Va Sports Betting
January 2021 promises to be a historic month in Virginia with the long-awaited launch of Virginia sports betting. FanDuel launched on January 21st in Virginia in fact ! Discussions around Virginia sports betting have been ongoing for some time, and the General Assembly eventually finalized legislation for Virginia betting sites in July 2020.
- HAMPTON ROADS, Va. Sports betting is now legal in Virginia with the first bets allowed back on January 21. Thousands of games across professional and collegiate sports from around the world, with.
- While Virginia technically doesn’t have any professional sports teams competing on its soil, the state is still filled with sports fans and sports bettors. But the state is a stone’s throw from Washington DC, giving Virginia sports bettors looking for a home team to bet on.
- Virginia sports betting went live in the beginning of the month thus adding to state’s gambling opportunities. According to some officials, licensed operators include Betfair Interactive US LLC (d/b/a FanDuel) in conjunction with the Washington Football Team, Crown Virginia Gaming (Draft Kings), BetMGM, Portsmouth Gaming Holdings, Rivers.
Virginia Sports Betting Virginia became one of the latest states to legalize sports betting in 2020. As of 2021, Virginia sports betting is set to launch – in fact, sports bettors may be able to.
The Virginia Lottery Board has been hard at work drafting the necessary regulations for online sports betting. These regulations provide a framework within which Virginia sportsbooks must operate.
Sportsbooks had a two-week period during which they could apply for one of twelve initial licenses. There’s been tremendous interest from both national and international operators to launch Virginia sports betting apps. The Lottery Board confirmed receipt of 25 applications.
Contents
Best Virginia Sportsbooks
| Rank | VA Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | FanDuel Visit Review | Bet $5 win $275! SuperBowl 55/1 Odds Boost T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO, VA, IL, IA, IN, TN, PA, WV | |
| 2. | William Hill Visit Review | Get a $500 Risk-Free Bet Bonus Code: VIMAXSPORTRF T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ, CO, IL, IA, IN, MI, VA and WV | |
| 3. | DraftKings Visit Review | $1,000 Deposit Match T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in CO, IN, IA, NJ, PA, WV, IL, IA, VA | |
| 4. | BetMGM Visit Review | 100% Deposit Match up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in MI, VA, IL, IN, IA, CO, TN, WV | |
| 5. | BetRivers Visit Review | 100% First Deposit Match up to $250 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in MI, CO, IL, VA, PA, IN |
FanDuel Virginia Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the most popular sportsbooks in each of the states where it operates. We expect it to be a frontrunner for Virginia sports betting as well. With its roots in fantasy sports, FanDuel launched its online sportsbook in 2018. It operates in nine states and should soon add Virginia to the mix.
Virginia sports betting participants will benefit from welcome offers at FanDuel. It currently offers a free bet of up to $1,000 to new users. Should FanDuel receive a Virginia online sports betting license, this welcome offer will likely be extended to users on the FanDuel VA sports betting site.
Most Likely Virginia Sports Betting Sites
There are twelve hotly coveted VA sports betting licenses up for grabs. Here are some of the most likely Virginia sportsbooks.
It's is a good idea to look into the online sports betting sites that will be opening in the state before they are set to open. The following online sportsbook are some of the best sports betting sites in states where sports betting is legal online:
Updated on :
BetRivers Virginia Sport Betting
BetRivers is one of the sportsbooks likely to be granted a VA sports betting license through its casino connection. The parent company, Rush Street Gaming, will start construction on its new Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, VA, in 2021. With an initial $300 million investment per state legislation, this casino and Virginia sports betting site will be a welcome boost for the economy.
BetRivers currently operates in six states: Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. With a physical and online presence planned, it’s a welcome addition to the list of possible Virginia betting sites.
DraftKings Virginia Online Sportsbook
When the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, DraftKings hit the ground running with the launch of its sportsbook. It was already well-known for being a leader in the daily fantasy industry, and quickly cemented itself as a leader in online sports wagering.
DraftKings already holds sportsbook licenses in Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. We expect the lottery board to grant it a Virginia license, and then DraftKings can offer VA sports betting throughout the state.
Although Virginia sports betting isn’t yet available, DraftKings is pushing ahead with its new user’s bonus. The welcome package will likely consist of a match deposit of up to $500 and a $500 risk-free first bet. It’s an attractive offer to residents starting their Virginia sports betting journey when DraftKings VA goes live.
William Hill Virginia Betting Site
Another sportsbook vying for a Virginia online sports betting license is William Hill. It already is present in 11 states and the District of Columbia, with mobile betting available in Iowa, New Jersey, Nevada, and West Virginia. As one of the largest sportsbooks worldwide, a Virginia sports betting license is virtually certain.
