The wait is over for online sports bettors in Virginia. The Commonwealth launched its sports betting market last week. Already, Virginia is home to three online sportsbooks–FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM–and more are on the way. Though FanDuel was first to join the fray, BetMGM and DraftKings have come to the market in full force too, and all three operators are now offering some excellent bonuses for new players. All in time for the Super Bowl, too!
The Top Online Sportsbooks in Virginia
FanDuel Virginia Review
New Player Offer: $1,000 Risk-Free Bet
Since 2009, FanDuel has shifted from a daily fantasy sports focus to become one of the most trusted and popular sportsbooks in the country. FanDuel was the first sportsbook available in Virginia, thanks in large part to the sportsbook’s association with the Washington Football team. FanDuel was the first to launch because the Virginia Lottery Board made it clear that they make it a priority to grant licenses to operators who strategically partnered with professional sports franchises.
FanDuel’s sportsbook is easy to navigate and offers action on just about every sporting event you can imagine. To help get Virginians started, FanDuel is offering new players a $1,000 risk free bet bonus upon registering.
BetMGM Virginia Review
New Player Offer: Up to $500 deposit match (100% up to $500)
BetMGM, a product of Roar Digital, was the third sportsbook to come to Old Dominion. It was licensed by the Virginia Lottery in mid-January, then went live in the state on January 27.
Roar Digital is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings, two highly experienced companies in the casino and gambling industry. This experience results in a top-notch sportsbook with a seamless user interface and incredible market depth.
As a new player in Virginia, you can place a risk-free bet up to $500 at BetMGM.
DraftKings Virginia Review
New Player Offer: Up to $1,000 deposit bonus (20% up to $1,000)
DraftKings followed rival FanDuel in Virginia, becoming the second available sportsbook when it went live on January 24.
Like FanDuel, DraftKings has emerged as a prominent sportsbooks brand ever since launching first as a daily fantasy sports hub. New players in Virginia can nab up to $1000 as a 20% deposit match from DraftKings.
Sports Betting Progress
The Virginia Lottery Board has been making good progress as it relates to setting up online sports betting in the state. Since the fall of 2020, the organization has received dozens of applications, approving the first operators in less than a year. The expectation is that many mobile sportsbooks will soon follow FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM as 2021 continues.
Of the dozens that applied, most expect the Lottery Board to approve BetRivers, PointsBet, and William Hill among others next. However, in lieu of an official announcement, it’s merely speculation. The Virginia Lottery keeps the license process behind closed doors for the most part, making approvals a pleasant surprise when they do come through.
Over the long term, the state plans to expand its gaming industry to include brick-and-mortar casinos and sportsbooks. Relative to online approvals, the process to set up land-based sportsbooks will take much longer. Many expect the new stadium for the Washington Football Team to have a sportsbook on-site, which will likely be the first retail sportsbook in the state. However, the timeline for the stadium is still very much up in the air.
Virginia’s Sports Betting Law Timeline
Below, is a recap of the evolution of online gaming in Virginia and how legal sports betting became legal in the state.
March 2019 – The Virginia state senate audited the effects of legalizing sports betting in Virginia
November 2019 – Based on its audit, the state determined sports betting has the potential to add hundreds of millions in revenue for the state
November 2019 – State legislator Mark Sickles introduced the first bill legalizing sports betting but it was later deprioritized
April 2020 – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill legalizing the regulation of online sports betting
January 2020 – The Virginia Lottery Board approved three online sportsbooks, all of which launched within a week: FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM
Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
1. Is online sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia. As of 1/27/21, three sportsbooks are live in the Commonwealth: FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGMl. However, the state will approve several more in the coming weeks.
2. How old do I have to be to sports bet in Virginia?
You must be at least 21 years old to legally participate in sports betting in VA.
3. Can I bet when I travel or leave the state?
No, online sportsbooks in Virginia have geo-location technology-enabled to limit betting inside state lines. Once you leave VA, you will no longer be able to bet at Virginia online sportsbooks.
4. Who regulates sports betting in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery is the governmental agency overseeing all sports betting activities in the state.
5. What sports can I bet on in Virginia?
You can bet on the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, professional tennis, golf, boxing, MMA, and other major sports at Virginia sportsbooks. Also, you can bet on NCAA events, however, the game must not include any college or university in Virginia as the state prohibits wagering on local teams.
