Virginia Sports Betting: Best VA Online Sportsbook Sites Nov. 2024

Virginia betting promos and bonuses

A chunk of the 11 legal online sportsbooks in Virginia offer welcome bonuses of up to $1,500. This aggressive marketing strategy allows new players to cash in on bonus credits for future wagers. Plus, seasoned bettors, who may already have an account with one or more Virginia online sportsbook operators, can cash in via ongoing promos. Daily odds boosts, reduced juice, and bonus bets, as well as same-game parlay bonuses, are regularly up for grabs.

Here’s a full rundown of Virginia's best sports betting app welcome bonuses:

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Top Virginia betting sites

All Virginia sports betting apps offer most of the same betting markets these days, from MLB to the NHL, moneylines, spread betting, and live betting on select events, but what makes sportsbooks in Virginia unique from the rest of the pack are promos and bonuses exclusive to their most passionate customers.

Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Virginia 🔵

Win $150 + NBA League Pass 🏀

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Claim $150

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Since its inception as the first online sportsbook to accept a legal wager in Virginia in January of 2021, FanDuel’s sports betting app ratings have been second-to-none. Some of its rivals may earn more headlines, but the people have spoken, and they love FanDuel’s products and promotional offerings.

FanDuel is providing new customers a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets welcome offer. No FanDuel promo code is necessary, and you can place your qualifying wager on any sportsbook market to unlock the $150 reward. 

It offers live video streaming in-app, live betting, same-game parlays, boosted odds, and loyalty rewards. The customer service team is always accessible, and personal and financial data is encrypted and secure.

Payout speed is within 24 hours as well, a major plus!

Check out our FanDuel review for more.

Other Virginia online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

Caesars Virginia 🏛

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

New users only. Register using eligible promo code. First bet to settle must lose to qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1K. Expires in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.

Claim $1,000

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The cagey veteran of Las Vegas’ gambling scene jumped into the legal mobile sports betting pool with both feet. They offer one of the most lucrative welcome bonuses — remember to enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUS1000 during registration — and constantly improve their sports betting app to prioritize the user experience. What sets Caesars apart, however, is their ability to sync their Caesars Rewards programs enjoyed at their retail casinos with their online sportsbook and app products. These loyalty rewards are highly coveted and can be cashed in for unique experiences, hotels, and VIP packages that only Caesars can gift.

• App Store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
• Sign up bonus: $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Virginia: Caesars review

DraftKings Virginia 👑

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $150

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

DraftKings is tendering new players a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer — no DraftKings promo code needed. Users can simply register, deposit, and wager $5 or more on any sports market to qualify. This bonus is a nice perk for new players as it allows them to spread the new-found wealth around and try new betting markets, such as live in-game betting, same-game parlays, and futures odds.

DraftKings app store ratings are best-in-class as they continue to make new players happy with solid promotions and retain those customers for a long time, thanks, in part, to quick payouts and friendly customer service.

• App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign up bonus: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Virginia: DraftKings review

BetMGM Virginia 🦁

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Claim $1,500

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

The "King of Parlays" continues to make waves in the Commonwealth. Look at those app store ratings of 4.8 for Apple users and 4.6 for Android. It doesn’t take much to sink a sports betting operator’s reputation. Still, BetMGM’s generous welcome offer of up to $1,500 in bonus bets goes a long way to keep users happy. 

Register a new account and you can take advantage of up to $1,500 in bonus bets promo with BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS. If new users lose their first bet, they will receive bonus bets equal to the amount lost, up to $1,500.

• App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Virginia: BetMGM review

Fanatics Virginia 🧢

Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Bet Now

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Fanatics’s app store ratings rival only FanDuel for best in Virginia. Its Points Betting system (from when Fanatics acquired PointsBet) rewards veteran bettors who like a little bit more risk on the table as it pays out for more significant wins while dinging your bank accounts should the team you’re backing get blown out. 

The newly launched Fanatics app brings the best of the old PointsBet platform, along with a host of great new features. The FanCash Rewards program is one of the most unique loyalty programs of its kind, letting you use your FanCash for bonus bets or towards purchasing merchandise from your favorite teams. 

