Virginia Sports Betting
VA Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes
Virginia sports betting is live! It launched with fully online sports betting, meaning bettors can do everything from home — no casino visits are needed to place a wager. Virginia has multiple mobile sportsbooks available to consumers, including big names like bet365, Fanatics, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and FanDuel. Here's everything you need to know about legal Virginia betting.
Virginia Sports Betting Key Takeaways
⚖️ Is online sports betting legal in Virginia? | Yes, as of January 2021 |
💸 What are the eligibility requirements for mobile betting? | You must be 21+ years of age and physically in the state (verifiable by your mobile device's geolocation tech or a downloadable desktop plugin) to place wagers from your phone. |
📒 What online sportsbooks are available in Virginia? | Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM,FanDuel, ESPN BET,Hard Rock Bet, Caesars, SI Sportsbook, DraftKings, and bet365. |
🏈 What sports can you bet on in Virginia? | You can bet on all major sports (relative to other legal U.S. markets), but you can't bet on Virginia-based college teams, there is no live betting on any college sports and betting on college player props is not allowed. |
In addition to legal sports betting, Virginia sports bettors can play PrizePicks, a DFS provider that is currently available in over 30 states and Washington D.C. Bettors simply select their favorite lineups with players like Kyle Kuzma or Terry McLaurin, choose an over/under player prop, and they're entered in to win cash prizes.
How to Sign up for PrizePicks in Virginia
- Step 1. Sign up using our PrizePicks promo code: ACTION
- Step 2. In the app (or on your desktop), select the “Deposit” button in the top right corner of the page.
- Step 3. Select the amount of money that you want to deposit and the funding source (PayPal, credit, etc).
- Step 4. Submit deposit. Once the deposit is submitted and credited to your account, you’ll automatically be given the promotional value matching your initial deposit (up to $100).
Where to Play: Legal Online Sportsbooks in Virginia
Virginia currently has eight statewide mobile sports betting operators, most with existing partnerships with each of the four commercial casinos so far approved by voters.
It will also have somewhat reasonable fees for operators to enter the market ($250,000 for three years) and a favorable tax rate (15%). So you can expect national players like FanDuel and BetMGM to be present, plus plenty of others. The Virginia Lottery is required to “issue a number of permits that will maximize tax revenue collected pursuant to the bill,” so there will be no shortage of big-time operators there.
bet365
New bet365 users can choose one of two promotions being offered in Virginia.
bet365 Promos
Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
OR
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!
bet365 Promo Code
Terms & Conditions
New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, NJ, IA, CO, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, OH only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required.
New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, NJ, IA, KY, IN, LA, CO, NC, VA, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bet Credits wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required.Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our bet365 Virginia Bonus Code for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics is the latest sportsbook to enter the Virginia sports betting market on Nov. 21, 2023. Redeem its exciting offer below!
Fanatics Promo
Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
Fanatics Promo Code
No promo code required
Action Network Score
9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Terms & Conditions
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO/DC/IL/KS/KY/LA/MD/OH/MI/NC/NJ/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV). Must apply this Promotion in your bet slip & place and settle $5+ cash wager with odds of - 200 or longer to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you sign up. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Add'l Terms apply, see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
BetMGM
BetMGM is solid sportsbook option with great market coverage for Virginia bettors along with the opportunity to claim their deposit match offer. The BetMGM app has one of the top user interfaces, and they also offer robust promotions for current users as well as new users. BetMGM is the official gaming partner of the MLB, NBA and NHL.
BetMGM Bonus
1) Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)
OR
2) Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
BetMGM Bonus Code
1) TANMATCH1500
OR
2) AN1500
BetMGM Terms & Conditions
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Action Network Score
9.8/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks
DraftKings
DraftKings is a popular sportsbook with roots in daily fantasy sports. Using lessons they learned through the DFS field, DraftKings has created a reliable and user-friendly sportsbook that is simple to use. This household name provides Virginia sports bettors with both fantasy and sportsbook options to enjoy, as well as a great bonus offer below.
