relevant license for your location. You can see a full list of the approved operators on the VA Lottery's sports betting page.
This simple yet effective check ensures you're gambling legally. It also confirms all Virginia sportsbooks you open an account with hold the required licenses and are safe to play at.[4] Licensed operators must offer secure deposits and withdrawals and go through regular safety checks.
Live Betting Options
A new way to gamble on sports is with live betting. Virginia online sportsbooks have access to more real-time data than ever which lets them offer up-to-the-second odds and markets as games unfold. All Virginia sports betting apps offer this feature for all the major leagues and contests. The best boxing betting sites for example always offer extensive in-play options so you can make a wager whenever you wish.
One of the main advantages of live betting at the best Virginia sportsbooks is that you can gamble while you watch the game. NFL experts can bet on the outcome of the next play of the Washington Football Team game, while NHL fans can guess whether the Caps will score the next goal or not.
- Football
- Baseball
- Ice Hockey
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Boxing/MMA
Another huge advantage with sites like the BetMGM Sportsbook in Virginia, is you no longer have to stress about getting your bet in before the game starts. If you get stuck in some famous DMV area traffic on the way home from work, don't worry – you can still get a bet down.
Lastly, advanced handicappers can use live betting to find hedging and arbitrage opportunities. Since this is something even experts struggle with, it's best not to try this until you have a good grasp on how to do it properly.
Virginia Sports Betting Bonus Codes
The main method Virginia betting sites use to attract new players is through welcome deals. Finding a quality welcome bonus can be challenging, but some of the things to explore include the wagering requirements, minimum deposit, and validity of the offer.
There are several types of Virginia sportsbook promotions, but most are a deposit match or a risk-free bet. Of these two, the deposit bonus is the most sought-after because it gives you bonus funds to add to your bankroll. Here are the best online sports betting bonus offers in Virginia:
| VA Online Sportsbooks | Bonus Offer | Min. Deposit | Bonus Code | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | $20 | IGAMING1000 | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
All the offers listed in the table stand out for having player-friendly terms and conditions. Operators with online sports betting bonuses that have low playthrough amounts, long validity periods, and low minimum deposits are elevated above the others in the rankings. For even more convenience, you can use your Virginia sports betting apps to keep up with the latest offers as they typically change many times throughout the year.
Top-Rated Virginia Sports Betting Apps
Since we're frequently on our smartphones and tablets, almost every Virginia online sports betting operator develops a mobile app. There are usually two types of mobile sports betting platforms: the traditional kind you download through an app store, or one you access through your device's browser.
Each option on our list of top mobile apps for sports betting has functionality that's the same as or better than its desktop counterpart. We also looked for options with a clean interface and fast loading times. Here are the best mobile sports betting apps in Virginia:
| VA Sports Betting Apps | Betting Offer | Compatibility | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook - | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM - | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings - | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
All of the mobile apps on our list are available on iOS or Android devices, work seamlessly on tablets as well as smartphones, and have live betting platforms that rival the best desktop versions. If you routinely gamble while you're out and about, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.
Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals
Acceptable payment methods are often overlooked before selecting a sportsbook. The best betting sites for Virginia players have several options, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Discover, Play+, PayNearMe, and eCheck. This is great for players who like having diversity and choosing the right payment method for themselves.
- Online Banking
- PayPal
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- Play+
- PayNearMe
- eCheck
The right option for you depends on your personal preferences. Since the Virginia Draftkings Sportsbook and all other sites listed on this page are licensed with the Virginia Lottery, you don't need to worry about them scamming your banking information, so you shouldn't hesitate to use debit or credit cards if you want to.
However, we appreciate that some people want to be extra careful and are more comfortable using a third-party payment processor like PayPal or PayNearMe. Keep in mind that these options may include heftier fees and longer transaction times. Certain Virginia sportsbook promotions also specify a particular payment method.