And now, Virginia bettors can use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code for a $1,000 welcome offer. This offer gives you "No Sweat Bets" (10 days x $100 each) on your first daily wager ($1 or more on -500 odds or longer). If that bet loses, Fanatics will match the amount wagers with bonuses up to $100.

• App Store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign up bonus: Get $1,000 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Virginia: Fanatics review

Virginia sportsbooks honorable mentions

The remaining nine online sportsbooks in Virginia have something to offer. They can continue to work their way up into the top five rated operators in the state with improvements in user experience, bonuses, and customer service accessibility.

• Bally Bet
• bet365 bonus code
• BetRivers bonus code
• ESPN BET promo code
• Hard Rock Bet promo code

VA sports betting key developments and updates

Virginia sports betting summary

How we rate and review Virginia sportsbooks

SBR’s editorial team prides itself in providing Virginia sports bettors players honest and independent reviews of all 11 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps. The SBR team of experts focuses most of its attention on the following six categories. Remember, this is only a guide, and the individual player may prioritize one sportsbook feature over another. Still, it also helps provide insight into how SBR generates its ratings and rankings of each operator.

Welcome bonuses and promotions 💰

We want each potential Virginia bettor to know about each sportsbook’s latest welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. While the sign-up offers are great, many are first-bet insurance, which is not guaranteed funds if your first bet wins. So, operators must continue enticing new players with solid promos within the app after the honeymoon period. This includes boosted odds, reduced juice, unique same-game parlays, exclusive offers, and loyalty reward programs.

User experience 📱

The user experience can be defined in many ways. Still, Virginia bettors should prioritize things like how easy is the sign-up process, does the operator I like offer the banking method that suits my needs, is the app and online sportsbook easy to navigate, does live streaming video work all the time, do they offer live video streaming of select events, does the geotagging location software work or do I get locked out when I’m inside Virginia state borders, does the app crash too often, how secure is my data and how accessible is the customer support team.

Sports bet variety 🏈🏀⚾

Once the fresh shine of an online sportsbook wears off, veteran bettors may want to look beyond the big four sports leagues — NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL — and expand their horizons with interests in professional golf, European soccer, major tennis tournaments, and the UFC. Online sportsbooks in Virginia must offer a wide variety of sports betting markets. They can’t rest on their laurels that the NFL will carry the proverbial torch for every bettor. Sometimes bettors can find odds value in unique places, typically in individual betting markets outside the United States.

Banking options 🏦

The more banking options operators offer new players, the better. Before legalized sports betting in Virginia and other United States, weak and complicated banking processes were a friction point for operators to gain new players. 

Now, the process is simplified and streamlined. It should take less than a few minutes for a first-time deposit to take place. Just remember that most major credit and debit cards are accepted, and while a little more typing needs to occur, one of the safest ways to make a deposit is via ACH bank wire transfers.

Payout speed 💸

New players are suitable to get nervous should their withdrawal request take too long. So, SBR’s editorial team weighs the payout speed of each online sportsbook and sports betting app when creating its unique ratings and rankings. 

In today’s betting world, it should take less than five business days for digital payouts to be processed and funds to be transferred to the player. If they request a paper check be mailed to them, 15 business days seems to be the most common timeline.

Security and customer support 📞

When beaming personal and financial information back and forth between yourself and an online sportsbook operator, you want to know that your online sportsbook is SSL encrypted and that firewalls are in place to prevent hackers from accessing your data. This is why including your social security number is crucial during registration because it doesn’t allow multiple accounts to be created in your name.

Suppose questions do pop up — for betting odds clarification. In that case, welcome bonus playthrough requirements or even a loss password assistance, the strength of an online sportsbook’s customer service team is heavily weighed when it comes to generating a ranking. They should be available 24/7 and feature a live-chat option to help players — new and old — to get answers as soon as possible.

