Virginia Sports Betting – Best VA Sportsbooks 2024
In Virginia, sports betting is a very popular pastime. Since the first online sportsbooks opened in January 2021, the Old Dominion’s sales figures are frequently among the country’s top ten.
We’ll take an in-depth look at the growth and history of Virginia sports betting later in this guide. What’s more, we’ll talk about some of the best promotions up for grabs, popular betting lines and lots of other useful information. Finally, we’ll round the article off with a step-by-step guide to help you register at a sportsbook.
But before we get into any of that, we need to share our recommended sports betting sites for Virginia residents. Let’s dive right in and take a look.
Best Licensed Online Sports Betting Sites available in Virginia
The following online sportsbooks are the best places at which to wager in VA. That’s according to our experienced team of industry experts, who assess each and every brand. We check for competitive odds, generous bonuses and analyze dozens of other criteria, to bring you the very best Virginia sports betting brands.
Contents
This guide to Virginia sports betting will go into plenty of detail. But if there’s a certain area you’re more interested in, feel free to skip ahead. Just use the links below to navigate the page.
- Best Licensed Sports Betting Sites Virginia
- What is Online Sports Betting?
- Is Online Sports Betting Allowed in Virginia?
- Sports Betting Options in Virginia
- The Growth of Sports Betting in Virginia
- Why is Sports Betting So Popular in Virginia?
- Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
- Popular Sports to Bet On
- How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in VA
- Sports Betting Payment Methods
- Responsible Gambling in VA
- FAQ
What is Online Sports Betting?
Placing bets on sporting events is nothing new. Wagering on organized horse racing has been taking place for at least 400 years, for example. But since the creation of the world wide web, gambling has soared to new heights.
Whether we use a phone, desktop or tablet device, if you’re staking money on sporting fixtures, that’s online sports betting. It may be that you’re attempting to predict the winner of the game, the total points scored or who will be the Super Bowl MVP. It doesn’t matter if the bet is placed before or during the game.
However, Daily Fantasy Sports shouldn’t be confused with online sports betting. This has been legal in VA since 2016, courtesy of the Fantasy Contests Act. But we won’t be discussing it in this guide.
Is Online Sports Betting Allowed in Virginia?
It took a little while to get going, but Virginia sports betting is now perfectly legal. In March 2020, SB 384 and HB 896 were both passed by the Virginia General Assembly and Senate. However, Governor Ralph Northam insisted on changes to the bills.
One of the sticking points concerned college sports betting, while others involved prop bets. Eventually, on April 22nd 2020, these were ironed out and the bills were signed into law. But it took until January 21st 2021 for the first site to launch, when FanDuel accepted the state’s first bets.
Legislation permits 14 sportsbook operators in the state of Virginia, a limit which has now been reached. However, retail bookmakers are not yet allowed to operate. Further, online operators may not take bets on player props, college teams from Virginia or the Olympic Games.
Sports Betting Options in Virginia
Fans of betting in the Old Dominion all have their own strategies and methods. But there are certain patterns that emerge across the state. In this next section, we’ll take a look at the most common bet types in VA.
Moneyline
It’s the most basic form of sports bet, which is likely the reason for its popularity. All you have to do is pick the winner of the game. If it’s a US sport, like basketball or football, you will only have two choices. The bigger the odds, the lower the probability of them winning, but the greater the possible returns.
Spread
If a team is a huge favorite, the odds will be very small. This can be unappealing to bettors who don’t enjoy risking their money for such low returns. To make these betting lines more appealing, bookmakers offer a points spread line. A handicap is issued to the likely winners, making it harder for the bet to succeed and lengthening the odds.
Totals
A points total line is sometimes called an “Over/Under” market. Why? Because your job is to guess where the result will be above or below the bookmaker’s theoretical line. Virginia sports betting sites offer all kinds of totals markets. But the total points scored in one quarter, half or match are among the most popular.
In-Play
Live sports betting has taken over in the past decade, with such bets making up the majority of a bookmaker’s sales. Often called “In-Play” betting, as it refers to wagering after the game has begun, it has truly revolutionized the industry. There are dozens of lines which are unique to live betting. While classic options like the spread, totals and moneyline constantly update based on in-game events.
Parlay
One of the most popular ways to bet at Virginia sports betting sites is the parlay. If you have multiple picks, you can combine them into a single bet. The odds are all multiplied together, so if each selection wins, your potential prize is huge. And therein lies the popularity. But don’t forget that the difficulty level also increases, since every pick has to win.
