Best Virginia Online Sports Betting Sites 2024

Sports betting has been legal in Virginia since January 2021, resulting in a tough choice for residents. Which of the 14 licensed online sportsbooks should you join? Here at Bet Station, we have examined every sports betting service available in Virginia to tell you everything you need to know before you sign up. This includes which service is the best and perhaps some to avoid.

This guide will delve into all the sports betting apps in Virginia to find out which services are the best. That includes looking for the best promotions, which sportsbook has the most markets to bet on, and which mobile app is the easiest to use. Plus, we outline what sports you can and can’t bet on in the state of Virginia. If you want to know more about a particular online sportsbook, then check our reviews. This is where we examine every part of a sports betting site and compare it to the competition. However, if you are just looking for an overview of what is available in Virginia, then keep reading. We have everything you need to know about sports betting in VA below.

5 / 5

Read Review

Bet $5 or More for a $200 Bonus

New players only, must be located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WY, or WV. Must be 21+ or 18+ in WY. Bonus bets are valid for seven days or 168 hours from when the bet appears in your account. Complimentary bet values are not included in returns or winnings from any wager. The bets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred for cash. One welcome bonus per customer.

Show More

• Refer a Friend for a $100 Complimentary Bet
• Daily Free-to-Play Prize Pools
• Enjoy a Variety of Promotions During Important Sporting Events

Claim Bonus

4.75 / 5

Read Review

$3,000 Risk-Free First Bet

New players only. Place your first wager at the FanDuel Sportsbook for a risk-free first bet worth up to $3,000. Must be over 21 years of age and physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY. To qualify, you must deposit at least ten dollars on any sporting event at FanDuel. If your wager loses, you can get up to $3,000 in extra bets.

Show More

• Place a $20 Four+ Leg Parlay on College Football and get $10 in Complimentary Bets
• Refer a Friend for a Bonus Worth $75
• Place an NFL 4+ Leg Same Game Parlay and a Second Chance if your Wager Loses

Claim Bonus

4.5 / 5

Read Review

$500 Risk-Free for New Players

New members can get their first bet matched up to $500 if the wager loses. Available to any new player 21 years of age or older. Must be in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. When making your first deposit, use code SPORTS to receive your bonus.

Show More

• Start With a $500 Risk-Free First Bet
• Place Three NBA Same Game Parlays for a Bonus Bet
• NHL First Goal Insurance

Claim Bonus

Show More

Best Sportsbook for Virginia Players

It can be difficult finding out crucial information about a sports betting site before you sign up. That is why we have created this guide to give insight into what each service is like to use. If you are torn between a couple of options after reading our guide, you can always join more than one service. Remember to use responsible gambling tools to help limit your spending.

1. DraftKings

DraftKings is one of the most popular online sports betting services across America. It gained admiration for several reasons, perhaps none more so than the excellent fantasy sports service it runs. It may also be a fan-favorite as it is available across 21 states with more expansion planned later this year. In some of these states, you will find the DraftKings Casino, which offers around 1,000 casino games, including some exclusive titles. DraftKings also runs an NFT Marketplace, where members can buy, sell, and collect sports-related NFTs.

Focusing more on the sportsbook, there is a lot to celebrate at DraftKings. For starters, it usually offers the best odds across multiple sports. That means wagers can be more financially rewarding when placed at this sports betting site. Besides the odds, DraftKings usually offers players a wide range of sports to bet on, plus a collection of leagues from all over the globe. Perhaps the biggest weakness at DraftKings is that it does not introduce promotions as regularly as some sports betting sites, but that could change. Throughout 2023, there have been several promotions available for the NCAAB, golf tournaments, and other sports, such as baseball and soccer. No sportsbook will suit every single player, but DraftKings is a perfect match for most sports fans.

2. FanDuel

While there are a lot of players who enjoy DraftKings, FanDuel is not one to overlook. It also started as a daily fantasy sports provider that is now offering Virginia an exceptional online sportsbook. It is a common topic of debate, which service is better? DraftKings offers players larger prizes for fantasy sports contests and it often has better odds than the sportsbook. However, FanDuel is a much better service for new players. Both the fantasy sports and sports betting app is easier to use when compared to DraftKings.

Looking at the sportsbook, FanDuel offers a much better live betting section. This is where you can watch games via live stream or look through the detailed statistics. FanDuel also offers promotions on a more regular basis compared to DraftKings. When joining your first sportsbook, FanDuel just edges it. However, if you have sports betting experience, then DraftKings is a better choice. If you are not sure which service is best, you can compare the welcome deals to decide which one is better suited to you.

