Welcome to a full-scale guide to everything you need to know about gambling in Virginia. For ages, most forms of gambling, especially online gambling, have not been permitted in the state. However, with change coming across the entire gambling industry in the United States, now is the time to be optimistic about the future of casinos, sports betting, and other forms of online gambling in Virginia.
Our Guides to Online Betting
Before we take you through what you can and cannot bet on legally in Virginia, it is good to have an idea of how to bet on all the different gaming options. For the uninitiated, our Guides to Online Betting will review all the basics on each of the most popular games available in casinos and sportsbooks. Our team of experts at (site name) have compiled a series of tips and tricks to make you more knowledgeable when you are ready to place a bet, which will give you a much better chance of walking away a winner!
Online/Mobile Sports Betting
There has been a lot of activity in the sports betting space since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. States all around Virginia have been passing or debating online sports betting legislation. While it still isn’t legal in the state, there have been attempts at tabling bills that would make sports betting legal as part of a more comprehensive gambling law.
With the popularity of mobile and online betting being proven in other states, there is a path for sports betting to become legal in Virginia without a land-based presence. This section of our site covers all the betting types, what to look for in a sportsbook, and also all the latest news on possible legislation in the state.
Online Casinos
As there are currently no land-based casinos in Virginia, it is no surprise that there is also no online presence. Those looking to play legal online slots or table games face the same fate as those who want to walk into a casino – traveling to a jurisdiction where it is legal and playing from there. We outline in this section of the site the alternatives to playing real money online games in the state and how to play some of the game you may not have tried before.
Online Poker in Virginia
Following the trend from the sections above, our Online Poker section is more instructional than functional right now. Until online poker is legal in Virginia, the best bet you have is to try one of the social or subscription sites, which will give you the rush of being at the felt.
Online poker was at one point very popular in the U.S., and while it is slow to return on a state-by-state level, there are signs of life, and it appears that 2020 could be a big year for legalization. It is hoped that any bills passed in Virginia for online gambling will include poker in the product mix.
Online Horse Racing Betting in Virginia
Finally, something that you can bet on legally in Virginia! There is only one racetrack in the state, and that term is used loosely as Colonial Downs actually wasn’t running races for several years. The races at the track have re-emerged in 2020, and excitement is high around the track’s business.
From an online perspective, there are multiple options for betting sites that operate and are licensed outside the state. The Interstate Horse Racing Act allows these companies to accept wagers from Virginians on races across the country, and we think horse racing is a great way to spend some betting dollars. Our section guides you through creating and funding an account, along with giving you an understanding of a racing form and all the information it contains.
Online Lottery Games
The Virginia Lottery is very popular with residents trying to become the next multi-millionaire in games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The good news for residents is that you can purchase subscriptions to these lottery games through the lottery’s website and app. Unfortunately, you cannot yet make individual purchases of draw tickets nor play games online through the site at this time.
Online Gaming FAQ:
Are offshore gambling sites legal to play in Virginia?
The offshore online gambling industry has been alive and well in the United States for almost 25 years. These sites often set up in jurisdictions like Antigua and Costa Rica, are available for play from Virginia. However, these sites bring with them a significant amount of risk. You have no protection against the site closing your account or going out of business, leaving you stranded with no access to your hard-earned money. Also, with the banking laws that exist on the U.S. books, it is increasingly difficult to even make a deposit, let alone a withdrawal from one of the offshore sites. We do not recommend you play at any of these sites.
When will sports betting be legal in Virginia?
That’s hard to say. IT all depends on whether the state decides to move forward on standalone sports betting legislation or if it wants it tied to the casino legislation being discussed today. It is a much easier, faster path to make it digital-only as it is in states like New Hampshire. However, every state government operates differently, so we are hopeful that positive steps towards legal sports betting will occur in 2020.
How do promotions work with an online casino or sportsbook?
If you have played at an offshore online casino or have heard ads on a podcast somewhere, you likely heard about some amazing 100% match offer just for making a deposit. Well, this is partially true – you can receive excellent bonuses from online casinos and sportsbooks, but just like everything in life, the truth is in the details. Many sites have long Terms and Conditions regarding how bonuses can be earned and redeemed. We have a section of this site dedicated to each type of online bonus so that you can be more informed the next time you come across one.
Can I travel to another state and play online casino games on my phone?
Mobile betting has made playing your favorite games more accessible and simple than ever. If you find yourself traveling to a state where online gambling is legal, you are most likely going to be able to make a deposit and play from your device. However, each state’s laws require the play at their sites to be geofenced to within the state lines, which means you will not be able to access your account when you return home. This may impact how much you play or how you can withdraw your winnings, so bear that in mind before you pull your phone out to make some best on vacation.