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
DraftKings Promo Code
No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings sign-up offer
Action Network Score
9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
DraftKings Terms & Conditions
Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).[1.5%] 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).$200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours).
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks
Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the cleaner sportsbook apps on the market. The famed sportsbook is also one of the three sports betting partners of the NFL.
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code
Action Network Score
9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks
ESPN BET
Heads up VA, ESPN BET Virginia is live! Use our promo code to unlock the welcome offer.
ESPN BET VA Promo
ESPN BET VA Promo Code
Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about ESPN BET and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Terms & Conditions
New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, or WV in order to wager. Players must sign up using a specified Promotion code and then place an Eligible Wager on an Eligible Game during the Promotion Period. Please Gamble Responsibly.
PrizePicks Virginia
PrizePicks VA users can select their favorite lineups when signing up for the offer below!
PrizePicks Promo
Place a $5 Lineup, Get $50 Instantly - No Strings Attached!
PrizePicks Promo Code
Action Network Score
9.4/10. See our PrizePicks Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about PrizePicks and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options PrizePicks vs Other Sportsbooks
Betr Sportsbook
The first micro-betting operator launched in Virginia on Sept. 6, 2023. Virginia is the second betting state for Betr, after launching in Ohio and Massachusetts (before ceasing operations in MA). Betr Sportsbook is looking to make its mark as the world's first micro-betting app. So what exactly is micro-betting, and what sets it apart in the Virginia sports betting scene?
Micro-betting are fast, real-time wagers. Instead of betting on the moneyline or a spread that takes the entire game to fulfill, with micro-betting you're wagering on more immediate results. For example: How many hits will a team have in the first inning? Will a pitcher strike out the side? How many batters will make a plate appearance in the inning? There are countless betting options that are all unique and will resolve fast. Now, don't let the name fool you... micro-betting doesn't refer to the size of the wager. You can still place hefty wagers on Betr. Betr is unlike any other sports betting app in VA.
Betr Sportsbook Promo
Betr No Sweatr: Get Your First Bet Covered up to $250!
Betr Promo Code
Action Network Score
8.9/10. Check out our Betr Promo Code and review for more info on how the mico-betting app works.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat, our confidential and toll free helpline at: 1-888-532-3500.
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet Promo
No promo code at this time
Hard Rock Bet Bonus Code
No bonus offer at this time
Action Network Score
9.1/10. See our Hard Rock Bet Promo Code for more in-depth information about Hard Rock and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Hard Rock Bet vs Other Sportsbooks
FanDuel
FanDuel was originally known for its daily fantasy sports options, but residents of the Old Dominion can utilize this user-friendly app for all of their sportsbook needs as well. FanDuel is one of the official sports betting partners of the NBA, as well as the NHL and the MLB. There's no promo code required to claim FanDuel's welcome offer below.
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!
New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, CT, IL, TN, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.
FanDuel Promo Code
There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer
Action Network Score
9.6/10. See our FanDuel Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks
How to Place a Sports Bet in Virginia
It's easy to get started with sports betting in Virginia. Here's how:
Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook
Virginia has a handful of worthy sportsbooks, so eventually you'll want multiple accounts so you can shop for the best lines. But you have to start with one. Let’s start with BetMGM, where you can use our bonus code TANMATCH1500.
Step 2: Sign Up & Deposit
Follow the prompts to set up your account with BetMGM. They may ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age. BetMGM will take you right through the deposit flow. We’d recommend direct deposit via a bank account — that way when you cash out, the money reflects in your checking account instead of being credited back to a card.
Step 3: Verify Your Location in VA
If you’re using a desktop computer, Virginia sportsbooks require you to download GeoComply, a location-tracking software that verifies you're in the state. If you’re on your phone, just allow the BetParx app to track your location when prompted, and you won’t need additional software.
Step 4: Place a Legal Bet
BetMGM offers fair odds compared to its competitors in a lot of markets.
- Go to the sport
- Click the line you want to bet
- Click bet slip (or navigate if you’re on a computer)
- Enter your bet amount
- Submit
Virginia Sports Betting Tips
Sports Betting for Beginners
New to sports betting? Awesome, it's not too early to start studying! Check out our sports betting tips for beginners so you can get started on the right foot in Virginia.