It’s common knowledge that Caesars Entertainment has committed to the acquisition of William Hill, primarily to build their customer base in the United States. It received permission to construct a casino complex in Danville, VA, which means William Hill is likely to be available for Virginia online sports betting in the future.
Although William Hill VA sports betting hasn’t confirmed bonuses, expectations are that the same offer will hold as is available in other states. This welcome offer awards you a free bet of up to $500 on your first online deposit of at least $50. You’re likely to see a host of new sign-up offers on William Hill when online betting in Virginia goes live.
Pointsbet Virginia Betting Site
Pointsbet has also thrown its hat into the ring for a spot in the Virginia sports betting line-up. Pointsbet is an Australian sportsbook with a unique form of wagering and has staked its claim on the US market. It already has an online presence in four states and hopes to be one of the 12 Virginia online sports betting options.
The welcome offer for new customers betting in Virginia includes an incentive to try out PointsBetting, the form of wagering exclusively to this sportsbook. If you lose your first PointsBetting wager, you receive up to $500 in free bets. This offer is sure to be available to Virginia sports betting enthusiasts upon registration.
BetMGM Virginia Sports Betting Site
BetMGM has the weight of MGM Resorts International behind it in its effort to secure a Virginia online sports betting license. MGM is one of the largest global casino businesses, and BetMGM is its sports betting division. It currently operates in six states.
With MGM National Harbour Resort & Casino located in neighboring Maryland, the familiarity of the MGM name could nudge BetMGM to the front of the queue. Although up against some heavy-duty sportsbooks, BetMGM hopes to add Virginia sports betting to its portfolio.
BetMGM will provide bonuses and other offers if it becomes one of the Virginia betting sites. If in line with the other BetMGM sportsbooks, a risk-free first bet with up to $500 returned will feature prominently in its Virginia sports betting market.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of sports betting websites that are already available in other states. So, it is expected that one of these sites will become the first legally operating Virginia online sportsbook. What this means is you will already be ahead of the game if you know about these sportsbooks now before they open in the state.
Virginia Online Sports Betting: Events and Markets
We’re likely to see a rush of bettors to Virginia sports betting apps early in 2021 when Virginia sportsbooks launch in the state. Once licenses are issued, and the Virginia betting sites are live, we’ll see what betting markets are available for residents.
Most Popular Sports and Events to Bet On
Traditional American sports will surely feature prominently. Football, baseball, basketball, and hockey have a substantial following, which will undoubtedly translate to competitive betting across Virginia sports betting sites.
There are no major nationwide professional sporting events that take place in the state of Virginia. As such, the most popular sporting events to consider when Virginia online sports betting are the major sporting events of the year.
Below are some exciting tournaments for VA sports betting in 2021:
- Daytona 500
- Super Bowl
- World Series
- Stanley Cup
- US Open Tennis
- US Grand Prix
- The Masters
- Kentucky Derby
- National Football League
- NBA
So, once Virginia online sports betting is legalized in the state, you will want to know more about how to participate in it. This means you should look into the sports betting events and betting markets in the state of Virginia so you will be prepared. And, you will also want to learn about the types of bets you will encounter on sports betting sites in general.
Keep in mind, sports betting looks different in each state that has legalized it. And, some states do not allow for bets to be placed on the state’s college teams and any sporting events involving them. We will talk about the Virginia college sports teams below. However, you may not be able to place bets on them when all is said and done.
Common Types of Bets
There are a few kinds of bets that you will see on every Virginia online sports betting site once they are legal and launched. The most common type of sports bet is arguably the outright win bet. An outright win bet is when you simply place a wager on the expected winning team or player in a sporting event.
Another popular type of bet is a prop bet. A prop bet, also known as a proposition bet, is a bet placed on an event that is likely to happen during a sporting event. Ultimately, it has no bearing on the final outcome of the sporting event. So, you can place prop bets like who will be the first team to score or who will be the first player to score once Virginia online sports betting is legal.
Virginia Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports is intense and adrenaline-fuelled, with seasons crammed into 24 hours. On the other hand, season-long fantasy sports are more leisurely and played over a few months.
Virginia was the first state to legalize daily fantasy sports. In 2016, the Fantasy Contests Act was signed into law. This bill acknowledges daily fantasy sports as games of skill and not a form of illegal online gambling.