3. BetRivers

BetRivers is a great alternative to the likes of FanDuel or DraftKings. That is because it offers players a superb online sports betting experience. Out of all the sportsbooks in Virginia, BetRivers is one of the most consistent for promotions. That means there are often several types of promos for all players to enjoy. This can include profit boosts to increase the returns of your wagers, bet insurance for the NHL and NBA, plus the opportunity to claim lots of free bets.

BetRivers also runs a fantastic live betting service for players to enjoy. There is a wide selection of wagers and it is one of the best sportsbooks for providing stats about a game. You can check important information before, during, and after a game to get a wonderful insight when placing your next wager. BetRivers has a fantastic range of sports to bet on, including all the important sports like football and NASCAR. If promotions and freebies are important to you, then you will struggle to find a better sports betting site in Virginia than BetRivers.

4. Caesars

Caesars is a great sports betting site that is also widely available across America. It is famous for the extravagant casino in Las Vegas and a new Caesars Casino is coming to Virginia in 2024. Drawing our attention to the online sportsbook, several features help Caesars stand out from the crowd. For starters, it has 19 sports to bet on, as many as you will find at DraftKings and FanDuel. Plus, it has one of the best reward systems for loyal players who want to bet at one sportsbook all season.

Caesars has also stepped up its promotions recently. There have been far more promos at the sportsbook this year than any other, including a variety of parlay boosts. These boosts allow you to increase the payout of your wagers if they are successful. They also run promotions for all large sporting events, such as March Madness and important PGA tournaments. Overall, Caesars is a fantastic online sportsbook with a rather lucrative reward system for loyal players. If you want to know more about the rewards, then check out our sports betting review linked below.

5. BetMGM

Another widely available service across the United States is BetMGM. Just like Caesars, BetMGM also has a reputation for providing people with a fantastic experience in Las Vegas. It is another sportsbook with a consistent range of promotions for everyone to enjoy. This includes free bets, bet insurance, and various competitions or giveaways. However, the number of promotions dried up when the NFL season finished, meaning there were fewer chances for players to claim something for free.

One of BetMGM’s biggest strengths is that it has a superb live betting service. This is where people can watch important games using the live stream or they can follow along with the fancy animated graphics. BetMGM also provides a wide range of statistics for you to use, hopefully resulting in correct live bets. The sportsbook has a varied collection of sports from across the world, including a multitude of different leagues. They have a mix of events taking place in South America, Europe, and even Asia for people to bet on. If you are looking for a high-quality sports betting experience, BetMGM can provide it.

6. Unibet

Unibet is a fantastic sportsbook for both promotions and the number of markets you can bet on. They have 20 unique events for you to enjoy, including various motorsports such as MotoGP, Formula 1, and IndyCar. You can also bet on NASCAR, including the Truck and Xfinity Series. Plus, they have all the important sports like basketball, hockey, and soccer leagues from all over the world.

As we mentioned, there are often several promotions for all players to use when betting at Unibet. These promos can include free bets, parlay insurance, and lots of different parlay boosts. At Unibet, they were giving players two live free bets every day of the NCAAB tournament. Plus, they had multiple profit boosts for the NBA, including a 25% same game parlay boost and a 25% boost on NBA games on a Thursday. Unibet also offers players an infinite number of parlays boosts worth up to 50% and a $10 free bet every week. If promotions are important to you, then Unibet is one of the best in Virginia.

7. Betway

If you are looking for a sportsbook in Virginia with around 20 events to bet on, then Betway is another excellent choice. Like Unibet, Betway has a wide range of markets, including several types of motorsports. They also offer Formula 1, MotoGP, and the various NASCAR series, plus Betway offers wagers on the Moto2 and Moto3 series. Having this many markets means Betway is up there with the biggest sportsbooks in Virginia.

Usually, Betway offers a wide range of boosts and promotions for players to enjoy. However, there seems to be a lack of bonuses in recent weeks. At the sportsbook, there have only been a handful of boosted wagers and very few promos. If you are the type of player that wants to bet on a wide collection of sports and does not want free bets or bet insurance, Betway is certainly the way to go.

8. Bet365

Bet365 is another sports betting site with over 20 markets to choose from. The sportsbook has a wide range of events, including cycling, Aussie rules, darts, and lacrosse. There is also an abundance of motorsports, including Formula E, NASCAR, and the top three Motorbike classes. The sportsbook is well-equipped to deal with fans who want to bet on a variety of events taking place anywhere on the globe.

