In January 2021, the first legal sportsbooks officially went live in Virginia. Only online sports betting is currently permitted here, with no plans to add any retail sportsbooks in the near future. This Betting Hero guide will highlight several of the best Virginia sports betting apps available to join.
Here, you will learn about what these popular sports betting platforms have to offer, including their unique sign-up bonuses, odds types, and overall designs. Sports fans in VA have no shortage of great Virginia sports betting apps to choose from and this guide will explain exactly what makes each one unique.
Top VA Sports Betting Apps
DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia
DraftKings Sportsbook was one of the first online sportsbooks to launch in Virginia in 2021. This site quickly turned into one of the most popular betting platforms in the state. There are many reasons for the success of DraftKings Sportsbook, yet most praise the site’s fantastic UI and massive variety of betting options.
There are many unique wagers available through DraftKings. That includes same-game parlays, allowing members to combine multiple bets on a single sporting event. A cash-out feature is also available to let members cash out on bets before they have concluded. DraftKings offers a huge variety of odds on all major sports and has one of the best designs of any Virginia sports betting site.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of DraftKings Sportsbook.
DraftKings VA New User Offer
DraftKings is a fantastic site when it comes to bonuses. There are several available for new and existing members, yet the most popular remains the welcome bonus, which comes in the form of a Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly offer.
- $5 minimum deposit.
- $5 minimum bet to access offer.
FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia
FanDuel is another one of the first mobile sports betting apps to launch in Virginia. It is still one of the most-used betting platforms in the state thanks to its world-class design and large collection of odds. New and experienced bettors love this site, as it is easy to navigate yet still offers far more betting options than most competitors. This site even offers entire pages dedicated to teaching members about different odds and bet types.
Here, members can bet on nearly all major domestic and international sporting events. That includes leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and English Premier League, and more. Like DraftKings, FanDuel has an excellent cash-out feature and provides same-game parlay betting options. It’s a very well-rounded betting site with just about everything a sports fan could ask for.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of FanDuel Sportsbook.
FanDuel VA New User Offer
FanDuel is another site offering a first-bet bonus to new members, in the form of a Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins promo.
Earning this bonus is similar, too. Hit the “Play Now” tab on this guide page and create an account with FanDuel. After making a deposit of at least $10, make a bet of at least $5. Win or lose, FanDuel will credit you with $150 in bonus funds.
- Bet $5 on any pregame, live, parlay, or prop bet
- Bonus Bets expire 7 days after issued
BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia
BetMGM Sportsbook is one of the most popular betting platforms in the country right now. It has a very unique, simplistic design with a huge variety of odds on popular sports leagues. This Virginia sports betting platform also has a heavy emphasis on live betting, with all of the live wagering options available to see on the app’s homepage.
There are also many features of BetMGM that give the app a personal feel. That includes a “Favorites” page, where members can save their favorite wagering options for easy access. BetMGM’s entire platform runs perfectly using desktop and mobile devices. It’s another very well-rounded betting site for Virginia sports bettors.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of BetMGM Sportsbook.
BetMGM VA New User Offer
The welcome bonus/new user offer from BetMGM Sportsbook comes in the form of a $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back offer.
Make your first bet at BetMGM, and you’re eligible for a losing bet rebate worth up to $1,500 in bonus betting credits to your account.
- Bonus Bets only pay out if you lose
- Available in 20+ States
Caesars Sportsbook Virginia
Caesars Sportsbook was one of the many betting platforms to launch in Virginia in November of 2021. It gained a loyal following, particularly due to the wide range of odds available. Caesars Sportsbook offers more wagering options than many competitors, yet that might not be immediately apparent to new players. Using a desktop, the list of available odds is not available here until after signing up. It is only when using the app that non-members can see what betting options are offered.
Those that sign-up will be treated to odds on more than 20 betting markets. There are many international wagering options here on sports such as cricket and snooker, and a massive collection of props on popular domestic leagues such as the NFL and NBA.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of Caesars Sportsbook.
