This guide covers everything you need to know about Virginia sports betting, from the best VA sportsbooks to options when it comes to mobile betting, and tax implications for Virginia’s rapidly accelerating sports betting market.
The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2020 to allow for online-only sports betting, with no retail sportsbooks permitted initially. This was done to take a modern approach to sports betting in the state, focusing on maximizing tax revenue for the state’s millions of residents. The first sportsbooks went live in January 2021 during the NFL playoffs, instantly allowing operators to capitalize on a high engagement time of the year.
With an online-focused approach, the state permits each of their operators to have mobile betting apps, with the only restriction on the industry being you can not wager on in-state universities. Major operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM were amongst the first to go-live in the state, as they have since expanded to nearly a dozen competitors.
Bettor In Green has reviewed and tested all the best Virginia sportsbooks, so you can choose the one that works best for you. Without further ado, here are the standout platforms, their main features, and what to know about them.
One of the more recent entrants into the VA sportsbook scene, bet365 Sportsbook Virginia made its debut in Virginia on January 31, 2023. The Commonwealth was its fourth state in the country to launch, following successful rollouts in New Jersey, Colorado, and Ohio.
bet365 Sportsbook VA stands out in the pack by offering a comprehensive selection of both domestic and international and niche sports, with live-streaming complimenting extensive live betting features. As the official sports betting partner of the nearby Washington Commanders, their signage is featured prominently throughout the NFL stadium.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: Bet365’s simple yet effective design makes it ideal for both beginning and accomplished bettors, as it stands out from the competition in Virginia. The primary draw for me is the robust live-streaming menu, which presents a massive advantage. You can stream real-time gaming excitement to your computer screen for free, which is an even better feature for those who like in-game betting.
Caesars Sportsbook Virginia combines an extensive pool of rewards, competitive odds, and a well-put-together mobile app experience. Integration with Caesars Rewards means that for every bet, bettors can earn points that they can then redeem for dining, hotel stays, and other perks with Caesars properties.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: Caesars has one of the best rewards and loyalty programs of any online sportsbook in the country. It is a good bet for those who value the rewards program. Also, the app is remarkably nicely designed and arranged so that it is not difficult to get in and out, and it focuses on sports betting while earning free points to use in any other future bets.
BetRivers has become well-known in Virginia for its frequent promotions, comprehensive loyalty program, and easy-to-navigate website and mobile app. Regular odds boost for customers have also become a fan-favorite, as well as daily specials and a wide range of sports betting markets that keep users invested. The Chicago-based BetRivers Sportsbook has increasingly become a can’t-miss for sports bettors in Virginia since launching in January 2021 with the first batch of online sportsbooks to go live in the Commonwealth.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: Bettors today, with no shortage of options, are all about ongoing promotions and an easy-to-use interface, and that is precisely what BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia provides. Frequent bettors will love the loyalty rewards system, BetRivers Rewards, and it’s almost guaranteed that anyone who intends to make multiple bets will want to reach the maximum rewards for regular play. We here at Bettor In Green could not recommend BetRivers Sportsbook VA more.
FanDuel’s mobile app is among the most popular amongst mobile bettors, as the polished app has continued to evolve since launching its Daily Fantasy Sports offering in the late 2000s. FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia also has extra bells and whistles, as one of the founders of the same-game parlay, as well as a user-friendly layout, and a multitude of betting options to cater to a wide range of bettor’s interests.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: While the FanDuel sportsbook is perfect for desktop, its mobile option is an excellent sportsbook and offers a clean, efficient feel with a vast range of betting markets. This feature makes the same game parlay even more attractive for people who love to bet and like to combine several outcomes in a single game.
BetMGM is a big player in Virginia’s sports betting scene today, thanks to the many markets on which to bet including both major and niche sports. Another great feature of BetMGM Sportsbook Virginia is how they consistently offer good customer support and integration with MGM Resorts’ loyalty rewards. It also has live streaming and a massive list of leagues and sports to bet on ranging from domestic leagues to those based internationally.