If you are looking for promotions, there is usually something exciting to enjoy at Bet365. It is one of the few sportsbooks in Virginia that offers an early payout. This is where if the team you bet on takes a big enough lead during the game, they will consider your bet a winner before the match even ends. This applies to a variety of sports, such as basketball, hockey, and the NFL. Bet365 also offers one of the largest parlay boosts across all sports betting sites. Players can get a multi-sport parlay boost worth up to 70% if they choose enough legs from certain sports.

9. PointsBet

PointsBet is a popular choice in Virginia for several reasons. One factor that contributes to PointsBet's success is a unique wager called PointsBetting. This bet allows players to win a lot more than expected depending on how right their prediction is. Say you bet on there being 220 points scored in an NBA game. At the end of the game, for each point scored above your prediction, you win even more cash. However, if you are wrong, you can end up losing more than you staked.

Besides PointsBetting, PointsBet also has an enormous selection of sports. There are around 20 events from across the globe, including sports like table tennis and rugby. PointsBet also has the NASCAR series plus the MotoGP classes and both Formula 1 and Formula E. As far as sports betting sites go, PointsBet is right up there with the best of them. However, the sportsbook does not introduce promotions and bonuses regularly. Instead, you must save up reward points to claim free bets.

10. Barstool

The Barstool Sportsbook is another you will see across the United States. The service is now available in 14 states, up there with the most available services in America. Barstool is famous for its sports-based content created by a wide range of interesting personalities. These Barstool personalities contribute towards the sportsbook by offering fans bespoke wagers, usually with high returns. If these bets come true, it can be an easy way to bet, or you can use their ideas as inspiration and create wagers of your own.

There are several tools at Barstool to make betting easier, which is perfect for new players. They have sliders on the mobile app to adjust the size of a spread bet. Plus, Barstool has increased the number of promotions available recently. Previously, promos at Barstool have been scarce. But, since 2023, there have been several exciting bonuses for all players to claim. If they continue to add promos to the sportsbook, Barstool could be a top choice for Virginia.

11. Betfred

Betfred is a mobile-only sportsbook in Virginia, meaning you can only place sports bets from your Android or iOS device. For those of you who are interested, Betfred has expanded a lot recently. You can access the sports betting service in ten states across America. Plus, it follows a similar system to PointsBet regarding promotions. You will rarely get a bonus for free; instead, they tailor the sportsbook toward rewarding loyal players. The Betfred mobile app is easy for anyone to use, even if this is your first time making a sports bet in Virginia.

12. Hard Rock

Hard Rock launched online sports betting in Virginia on May 16, 2022, a few months before the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol opened its doors. The casino brought nearly 1,000 slots and casino games to Virginia after opening on July 8, 2022. Looking at the sportsbook, Hard Rock has a great selection of sports to bet on. There are around 18 events at Hard Rock, including a wide range of leagues and tournaments. There are 78 soccer leagues and cups to bet on plus 36 for basketball.

The only downside to the Hard Rock Sportsbook is most promotions are not for Virginia players. The sportsbook regularly introduces exciting and rewarding promos for residents of Tennessee. Hopefully, it changes in the future as there are several services in VA with better promos for you. If bonuses and free bets are important to you, then maybe you should join another platform.

13. SI Sportsbook

The SI Sportsbook is only available in three states: Virginia, Michigan, and Colorado. The sports betting service is a little different compared to the competition. That is because it blends sports news with sports betting. That way, you can find all the information you need in one place. They regularly upload content about any news across a large variety of sports. During March Madness, they had news, bet predictions, and some advice for bettors during the tournament.

With around 15 markets to bet on, SI Sportsbook is a decent-sized sports betting site. It has several unique features that help it stand out from the crowd. The Perfect 10 is an opportunity for any player to predict the results of ten games to win a share of the $10k prize. If you get six or more predictions right, you can also win free bets to use on any event. Overall, there are a lot of positives to joining the SI Sportsbook. You get access to sports news and tips, the chance to win $10k for free, and a variety of boosted wagers.

14. Bally Bet

Bally Bet has one of the smallest libraries for sports betting. There are only 11 sports available for members to bet on, around half of the choice when compared to the best sportsbooks in Virginia. For those of you who don’t know, Bally Bet is a fairly new service currently expanding across America. The sportsbook runs promotions occasionally, but there is more of an emphasis on loyalty and reward points.

If you compare Bally Bet to any service in Virginia, it falls short. Take Unibet as an example. For the NBA game between the Knicks and Magic, Unibet has over 225 wagers for players to browse and bet on. At Bally Bet, they only offer players around 20 for the entire match. It is lacking in variety and freedom that you will find at every other sportsbook in Virginia.