Virginia imposes strict measures on fantasy sports sites. Operators undergo two independent audits each year and pay a substantial fee for their license. They must ensure that players are 18 years or older and that no employees participate in public contests.
Some Virginia sports betting apps offer daily fantasy sports. Fantasy sports available for betting in Virginia include the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, soccer, and golf.
| Rank | Daily Fantasy Sports | Welcome Offer | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Monkey Knife Fight Visit Review | 100% Match up to $50 - Code: BONUSMAX T&C’s Apply, 21+ | |
| 2. | DraftKings DFS Visit Review | Deposit Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+ |
Betting On Pro Sports Teams In Virginia
Residents of Virginia have waited a long time for the chance to participate in Virginia sports betting. Here’s a quick run-through of the popular sports and teams in Virginia.
NFL Betting in Virginia
Although Virginia is a densely populated state, it doesn’t have a National Football League team. One NFL team with links to Northern Virginia is the Washington Football Team. It has its practice facilities and operational headquarters in Ashburn, VA.
Washington Football Team Betting
This NFL team dropped the name Washington Redskins early in 2020, a name that they’ve held since 1933. They are known as the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season only.
They compete in the NFC East division of the NFL against the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles. They’ve reached the playoffs 24 times, the last being in 2015. Their matches next in 2021 will attract many enthusiastic supporters to the Virginia betting sites.
NBA Betting in Virginia
Virginia is one of more than 20 states without an NBA team, although there is a large amount of support for the sport and league. The fast pace and excitement of basketball games make this a popular wagering sport in other states.
The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets both play in neighboring states, but could be popular when Virginia online sports betting goes live. We’ll have to wait and see if this is indeed the case.
NHL Betting In Virginia
Like the other major league sports, Virginia doesn’t have a professional state hockey team. Hockey is a popular sport in this part of America, and fans will enjoy a spot of Virginia sports betting on the NHL.
Washington Capitals Betting
The Washington Capitals play in the Metropolitan Division of the NHL. Although they have no specific links to Virginia, they developed a strong fan base in the state when they won the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Virginia sports betting apps will reflect this popularity when fans wager on Capital’s matches.
MLB Betting In Virginia
Another league not represented by a team in Virginia is Major League Baseball. A highly popular sport, MLB draws massive crowds and generates significant income for sportsbooks.
Like the NBA, two teams are closest to Virginia and could prove popular with fans betting in Virginia.
Washington Nationals Betting
The Washington Nationals are based in Washington D.C. and play in the National League East Division. They won the World Series Championships in 2019 and are worth taking a chance on when they hit the Virginia betting sites.
Baltimore Orioles Betting
Va Sports Betting Update
The Orioles are based in neighboring Maryland and compete in the American League East division. This team isn’t likely to draw the big wagers that others might, but it’s a close-to-home team for Virginia sports betting enthusiasts to support.
Other Virginia Teams To Bet On
When Virginia online sports betting opens in 2021, players aren't permitted to wager on any NCAA teams from within Virginia. Will this change in the future? We don’t know at this stage, and will have to wait for Virginia online sports betting to take hold before seeing any changes made.
Should Virginia sportsbooks be allowed to offer wagering on NCAA teams, here are some to look out for.
Betting on College Football in Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville is home to the Virginia Cavaliers. They take part in the Atlantic Coast Conference and won their only division title in 2019.Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies are the NCAA team representing the Virginia Polytechnic & State University. They also play in the Atlantic Coast Conference and compete annually against the Virginia Cavaliers. The Hokies are currently leading the Cavaliers by a win-loss ratio of 58 - 38.
Betting on College Basketball in Virginia
Hampton Pirates
The Hampton Pirates hail from Hampton University in Hampton, VA. They compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA Division 1.
University of Richmond
The Richmond Spiders is the NCAA basketball team representing the University of Richmond. The team competes in the Atlantic 10 conference, in Division 1. The Spiders have knocked some better teams off their perch in past years and is the only team to have won NCAA games as a 15th seed.
Virginia Betting Laws
In April 2020 the Virginia state legislature passed a sports betting bill legalizing Virginia sports betting from July 1st, 2020. Twenty-five sportsbooks applied to the Virginia Lottery Board for licenses to run their Virginia sports betting apps.
Applicants undergo stringent background checks and assessments against a structured set of criteria that includes the following:
- Experience in wagering operations in other jurisdictions.
- History of wagering operations.
- Reputation for integrity.
- Compliance with relevant regulations in other jurisdictions.
- Ability to comply with the minimum standard for internal controls.
- Ability to comply with proposed procedures for detecting and reporting illegal gambling activity.