Sports Betting Glossary
Sports betting has a language of its own that you’ll want to get familiar with if you’re new to the space. Get up to speed here with our sports betting glossary.
Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid
You’re probably ready to unload some bets on the Liberty Flames, but you need to be responsible if you’re going to stay afloat in the sports betting world.
Here are some sports betting mistakes for Virginians to avoid.
How Virginia Sports Betting Compares: The Sports Betting Report Card
We graded Virginia on its sports betting bill and its experience relative to other states.
Mobile Betting Options
Virginia has nearly a dozen statewide mobile sportsbook options with more on the way. Eligible bettors anywhere within state lines have multiple wagering options but will not be able to bet with their Virginia sportsbook apps if they cross into another state or Washington, D.C.
Deposit
Depositing at all licensed Virginia sportsbooks is fast and easy. Bettors can use their bank accounts, PayPal and many other options.
Prices
The competitive market means prices are fair and consistent with industry standards. The multiple live sportsbooks give Virginia bettors plenty of options to shop for the best prices.
Offerings
There are hundreds of professional options available, though betting on in-state college teams programs as Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia is prohibited.
Virginia Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline
Virginia was one of the last states without commercial or tribal casinos. Sports betting operators don't need to be tied to a brick-and-mortar casino to operate.
Virginia's bill did specify that five cities — Richmond, Norfolk, Danville, Portsmouth and Bristol — can build casinos and sportsbooks.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam wanted NASCAR tracks Martinsville and Richmond Raceway included in the sports betting landscape. He pushed these tracks to launch their sportsbooks or partner with an existing operator.
The bill also allows a sports franchise that relocates to the state to have sports betting in its stadium. When might this apply? The Washington Commanders might be headed to Virginia when their lease at FedEx Field in Andover, Maryland, expires in 2027.
Click for Previous Virginia Sports Betting Legalization Updates
Date | Legalization Update |
---|---|
February 2022 |
Senate Bill 96 passed unanimously. Sportsbooks will now be penalized for using the phrase, "Virginia is for bettors." This is a play on words from the state's popular phrase, "Virginia is for lovers." |
January 2022 |
The Virginia Lottery indicates that there are two more sportsbooks on their way to The Old Dominion State. Betway and Sports Illustrated are expected to go live in April 2022. |
April 2020 |
The legislature approved Northam’s changes and Northam signed the bill into law on April 29, 2020. It will go into effect on July 1. |
March 2019 |
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill in March 2019, but didn’t clear the Virginia legislature. |
November 2018 |
Virginia Delegate Mark Sickles put forth a bill in November 2018 that included a lot of what ended up in the final bill — $250,000 operator fee, 15% tax rate for operators. But that bill only allowed for five operators. |
Pre-Legalization |
Virginia has no casinos, and lawmakers have been pushing for years to get them to the state, but to no avail. |
Virginia Teams to Bet on
States don't need their own professional team to have a strong sports market. Technically speaking, Virginia doesn't have any pro teams. In fact, Virginia is the most populous U.S state without a pro franchise playing within its borders. But the truth is that Virginia is more or less "home" to all of the Washington, D.C. pro teams, and the fan base is especially strong in northern Virginia. The Washington Commanders (NFL) and Washington Capitals (NHL) even have practice facilities and team headquarters in Northern Virginia.
Latest Sports News in Virginia:
- The Washington Nationals lost their final game of the season 6-3 to the Philadelphia Phillies, ending their year with a 71-91 record for the second straight season. Luis García Jr. provided an early highlight with a home run in the first inning, and both García and Juan Yepez added RBI singles later in the game. Starting pitcher Jake Irvin struggled, allowing six runs in 4 1/3 innings and finishing the season with 14 losses, the most in the National League. Despite the loss, Manager Dave Martinez noted the team's effort throughout the year and the improvement of young players.