Top VA Online Sportsbooks with Fast Payout Times
The best Virginia sportsbooks have reasonably quick payout times, but when you make a comparison, some are better than others. Virginia sports betting sites also have the VA Lottery to answer to and have to pay big fines if they're found delinquent on payments. Based on speed and deposit limits, here are the best Virginia betting sites with the fastest payout times:
| VA Betting Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Secure Link: | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | $20 | 1-3 Days |
|
8 | Bet here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | $10 | 1-4 Days |
|
5 | Bet here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers | $10 | 1-5 Days |
|
9 | Bet here! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Something to keep an eye on though is how welcome offers and other promotions affect payout times. Occasionally, sportsbooks require you to play through your entire bonus before you can withdraw any funds. This is something to consider before you start the withdrawal process.
Also, when using the Virginia BetRivers Sportsbook app or any other platform, consider the payment method you're using. Some payment options take longer than others to facilitate withdrawals as they work to verify the transaction.[1] Keep in mind this is done with your security in mind.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
With New Jersey spearheading the effort, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which previously banned all sports betting outside of Las Vegas. This paved the way for states to legalize and regulate betting as they saw fit. Virginia's sports betting laws took some time to adapt, though there were signs that things would be changing in the near future.
It didn't take long for Virginia's sports betting licenses to be awarded, with the first legal sportsbook launching in January 2021. The state approved HB 896 in 2020 as a way to increase tax revenue to put towards public education. According to the Virginia Lottery, sports betting activity is taxed based on a permit holder's adjusted gross revenue. Currently, several operators are interested in acquiring licenses, so we expect more to open soon.
Virginia's sports betting regulations weren't the only thing set to change for local gamblers. As part of the 2020 legislation legalizing Virginia betting sites, the state also voted to permit future land-based casinos in cities that meet specific requirements. Currently, four land-based casino properties are in the works, with more expected to be announced in the coming years.
Horse racing betting, which was once the only legal form of gambling in the Commonwealth, also saw a bit of expansion. The sports betting laws in Virginia were updated to permit the installation of historical horse racing (HHR) machines at Colonial Downs. This is the only horse racing track in the entire state.
This new technology combines instant win slot play with horse racing and has been incredibly popular since it was launched in 2018. Additionally, there are four off-track betting locations throughout the state.
However, these are located far away from most of the state's population, so most gamblers will be happy to know horse racing betting is offered at all the best legal online sportsbooks in Virginia. The betting situation is similar in the new online betting market of Maryland.
Paying Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings in Virginia
While most people consider taxes to be a nuisance, it's the main reason legal VA betting sites exist in the first place. For those who choose to wager, an understanding of the basic overview of the taxes on sports betting in Virginia is needed. All gambling winnings are subject to Virginia state tax rates, which range from 2.5 – 5%. However, any income over $17,000 is taxed at the highest rate.
In addition to sports betting taxes in Virginia, winnings are taxed at the federal level too.[2] You must pay 24% federal income tax on any gambling winnings you earn. Earnings over $5,000 are subject to withholding, and your sportsbook must send you a W2-G form to file with the IRS if you end up in the black at the end of the year.
While it can be a hassle getting all the paperwork in order, you only need to deal with it once per year. Furthermore, if you enjoy Virginia online sports betting, it helps to know that all the revenue is put to good use. According to the Virginia Lottery, taxes on sports betting go towards the state's education system.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on in Virginia
With so many top sportsbooks operational in Virginia, there are options for almost every betting market one can think of. The only noteworthy exclusion is the college sports. Virginia sports players cannot wager on games with in-state schools playing in them. Virginia's sports betting also places limits on live betting and prop bets, which are prohibited on all college games.
That means if you're a Hokies, UVA sports, ODU, or Spiders fan, Virginia's mobile sports betting may be a disappointment. Certain gamblers will visit another state to make the bets they want to make.
The premium sports betting apps in Virginia give access to every major league. Listed below are some of the major leagues you can find markets for. All the top organizations are represented, but you can also find more obscure leagues throughout the world, like European hockey, Asian basketball, and South American baseball.