Teasers
Parlays are difficult to hit, so you may prefer to place a teaser. Many bettors in Virginia certainly do. This type of bet allows you to tinker with its parameters, decreasing or increasing the spreads however you see fit. As a trade off, the payments are slightly reduced. But they can still be lucrative.
Futures
Plenty of Virginians enjoy trying to predict the outcome of long term bets. Who will win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year title? Which horse wins next year’s Breeders Cup Turf? Who will win the Super Bowl? These are all examples of futures, so called because they are settled a long time from the day they are placed.
The Growth of Sports Betting in Virginia
Since the legalization of Virginia sports betting on January 21st 2021, growth has been considerable. February’s figures, the first full month of sales in the Old Dominion, totalled an impressive $265,778,407.
By the end of the year, the monthly sports betting handle in Virginia was up to a whopping $426,596,891. And a month later in January 2022, the state posted a record figure of $485.5 million. The state’s monthly sales numbers are frequently among the top 10 in the entire country.
The number of Virginia sports betting operators has now reached 14, which is the maximum amount permitted by law. It will be interesting to see whether this causes the growth of sports betting in VA to plateau.
Why is Sports Betting So Popular in Virginia?
As we’ve just established, the sales figures have simply exploded since the legalization of Virginia sports betting. But why are sportsbooks in the Old Dominion so popular? Let’s try to get to the bottom of it.
- Gambling is thrilling. The buzz of correctly predicting the outcome of a game is unrivaled. Especially when you get paid for that successful assessment!
- Potential for big wins. You don’t need to risk huge sums to win big. Parlays, teasers and futures are just a few ways to bet small and collect larger returns.
- Attractive signup bonuses. Sportsbooks in Virginia constantly tempt us with engaging bonuses and promotions.
- Access to betting sites. There are 14 online betting sites in Virginia, making it easier than ever before to place a bet. Not to mention the rise of smartphones.
1. Gambling Is Thrilling
Even if you’re already emotionally invested in the big game, adding a financial incentive takes it to the next level. After all, if you lose, it’s going to hurt your pocket too. But if you win, there’s a tangible reward lying in wait. Of course, if you are not a fan of the teams involved, you can always spice up a dull game with a wager.
2. Potential for Big Wins
The best bookmakers offer a wide variety of ways to bet, in order to keep things as interesting as possible. With so many ways to play, it’s easier than ever to find bets that are potentially rewarding. Parlays, for instance, allow you to turn a tiny stake into a sizable payday.
3. Attractive Signup Bonuses
There are lots of brands vying for our attention, so these sportsbooks need to work hard to catch our eye. Generous welcome bonuses are a big part of that and after all, who doesn’t enjoy getting something for nothing? You’ll find an array of free bets, deposit match offers and all kinds of rewards lying in wait.
4. Access to Betting Sites
In this modern world, pretty much everyone has a mobile phone that can connect to the internet. With 14 sportsbooks available in the state, all available with just a few swipes and taps, it’s just so easy to get involved.
Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
As we just mentioned, Virginia sports betting sites offer plenty of tempting bonuses and promotions to players. Make sure that you take full advantage when you come across them, to boost your bankroll. Here are some of the most common.
First Time Deposit Bonus
Almost every sportsbook in the USA offers some type of signup incentive, because the market is so competitive. A simple example is the first time deposit match, as seen at FanDuel sportsbook.
Create and fund a new account and they’ll match that amount with a bonus that’s equal to your deposit. Pay attention to the terms of the bonus though, as the most you can earn is $250.
Reload Bonus
In order to thank repeat customers, many Virginia sports betting sites offer reload bonuses. The mechanics are identical to a first time deposit match, though the rewards tend to be a little smaller. It could be anything from a 10% to a 75% bonus, though figures of around 25% to 50% are most common.
Free Bet
A free bet may be given to a new customer or a regular player as a loyalty reward. They are essentially betting tokens, which means that no money will be subtracted from your balance. However, if your wager is a winner, you get to keep the profits.
For example, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook is currently offering a $60 free bet token to all new players.
Risk-Free Bet
Unlike a free bet, you do need to put some real money on the line with a risk-free bet. But if the bet were to lose, you’d be reimbursed by the sportsbook. That might be in the form of real money equal to your stake, but it’s usually returned as a free bet.
BetMGM is one example of a Virginia sports betting site offering a risk-free bet as a signup bonus. Their deal is worth a possible $1,000.
