Virginia Sports Betting Guide 2026

Yes. Virginia legalized online sports betting in April 2020, and the first mobile sportsbook apps launched in January 2021. There are currently no widespread retail sportsbook locations, making Virginia a primarily online-only betting state.

Quick facts

• Online betting launched in January 2021
• Must be 21+ to wager
• No bets allowed on in-state college teams
• Mobile betting is the primary (and often only) option statewide
• Regulated by the Virginia Lottery

Virginia bettors have access to many national operators with full-featured mobile apps. Top options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, bet365, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Promotions are frequent, and pricing is competitive across major leagues.

Tip: Because Virginia has no in-state college betting, sportsbooks often push alternative promos on pro sports to remain competitive.

Who can bet?

• Must be 21+ years old
• Must be within Virginia state borders at time of wager
• Must pass KYC identity verification

What you can bet on

• Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc.)
• Out-of-state college sports only
• Golf, tennis, motorsports, UFC, boxing
• Futures, parlays, SGPs, props (except restricted college props)

Virginia has some of the strictest college betting rules in the U.S. You cannot bet on any in-state college teams, including Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU, Richmond, Liberty, and others.

Allowed

• Betting on out-of-state college teams
• Most team-based markets and team futures

Not allowed

• No bets on in-state college teams
• No college player props, even on out-of-state athletes
• No bets on college events hosted in Virginia

Note: If a sportsbook blocks a game involving a Virginia school, this is normal and required by state law.

Taxes on operators

• 15% tax on adjusted sports betting revenue
• Operators may adjust promotions based on tax rules

Taxes on bettors

• Sports betting winnings are taxable at the federal level
• Virginia taxes gambling winnings as income
• You are responsible for reporting net winnings

Consult a tax professional for personalized guidance.

Virginia is primarily a mobile betting state, but several casinos have recently opened or are slated to open with retail sportsbook options.

Common retail features

• Betting kiosks and staffed counters
• Sports bars and large video walls
• Ability to deposit or cash out in person

• Choose a licensed Virginia sportsbook app
• Create your account and verify identity
• Enable geolocation
• Deposit using an approved method
• Claim your welcome offer
• Browse markets and place your first wager

Do this

• Use more than one app for the best pricing
• Understand Virginia’s strict college rules
• Track your bets and apply bankroll discipline
• Use deposit and time-out tools when needed

Avoid this

• Betting on Virginia schools (blocked by law)
• Using offshore or unlicensed platforms
• Chasing losses with large parlays
• Betting beyond your monthly limit