Bettor In Green’s Opinion: The combination of market variety and integration with MGM’s rewards with BetMGM helps make it a great option for sports bettors in the Commonwealth. We here at Bettor In Green love the BetMGM Rewards program, offering loyal players who play regularly there points to use in the sportsbook or one of BetMGM’s dozens of properties worldwide.
Along with those top picks we just ran through, other sportsbooks in Virginia, such as Fanatics, DraftKings, and Caesars, also offer their unique take on the sports betting experience. Below is a full list of the available sportsbooks in Virginia as of 2026.
Launching on November 21, 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook expanded its footprint throughout the United States by acquiring PointsBet that year. One of our favorite features offered by Fanatics Sportsbook VA is their loyalty program, FanCash, which allows players to earn up to 5% cashback on Same Game Parlays, 3% on traditional parlays, and 1% on most other bets.
As players accumulate FanCash, they can be used to redeem for a variety of items including bonus bets and sports apparel directly from Fanatics.com. They also have a highly rated mobile app on iOS and Android devices, which offers customers a very user-friendly experience.
As one of the founding members of Virginia sports betting, DraftKings was launched in January 2021 as part of the state’s initial rollout. Known as an industry leader in both the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and sports betting worlds, DraftKings Sportsbook VA offers all the bells and whistles you would expect.
In addition to being one of the most user-friendly sportsbooks in Virginia, DraftKings was an originator of the Same Game Parlay, which can be used on a variety of sports. For fans of both DFS and sports betting, users can seamlessly go back and forth between their products, which is a big advantage compared to other competitors.
The newest entrant into the Virginia sports betting industry, Sporttrade made it’s debut in October 2024, offering a unique exchange-based sports betting model. Unlike traditional online sportsbooks, Sporttrade works by allowing users to trade bets, similar to stocks. Not only does this offer complete transparency, but allows the bettor to often get a better price than they otherwise could at traditional sportsbooks.
Because of this innovative approach to sports betting, Virginia bettors have taken to the flexibility of being able to buy and sell positions throughout a given event. While they don’t offer the same experience as others on this list, they lean into their flexibility and fill a gap otherwise left open in the market.
Formerly known as Hard Rock Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet is known in Virignia has having the only retail sportsbook, in Bristol, VA. Launching on July 8, 2022, Hard Rock Bet was the state’s first “in-person” sportsbook, albeit a temporary structure.
For online users, new registrants can enjoy a “No Regret First Bet” of up to $100, giving users up to $100 in bonus bets if their first bet is a loser. Despite being one of the lesser known sportsbooks in Virginia, Hard Rock Bet offers a a strong variety of sports betting options, as well as a intuitive interface and mobile app for Android and iPhone users.
Initially launching in Virginia on November 14, 2023, ESPN BET is a rebrand from Barstool Sportsbook. Only enhancing their offerings since the tradition, ESPN BET stands out by their extensive sports media coverage provided by their media partner ESPN.
With one of the best welcome offers in the industry, ESPN BET offers a First Bet Reset of up to $1,500, giving users bonus bets if their first wager on the platform is a loser. Leaning on the games covered by ESPN, ESPN BET Virginia offers daily odds boosts and other game-specific promotions easy to use for both seasoned and new bettors.
Entering the Virginia sports betting market in November 2021, Bally Bet focuses on the major sports leagues in the US, and lacks the niche leagues found elsewhere.
Despite having limited markets compared to its competition, Bally Bet is easy to use and offers a mobile app for all devices. With direct integration with Bally Sports content, Bally Bet also is a great option for researching and tracking bets in progress.
Launching in Virginia in September 2023, Betr has a unique approach to sports betting, micro-betting, which allows users to bet on specific in-game events. Co-founded and repped by influencer turned boxer Jake Paul, Betr targets a younger demographic looking for an innovative approach to sports betting.