- The Baltimore Orioles were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 2-1 to the Kansas City Royals, getting swept in the two-game Wild Card Series. Despite a strong pitching performance, the Orioles' offense struggled again, going 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Cedric Mullins provided Baltimore's only run with a home run. The Orioles have now lost 10 consecutive postseason games, including five straight over the past two years.
- The Washington Commanders defeated the Arizona Cardinals 42-14 last Sunday, led by another impressive performance from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown while also running for a score in his successful return to Arizona, where he played college football. The Commanders' offense continued its hot streak, with Jeremy McNichols running for two touchdowns and Brian Robinson Jr. gaining 101 yards on the ground. Washington's defense also played well, sacking Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray four times. This victory marked the Commanders' third straight win, improving their record to 3-1 and establishing them as one of the NFL's rising teams early in the season.
Things to Keep an Eye on:
- The Washington Commanders host the Cleveland Browns at Commanders Field for a Week 5 matchup on Sunday afternoon. The Commanders, riding a three-game winning streak, enter as 3.5-point favorites behind their strong start to the season. The Browns, struggling at 1-3, look to pull off an upset on the road.
Pro Sports Teams
NFL Betting in Virginia
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders is a five-time NFL champion. It won championship games before the Super Bowl era in 1937 and 1942 and then won the Super Bowl in 1982, 1987, and 1991, its most recent Super Bowl appearance. Those three Super Bowl wins tie Washington for eighth-most all-time.
Washington changed its name to the Washington Commanders in 2022. The Burgundy and Gold play their home games at Commanders Field in Prince George's County, Maryland.
NFL Game Odds: Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming NFL game: Updated October 04, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
(+3.5) -115 |
+145 |
Over 43.5 (-110) |
|
(-3.5) -105 |
-175 |
Under 43.5 (-110) |
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on football in Virginia:
- How to Bet on Football Guide
- Check our Expert NFL Picks
- Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data
NBA Betting in Virginia
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are the closest NBA team for most Virginians. That was true when the franchise played in Baltimore, too, and then the franchise moved to Washington, D.C. and became the Bullets until 1997. The team played in the NBA Finals four times in the 1970s with NBA legends Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes.
The Wizards play their home games at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., which they share with the Washington Capitals (NHL). Brian Keefe serves as head coach.
MLB Betting in Virginia
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have existed as such since 2005. Before that, this franchise was the Montreal Expos. The Expos began playing as an expansion team in 1969 and was nearly contracted before relocating to Washington, D.C. In a strange twist, they were the first MLB team to be relocated since a team from Washington left in 1971, in that case, the Washington Senators moving to Texas.
Washington plays its home games at Nationals Park on South Capitol Street in the Southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. Dave Martinez manages the Nats.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles Baltimore played in six World Series between 1966 and 1983, winning three times with Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, and Cal Ripken, Jr. Baltimore has not been back to the World Series since 1983, one of the longest droughts in baseball.
The Orioles play their home games at the beautiful Camden Yards in downtown Baltimore, Maryland.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on baseball in Virginia:
NHL Betting in Virginia
Washington Capitals
The Capitals finally broke through and won their first and only Stanley Cup in 2018, as Alexander Ovechkin finally made good on his superstar status and lifted the game's biggest trophy. The Caps began to play in 1974 as an expansion franchise and originally played their home games in Landover, Maryland. They moved to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., in 1997, where they play today.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Virginia:
WNBA Betting in Virginia
Washington Mystics
In 2019, the Washington Mystics won their first and only NBA championship. They were led there by Elena Delle Donne, who won the MVP and led the Mystics to the WNBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. Washington initially joined the WNBA in 1998. The Mystic plays their home games at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Virginia:
MLS Betting in Virginia
D.C. United
D.C. United began as one of the 10 charter clubs of the MLS in 1996. They were an absolute dynasty in the early going under head coach Bruce Arena, winning eight of the first 13 MLS championships. D.C. D.C. United is, without a doubt, the most successful club in MLS history. United play their home games at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
NWSL Betting in Virginia
Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit has a unique arrangement and split their home games between three stadiums in three different states or districts. Washington's main stadium is the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland. Still, they also play some home games at Audi Park in Washington, D.C., and others at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. The Spirit have a total of 5 playoff appearances in their franchise's history.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on hockey in Virginia:
College Sports Teams
Virginia loves its college sports, with football and basketball leading the way but, sadly, state law does not allow betting on any of these teams.