- NFL
- NCAAF
- NBA
- NCAAB
- MLB
- NHL
- EPL
The leagues listed above are the most popular for betting in order of their annual betting handle. Football and basketball, arguably the two most popular sports in America, hold a clear edge over baseball, hockey, and soccer. A side effect of the legalization of US betting sites is how much media coverage it generates, which is why gambling on these sports is so popular.
ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Radio give an immense amount of attention to odds, lines, and picks on their shows every day. It's become commonplace to talk about, and players no longer have to hide in the shadows.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Some of the operators we recommend are also among Virginia's best daily fantasy sports sites. Among the most popular sports in DFS for players are football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Obviously, there's also a range of other sports you can choose from, including golf, soccer, and even esports like League of Legends.
The daily fantasy sports sites give you the chance to participate in different contests and potentially win generous cash prizes. Some of the most exciting types of DFS contests you can find at the recommended operators in the state are tournaments, head-to-heads, multipliers, and 50/50s. In addition, you can claim attractive promotions.
| Daily Fantasy Sports Apps | Rating | DFS Bonus | DFS Sports | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Up to $500 Deposit Bonus | 15 | iOs, Android | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY | Bet At Draftkings | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. |
Types of Online Sports Betting Options for Virginia Players
Before you start wagering or using Virginia sportsbook promo codes, you should decide the markets and bet types you want to focus on. This lets you narrow down your potential options from several to just a handful. Specialization is key for gambling success.
The markets described below are the most common bet types offered at Virginia sports betting sites. Deciding the right wager to make is difficult, but if you focus on one or two markets in a specific sport it becomes much more manageable.
| Sports Betting Options | Description | Recommended Online Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
Moneyline wagers are the most straightforward. Simply select the team you think wins the game straight up. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook VA |
| Point Spread |
Point spreads are handicaps where underdogs get points added and favorites have points subtracted from their total score. You must cover the spread to win. |
Try at BetRivers VA |
| Totals |
Totals bets are predicting whether the final combined score will be over or under the total the sportsbook provides. This is also known as the over/under. |
Try at BetMGM VA |
| Props |
Props or proposition bets are wagers that are usually specific to a player or team, like how many touchdowns a team scores or how many free throws a point guard takes. |
Try at BetRivers VA |
| Live Betting |
Live betting is placing a wager on any match that has already started. It requires knowledge of how to use the in-play betting console to keep up with the action. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook VA |
| Parlays |
Parlays are combined bet selections that provide higher payouts than single wagers. However, all your bets must be graded as winners, or the entire wager is lost. |
Try at BetMGM VA |
| Futures |
Futures bets are betting on the outcome of something in the future. Choosing a team to win the championship before the playoffs is a common one. |
Try at BetRivers VA |
These markets are found at all the best Virginia betting sites, but there are a few you should take note of if you're a beginner. If you're just starting, it makes sense to stick to the three basic bet types – moneyline, spread, and totals bets.
Focusing on these betting markets helps you learn the basics when visiting Virginia online sportsbooks. More advanced handicappers understand how the odds for these markets influence the others, so it's best to wait until you have a good handle on how changes in odds work.
Exclusive Sports Betting Deals in Virginia
Unfortunately, there are no professional Virginia sports teams. That means there are no exclusive agreements between Virginia online sportsbooks and pro teams at this time. We hope there will be agreements in the pipeline from operators such as the DraftKings Virginia Sportsbook. After all, much of the population are Washington Commanders, Nationals, Wizards, and Capitals fans which indicates there is an interest. While sports betting in Virginia, is limited in this regard, there are still plenty of offers to take advantage.
Online vs. Land-Based Sportsbook in Virginia
On the off chance you've visited a land-based OTB before, there are several differences between VA online sports betting sites and their brick-and-mortar counterparts worth noting. First and foremost, Virginia sports betting sites are up and running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Secondly, there might be Virginia sportsbook promo codes to take advantage of.
