Best Virginia Sportsbooks: VA Sports Betting Apps July 2024

Virginia legalized sports betting in January 2021 and has grown to be the 10th highest-grossing state in terms of overall handle. Right now, there are 15 online sportsbooks available in the Dominion State. On this page, we have covered everything that you need to know about sports betting in Virginia, from the timeline of legalization to the best sportsbooks and bonuses to claim in the state right now.

🥇 Our best Virginia sportsbook in July 2024 is Caesars 🥇

How We Rated the Top Virginia Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, our reviews rely on the simple principle of firsthand experience. We dedicate time and effort to exploring each platform to truly understand its strengths and weaknesses. We firmly believe it is the most effective way to have genuine knowledge of exactly how a sportsbook works so we can enlighten our readers.

Our team commits a minimum of two hours to researching and testing each of these six key areas:

1. User Experience - We put ourselves in the shoes of the bettor by exploring the sportsbook's usability and design. We evaluate the ease of navigation, functionality, and responsiveness, in addition to the overall visual appeal. 

2. Features - We assess the range of features offered by each site, including the variety of sports markets, types of bets available, and live betting. If a site offers special features like cash-out, DFS services, and picking services, it earns extra points.

3. Promotions - We opt-in to evaluate the value and enjoyment of the different promotions, particularly the welcome bonus. We dissect the terms and conditions, looking at how reasonable the offer is and any unexpected surprises in the small print. Additionally, we check out other promotions, such as special offers, loyalty programs, and the regularity of ongoing bonuses.  

4. Deposits and Withdrawals - We test the banking process from start to finish for every method, assessing the speed, security, and overall convenience. We look at the variety of payment methods accepted, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Moreover, we like to see timely payouts and fee-less transactions for withdrawals. 

5. Customer Support - We know that excellent customer service is the backbone of a site, so we examine the range of options and effectiveness of the support using our pre-selected questions. We personally use the live chat service, make phone calls, and send emails.  We also check out the help section and any FAQs or other articles provided.

6. Responsible Gambling - We appreciate sportsbooks that go beyond just compliance and actively promote responsible gambling. We look for helpful links or hotlines, as well as tools such as self-exclusion, wager/deposit limits, or time-outs. 

Following this, our team of post-publication editors are required to dedicate 5 hours per month to verify and update our reviews according to any changes on each platform.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we are committed to being a reliable and trustworthy guide to help you navigate the world of sports betting. We adopt a hands-on approach that involves testing out the betting process on each platform for ourselves. Our belief is that personal experience is the only way to truly understand how a site operates. This allows us to deliver feedback that is accurate and unbiased. We do not rely on second-hand information.

Moreover, we have been a part of the industry since the very start, growing and evolving alongside it. This longevity has shaped and developed our expertise, so that we know exactly what constitutes a top sportsbook. We understand that navigating the world of betting can be complicated, and our ultimate goal is to guide you in this process. 

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Virginia

1. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Loyalty scheme

Caesars has a long-standing reputation in the United States, celebrated for its legacy of world-class hotels and casinos, as well as a renowned online sportsbook. If you are looking for a top-notch betting experience that combines innovation with sophistication, look no further than Caesars Sportsbook.

Looking at Caesars homepage, you are greeted by a clean and sleek platform that blends style with functionality. The intuitive design is perfect for beginners and seasoned bettors alike, allowing you to easily explore the platform’s features and markets.

The standout feature of this sportsbook is the exceptional loyalty scheme that makes use of the broader Caesar’s brand, including retail locations. For every bet that you make, you will be awarded credits for Caesars Rewards - which consists of different tiers. You can also earn credits for Caesars Rewards by making hotel reservations, shopping, and dining. Depending on your tier, you can claim incredible prizes like hotel discounts, special events, and dining vouchers. New bettors joining the sportsbook will receive 1,000 Tier and Reward Credits.