Caesars Sportsbook VA New User Offer
Caesars Sportsbook does many things right with members. That includes offering one of the most generous welcome bonuses of any Virginia sports betting site. This one is another first-bet refund bonus, offering up to $1,000 as a refund on a first lost bet. On top of that, Caesars will provide new members with 1,000 Rewards Credits and Tier Credits, which are used for the app’s fantastic loyalty program.
Desktop and mobile users can easily take advantage of this bonus. After hitting the “Play Now” tab on this Betting Hero guide page, make an account with Caesars by providing some basic personal information. Make a deposit into your account and place a wager of anywhere between $5 and $1,000. If that bet is lost, Caesars will award you with a 100% refund in bonus funds.
- Offer applies to new users only
- Bonus Bets expire in 7 days
BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia
BetRivers Sportsbook has been working to gain the same name recognition as some of the competitors featured on this guide page. It has been succeeding and is now one of the top-five most popular Virginia sports betting platforms thanks to the very modern UI and unique live betting system.
The standard betting options at BetRivers are great. Where the site truly stands out is the live betting system, which allows members to place bets and live-stream sporting events taking place around the world. That option to stream these events is unique for many Virginia sports betting apps. The betting rewards system and variety of promotions are just a couple of their fantastic features.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of BetRivers Sportsbook.
BetRivers VA New User Offer
BetRivers has gained a reputation for offering some of the best promotions to Virginia sports bettors. The most popular option is the first-bet refund bonus worth up to $500. This one is similar to other competitors’ welcome bonuses, allowing members to make an initial wager of up to $500 and receive a 100% welcome bonus if that bet is lost. The best part of this bonus is that it can be used on a wager with no minimum odds!
Take advantage of the BetRivers sign-up promo by clicking the “Play Now” tab on this Betting Hero guide. Make an account with BetRivers and make a deposit of at least $10 using one of the accepted banking options. Place an initial bet with no minimum odds required and earn a refund of up to $500 if that bet loses.
Bet365 Sportsbook Virginia
Bet365 Sportsbook has been one of the most powerful online gambling operators in the world for decades. It launched in the UK back in 2000 and has been expanding in the US since 2018. Bet365 uses its years of experience to offer Virginia sports bettors a seamless sportsbook with the biggest collection of domestic and international odds of any betting site in the state.
Nearly every type of sports bettor will find something they can wager on here. Those interested in European soccer will be particularly pleased to find a huge variety of odds on popular leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and more. Bet365 does most things right, yet the standout feature here is without a doubt the plethora of wagering options.
For an expanded look at this sports betting app, read our full review of Bet365 Sportsbook.
Bet365 VA New User Offer
Bet365 Sportsbook welcomes Virginia bettors with a “Bet $1 Get $200” sign-up offer.
Click the “Play Now” link in the Bet365 ad on this page, and you’ll be redirected to the Be365 website. From there, complete the sign-up process, make your first deposit, and make a $1 qualifying bet. You’ll get $200 in bonus bets applied to your balance.
- Choose Between Bet Insurance or a Bet & Get Offer
- International Brand
Top Sportsbook Bonuses in Virginia
Let’s take a look at some of the top welcome bonuses available at Virginia sports betting apps, handpicked by the experts here at Betting Hero.
- Competitive Odds in every league
- In-App Bonuses Available Every Day
- 1st Bet Covered up to $100 IF You Lose
- $5 minimum deposit.
- $5 minimum bet to access offer.
- Bet $5 on any pregame, live, parlay, or prop bet
- Bonus Bets expire 7 days after issued
- Choose Between Bet Insurance or a Bet & Get Offer
- International Brand
- Bonus Bets only pay out if you lose
- Available in 20+ States
- Offer applies to new users only
- Bonus Bets expire in 7 days
The Legal Landscape of Sportsbooks in Virginia
Virginia is home to a large number of professional sports teams and millions of hardcore sports fans. After the removal of PASPA in 2018, many residents and politicians here began pushing for sports betting to be made legal. In April 2020, HB 896 and SB 384, two sports betting bills approved by the Virginia House and Senate, were given final approval by Governor Ralph Northam, making sports betting officially legal in the state.
