Virginia Sports Betting — Best Sportsbooks and Apps | Outkick

Virginia’s legal sports‑betting scene has expanded rapidly since the state first opened its doors to mobile wagering in 2021. Now residents and visitors can place bets on a range of sporting events through more than a dozen licensed apps and several on‑premise sportsbooks located in casinos and racetracks around the Commonwealth.

A quick look at the timeline

Virginia became the 25th state to legalize sports betting on April 22, 2020, when Gov. Ralph Northam signed House Bill 896 into law. The Virginia Lottery, the state’s regulator, granted licenses to the first online operators on January 1, 2021. The first mobile sportsbook went live the next month, on January 21, and the state’s inaugural physical betting location opened in July 2022.

Who can bet?

The law is straightforward: anyone who is at least 21 years old and physically located inside Virginia at the time of placing a wager may bet. Residents are not required to register as permanent residents of the state, but they do need to prove they are in Virginia when they place a bet. The Virginia Lottery keeps track of all legal wagering activity and sets the rules for payouts, taxes, and responsible‑gaming safeguards.

Where to place a bet

Online. Over ten different sportsbook apps are available in Virginia, each offering a mix of welcome bonuses, deposit matches, profit‑boost offers, or “bet‑and‑get” promotions for new users. Bettors can compare features such as live‑action streaming, in‑play betting options, and user interface to decide which app best fits their needs.

Retail. Three licensed sportsbooks operate in the state’s casinos:

At these sites, electronic kiosks or staff members can accept wagers. For those who prefer a physical setting, the on‑premise sportsbooks provide the same legal betting options that are available online.

What can you bet on?

Virginia allows wagers on any sporting event, from professional leagues to college contests. However, the state specifically bars betting on its own collegiate teams—such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason, and Liberty—or on player‑specific props for those schools, regardless of where the bet is placed. Bettors can still place wagers on out‑of‑state college teams and professional sports.

Why the interest?

The absence of a Major League franchise has not dampened the Commonwealth’s enthusiasm for sports betting. With a growing number of licensed operators, the market has become more competitive, prompting sportsbooks to offer increasingly generous promotions. The mix of mobile and retail options has also broadened accessibility, allowing Virginians to bet on their favorite games from the comfort of home or within the vibrant atmosphere of a casino.

The bottom line

Sports betting in Virginia is now a well‑established pastime, regulated by the state lottery and available through both online apps and physical sportsbooks. The legal framework—age and location restrictions, prohibition on in‑state college betting, and the presence of multiple licensed venues—creates a clear, accessible marketplace for bettors who want to enjoy the thrill of wagering on sports from anywhere in the Commonwealth.