Parlay Insurance
Few things are as frustrating as missing out on a big payday when just one of your parlay picks lets you down. Many bookmakers offer insurance on such bets, to help ease the disappointment when it happens. They’ll usually give you a free bet as a consolation prize.
Odds Boost
Enhanced odds are increasingly common promotions at the best Virginia sports betting sites. There will either be a bunch of pre-selected games with boosted odds for you to choose, or the bookmaker will add a percentage increase to your winning. That’s usually known as a profit boost, but the end result is essentially the same.
Loyalty Program
Wouldn’t it be great if you were rewarded for every real money bet that you placed? If only there were some way for a sportsbook to thank you for your custom. Well, the top online bookmakers do just that, with reward programs! Accumulate points when you bet and swap them for prizes as you climb the loyalty ladder.
Popular Sports to Bet On
The people of Virginia love to watch, play and bet on sports. Although there are no professional teams in the region, several college teams are popular. But many residents support the pro teams based in nearby Washington DC.
Here are the most common sports from a wagering perspective in the Old Dominion.
- Football (NFL)
- Ice Hockey (NHL)
- Baseball (NBA)
- Basketball (MLB)
- Soccer
- Motor sports
- Golf
- Tennis
The Washington Nationals have enjoyed success in recent years, winning MLB’s World Series as recently as 2019. So too have the Washington Capitals, who lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2019. In the NBA, the Wizards are well supported, while the Commanders are the state’s representatives in the NFL. They last won a Super Bowl in 1991.
How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in VA
Ready to open a Virginia sports betting account and have a flutter? Not sure how to get going? Then this section is for you!
- Pick out a sportsbook from our list of recommended sites at the top of this page. Our team of experts assess each one to ensure they’re safe, offer convenient payment methods and generous bonuses.
- Click on the link to open the homepage, so as to avoid a possible phishing scam. Most online bookmakers are legitimate, but you only need to fall for it once. Stay safe.
- Open the registration form and fill in the required fields. All properly licensed betting sites in VA must request certain details by law. So don’t be concerned about your data, as it will be in safe hands.
- Make sure you’ve read about the bookmaker’s welcome bonus. You might need to enter a promo code on the registration form. If not, you’ll likely be asked to choose from a selection of offers after signup up.
- Visit the cashier and peruse the list of payment methods. Pick your favorite, enter your deposit amount and wait for the transaction to complete.
- Now that your account is fully loaded, you can begin betting. Check out the multitude of lines, click on the odds to add them to your betslip and strike your bet!
Sports Betting Payment Methods
There are many different ways to fund Virginia sports betting accounts. The best sites make things as easy as possible for you, offering a choice of several secure and convenient payment methods.
From old school bank transfers to high-tech crypto coins, bank cards to e-wallets, you’re sure to find something for you. Here are the most frequently used deposit and withdrawal options at sportsbooks in VA.
- Bank Transfers
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express
- Discover
- Paysafecard
- EcoPayz
- Skrill
- Paypal
- Neteller
- Cryptocurrency
Responsible Gambling in VA
Gambling is a fun hobby for most people, while some can even make a living from sports betting. However, there are always exceptions to the rule and sadly, a few people succumb to addiction. If problem gamblem has affected you or your family, please reach out to one of the following organizations for help.
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. Contact the VCPG on 1-888-532-3500 for a free and confidential chat. Alternatively, you can use the contact form found at vcpg.net, which contains lots of other useful information.
- Gamblers Anonymous. The 12-step program, which is based on Alcoholics Anonymous, has support groups all over the country. Check out gamblersanonymous.org to find one near you.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline. This organization was founded in 1972 to assist problem gamblers and their families. Call 1-800-522-4700 24 hours a day for free, or head to ncpgambling.org for more information.
Useful Tools
Hopefully, you will never find yourself needing to turn to the above groups for assistance. But if you feel your gambling is becoming an issue, Virginia sports betting sites help to nip things in the bud. They supply some or all of the below tools to help you stay in control. We recommend that you take full advantage.
- Reality Checks. Receive reminders about the length of your session, to inform you when it’s time for a break.
- Deposit Limits. Cap potential losses by blocking future deposits when you’ve already spent your weekly or monthly limit.
- Time Outs. Request an enforced break for as long as you need, with access to your sportsbook account blocked.
- Self Exclusion. Elect to ban yourself from a Virginia sports betting site for months, years or even permanently. If you want to return at the end of the exclusion period, you’ll need to be assessed by a member of the team. In the meantime, attempts to open new accounts will be denied.
FAQ
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