Betr also has a strong offer available to new customers, giving newbies on the platform up to $100 back in bonus bets if their first bet is a loser. Despite focusing on a younger demographic, Betr takes responsible gaming seriously, implementing deposit limits for their younger users to enforce safe betting practices.
For those who love sports betting online and via mobile apps, the state of Virginia provides ample options for sports bettors. Below, exclusively at Bettor In Green, we give you the rundown on how to place sports bets online in VA.
Discover the latest changes and news in Virginia sports betting:
Sports betting became legal in Virginia in March 2020 with the passing of SB 384 and HB 896, going live officially in January 2021. The Virginia Lottery oversees both online and retail sportsbooks, and bettors must be 21 or older. While wagering is allowed on professional and college sports, betting on in-state college teams, which include local favorites such as the Virginia Tech Hokies and Virginia Cavaliers, is prohibited.
Here is a complete list of all legal online sportsbooks currently available in Virginia:
Virginia also offers one retail sportsbook, providing a physical space, albeit temporary, for bettors who prefer an in-person experience:
Virginia sportsbook promos & bonuses offer to the betting experience for brand-new and experienced users. Some of the most common include:
These promotions make for excellent value, giving any bettor a chance to prolong their play and improve their chances of having a positive betting experience.
With all of the Virginia sports betting apps available on both Android and iOS, the state’s mobile sports betting scene is one of the best and most robust in the country. Since sports betting became legal in Virginia in January 2021, total handle has continued to grow, reaching $700 million as of October 2024.
Mobile sports betting in Virginia has played a large part in that, as the state’s bettors continue to flock to their mobile devices to place bets. Let’s take a look at how each of the apps ranks in the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
| Sportsbook App | Apple App Store Rating | Google Play Store Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| DraftKings | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| FanDuel | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| bet365 | 4.6/5 | 2.1/5 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 4.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Hard Rock Bet | 4.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 4.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Sporttrade | 4.6/5 | N/A |
| ESPN BET | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
| BetRivers | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Betr | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Bally Bet | 1.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
According to Virginia law, sports betting winnings are taxed at the state and federal levels. Winners must report winnings, and the federal government will withhold a standard rate of 24% for all winnings over $600.
Winnings are also taxed according to Virginia state income tax, which is progressive, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75% depending on your total taxable income. It is wise to consult a tax professional on filing accurately and to see if any deductions apply to reduce a bettor’s tax burden.
Responsible gambling is one of Virginia’s top priorities and includes self-exclusion programs, personal betting limits, and resources for contacting support organizations like the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. Every licensed sportsbook in VA offers products to help with safe betting practices.
The next big thing in the future of sports betting in Virginia is getting retail sportsbooks up and running. According to Virginia sports betting legislation, lawmakers have approved up to five brick-and-mortar locations to be built across the state.
Virginia’s sports betting market gives fans plenty of choice with so many options, from online sportsbooks to at least one retail betting location. VA sports betting also offers some excellent promotions, fantastic mobile options, and a robust variety of sports betting markets.
Responsible Gambling is key if you plan to bet on sports and take advantage of the resources available if you find yourself having a problem controlling your betting. Stay up-to-date here at Bettor In Green, as we’ll keep you updated on the myriad of options Virginia sports betting offers, allowing you to enjoy the ever-evolving community of sports bettors.
There is only one option for sports betting at Virginia Casinos, located in Bristol at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel.
No, there are no restrictions on betting on professional sports leagues in Virginia.
If you are a Virginia resident struggling with a gambling problem in Virginia, you can get support through the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700), which provides confidential, 24/7 support.
The Virginia Lottery is the entity that oversees and regulates all sports betting operations across the state. This includes but is not limited to, granting licenses, collecting tax revenue, and ensuring operators follow state-mandated guidelines.
If you suspect illegal sports betting activities in Virginia, you can report it directly to the Virginia Lottery.
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