The main Caesars Sportsbook offer is Get Your First Bet Back, which is essentially a second chance bet of up to $1,000. This means that if your first bet fails, you'll get your wagered money, up to $1,000, back in bonus bets. This gives users an opportunity to explore the deep and varied sports markets that are offered, with some of the risks removed. 

Discover more in our detailed review of Caesars Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars with the promo code WSN1000.

Caesars Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.6/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.3/5

⭐ Trustpilot: N/A

Claim Your Caesars Sportsbook Bonus 

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app 

As the highest-grossing US sportsbook, FanDuel is setting the gold standard for the industry by providing a first-rate sportsbook. If you are wondering how FanDuel has claimed the title of leading sportsbook in the US, take a look at the platform for yourself. 

Newcomers to FanDuel are welcomed with a Bet $5, Get $200 offer. This means that all you need to do is make your bet at least $5, and if your bet wins, you'll get your $200 in bonus bets.

The jewel in FanDuel’s crown is its mobile app, which is evidenced by the stellar ratings of 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. The app ensures that mobile betting is a smooth and effortless experience, thanks to its intuitive design that puts the user experience at the forefront. 

Depositing and withdrawing funds is also hassle-free, with a range of nine payment options. You can choose a method suited to your preference, whether credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets. Impressively, bettors have the option to receive their winnings within 24 hours if they withdraw using PayPal, Venmo, and Prepaid+. 

Check out our complete review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer:  Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus 

3. BetMGM Sportsbook

Best for: Welcome bonus 

BetMGM is a creation of MGM Resorts, a renowned company in the hospitality and entertainment industry. If you want a sportsbook with a trusted reputation, consider BetMGM as your next betting destination.

BetMGM is doing an awful lot of things right, but the welcome bonus especially receives our kudos. You can get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets. You can use the bonus money to explore the diverse array of sports markets, whether mainstream or niche. Live betting is also excellent, with live streaming and detailed stats offered while you bet.

Similar to the loyalty program at Caesars, MGM Rewards boasts an enticing reward scheme that integrates other parts of the MGM brand. You can claim exclusive perks like dinners, hotel bookings, and trips to MGM resorts by collecting points through the scheme.

The BetMGM site provides a clear and intuitive experience that is obviously designed with user satisfaction in mind. The user-friendly interface makes it an ideal choice for those who are new to sports betting as well as experienced bettors. 

Explore our comprehensive review of BetMGM Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets! with the promo code WSNMGM.

BetMGM Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.4/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.2/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus 

4. BetRivers Sportsbook

Best for: Ongoing promotions 

BetRivers is an easy-to-use and dependable sportsbook that is perfect for bettors who are seeking a streamlined and straightforward betting experience. If you want a reliable and simple sportsbook, BetRivers is your go-to.

When you join BetRivers, they give you a second chance bet offer up to $500. It's like a backup if your first bet doesn't work out. BetRivers also keeps things exciting with ongoing promotions that match different sports and events. Just check their promotions page regularly to see if there's a bonus you want. They also update Odds Boosts every day.

While BetRivers is not the most ground-breaking platform, it does provide a user-friendly sportsbook that covers the fundamental needs for bettors. This is why it is a great option for beginners looking to dip their toes in the world of online sports betting. The platform is intuitive and allows you to place bets without feeling overwhelmed.

You can find out more in our full BetRivers review.

💰Sign-up offer: $100 Bonus Bet.

BetRivers Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.1/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.4/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 3.3/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.7/5

Claim Your BetRivers Sportsbook Bonus 

5. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform

DraftKing is a powerhouse in the realm of online sports betting, offering a wide variety of betting options and favorable odds. If you are looking for an excellent all-around sportsbook, DraftKings is definitely a good choice.

On DraftKings, you'll discover a variety of features, like the sportsbook, DFS section, social platform, online casino, and even a poker room. After registering, you can place your first $5 bet to get $150 in bonus bets.