How to start betting in Virginia

Thanks to advancements in technology and improvements in sports betting software, getting started at Virginia online sportsbooks is easier than ever. You can be up and running and wagering on Washington Commanders football, Baltimore Orioles baseball, and Washington Capitals hockey in just a few steps. New players should be encouraged by the sports betting process, but if you are, here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide to get started.

1. Select a sportsbook licensed in Virginia

The first thing you want to do is do your homework. Read as many of the 11 Virginia online sportsbook and sports betting app reviews that we offer at the top of this page. Once you’ve found an operator that fits your wants and needs as a customer, download the sports betting app to your Apple or Android device.

2. Register online

Once the app is downloaded on your smart device, open it up. The operator will require you to register for a new account, which should take less than five minutes to complete. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, including full name, mailing address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. The social security number helps identify who you are and helps prohibit bad actors from creating multiple accounts to exploit bonuses and promotions. The process also helps expedite payouts later on.

The operator will likely send you an email verification to activate your account. Once you do, it’ll be time to create a unique username (typically your email address) and password. The password should combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters at least eight characters long.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

Now that your account is activated and the password created, it’s time to pick your preferred banking method and make a first deposit. You’ll need to sync your bank information with the new account you just created. Most online sportsbooks in Virginia accept credit cards, debit cards, Paypal, and ACH bank wire transfers.

At this point, if the Virginia sports betting app you decided on requires a promo code to redeem a welcome bonus, you enter it in the correct field when you submit your first deposit. It becomes messy if you try to redeem a welcome offer after making your first deposit but forget to enter the code.

4. Select and finalize your bet

With your account funded, it’s time to navigate all the different betting app pages. Virginia bettors can shop around for moneyline, point spread, and point total odds or research same-game parlays, live in-game betting, or futures odds, which allows users to bet that — for example — the Nationals win the National League East division in 2023.

You can enter one-or-more wagers on the same bet slip. You’ll type in how much of your account balance you want to wager there. Press submit to place your bet.

5. Win and withdraw your payout

Though most welcome bonuses feature playthrough requirements, you can withdraw any money you deposit before or after a big win. So, if you hit that NFL parlay on Sunday and are ready to cash out, head back to the cashier – the same one you visited to make an initial deposit – and start the withdrawal process. This process should take less than a few business days for approval and funds to hit your account.

Virginia sports betting handle

2022 was a good year for Virginia. The state’s sports betting handle in the year’s final three months was $528 million, $518.8 million, and $503.1 million, respectively. The $4.8-billion sports betting handle in 2022 was up 18% year-over-year compared to 2021. In an exciting twist, the most money wagered came on NBA games and not the NFL.

Projections have Virginia eclipsing a $5 billion handle in 2023 with ease, thanks in part to bet365 launching at the start of the year. The state’s revenue generated by sports betting will only continue to rise in coming years since three retail casinos with sportsbooks are in the works, and a few more online sportsbooks are needed to fill the 18 available licenses.

2022 Handle

2023 Handle

2024 Handle

Virginia sports leagues and teams to bet on

Unlike most states that have legalized sports betting, Virginia has no professional sports team within its borders. However, that doesn’t mean the Commonwealth doesn’t root for their favorite regional franchises. Without restrictions, bettors can wager on the four major professional leagues; NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. So, if you’ve been itching to back the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, operators will have odds that they will win Super Bowl 58. However, you can’t wager on sporting events featuring in-state college teams. So, March Madness — as popular as it is — is off-limits if a matchup includes a program from Virginia.

If you’re not interested in betting on a team in the big four, remember most online sportsbooks offer odds on PGA tournaments, European soccer leagues, international tennis majors, and even eSports video game events.

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

Legal sports betting and regulations in Virginia

Virginia online and mobile sportsbooks

After sticking with 11 online sportsbooks for over a year, bet365 and Betfred joined the Virginia sports betting party at the start of 2023 (although the latter would exit the market in October 2024). After some other operators dropped out, the state now boasts 11 sports betting apps with up to 18 licenses pending fulfillment. So, the VA sports betting handle is expected to grow by more than half a billion dollars in 2024.