15. Betr – Coming soon

Betr is a microbetting app created by Jake Paul and Joey Levy. The app aims to allow players to bet on every single play of a game. The system works by players proposing and accepting wagers from other players. When you win, you are not taking money from the house. On March 6, 2023, the Virginia Lottery granted Betr a sports betting license, meaning it will soon allow players to make real-money wagers on the microbetting platform. There is no official release date for Betr in Virginia.

16. WynnBET - Closed

Compared to most sportsbooks available in Virginia, WynnBET has a small selection of sports to bet on. That is because they only supply players with the most popular sports in America. Events like football, tennis, and boxing are the main offerings at WynnBET. If you are only interested in these types of sports, then WynnBET is a fantastic sportsbook.

17. Golden Nugget - Closed

The Golden Nugget Sportsbook began taking bets in Virginia on October 14, 2021. The service was available for less than a year before DraftKings acquired the company. As part of the acquisition, Golden Nugget stopped operating in Virginia. That means you can no longer sign up for the Golden nugget and it won't be back in VA anytime soon.

The History of Sports Betting in Virginia

Sports betting in America has been a little difficult to understand over the past few months. Why are some states able to offer sports betting but others aren’t? Well, it all started in 1992 when the Senate approved the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This act essentially outlawed sports betting nationwide except for a few grey areas. However, the Supreme Court eventually overturned this act, ruling in favor of each state to regulate sports betting if they choose. Now, the final few states are launching online sportsbooks after taking a couple of years to get the infrastructure in place.

With this being said, each state in America will have a different timeline of important events. New Jersey was at the forefront of getting the 1992 PASPA reexamined and eventually overturned. If you want to know what happened in Virginia, the timeline below summarizes all the important events over the past few years. That includes when sports betting was legal and when each service launched in the Old Dominion.

• February 22, 1992: Senator Dennis DeConcini introduces the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The bill will stop Americans from betting on sports except in a few locations like Nevada.
• June 2, 1992: The Senate passes the PASPA with 88 votes against five.
• October 28, 1992: The 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, signs the 1992 PASPA into law. Sports betting is now illegal across most of America.
• June 2017: Many campaigns have failed over the years to reverse the PASPA however, the Supreme Court will now listen to oral arguments. This is the first step towards the legalization of sports betting.
• May 2018: After a lengthy trial, the Supreme Court votes in favor of abolishing the 1992 PASPA on the grounds that it's not constitutional. This means each state may legalize and legislate sports betting.
• March 2019: Virginia commissions a study into sports betting revenue in other states to determine if it’s worth legalizing in VA.
• November 2019: The study proves that sports betting could be an incredible success in Virginia.
• March 30, 2020: Governor Northam proposes SB 384 and HB 896 to legalize sports betting for residents of Virginia.
• April 22, 2020: Both bills pass and sports betting will become legal in the Old Dominion.
• November 3, 2020: Voters approve the construction of four casinos, each with plans to open a retail sports betting location.
• January 21, 2021: Sports betting is now legal in Virginia.
• January 21, 2021: FanDuel becomes the first sports betting service to accept wagers in VA.
• January 26, 2021: DraftKings launches in Virginia a couple of days after they legalized sports betting.
• January 27, 2021: BetMGM is now live and taking bets in Virginia.
• January 27, 2021: BetRivers is the fourth sportsbook to launch for residents of VA.
• February 2, 2021: Caesars is the latest sports betting site to operate in Virginia.
• March 11, 2021: WynnBET becomes the sixth sportsbook in the state.
• April 28, 2021: After much anticipation, Unibet launches in Virginia.
• August 10, 2021: A few months after Virginia legalized sports betting, Barstool is now taking sports bets.
• October 14, 2021: Golden Nugget expands into Virginia.
• November 21, 2021: Bally Bet finally launches in Virginia after months of delays.
• December 16, 2021: PointsBet expands its sports betting service into Virginia.
• May 9, 2022: Golden Nugget pulls out of Virginia after DraftKings acquired the company.
• May 16, 2022: The Hard Rock Sportsbook is now accepting sports bets.
• May 18, 2022: Betway is now available for residents to use.
• May 25, 2022: The SI Sportsbook begins online sports betting in VA.
• January 31, 2023: Bet365 launches just in time for the Super Bowl.
• February 1, 2023: Betfred follows Bet365 and begins taking sports bets before the Super Bowl.
• March 5, 2023: The Virginia Lottery grants Betr a sports wagering license.
• August 11, 2023: WynnBET announces it has left Virginia with immediate effect.