The platform has a decent array of 13 payment options, including both modern and traditional methods. The minimum deposit is set at $5, which is the lowest in the industry, making the sportsbook accessible for users who aren’t looking to bet a significant amount.

DraftKings continues to make waves with the addition of DraftKings Dynasty, its rewarding and exciting loyalty scheme. Top prizes include VIP hosts and invites to special events. When it comes to customer service, DraftKings also excels with a responsive and helpful team that can be contacted via live chat, email or social media. 

Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Virginia

The full list of all 15 legal online sportsbooks that are available in Virginia is here: 

• Bally Bet

• Bet365

• Betfred Sports

• BetMGM

• Betr

• BetRivers

• Betway

• Caesars

• DraftKings

• ESPN Bet

• Fanatics Sportsbook

• FanDuel

• Hard Rock Bet

• SI Sportsbook

• Superbook

Virginia Online Sports Betting Sites

Virginia Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Virginia as of Jan. 21, 2021. At the moment, there are 16 legal online sportsbooks in the Old Dominion State. 

The legalization came about after a study bill was made in 2020, which explored the economic impact of online sports betting. The proposed measures gained widespread approval, leading to bills being passed through both the House and Senate. In the beginning, only online sportsbooks were allowed in the state, but in 2022, the first retail sportsbook opened, with a further two following in 2023.

How to Start Betting

Registering and placing a bet at a Virginia sportsbook is straightforward, with a few steps to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you start the betting process:

1. Choose your sportsbook. Ensure a secure betting experience by choosing a platform that is legal and licensed in Virginia. All the sportsbooks covered in this article are fully legal and regulated by the state, safeguarding your personal and financial information.

2. Create an account. Signing up for a sportsbook is a standard process. You will be asked for information such as your name, date of birth, email address, and password.

3. Confirm your identity. Then, certain platforms will require you to verify your identity by submitting necessary documents, such as your ID or driver's license.

4. Claim your welcome bonus. As a new player, you can benefit from the welcome bonus and our recommended platforms have the most generous offers in the industry. It is important to always be aware of any terms and conditions, and remember that some offers require a promo code.

5. Deposit money. After this, you can head to the cashier section and choose a payment method to make your first deposit. While the minimum amount varies across platforms, $10 is the standard amount. Often, you will have to make a minimum deposit to unlock your welcome bonus.

6. Make your first bet. Now, you can explore the sports markets and find your preferred option to place your first bet. You include this on your bet slip and type in your stake before confirming the bet.

7. Withdraw your winnings. If your bet has been successful, then it is time to claim your winnings. Take note that the withdrawal limits, processing times, and any additional verification will vary depending on the sportsbook.

Virginia Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos

Sportsbooks have a diverse variety of bonuses that aim to attract and retain bettors on their platforms. Welcome bonuses tend to be the most generous of the lot, making them a fantastic opportunity to explore and test out the sportsbook. When claiming Virginia sportsbook promos, remember to carefully read the T&Cs to be aware of any criteria or restrictions.

Here are the most common kinds of welcome bonuses for sportsbooks in Virginia: 

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are essentially betting tokens that can be used only on the sportsbook. It is generally awarded to bettors after an initial deposit or wager. With this bonus, you can explore the sportsbook without risking a large amount upfront.

Second Chance Bets

With a second chance bet, you are provided a safety net for your bets. The sportsbook provides you a chance to recover a part or even the entirety of your first wager if it loses. If your first bet does not win, then you will be refunded a specified amount in bonus bets.

Deposit Match Bonuses

With a deposit match bonus, the sportsbook will match a percentage of your entire deposit up to a specified limit. Thus, the more you deposit, the more you stand to gain from this kind of bonus. At the moment, SI Sportsbook has a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $100.

No-Deposit Bonuses

As the name suggests, a no-deposit bonus requires no deposit or wager on your part. All you need to do is sign up for the sportsbook, and you can qualify for the bonus. They are not as frequent as other bonuses and tend to be a smaller amount, ranging from $10 to $20.