College Football Betting in Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers Football
Virginia has been one of college football's great and incisive programs since its inception in 1888. Virginia had 28 straight winning seasons to start its tenure and won 12 southern championships, and they were the first program outside of the Northeast to defeat perennial powerhouse Yale in 1915. Virginia also played a significant role in shaping the game's early code of ethics, eligibility, and safety.
Virginia plays its home games at Scott Stadium on campus in Charlottesville.
Virginia Tech Hokies Football
The Hokies football program has slowly worked its way up from mostly irrelevant to a national powerhouse, peaking under nearly three decades of football with College Football Hall of Fame Coach Frank Beamer. Under Beamer, Virginia Tech joined the Big East Conference and then the Atlantic Coast Conference, where they play today. The Hokies made it to the BCS National Championship Game in 2000 with freshman phenom QB Michael Vick, even leading Florida State in the fourth quarter before falling. Virginia Tech's No. 3 finish was the state's highest ever in the AP poll.
The Hokies play their home games at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, widely recognized as one of the loudest stadiums and best home-field advantages in the country.
Liberty Flames Football
What a meteoric rise the Liberty football program has been on. The football program didn't even begin until 1973 when Liberty joined the NAIA. The Flames moved up to Division II in 1980, then to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1988. They finally joined FBS (formerly Division I-A) in 2018 and are playing as an independent.
Liberty plays its home games at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg.
Old Dominion Monarchs Football
Old Dominion first played football in 1930 as the William & Mary Norfolk Division Braves, but the program was disbanded after 1941. The university didn't play football again for almost seven decades, restarting as an FCS team (formerly Division I-AA) in 2009. Then the Monarchs moved up to the top level for the 2014 season, joining Conference USA.
The Monarchs play their games at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk and are coached by Ricky Rahne.
James Madison Dukes Football
Over the past half a decade, James Madison has become an absolute powerhouse at the FCS level. The Dukes won their second national championship in 2016 and played in the national title game three times in the four-season between 2016 and 2019.
James Madison plays its home games at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg. Curt Cignetti coaches the Dukes. They played football in the spring this year due to the pandemic.
Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college football in Virginia:
College Basketball Betting in Virginia
Virginia Cavaliers Men's Basketball
The Virginia Cavaliers are one of college basketball's best programs. The Cavs play in the Atlantic Coast Conference and are coached under future Hall-of-Famer, Tony Bennett. The Hoos play their home games at the John Paul Jones Arena on campus in Charlottesville.
Virginia Tech Hokies Men's Basketball
The Hokies first started playing basketball in 1909 but had a long and winding road to relevance at the highest level. Virginia Tech plays its home games at Cassell Coliseum on campus in Blacksburg. Mike Young coaches the Hokies.
Virginia Commonwealth Rams Men's Basketball
VCU basketball has had a heck of a decade. Few outsiders of Virginia would have even known what the letters of VCU stood for 10 years ago, but they certainly did now after a memorable Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2011. VCU joined the Atlantic 10 Conference for the 2012-13 season and still plays there. The Rams play their home games at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center on campus in Richmond.
George Mason Patriots Men's Basketball
George Mason does not have a long basketball history. Still, the program rose to prominence out of nowhere in 2006 when they made a memorable Cinderella run to the Final Four under longtime coach Jim Larranaga. Before that year, the Patriots had never even won an NCAA tournament game and were one of the last teams in the draw. George Mason plays its home games at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax.
Old Dominion Monarchs Men's Basketball
Old Dominion first fielded a basketball team in 1930 and won a Division II national championship in 1975. Soon after, Old Dominion made a move to Division I for the 1976-77 season. The Monarchs made the NCAA tournament for the first time in 1980 and won their first tournament game in 1986. The Monarchs play their home games at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk and compete in Conference USA. Jeff Jones coaches them.
