This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Virginia sports betting is legal, and the state’s online market launched on January 21, 2021. You can place wagers online statewide and in person at licensed casino sportsbooks. As of mid-2025, the Virginia Lottery reports 13 mobile operators taking bets, with several retail casino books open. This guide covers VA sportsbook promos, the best sportsbook apps, how to get started, local teams to know, and the key legal facts so you can bet confidently and safely. Virginia Sports Betting Overview Is Virginia Sports Betting Legal? Yes. Sports betting became legal in Virginia in April 2020 when lawmakers passed SB 384 and HB 896, and online wagering officially launched on January 21, 2021. The market is regulated by the Virginia Lottery. You can bet online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at retail sportsbooks inside the state’s new casinos. You must be 21 or older and physically located within Virginia, and sportsbooks use geolocation to verify your location. Top Virginia Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed Virginia’s online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top five based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features. DraftKings Virginia FanDuel Virginia BetMGM Virginia (promo code: FOXSPORTS) Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia Caesars Virginia (promo code: FOX250BM) bet365 Virginia (promo code: FOX365) All Legal VA Sportsbook Best VA Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (January 2026) New users in Virginia can unlock about $500–$650+ in combined value by stacking current welcome deals. Claim the welcome promos first, then decide which app you prefer for live betting, parlays, and props. Always check the in-app terms for eligibility, minimum odds, settlement timing, and expiration before you place a qualifying wager. DraftKings Sportsbook VA Promo – Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: FanDuel Sportsbook VA Promo – Bet $5, Win, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: BetMGM VA Promo – Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Fanatics Sportsbook VA Promo – Get Up to $2,000 in Bet Insurance FanCash Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Caesars Sportsbook VA Promo – First bet matched up to $250 as a bonus bet, win or lose. Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: bet365 VA Promo – Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Offer Summary: Key Details Standout Perk Quick How-to-Claim Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. How to Start Betting on Sports in Virginia 1. Choose a Legal VA Sportsbook Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for region-specific promos. 2. Register Online Virginia allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+). 3. Claim a Welcome Bonus Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry. 4. Deposit Funds Common VA methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid. 5. Place Your First Bet Example: bet $5 on an NFL team to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline. 6. Withdraw Winnings Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier. Benefits of Signing Up for Multiple Virginia Sportsbooks Claim Multiple Welcome Bonuses– By creating accounts at several sportsbooks, you can stack multiple sign-up promotions and significantly increase your starting bankroll. Shop for the Best Odds– Having access to more than one sportsbook allows you to compare lines and always choose the most favorable odds, which can maximize your potential winnings. Access Unique App Features– Different apps offer different strengths, from parlay builders to live streaming, and signing up for multiple sportsbooks lets you take advantage of each operator’s standout tools. Take Advantage of Diverse Promos– Sportsbooks run recurring odds boosts, profit boosts, and sport-specific promotions, and using multiple apps ensures you never miss out on the best deal available at any given time. Backup in Case of Technical Issues– If one app is down during a major game or has technical problems, having accounts with other sportsbooks gives you a reliable backup option to continue betting without interruption. Major Sporting Events in Virginia Virginia’s sports calendar blends tradition, speed, and regional pride, giving fans and bettors plenty to follow throughout the year. From NASCAR weekends in Richmond to iconic horse racing events in The Plains, the state attracts attention from both casual fans and seasoned bettors across multiple sports. NFL Season (Washington Commanders)While the team plays in nearby Landover, Maryland, the Commanders have a large fan base in Northern Virginia. The NFL season generates strong betting interest among Virginia residents, especially during divisional matchups and primetime games. Virginia Gold Cup (Great Meadow, The Plains)Held each May, the Virginia Gold Cup is one of the state’s oldest and most celebrated sporting traditions. This steeplechase horse racing event combines sport and social spectacle, drawing thousands of fans for a full day of racing and festivities. Richmond Raceway NASCAR Events (Richmond)Richmond Raceway hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year — one in spring and one in fall. Known for its short track and night racing atmosphere, it’s a staple of Virginia’s sports scene and a favorite for motorsports bettors. ACC College Football Season (Various Locations)Virginia is home to two major ACC programs — the University of Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies. Their seasons, capped by the annual Commonwealth Clash rivalry game, fuel strong in-state interest and betting action. Washington Nationals MLB Season (D.C./Northern Virginia Market)Though based in D.C., the Nationals’ fan base extends deep into Northern Virginia. Baseball bettors often follow daily markets for the team during the regular season, especially as playoff races heat up. College Basketball Season (Charlottesville & Blacksburg)Virginia’s basketball pedigree runs deep, with UVA’s national championship pedigree and Virginia Tech’s rising profile in the ACC. Both programs attract consistent betting attention during March Madness. Virginia Sports Betting Handle The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle. Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%. Virginia Sports Betting Restrictions: What You Can’t Bet On While Virginia has one of the most accessible online sports betting markets in the U.S., there are several key restrictions that bettors need to know. These rules are designed to protect amateur athletes and maintain integrity across all regulated markets. Bettors cannot wager on in-state college teams — meaning no bets on schools like the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, even during major events like March Madness. Additionally, college player props are prohibited, so individual performance wagers such as passing yards or total points are off-limits for NCAA games. The state also bans betting on high school sports, along with non-sporting events such as political elections, award shows, and entertainment-based contests. In short, Virginia’s betting laws focus strictly on professional and out-of-state college sporting events, keeping the market centered on regulated athletic competition. Responsible Gaming in Virginia Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Virginia and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control. Help and resources: Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here. Virginia Sports Betting FAQ Is online sports betting legal in Virginia? What is the legal betting age in VA? Can I bet on college sports in VA? Which sportsbooks are available in Virginia? Do I need to be in VA to place a bet? Are there retail sportsbooks in VA? Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! Read More
Virginia Sports Betting: Best VA Sportsbook Promos & Apps … from Fox sports