The Virginia sports betting regulations provide a stable structure in which Virginia sports betting apps and sportsbooks can operate. They include these pertinent points:
- Sports betting in Virginia is initially limited to mobile/online channels.
- The law provides for five physical casinos in various cities, allowing sportsbooks to partner with them to offer VA sports betting. Three partnerships are confirmed: Hard Rock with Bristol, Caesars Entertainment with Danville, and Rush Street Gaming with Portsmouth. Neither Norfolk nor Richmond have announced partnerships.
- Sportsbook operators must use approved identity and geolocation technology.
- Operators must be committed to responsible gambling and have a history of working to prevent compulsive gambling.
- There must be responsible gambling training programs in place for employees.
- Between 4-12 Virginia sports betting licenses are available for online Virginia sportsbooks.
- The license fee is $50,000 per stakeholder with 5% or more ownership.
- The law prohibits sportsbooks from advertising on media catering to minors, but they need clarity about which specific media this refers to.
- Virginia sportsbooks must pay a 15% tax on gross revenue from gaming.
Sportsbooks already operating in the US are familiar with betting laws in the states where they have a presence. Here are some standard rules they can expect from the Virginia sports betting laws.
- Players on Virginia betting sites must be at least 21 years old.
- Bettors must be within state lines when betting in Virginia.
- No wagering is allowed on any games featuring Virginia college or university teams.
- No proposition betting is allowed on any college sports.
Future Of Virginia Sports Betting
Once the Virginia Lottery Board has completed their due diligence and assessed the applications, it will issue licenses. The first sportsbooks could open for betting in Virginia early in 2021, but this doesn’t allow Virginia betting sites much time to get their house in order.
Once licensed, Virginia sportsbooks already operating in other states should be up and running relatively quickly. Those entering the US for the first time may take a bit longer to launch their Virginia sports betting platforms.
Initially, Virginia sports betting apps will be the only way to participate in Virginia sports betting. This method suits most people as they can place their bets from their home or while on the move. Virginia sportsbooks may have physical outlets in the future, particularly within a casino complex, as is the case in other states.
It’s difficult to predict how Virginia sports betting will develop as it is yet to kick off in the state. If we use the other sports betting states as a gauge, the virtual crowds will move in quickly and purposefully. While other countries have been engaged in online sports betting for a few years, Americans are eager to catch up.
Virginia Online Sports Betting FAQ
So, you may still have some unanswered questions when it comes to Virginia online sports betting. This frequently asked questions section will address many of the questions you may have. And, if you still have some lingering questions after, you will be able to do your own research.
Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?
Sports betting sites are allowed in certain states in the United States. After the overturning of PASPA, it is up to each state to determine whether they want to legalize sports betting.
What do I need to register at an online betting site in Virginia?
As of right now, there is no legal Virginia online sports betting just yet. When sports betting in the state becomes legal online, you will need to submit your full name, date of birth, address, email address, and social security numbers to most sports betting websites.
Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Virginia?
As mentioned before, there are no legally operational sports betting websites in the state of Virginia. However, once the sports betting websites launch, they will most likely use the same software they have used in other states. So, it is expected it will be safe to deposit money onto these online sportsbook websites and apps.
Can I set betting limits?
Most of the online sportsbook websites and apps allow users to set betting limits for themselves.
Virginia Casinos
Casinos are currently banned in Virginia, but this won't be the case for much longer. ‘New legislation makes betting in Virginia legal and allows for casinos in five cities. Residents in Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Bristol have approved a casino development, and construction starts in 2021. Richmond residents haven’t yet voted.
Although the building may take a few years, residents will have access to Virginia sports betting apps to wager on their favorite sports.
Common Payment Options
When Virginia online sports betting becomes a reality in the state of Virginia, you will want to know how to use online sportsbooks. And, in order to use an online sportsbook, you will need to be able to deposit money into your online sports betting account. The following payment options are the typical ones you will find on online sports betting sites:
- Debit Cards and Credit Cards (Typically Visa Card and Mastercard)
- PayPal/eWallet
- ACH Transfer/online banking/eCheck
- Neteller
- Cash at the Cage
- PayNearMe
Final Thoughts On Betting In Virginia
Exciting times are ahead for Virginians. Virginia sports betting brings a new level of interest to sports and tournaments. Even lovers of daily fantasy sports will enjoy access to VA sports betting.
With more and more states opening up to this online activity, the landscape is changing fast. Which state will be next in line when Virginia sports betting joins the ranks?
Other states where you can place an online sports bet :
Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee West Virginia