Virginia sportsbooks became legal in 2021, giving residents the ability to wager on their favorite teams from the comfort of home. Today, bettors can choose from major operators like Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings, along with several other well-known brands.
The Virginia Lottery regulates all sports betting activity in the state. This includes oversight of available markets, which cover popular options such as football, basketball, soccer, and many others.
In this guide, we break down the legal sportsbooks currently operating in Virginia and explain what you can expect when registering with them. We also include helpful tips for choosing the best betting site in VA, along with additional insights to improve your overall experience. Keep reading to learn more.
Pros and cons of betting on Virginia betting sites
- Access to various sports markets
- Good range of bonuses and promotions
- Over 15 licensed sportsbooks
- Betting on Virginia college teams is not supported
Are sportsbooks legal in Virginia?
Yes, it is legal to wager on online sportsbooks in the state of Virginia. Legal online sports betting began on January 21, 2021, and FanDuel kicked off operations on the same day. Now, Virginia boasts over 15 sportsbooks, with notable names like DraftKings and Caesars leading the way.
There are up to 18 online sportsbook licenses available in the state, so we can expect to see more platforms launching in the state. According to the sportsbetting legislation, the Virginia Lottery Board is responsible for overseeing the activities of online sportsbooks within the state.
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How to get started on sports betting sites in Virginia
Similar to wagering on North Carolina sportsbooks, you need to register for an account to wager at betting sites in Virginia. Note that you must be at least 21 years of age and physically located in the state to complete this process.
If you fall under this category, follow these steps:
- Choose one of the recommended platforms on our list by clicking on our banners
- Hit the "Sign-up/ Register" button and input your preferred username and password
- Enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and last four digits of your SSN.
- Accept the terms and conditions, confirm that you are of legal age, and click 'Complete' to proceed.
- You will receive a link to the email you provided. Click it to verify your account.
- Log in and complete the KYC verification
- Make your first deposit and claim your welcome bonus
- Start wagering on your favorite sports markets
Best sportsbooks in Virginia - Where should you wager on your favorite sports teams?
As we already mentioned, Virginia is home to over 15 sportsbooks. Of course, only the best platforms would have obtained a license in this state, considering the limited number of licenses available. Knowing this, we have outlined five of the best sportsbooks in Virginia, along with what they offer.
| Sportsbook | Welcome bonus |
| Caesars | “Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 wagers” |
| bet365 | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets or First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets if your wager loses. |
| Fanatics | Up to $1,000 in FanCash |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $300 in bonus bets if your first bet wins |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets |
Caesars - Best online sportsbook in Virginia overall
- First bet safety net offer
- Dedicated mobile app
- User-friendly platform
- Live chat and phone support
- Not available in all states
Caesars launched in 2021 with the Caesars Casino as its licensing partner. This operator tops our list for its excellent rewards program, sports market selection, and an overall balanced experience. Sign up from Virginia and you will get access to a "Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 wagers" offer.
You'll find over 20 sports markets here, ranging from mainstream sports like football to niche markets like the Winter Olympics. There's also a live betting option allowing you to wager on ongoing tennis, basketball, soccer, and snooker events. However, where Caesars truly shines is in its rewards program, which gives bettors access to free bet credits, lounge access, discounts, and other benefits.
bet365 - Over 40 sports betting markets
- Flexible deposit and withdrawal methods
- Reliable early cash-out function
- Strict KYC adds extra account security
- Live streaming across global leagues
- Streaming is restricted for the U.S. major leagues.
There is almost no one who does it better than bet365 when it comes to sports betting. This operator extended its services to Virginia in 2023, through a licensing partnership with the Washington Commanders.
It features over 40 sports betting markets, one of the most extensive offerings available. Expect to find options like football and soccer, as well as niche markets such as trotting and Water Polo. We must also mention the extent of its coverage. You will find numerous leagues for most major sports, ensuring that there is always an event to bet on.
This operator also stands out from the rest in its live streaming services and in-play betting options. This covers most major events in real time, allowing you to keep tabs as you wager.
Fanatics - Best sportsbook for mobile gameplay
- NFL live game streaming
- Quick deposit and withdrawals
- Personalized promotions tab
- Strong brand credibility
- Mobile-only, no desktop version
Fanatics is a highly popular Maryland sportsbook that has also established a strong presence in Virginia. The operator was initially known as a sports apparel vendor before moving into the sports betting scene. It kicked off in Virginia in 2023, following the acquisition of PointsBet, and continued to utilize its licensing partnership with Colonial Downs.
Fanatics boasts of being a mobile-only platform and has dedicated significant resources to creating reliable betting apps. New bettors who sign up from Virginia can claim up to $1,000 FanCash to start betting.
Its selection of sports markets is extensive, covering all major sports, but it also offers a commendable FanCash rewards program.