What Mobile Sportsbook Apps Are Available in Virginia?

Mobile sportsbooks enable users to effortlessly place bets from the palm of their hand whenever they want. Bettors can utilize the flexibility and accessibility offered by smartphones and tablets. Our recommended sportsbooks boast leading mobile apps, ensuring that sports betting is convenient whether you are at home or on the move.

Check out the best sportsbook apps in Virginia:

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

4. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

5. BetRivers - 4.4/5 (iOS); 3.5/5 (Android)

How Can I Bet in Virginia?

Exploring the world of sports betting in Virginia, you will find a huge array of sports and betting markets. With 16 different sportsbooks available in the state, you can find various types of different bets on each platform. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but we have summarized the main types of bets you might come across below:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a simple wager on the team or side that you think will win in a game or event. It is as simple as that. Payouts for moneyline bets are determined by the odds given by the sportsbook. Positive odds suggest a lower likelihood of winning, while negative odds show the favorite team to win. Consider this example:

• SF 49ers (-850)

• Washington Commanders (+575)

Here, the 49ers are the favorite team, meaning, a bet of $850 would be needed to win $100 resulting in a total payout of $950. Whereas, the Washington Commanders are the underdog so you would need to bet $100 to make a profit of $575. If the Commanders are successful, then you are looking at a payout of $675.

Point Spreads

A point spread bet involves wagering on the margin of victory rather than who wins or loses, with the spread of points predetermined by the sportsbook. The favorite has to win by more than the spread, while the other team has to win or avoid losing when the spread is taken into account. Essentially, it forms a more balanced situation if there is a big difference in skill between teams. For instance:

• SF 49ers -13 (-110)

• Washington Commanders +13 (-110)

If you place a bet on the 49ers, they would have to win by 13 points or more. On the other hand, if you bet on the Commanders, then they would have to win the game or avoid losing by 13 points. The standard odds for point spread bets are around -110 for both sides.

Totals

With a total bet, also known as over/under bets, you are focusing on the total number of points scored in a game, regardless of the winning or losing side. You predict whether the combined score of both teams will be above or below a predetermined number. Take a look at this example:

SF 49er vs. Washington Commanders:

• Over 49 (-110)

• Under 49 (-110)

Futures

Future bets are long-term predictions on events that will take place well into the future, often before the season starts. For example, you could bet on a team to win the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup at any point in the season. 

Prop Bets

Prop bets consist of wagering on specific events in the game that are not necessarily related to the final outcome. These bets can cover a range of events, such as player or team performance, statistics, and other occurrences. For example, you can bet on the number of three-pointers made in a basketball game, passing yards in football, or yellow cards in a soccer match.

Parlays

Parlays involve combining multiple individual bets into a single wager. All of the individual bets must be correct to win the parlay. You could, for instance, make a parlay bet by combining the moneyline wagers for the Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, and Washington Wizards all to win. Each team will have to win for your parlay to be successful. It is a riskier wager but has a higher potential payout. Teaser bets allow adjustments to point spreads or totals in a parlay, although there is a lower payout. 

Live Betting

Live betting provides you the option of placing bets on a game as it unfolds. The odds are adjusted taking into account any changes in scores, player performances, and various other events. As such, you can change your betting strategy as the game develops, creating a more immersive betting experience. Several Virginia sportsbooks have dedicated live betting features, while some helpfully even provide live streaming options.

What Can’t You Bet On in Virginia?

For Virginia sports betting, there are a few restrictions to be aware of:

• You cannot bet on any political events.

• Wagers cannot be placed on the NFL draft.

• Betting on awards or entertainment events is forbidden.

• Bettors cannot wager on in-state college teams.

Wagering on College Sports in Virginia

Betting on college sports is legal in Virginia, with some exceptions. It is not legal to place bets on in-state college teams in Virginia. However, it is allowed to wager on teams outside the state apart from specific bets on player performance.