Virginia Sports Betting Apps

If you are thinking about joining a sports betting service, the easiest way to do it is through a mobile app. Some sportsbooks are exclusive to mobile devices, meaning you can’t make a wager using your PC. However, some mobile apps for Android devices can only be downloaded through an APK. In the list below, we detail whether each sports betting service supports Android or iOS devices. Plus, you can also see if a service requires an APK download.

iOS & Android

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetRivers
• Caesars
• BetMGM
• Unibet
• Betway
• Bet365
• PointsBet
• Betfred
• Barstool
• Hard Rock
• SI Sportsbook
• Bally Bet

Launch Dates of Virginia Gambling Websites

Virginia has casinos where players can visit and enjoy slots or a variety of table games. Some of these casinos also allow visitors to place sports bets in a retail sportsbook. These retail locations allow players to watch the game on a big screen, plus keep up to date with sporting action all over the world. These lounges normally sell food and a few drinks, making it a great place to be on game day. Below is a table of all the retail sportsbook locations in Virginia, plus the date when the facility opened its doors. If you want to know when an online service launched, check the timeline above.

Sports betting is still new to Virginia, meaning a lot of casinos are yet to break ground or fully open to the public yet. Over the next few years, there are plans to open several casinos across the state of Virginia. When these establishments open their doors to residents, we will update this table.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Virginia?

Every state in America has different rules for sports betting. Some states are very strict over where and who can place sports wagers. That is why we have created this list to tell you everything you need to know about sports betting in Virginia. If you want to know what sports or events you can’t bet on, then check out the sections below.

• Legal Age: To make a valid sports bet in Virginia, you must be 21 years of age or older. That applies to mobile betting using a smartphone or tablet, plus retail betting at a sportsbook.
• Mobile Betting: Betting using a mobile app or device is completely legal in Virginia. It is the most convenient way for you to deposit, place bets, and withdraw any winnings.
  
• State Lines: To place a bet in Virginia, you must be within state lines. That means if you leave the state, you cannot place a valid wager. You can access your account from outside of state lines to deposit or withdraw your funds.
  
• Retail Locations: There are several retail locations in Virginia where you can place sports bets in person. Some of these services allow you to withdraw your digital funds on location with cash.
  
• Remote Registration: You can sign up for sports betting anywhere in Virginia. All you need to do is download a copy of the mobile app and complete the registration process. You do not need to visit a retail location to create an online account.
  

Online Sports Betting in VA

Seeing as there will be 16 sportsbooks available in Virginia later this year, it’s difficult to find the service that has the sports you want to bet on. In the table below, we list every sportsbook you can currently join in Virginia plus all the sports they have on offer. Remember, some sports are seasonal, meaning they can appear or disappear during the year.

Usually, a sportsbook with the most events from all over the planet also has the most leagues. This is important for anyone looking to bet on European basketball or South American soccer tournaments. We can’t list every league available, as some sports betting sites have over 70 soccer divisions, but it is a good rule of thumb to follow.

What can’t you Bet on in Virginia?

Every state has some events or sports that are not eligible for wagers. Across the U.S. betting on political events is illegal. There are some states with other strict rules, such as no college-level betting, no eSports wagering, and no betting on the outcome of award ceremonies like the Oscars. Below is a list of events that are not supported in Virginia. These rules can change over time, but it takes a lot of campaigning and bills before we see any genuine change.

• Politics
• No in-state college betting
• No college-level bets on player performances
• eSports
• Online Casino Gaming

Types of Bets at Virginia Online Sportsbooks

Now that we have established what you can’t bet on in Virginia, let’s examine what the VA Lottery allows inside state lines. If you looked at the table above, you would see an enormous selection of events from around the world. Below are wagers you can place at sports betting sites across the state.

• Spread Bets
• Moneylines
• Totals or Over Unders
• Parlays
• Teasers
• Same Game Parlays
• Futures
• Proposition Bets
• Round Robins
• Live Bets

All sports betting sites in Virginia support these wagers, but some are better equipped than others. Big sports betting sites like DraftKings and Caesars are more likely to have a wider range of bets to consider than the likes of Bally Bet. If you are not sure which site to join, you can always read our reviews for more details about one particular service. Or you can download two sportsbooks and try them out.

Tax Rates for Online Gambling in Virginia

For those of you who don’t know, you must declare your gambling winnings when filing your taxes. The state of Virginia considers winnings from sports betting as income and is taxable. Virginia uses a graduated tax system. This is where the amount residents pay in tax depends on how much they earn. The more you earn in a year, the more tax you will have to pay for your gambling winnings.