Richmond Spiders Men's Basketball
Richmond may be a smaller basketball program on the NCAA level, but they have developed a serious reputation as a giant killer when it comes to the NCAA tournament. The Spiders compete in the Atlantic 10 conference and play their home games at the Robins Center in Richmond. Chris Mooney coaches them.
Liberty Flames Men's Basketball
The Liberty Flames compete in the Conference USA and play their home games at the Vines Center in Lynchburg. Ritchie McKay serves as the program's head coach.
Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on college basketball in Virginia:
Other Events
Virginians love their NASCAR in particular. The state is home to four annual races in the NASCAR Cup Series. The biggest one is at Richmond Raceway, known as "America's Premier Short Track," and even has a "Virginia is for Racing Lovers visitors center. Martinsville Speedway is another short, speedy track, and many Virginians travel to nearby Bristol, Tennessee, for more big races. Virginia loves Denny Hamlin in particular, who got his start in Chesterfield and is the 2020 Daytona 500 champion.
You can place big bets at some of these Virginia NASCAR races and other key Virginia athletic events:
- ValleyStar Credit Union 300
- Xfinity 500
- Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500
- Federated Auto Parts 400
- Dominion Energy Charity Classic
More Reading on Virginia
To reference Virginia's sports betting bills, see House Bill 896, House Bill 4 and Senate Bill 384.
For supplemental sports coverage, see The Virginian-Pilot, The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Roanoke Times.
For more on legal sports betting, check out our legalization tracker.
Crystal City Sports Pub
Crystal City Sports Pub has tons of HD TVs and beers on tap.
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill
Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill is a brewpub a separate sports bar with a casual dining area. For in-game food? There’s an on-site smoker and wood-fired grill with 20 HDTVs. There are even pool tables to entertain yourself between the big games!
Brass Bell Steakhouse & Lounge
Friendly, lively, and great prices at this spot. Why catch the game anywhere else in Virginia?
CP Shuckers
CP Shuckers has big cable packages so you can watch almost any game.
Brock's Riverside Grill
Tons of televisions, great music, drink specials and friendly staff.
Martin's Downtown
Locally owned and operated.
Sports betting officially launched in Virginia in Jan. 21, 2021.
As of Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, you can bet on sports online in Virginia. The bill includes online and in-person sports betting. It’s a favorable bill for bettors in the state.
FanDuel Sportsbook officially went live on Jan. 21, 2021 in the state, offering fully online betting to Virginians.
Virginia offers betting on all the major sports leagues with a few notable exceptions:
- No betting on Virginia-based college teams. New Jersey and Illinois are the other states with this carveout, and it hasn’t hurt the state much from a revenue perspective. But it is a bummer for anyone who’s a fan of one of the four FBS football teams or 14 Division I men’s basketball teams in the state.
- No live betting on any college sports.
- No betting on college player props.
The Virginia Lottery is in charge of issuing sports betting licenses to operators.
As of now, Fanatics, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, ESPN BET, Hard Rock Bet, WynnBET, and bet365 are available to Virginians.
There are four steps to signing up in Virginia: Choose a sportsbook, create an account, deposit money online (not in person), and place a bet. It's incredibly simple but see here for more information if needed.
You must be at least 21 years old to place a bet in Old Dominion, which is the standard age across other states that have legalized sports betting.
No, you do not need to be a VA resident in order to deposit and withdraw funds. This can be done from anywhere with internet access.
Yes, you can bet anywhere in VA with internet access. That means users will be able to create accounts, deposit and bet all with any internet-capable device. Most sportsbooks, if not all, will have dedicated mobile apps as well.
No, Bovada is an illegal, offshore sportsbook that is not legal in any U.S. state, including VA.
Claim Promo Code Offers from VA Sportsbooks
Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Virginia:
Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code | BetMGM Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | ESPN BET Promo Code | Caesars Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | Hard Rock Bet Promo Code
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat, our confidential and toll free helpline at: 1-888-532-3500
- Must be 21 years or older
- Learn about Virginia's voluntary self-exclusion program