Virginia Lottery currently licenses more than a dozen legal sportsbook apps for residents, a market that has expanded since the state's first online operator launched on Jan. 1, 2021. The regulatory body oversees all sports betting activities in the state, which remains legal for any person physically located in Virginia who is 21 years of age or older at the time a wager is placed.
The legal framework for sports betting in Virginia was established when Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bill 896 into law on April 22, 2020. The online market began operations before retail spaces, with the first mobile sportsbook going live on Jan. 21, 2021. Retail betting followed later, as the first physical location opened on July 8, 2022.
New users entering the market typically encounter one of three welcome offer formats from Virginia sportsbooks. A deposit match provides bonus cash that equals 100% or less of the user's initial deposit. Profit boosts offer a chance at increased winnings if the bettor's first wager is successful. Bet-and-get offers require a new bettor to place a small wager to receive bonus funds in their account.
While Virginia does not host any professional sports teams, it is the most populous state without a major sports franchise. The state does feature popular college teams, including Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason, and Liberty. Bettors are permitted to wager on college sports, though restrictions apply to in-state teams. Virginia law prohibits betting on any in-state team or collegiate player props.
Retail sportsbook locations operate primarily within casinos or racetracks across the state. These venues offer both electronic betting kiosks and staffed counters where humans accept wagers. Three specific licensed retail locations include Caesars Virginia (Caesars Sportsbook) in Danville, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (Hard Rock Bet) in Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth (BetRivers Sportsbook) in Portsmouth.
Residents and visitors alike can access these betting options without being Virginia residents, provided they register and are physically located inside the state when placing a wager. The variety of available applications means users have numerous choices, each with distinct benefits and drawbacks.