Virginia Sports Betting Facts

How Does Virginia Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Virginia ranks as the 10th state in terms of overall handle, with a total of $12.4 billion. For context, it is the 12th largest state in the US in terms of population with 8.7 million residents. Virginia’s total handle is around the typical range when compared with other states. 

Michigan is a good point of comparison as it also legalized sports betting in January 2021. It has a total handle of $13.1 billion, which is more than Virginia. However, this makes sense when considering it has a bigger population of 10 million. It must also be taken to account that there is hardly any retail sports betting revenue in Virginia. Tennessee has a smaller population of 7.1 million and launched online sports betting in November 2020, and does not have retail sports betting. With a total handle of $10.1, it ranks 11th for sports betting handle below Virginia.

Virginia has a fairly standard tax rate of 15%. It is higher compared with Nevada’s 6.75% and Michigan’s 8%, but considerably lower than New York’s 51% tax rate. Unlike some other states, Virginia allows both DFS platforms and betting on esports.

Virginia Sports Betting Updates

After the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA, which opened the door for states to legalize sports betting, Virginia took three years to establish a legal framework for sports betting. We have outlined the key events in the timeline below:

• June 27, 2024 - Virginia's gambling law subcommittee plans to introduce tighter regulations for daily fantasy sports in 2025. This is due to continued ambiguity between legal sports betting and pick 'em-style DFS.

• May 23, 2024 - Gov. Glenn Youngkin rejected a bill that would have legalized skill games in Virginia. Youngkin had previously amended the same bill, but his changes were rejected by the Senate.

• May 16, 2024 - Caesars Entertainment confirmed that a permanent location for the Caesars Danville casino will open in December.

• May 2, 2024 - Virginia sports betting books third largest monthly handle in March, collecting $629 million in gross revenue.

• April 18, 2024 - Unibet is no longer available in Virginia. There are now 15 sports betting apps available in the state.

• April 16, 2024 - Gov. Glenn Youngkin sent skills games bill SB 212 back to the General Assembly with several amendments. One amendment would make skill games legal on Jan. 1, 2025.

• April 9, 2024 - Unibet will exit Virginia on April 11. Bettors are no longer able to place wagers on the site and must withdraw funds by April 11.

• April 9, 2024 - A new Virginia law removed Richmond from a list of cities eligible to open a new casino. Voters in Richmond have twice voted down a proposal to build a casino in the city.

• April 9, 2024 - VA Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed revising the controversial skill games legislation. The proposed amendments would raise taxes on the machines and allow localities to ban them.

• Feb. 2, 2024 - Virginia made over $5 billion in wagers during 2023.

• Jan. 29, 2024 - Sports betting bill SB 142 passed through the gaming sub-committee of the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Virginia?

Yes, DFS is legal in Virginia, in fact, it was the first state to formally legalize DFS in 2016. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have DFS platforms that can be used in the state.

Sports Teams in Virginia

Virginia does not have any major league teams but you can find passionate supporters for Washington franchises, due to its close proximity. You can particularly find fanbases for teams like the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Commanders, and Washington Nationals. 

Virginia Sportsbook Partnerships

As Virginia has no major league teams, there are not any sportsbook partnerships with specific teams from the state.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Virginia

Bettors in Virginia have access to a range of resources for those struggling with gambling problems, as well as information on how to practice responsible gambling. 

• The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling is an organization that aims to increase awareness about problem gambling, provide treatment, and support research and programs. On the website, you can find a heap of helpful resources, in addition to a contact form and helpline at 888-532-3500.

• On a national level, there are also other helplines. You can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, and chat at 1800 Gambler Chat.

Several sportsbooks in Virginia have specific features to help manage your gambling:

1. Deposit/wager limits - Sets a certain amount you can deposit or bet over time, so that you can manage your spending.

2. Time alerts - Provides notifications to keep you aware of the time spent on betting.

3. Self-exclusion - Prevents access to a sportsbook for a certain duration or indefinitely.