Bettors who wager consistently can claim points, which can be redeemed for authentic merchandise, bonus bets, and collectibles.
FanDuel - Best Virginia sportsbook for bonuses and promotions
- Variety of betting markets
- DFS contests
- Downloadable mobile app
- Not available in all states
FanDuel is licensed in almost all legal BETMGM states, so it is no surprise that this also applies to Virginia. In fact, FanDuel was the first operator to kick off in the state, and it strengthened its footing with a licensing partnership with the Washington Commanders.
FanDuel gets new bettors started with a "Bet $5, Get $300 in bonus bets if your first bet wins" offer. This is a great way to tap into the extensive sports market, which encompasses over 20 sports and top leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and PGA.
DraftKings - Best for in-play betting
- Sports welcome offer
- Diverse range of betting markets
- Separate sportsbook and DFS page
- No phone customer support
- No live chat
DraftKings may be our last pick, but it remains one of the leading online betting sites today. The operator is one of the few sportsbooks in Virginia that operates with a standalone permit.
While it initially gained popularity for its DFS platform, it has quickly become recognized for its competitive odds, over 28 sports markets, and regular promotions, including juiced odds and profit boosts.
Like bet365, DraftKings also has some of the best live betting features you'll find in Virginia. You can stream games in real-time and stay on track with the updated, real-time stats that are updated without delay.
If you decide to register here from VA or any of the legal DraftKings states, you get a head start with the "Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets" offer.
Choosing the best sportsbooks in Virginia
When it comes to the best betting sites in Virginia, registering on the first platform that comes your way is not the right choice.
Instead, you need to evaluate various criteria depending on your requirements. This will help ensure the platform is right for you. If you're unsure where to start, here are some areas we recommend you explore.
Licensing and security
This is perhaps the most important criterion in our books. It is best to stick with betting sites that have a valid license from the Virginia Lottery. A valid license is a sign that the platform is being properly regulated, and you can be sure of fair and competitive odds. It also means there is someone to turn to if you ever run into issues.
Beyond a valid license, you want to go for a platform with various security tools to keep you safe. Things to look out for are an SSL encryption, and reliable payment methods to ensure your details don't fall into the wrong hands.
Sports market coverage
The goal of signing up on a sports betting site would be to wager on your favorite team while having fun. Therefore, it makes sense to opt for platforms that give you access to a wide variety of sports markets in Virginia. You'll want to find options for football, soccer, baseball, and basketball, among others.
In addition to the sports available, check out the available betting markets. What are your options for leveraging the various sports available? We suggest looking out for betting markets such as moneylines, parlays, teasers, futures, and even live bets. This way, you'll always have something to wager on.
Bonuses and promotions
Bonuses are non-negotiable when choosing a sports betting site in Virginia. This is because they can give you an edge and allow you to make larger wagers than you typically would have. Look out for welcome offers, boosted odds, and profit boosts, among others.
You'll also want to check for a loyalty program that rewards you for playing consistently. This is another way to benefit from regular betting, giving you access to free bets, special bonuses, and other exclusive rewards, simply for betting on your favorite teams.
Mobile compatibility
Nothing beats the ability to wager on the go via your mobile device. Therefore, you'll want to look out for a Virginia sportsbook with a mobile-compatible site. This way, you can back your favorite team from any location using your mobile device.
Additionally, we recommend opting for sportsbooks with dedicated mobile apps and prioritizing/prioritizing them over others. With a functional mobile app, you can access your betting account and wager on your favorite team with the tap of a button.
Conclusion: Bet on legal sports betting sites in Virginia
Betting is legal in Virginia, with over 15 sportsbooks to choose from. Our guide has outlined the top platforms to get started with that are known for their excellent selection of sports markets, bonuses, competitive odds, and bet options.
Caesars is our top pick for its varying offerings, including the rewarding loyalty program that gives you a memorable experience outside the betting scene. To begin, click on any of our banners to be redirected to the page, register, claim your bonus, and start backing your favorite teams. For more detailed information on each operator, visit our comprehensive sportsbook reviews section.
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Virginia Sportsbooks FAQs
Are sportsbooks legal in Virginia?
Yes. It is legal to wager on Virginia betting sites, so long as you are at least 21 years old and physically located in the state. You'll also need to opt for a platform that has a license from the Virginia lottery to wager legally.
What are the best sportsbooks in Virginia?
This depends on what you want in a sportsbook. We recommend evaluating factors like licensing, mobile support, bonuses, and available sports markets. Using this criterion, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings are great platforms to begin with.
What types of sports markets are available at Virginia sportsbooks?
Top betting sites in Virginia cover all major sports markets, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. You'll typically find any type of sports market supported by betting options like moneylines, spreads, totals, and more.