The tax bands in Virginia range from two percent up to 5.75% for the top earners. The top band applies to any residents who earn over $17,000 in a year. Unfortunately, that means most of us will fall into the top band for tax however, the most anyone will pay is less than six percent tax on their income. If you won $10,000 from sports betting and make $50,000 a year from your salary, then you would pay $2,522.50 tax on your 10k winnings. Remember, when filing your taxes, there are federal and social security contributions you must make. If you are unsure how much it will cost, use an online Virginia tax calculator for an accurate estimation.

Virginia Online Sports Betting Revenue

Sports betting has been legal in Virginia since January 2021, meaning there is a lot of data surrounding retail and online sportsbooks. To keep things relevant, we are only examining the most recent sports betting activity. That means we are not looking at the handle or gross receipts from 2021, instead we will look at three of the most recent months below. Sports betting activity fluctuates throughout the year, meaning some months can have a much higher net spend depending on the sporting events of that month.

The Virginia Lottery posts the combined sports betting revenue for mobile operators as well as retail casino providers. Only in January 2023 did they split the two into separate totals to show how much larger the mobile contributions are compared to retail. However, the figures provided still give us great insight into how lucrative sports betting is in Virginia. Over the past three months, residents have spent over $1.5bn on sports betting. Not all of this money went into the sportsbook's pocket, but it shows just how much people are betting in Virginia every month.

Payments Methods at VA Sportsbooks

It is quite common that when looking for a sports betting site in Virginia, players forget to check the payment methods. It’s easy to assume that every sports betting site will make it as easy as possible to deposit your funds, but that’s not always the case. Some online sportsbooks won’t accept credit cards and others will not allow you to use an online bank account. There is nothing worse than registering for a service that makes it difficult to deposit or withdraw your winnings.

That is why we encourage all players to look at the following two tables before they sign up for online sports betting. Below, we have detailed every sports betting service in Virginia, plus the various payment methods they accept. If you are unsure what to do with this information, just look for the payment methods that are easiest for you. Then you can see exactly which services support your ideal deposit type and the easiest way for you to withdraw your winnings. You do not need to join a service with the most options. Just look for the sportsbook that supports the most convenient ways to stay in control of your cash.

Deposits

There are 14 sports betting services available in Virginia, each of which offers players a different range of payment methods. Some of these services have retail locations where players can bet using cash, while others only have digital options. If this is your first time making sports bets, then the quickest methods are usually PayPal or the Play+ card. If you do not want to register for a new payment method, then search the table for services that accept debit cards or bank accounts.

All the sportsbooks listed above have various tools in place to help you control your spending. We recommend all players set deposit limits even if they think they will not use them. Responsible gambling is essential as it can help save you a lot of money.

Withdrawals

Once again, each online sportsbook in Virginia offers players a unique collection of withdrawal methods. Usually, methods like PayPal are much quicker than bank transfers, but other factors can affect withdrawal times. In our experience, withdrawing funds around large sporting events takes longer. If you have any trouble withdrawing your funds, contact the sportsbook's support team or register a complaint with the Virginia Lottery.

One last aspect to consider is security. Most sports betting sites in Virginia have an additional layer of security you might not know about. This is where a sportsbook will not give you the option to withdraw via a certain method until you have made a valid deposit from that method. This means options like PayPal or online banking might not appear when going through the withdrawal process, as you have not unlocked it, so to speak. You might wonder why include this in the first place. Well, it is to protect you from someone gaining access to your account and withdrawing all your funds.

Promotions and Bonuses at Virginia Betting Websites

Throughout this guide, we have mentioned various promotions and bonuses available at certain sportsbooks. But, if this is your first time gambling, how do you know what they all mean? Below, we outline every promotion and the best sports betting sites in Virginia for each type of bonus. Remember, some sportsbooks give out promos every week whereas others have nothing for players to enjoy.

• Free Bet: The free bet is your opportunity to make a wager without using your cash. That means whatever you win from a free bet is yours to keep, but you can’t keep the value of the wager. If you use a $10 free bet, that amount disappears once you make your wager.
• Risk-Free Bet: They commonly use this promotion as a welcome bonus in Virginia. A new player’s first bet is usually risk-free up to a certain amount. That means if you lose your first bet, the sportsbook will give you a free bet equal to how much you staked. If you win your first wager, then the promotion will not activate and you can keep your winnings.
  
• Bet Insurance: Similar to a risk-free bet, as the sportsbook will cover you if your wager loses. This can apply to parlays that fail by one leg or even proposition bets. Say you bet on the first goal scorer in the NHL. A sportsbook can give you your money back if the person you bet on scores at any point in the game. If they score first, you win the wager as normal. But if not, there is some insurance to cover your losses.
  