It was not until January 2021 that the first sports betting apps launched in Virginia. This state chose to legalize online sports betting only, with no retail sportsbooks currently operating. It remains unclear if any land-based sportsbooks will appear here in the future.
Online sports betting companies here must pay an initial licensing fee of $250,000. These licenses are valid for three years and cost an additional $200,000 for a renewal.
These online sportsbooks must also pay a 15% flat tax rate on gross gaming revenue. Initially, these betting operators could indefinitely lower this tax rate to adjust for the cost of user acquisition. That rule was changed and this tax rate fluctuation is now only available for the first 12 months that a Virginia online sportsbook is operating.
The Virginia Lottery Board is tasked with regulating the state’s sports betting industry. The regulatory body monitors the activity of all 16 online sportsbooks operating in the state. It works to ensure these betting operators are not breaking any of the rules set in place and provide a safe, secure betting experience for players.
Virginia Sportsbooks Regulations - What You Can and Can't Bet On
Virginia is home to more than eight million people and a huge group of passionate sports fans. It should come as no surprise to learn that sports betting is hugely popular here and helps to bring the state a massive amount of tax revenue each year. Learn more about exactly what forms of sports betting are legal in Virginia today.
What You Can Bet On:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Ice Hockey
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Soccer
- Tennis
What You Can NOT Bet On:
- Virginia-based college teams and programs
Sports Betting Updates in Virginia
Virginia’s sports betting industry went live in January 2021. A lot has happened since the first online sportsbooks launched here. Take a quick look back at five of the most important events.
Top Sportsbooks in Virginia
DraftKings
Learn More About DraftKingsDraftKings New User Offer
- $5 minimum deposit.
- $5 minimum bet to access offer.
FanDuel
Learn More About FanDuelFanDuel New User Offer
- Bet $5 on any pregame, live, parlay, or prop bet
- Bonus Bets expire 7 days after issued
BetMGM
Learn More About BetMGMBetMGM New User Offer
- Bonus Bets only pay out if you lose
- Available in 20+ States
Caesars
Learn More About CaesarsCaesars New User Offer
- Offer applies to new users only
- Bonus Bets expire in 7 days
Virginia Sportsbooks FAQ
- Is online sports betting legal in Virginia? Yes. Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill to allow sports betting in Virginia in mid-2020. In January 2021, the first legal Virginia sports betting sites officially went live. There are now a large number of online sportsbooks operating here. That includes some of the biggest brands in the US sports betting industry including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
- What sports betting apps are legal in Virginia? A total of 15 online sports betting apps are currently legal in Virginia. Under the state’s current sports betting legislation, a total of 18 online sportsbooks could eventually go live here. Some of the most popular Virginia sportsbooks include DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM Sportsbook.
- What is the best Virginia sports betting app? Most of the legal sports betting apps in Virginia are excellent. DraftKings Sportsbook continues to receive high praise from sports bettors thanks to its world-class design, huge variety of odds, and multiple promotions.
- Is FanDuel legal in Virginia? Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most popular legal online sportsbooks in Virginia. It launched in the state in early 2021 and holds a sports betting license from the Virginia Lottery Board.
- Is BetMGM legal in Virginia? Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most popular legal online sportsbooks in Virginia. It launched in the state in early 2021 and holds a sports betting license from the Virginia Lottery Board.
- Is college sports betting legal in Virginia? Yes. It is legal to bet on college sports in Virginia, as long as the college sport does not involve any in-state teams. It remains illegal under Virginia sports betting law to bet on any collegiate sporting event that involves teams from Virginia. None of the Virginia sports betting apps operating today offer odds on Virginia college teams.
- Can I bet on VA sportsbook apps from out of state? No, but non-residents of Virginia can still join and place bets through Virginia sports betting sites. These apps are geo-located, however, meaning you must be physically located within Virginia to make wagers through a Virginia online sportsbook.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
Virginia offers several resources to aid problem gamblers. You can find a link to the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling website below:
https://vcpg.net/