Lawmakers voted to legalize casino gambling in five cities, including Richmond, if voters give their approval in local referendums. The four other cities would be Bristol, Danville, Norfolk. Gambling laws in Virginia are not that limiting, and players will not have to worry too much about them in order to get started. The laws regulate what forms of gambling can actually take place, but this has done very little to prohibit online gambling. 'Illegal gambling' means the making, placing, or receipt of any bet or wager in the Commonwealth of money or other consideration or thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake, or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest, or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest, or event occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth.

Sports betting is now legal and regulated in the state of Virginia. Since the first sportsbooks are likely to show up in the state in January 2021, it’s a good idea to take stock of what’s happening in Old Dominion.

As it turns out, big plans are underway in Virginia with regard to many forms of gambling. Though a gambling expansion in the state was unthinkable historically, the dawn of sports betting across the country has proven too rich an opportunity for Virginia lawmakers to ignore.

You have come to the right place for information about Virginia sports betting. We have all the latest news and information about the upcoming launch, and as new online sportsbooks pop up, we will also have the best bonus offers, too. Read on for all things relevant to online sports betting in Virginia.

Latest Updates

Last updated: December 7, 2020

There have not been many concrete updates on the sports betting side of things since the November 3rd elections. We know sports betting will be arriving in Virginia sometime in January or February 2021.

Roughly 25 companies applied for sports betting licenses. However, the VA Lottery Board has decided not to release company names.

Sports betting in Virginia will begin with online sportsbooks, as the state awaits five casinos to be built as approved by law. According to PlayVirginia, Caesars Virginia casino in Danville announced it likely won’t open until the end of 2023.

The future for Virginia Online Casinos is far from bleak. There is legislation in motion that will send the state into a positive, legal, and profitable position on the matter. And, because of the talent in Virginia, you can expect access to some of the best online casinos in the country. They’re also going to implement horse betting and online sportsbooks.

Virginia Online Casinos: Laws

As it stands, the laws in Virginia prohibit gambling almost in its entirety. That means, any bet involving money in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake, or other things of value, is against the law.

Virginia Gambling Statutes

There’s also a clause that refers to wagers you might place online at Virginia online casinos. Players can expect a Class 3 misdemeanor for local or interstate affairs and a Class 1 misdemeanor if it involves horse racing.

It’s a serious business. Any money a player wins can translate into a fine up to 10 times worth its value. Also, operating an illegal gambling enterprise in the state will result in a Class 6 felony. This can result in a $20,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.

These consequences extend beyond those in charge of a gambling operation. Landlords, who are aware of the illegal activity on their property, are subject to a Class 1 misdemeanor. Even persons that exchange, sell, or produce devices with the purpose of gambling are subject to the same punishment.

Online casinos are also strictly illegal. In fact, players can’t play on websites based anywhere in the United States. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act prevents banks, or other financial institutions, from processing any payments related to offshore gambling.

There’s one exception, however. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversees laws involving charitable gaming. They’ve ruled, since 1995, that seal cards, raffles, traditional bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, and instant bingo are fair game when charity is in mind. That rule does not extend to poker, however.

Future Casino Legislation in Virginia

There are people making moves to legalize Virginia Online Casinos and Virginia sportsbooks. House Bill No. 4 is an amendment currently pre-filed that’s set to alter the Code of Virginia to authorize casino games. The Virginia Lottery Board would regulate all play. This would include Casino gaming and sports betting.

A strong push for legalization comes in the form of pressure from West Virginia. They allow online casino games and online sportsbooks. Because they’re building casinos on the border with Virginia, you can expect hundreds of thousands of dollars to move to the neighboring state. This is bad news for the state of Virginia, and it creates a lot of pressure to move forward with legislation.

It’s all good news for Virginians, however. And, because Virginia has a State lottery, the chances of legal gambling seem only more likely. In fact, they’ve had a tradition of holding lotteries in the state. That includes scratch-off tickets, draw games, and countrywide options like Powerball and Mega Millions. The State Lottery Department oversees this, and it’s yet another example of why legislators will struggle to reject any bill for gambling regulation.

Virginia Horse Racing

The Colonial Downs racetrack, where many flocked to for horse betting, opened in 1952 and shut down in 2014. This was due to a lack of business and popularity. However, pari-mutuel wagering is still allowed.

Customers can enjoy horse betting and racing at different off-track betting sites. While there were efforts to legalize historical horse racing machines in 2012, they were rejected.

Terminals do exist, however, at restaurants and bars. These locations let players bet remotely. In the future, Virginia online casinos might also become a host for these. Perhaps a wide variety of Virginia sportsbooks, as well.

Virginia DFS

Virginia DFS, or Daily Fantasy Sports, is a legally regulated option for bettors. The operators pulled an interesting move to convince the state. They deemed their betting and games as those of skill rather than chance. That made it easy to prove to lawmakers that it should be regulated and allowed in Virginia.

The Fantasy Contests Act allows daily fantasy sports sites to operate in the state. Interestingly enough, this was the first fully-legal recognition of the DFS industry in the United States. So, while Virginia online casinos and online sportsbooks might suffer, for now, Virginia has made headway in the industry in the past.

There are certain rules, however, that limit the capacity of the DFS industry in Virginia. First of all, they’re forced to pay and manage two full audits every year. They also pay $50,000 a year to operate in the state. Employees aren’t allowed to take part in DFS contests, and the websites must have strict regulations to ensure all players are 18 or older. If you are interested in DFS, then read our Monkey Knife Fight review to get the latest bonus information.

Virginia Casino Apps

West Virginia Sports Betting Statute

There aren’t currently Virginia Online Casino apps available. This is because of the strict laws set in place by the state. Most players need to get their fix from other options offshore. However, as mentioned above, new laws might change this and allow Virginia online casinos to deploy apps in the near future.

Virginia Online Sportsbooks

As with Virginia online casinos gaming, online sportsbooks should get a pass pretty soon. Any legislation that promotes gambling in the state will absolutely push for more online sportsbooks. And, because lawmakers seem ready to give casinos a chance, you might see a wide variety of options available for sports wagers soon enough.

Final Thoughts on Casino Gambling in Virginia

Virginia Gambling Statute Of Limitations

Overall, the future is bright for Virginia. There’s a chance that the state might become a host for some of the best online casinos and Virginia sportsbooks in the country. It might even compete with other online sportsbooks. Virginians can expect horse betting, slots, and a ton of table games, all legal and regulated by the state. And, it would all be on Virginia online casinos.