• Deposit Match: This bonus allows players to enjoy sports betting a lot more. When you make a deposit, the sportsbook will match your cash up to a certain amount in free bets. On some occasions, they can match your deposit in cash. Meaning there are no restrictions to worry about. Otherwise, they will count as free bets which must be used before they expire.
  
• Odds Boost: Any sportsbook you join can increase the odds of a certain event, making the bet more profitable if it comes true. This is called an odds boost and there are usually dozens to consider for popular sports depending on the service you join. These wagers can offer you a great payout, or they can inspire you to create a wager of your own.
  
• Profit Boost: The profit boost is your chance to increase the profitability of your wager. Sportsbooks can give boosts for you to use on parlays, same game parlays, or even straight bets. Some sports betting sites allow players to boost their parlays up to 70% depending on how many legs they choose and the sports included. Make sure you read the terms and conditions before you try to use this promotion.
  

Free Bets

The free bet is our favorite promotion, as it gives anyone the chance to turn sportsbook funds into real money. Winning a free bet means you get to withdraw actual cash, and you did not have to risk your money. The only downside to this wager is that some sites require you to make a wager to receive a free bet.

One more aspect to consider about promotions is that they change all the time. No promo lasts forever and some sportsbooks have baron periods where no player can enjoy a bonus. BetMGM gave lots of different bonuses during the NFL and MLB seasons. But when they both ended, there were very few opportunities to get your hands on a free bet. So, remember that when looking for a sports betting site to join. They might have promotions now, but they could run dry later on in the year.

Best Free Bets Sites

The sites listed below are some of the most consistent in Virginia for free bets. However, as we have mentioned, this can change over the year. Make sure you check the site you want to join before registering. Ensure that they are offering players the opportunity to claim a bonus for free.

• BetRivers: Place a future on the MLB and have your bet matched up to 50% with a free bet. Make three same game parlays on the NBA to receive a free bet every week.
• BetMGM: If you place a $50 future bet on the MLB, BetMGM will give you a $20 free bet regardless of the outcome.
• Bet365: New players who register and bet $1 will get $365 in free bets to enjoy.

Risk-Free Bets

Usually, risk-free bets are a type of welcome bonus used to give bettors confidence over their first wager. No matter the outcome of your bet, the risk-free bet covers your losses. The risk-free bet is to cover your stake if the wager loses. Remember to check the terms and conditions to ensure you don’t void or miss out on the welcome bonus.

Best Risk-Free Bets Sites

• Caesars: New players get a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250 plus 1,000 tier and reward credits to enjoy. 
• FanDuel: Any new player gets a risk-free bet worth $1,000 when they sign up for FanDuel.
• BetMGM: Get up to $1,000 back if your first wager loses at BetMGM.

Odds Boosts

Some sports betting sites allow players to boost their odds. This can include a same game parlay or a variety of other bets, such as a multi-sport parlay. The result is you get to increase the amount you win without having to increase your stake. Some sportsbooks will give you a lot of freedom using a profit boost, whereas others can be very restricting. Read the fine print to find out what type of odds boost or profit boost you are claiming.

Best Odds Boost Sites

• Unibet: All players get an unlimited number of parlay boosts to use across multi-sport parlays. Players can also claim a 25% profit boost on NHL and NBA same game parlays with three or more legs. Plus, you can claim a 25% profit boost on the NBA when you bet $25 on Tuesday and Thursday.
• Bet365: Get a parlay boost worth up to 70% on multi-sport parlays across the top divisions. The more legs in your parlay, the bigger the boost.
• FanDuel: Place a $35 future on the MLB to get two 50% profit boosts to use on MLB wagers.
• BetRivers: Any player can bet on the NHL for Tuesday's first goal scorer and get their money back if the player scores any time. Place three NHL same game parlays on Saturday for a 20% profit boost to use on hockey wagers.

Comparison of Virginia Online Sportsbooks

Seeing as there are 14 sportsbooks in Virginia, it might make your decision easier to see a comparison between each service. Below, we have details about the number of sports available for you to bet on, plus whether there is a retail location in Virginia to bet in person. If this is your first online sports betting site, then don’t forget to check out the welcome bonus before you sign up. If you are looking for more detailed information, we have several in-depth reviews for the best sportsbooks in VA.

For anyone still on the fence over which sportsbook to join, you do not have to register at one site. You can download two or more mobile sportsbooks to your device and start scrolling through the app. Most don’t require you to register to browse, so you can look through the promotions, sports on offer, and how easy it is to use. From there, you can register at your preferred service and delete the others. 

Best for Sport

Out of the 14 sports betting sites in Virginia, several have a superb selection of markets to bet on. If you are looking to bet on a wide range of sports, choosing any of the sportsbooks listed below will help you find the best service to suit your needs. Also, any service that has a wide range of sports usually has an assortment of leagues to bet on as well. If you are a soccer fan, any of the services below offer competitions from all over the world.