This lets you get in on the action any time of day. Plus, betting sites tend to take thinner margins from online betting as they do from land-based sportsbooks in VA. These differences are worth keeping in mind when you're looking for the best betting sites Virginia has to offer.
Here are the main pros and cons of each style:
Online Betting
- Better odds
- Open 24/7
- Larger market selection
- Mobile apps
- Can't exchange bet slips
- Longer withdrawal times
- Solitary
Land-Based Betting
- In-person only promos
- Can exchange bet slips with others
- Ability to exchange thoughts with peers
- Personalized service
- Lower odds & payouts
- Fewer live betting options
- Limited opening hours
Problem Gambling Help
To get a gaming license in Virginia, operators must provide users with gambling problem help. For instance, Virginia players have the right to add themselves to a self-exclusion list that operators must oblige.
Additionally, Virginia online sportsbooks work with the National Council on Problem Gambling. This organization provides compulsive gamblers with the resources and help they need to regain control of their lives.
Lastly, all players in Virginia must be 21 years of age or older. If you or someone you know might have a gambling problem, be underage gambling, or have gambling debts, visit the VA Lottery responsible gambling page.
References
- GoCardless, (2023), Guide to Payment Processing Times, Retrieved December 04, 2023.
- IRS, Topic No. 419, Gambling Income and Losses, Retrieved December 04, 2023.
- Macau Polytechnic University, Not all gamblers are created equal: gambling preferences depend in individual personality traits, Retrieved December 04, 2023.
- The Weirton Daily Times, (2021), Understanding the Importance of Online Gaming Licenses in the US and the UK, Retrieved December 04, 2023.
FAQ
Which VA online sportsbook is the best?
There’s no definitive answer for anyone looking for the top Virginia sports betting sites, because everyone’s preferences are different. However, what we can do is research the options, and provide the information for you to make an informed decision for yourself. We look at various aspects including betting options, markets, payment methods and more.
Are online sports betting sites legal in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia online sportsbooks are legal. The gambling laws in VA have changed several times, but the passing of a bill legalizing sports betting in 2020 was the most significant. It led to the first online sportsbooks going live in the following year. The state also voted to permit future land-based casinos in cities that meet specific requirements
What are the best online betting bonus offers in Virginia?
The primary way VA betting sites acquire new customers is through sign-up offers. We ranked the best Virginia betting bonuses by how friendly their terms are to players, so you can see which one is best for you. Be sure to read each site's promotional terms and conditions, as they tend to change often.
Do all online sportsbooks in VA offer live betting?
Yes, absolutely. All online sportsbooks in VA offer live betting of some kind. However, it’s worth noting that some in-play platforms are better than others. When assessing your live betting options, we compare the variety of in-play markets, odds and competitive pricing, user experience, availability of live streaming, betting offers, and more.
Which online sportsbooks in Virginia offer the fastest payouts?
In general, you can expect payout times at VA betting sites to be within five business days of your request. However, payout times can vary based on several factors, so keep this in mind if your transaction is taking longer than expected.
Conclusion – Mobile Sports Betting in Virginia is Live
Choosing the right sportsbook for you is about using the right criteria and understanding your preferences. All VA betting sites listed on this page are licensed by the Virginia Lottery and meet our strict standards. We base our selection on the quality of their mobile apps, generous bonuses, live betting options, and the variety of sports.
Delaware-born Amelia Walker takes the senior content writer and legal expert position at Betting.us. Her main professional focus is responsible gambling and operator safety. With a J.D. in Business Law, her professional gambling journey began after a law firm colleague introduced her to safe betting. She is an advocate of strict bankroll management and self-restraint.
With so many betting opportunities available in Virginia, it makes sense to sign up with a licensed betting platform. The big name operators have superb live betting options, market coverage for all the major leagues, and bonuses to make your mouth water. Ultimately, the Caesars Virginia Sportsbook tops our list of the recommended platforms from the state.