Bettors can also participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). For more information, check out our best DFS sites.

Land-based VA sportsbooks

Although Virginia only features one retail sportsbook in Bristol, lawmakers have green-lit up to five physical casinos, each operating a sportsbook inside. Three will be located in Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.

Who can bet on sports in Virginia?

Legal age 🎂

You must be at least 21 to wager at Virginia’s 11 online sportsbooks, sports betting apps, and retail sportsbook locations.

Mobile betting 📱

Mobile betting is legal in Virginia as all 11 operators offer an online sportsbook accessible via desktop or laptop and a downloadable sports betting app for iOS and Android devices.

Remote registration 💻

With only one retail sportsbook location in Bristol (and four in the process of being built), Virginia offers all bettors remote registration, where they can sign-up for a new sportsbook in less than five minutes from the comfort of their own home.

Within state borders 🌎

You don’t need to be a full-time resident of Virginia to wager at the 11 online sportsbooks or via sports betting apps. However, when placing a wager, geotagging software allows operators to ensure interested bettors are located within state borders. If you’re outside of Virginia’s state line, you won’t be able to place a bet.

Retail sportsbooks 🏢

There is a Hard Rock Sportsbook in Bristol, VA, while other casinos are being constructed in Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each of those land-based casinos will feature a sportsbook when they open.

Taxable winnings 💸

Virginia state taxes on gambling profits vary based on how much you win but range between 2% - 5.75%, while the federal rate is 24% on earnings over $600. You can write off losses. So, it’s essential to keep good records of your betting history.

What you can and can’t bet on in Virginia

Online sportsbooks can offer many domestic and international betting markets like the NFL, NBA, PGA, and Champions League soccer. Still, the state law does prohibit some events from hitting digital odds boards.

Politics ❌

Betting on political events is not allowed in Virginia. So, you will not see odds of winning the 2024 U.S. Presidential election nor an over/under on the number of times Joe Biden says “folks” in his next State of the Union address.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

Award season odds are a hit among cinephiles and audiophiles, but you won’t be able to wager on the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, or any other award show in Virginia. Thus, celebrating Taylor Swift’s entire catalog is admirable, but it won’t help you win money at your favorite online sportsbook.

eSports ✅

Updated language in 2020 added eSports to events that bettors can wager on as the industry becomes increasingly popular. You’ll be able to find betting markets for video game tournaments like League of Legends, Fortnite, and Madden.

What about Virginia college sports? 🎓

Virginia bettors can wager on out-of-state college sports teams. If a collegiate sporting event, such as college football or basketball, features an in-state program, you will NOT be allowed to wager on that matchup. So, come March Madness, if the Virginia Cavaliers play somebody, that game will be off the board.

Responsible sports betting in Virginia

In addition to overseeing more than two dozen lotteries and scratch games, the Virginia Lottery is the state’s sports betting regulator in charge of licensing, auditing, and compliance.

They charge a non-refundable $50,000 application fee and a $250,000 fee if a license is awarded to an interested online sportsbook operator. The Virginia Lottery boasts that profits have generated more than $11 billion for the state’s public schools, and that number is expected to soar with sports betting adding to state coffers for years to come.

In addition to generating millions of dollars, the Virginia Lottery is also looking out for you, the player. It offers several problem gambling resources for families and individuals. A volunteer self-exclusion list will prohibit bettors from wagering at online or retail casinos. Operators also provide session and betting limits to help keep people within a budget.

The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700 or via live chat at the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Virginia

With 13 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps to choose from, there should be no reason for Virginia sports bettors to seek offshore and illegal sports betting sites. These unregulated and, at times, unlicensed operators are not legal in the eyes of the Virginia Lottery. Thus, the individual, not the operator, risks personal and financial data loss should the worse occur.

It’s best to avoid these sites, play it smart and register with an online sportsbook regulated by the Virginia Lottery to protect your personal data and help you should any financial issues arise.

Here are three of several sportsbooks to avoid and ones that SBR’s editorial team has blacklisted.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.