• Bet365
• BetRivers
• Unibet
• PointsBet
• Barstool

If you are only interested in betting on sports like basketball, football, or hockey, then you do not need to worry about which sportsbook to join. All sports betting sites in Virginia allow players to wager on these events. All you need to do is find a service that has promotions or a loyalty system if that’s of interest to you.

Best for Fantasy Sports

Two online sportsbooks in Virginia also provide an excellent fantasy sports service. Both DraftKings and FanDuel are right at the top, whether you are looking to make sports bets or create a fantasy team. Some of you might wonder what the difference is between them. At a glance, FanDuel is the more beginner-friendly of the two, but DraftKings can offer bigger prizes.

• DraftKings
• FanDuel

Overall, if you were to join either of these services, you would have an excellent experience. That is because both have a cult following where you can make friends, find advice, or compete just for the fun of it. 

Best Mobile App

Every sportsbook in Virginia is available on your mobile device, which is great news. However, some services are more refined and a lot easier for newbies to use. Take BetMGM or Caesars as an example. They are both well-established and popular brands across America. The result is they have both created a mobile app that anyone can use with little to no assistance.

• Caesars
• FanDuel
• BetMGM

In the list above, we have some of the easiest services for any player to use. Whether you are making a sports bet for the first time or if you just want to join one sports betting site for the foreseeable future, any of these options would suit you.

How to Get Started on Virginia Sportsbooks

Anyone who decides they are going to sign up for a sportsbook in Virginia needs to know one important aspect before they register. Some sports betting sites require players to enter a promo code while signing up to receive a welcome bonus. Failing to do so can cause you to miss out on your welcome offer. If you are new to sports betting, we outline every step of the registration process below. That way, you will avoid losing out on anything.

Step 1

The first step is to visit an online sportsbook or download a copy of the mobile app to your smartphone. Once you click the registration button, you must enter your email, a password, and even choose a username in some circumstances. We recommend you check the promotions page before you continue. Read the terms and conditions to see if there is a mention of a code while you are registering before you go to the next step.

Step 2

This is where you enter your personal information. You must provide your name, address, age, and even a cell phone number to register. This is also where the sportsbook can ask for the optional promo code. If your sportsbook requires a code for the welcome bonus, make sure you enter it at this stage. Once you complete the registration process, you won’t be able to go back to this point. Another aspect to consider is whether you have a friend referral code. If your buddy has already signed up, they can give you a unique code that gives you both a bonus when you make a deposit.

Step 3

The next step is a requirement no matter which sportsbook you join. They will ask you for the last four digits of your social security number. This is used to verify your identity and confirm whether you are eligible for sports betting. Some sports betting sites allow you to enter other forms of ID at this stage. This can include a driver’s license or photo of your passport depending on the service you sign up for.

Step 4

Now that you have completed the registration process, you must verify your account. You can either enter a code sent to your cell phone or click through an email in your inbox. To deposit at an online sportsbook, you must complete the verification process.

Step 5

Before making your first deposit, check the terms and conditions for the welcome bonus one more time. Some of these offers have tight rules around how much you need to deposit to qualify. Plus, you will also find out what wagers are eligible for your risk-free bet. Once this is all complete, it’s time to place your first wager. It’s easy to get carried away when you see a welcome offer worth $1,000, but remember to only gamble with what you are comfortable with. You do not need to use the entire promotion.

Now that you have placed your first bet, that is the end of your worries for most sports betting sites. You are free to bet on any event you choose. Just remember to gamble responsibly. We recommend all players opt in for deposit limits before they start sports betting. Think of it as a safety net that you hopefully will never need.

Responsible Gambling in Virginia

Virginia is a state that supports responsible gambling. That means players will find various tools at a sports betting website plus several organizations to help them quit. We encourage all new players to check the responsible gambling features before they sign up for a sports betting website. That is because these tools can help save you money and avoid a lot of frustration. You can set limits on how much you can deposit, screen time reminders, plus statements showing how much you have spent versus how much you have won.

Here at Bet Station, we have made a lot of sports bets. Everyone knows you don’t always win, but what people forget is how much you can lose. Betting $20 here and $50 there might not seem much, but it adds up. It is tempting to place bigger bets to make up for all the money you lost, but that is normally the start of a downward spiral. There is no harm in quitting or taking a break from sports betting if you feel you are losing control. If you are not sure what to do, please reach out to VCPG at 1-888-532-3500 for confidential and free advice.

Virginia Frequently Asked Questions