Is Gambling In Virginia Legal?

Gambling in Virginia is legal. Virginia is a state located on the east coast of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, and West Virginia and Kentucky to the west. The capital city of Virginia is Richmond. The state is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and significant role in the founding of the United States.

What forms of Gambling in Virginia is legal?

Certain forms of gambling in Virginia is legal, while others remain prohibited. Here is an overview of the gambling laws in Virginia:

Casino Gambling: Casino gambling, including traditional casino games like slots, blackjack, and poker, is legal in Virginia. However, the authorization for casinos is limited to specific cities and counties. In 2020, voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth approved referendums allowing casino development in their respective jurisdictions. The Virginia Lottery Board regulates and oversees casino operations in the state.

Sports Betting: Virginia has legalized sports betting. The Virginia Sports Betting Bill, passed in 2020, allows for both online and retail sports betting. The Virginia Lottery is responsible for regulating and overseeing sports betting activities in the state. Licensed operators can offer a range of sports betting options on professional and collegiate sports. The best sites and sportsbooks are Draftsking, Caesars, Fanduel, Betway and others.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal in Virginia, including online sports betting and online casino games. Licensed operators can offer these services to players within the state’s borders, following the regulations set by the Virginia Lottery.

Horse Racing: Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is allowed in Virginia. Colonial Downs, located in New Kent County, is the primary racetrack in the state. Off-track betting (OTB) facilities are also available for placing bets on horse racing events.

Lottery: The Virginia Lottery offers various games, including scratch-off tickets, draw games, and multi-state lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Lottery sales are widely available throughout the state.

It’s important to note that the specific regulations, licensing requirements, and limitations for each type of gambling activity may vary.

1. Sports Betting Bill passed in Virginia

Virginia has passed legislation to legalize sports betting. The bill, known as the Virginia Sports Betting Bill, was signed into law in April 2020 and went into effect on July 1, 2020.

Under the Virginia Sports Betting Bill, both online and retail sports betting are permitted. The Virginia Lottery regulates and oversees sports betting in the state. Licensed operators can offer a wide range of sports betting options, including professional and collegiate sports.

The legislation allows for a maximum of 12 online sports betting licenses, which can be issued to operators partnering with eligible sports organizations or major league sports franchises. Retail sports betting can also take place at eligible casino locations. It’s important to note that specific details, such as licensing requirements, taxation rates, and regulations, may vary.

Sports to bet

In Virginia, the legal sports betting legislation allows for wagering on a wide range of sports. You can place bets on both professional and collegiate sporting events, with some exceptions. Here are some of the sports that are typically included in legal sports betting in Virginia:

• Professional Sports: You can gamble on major professional sports leagues such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS).
• Collegiate Sports: Virginia’s sports betting laws also permit wagering on collegiate sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and other sports involving college teams. However, there may be restrictions on betting on games involving Virginia-based college teams or certain types of college events.
• Other Sports: Apart from the major professional and collegiate sports, Virginia sports betting legislation often allows for betting on a variety of other sports. This can include tennis, golf, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), soccer leagues from around the world, auto racing (such as NASCAR), and more.

It’s important to note that the specific sports and events available for betting may vary depending on the sportsbooks and operators authorized by the Virginia Lottery. Additionally, individual sportsbooks may have their own restrictions or offerings based on licensing agreements and market demand. It’s always advisable to check with authorized sportsbooks or consult the Virginia Lottery for the most up-to-date information on the sports available for gambling in Virginia.

2. Casinos in Virginia

Virginia has 13 casinos in which you’ll find more than 10,748 slots and gaming machines. There are a total of 440 table games. The minimum bet  found at casinos in Virginia is $0.01 and the maximum bet is $10..

There is poker in Virginia! You will find over 49 live poker tables to play at. You will find the following games in Virginia casinos: No Limit Texas Hold’em, Texas Hold’em. Some Virginia casinos also offer convention centers and meeting spaces. Over the entire town, you will find a total of 160,000 conference sq/ft space in the various casino properties.

Out of all casinos in Virginia you’ll find HeadWaters Resort & Casino to be the biggest. It has 3000 gaming machines and 150 table games.

Coming in second place for largest casino in Virginia is ONE Casino + Resort with 1800 gaming machines and 100 table games.

The casino with the largest gaming space in square footage is Live! Casino & Hotel Petersburg with 230,000 square feet of gaming space.

In Virginia, the construction and operation of casinos are limited to specific cities and counties. In 2020, voters in four jurisdictions approved referendums allowing casino development. Here are the cities and counties where casinos have been approved:

• Bristol: In Bristol, Virginia, voters approved a referendum to allow the development of a casino. The Bristol Resort and Casino is expected to be constructed and operated in the city.
• Danville: Danville, Virginia, also approved a referendum for a casino. The Caesars Virginia Resort and Casino is planned to be developed in Danville.
• Norfolk: Norfolk, Virginia, approved a referendum for the development of a casino. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe is expected to construct and operate the proposed Norfolk Resort and Casino.
• Portsmouth: Portsmouth, Virginia, approved a casino referendum. The Rivers Casino Portsmouth is planned to be developed and operated in the city.

These are the jurisdictions where casino development has been approved.

Games to play at casinos

Here are some of the common casino games you can expect to find at authorized Virginia casinos:

• Slot Machines: Slot machines are a staple in most casinos, and Virginia casinos are no exception. They offer a variety of slot machines featuring different themes, paylines, and bonus features.
• Table Games: Table games are popular in casinos and typically include classics like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. These games involve playing against the dealer or the house and can be found at many Virginia casinos.
• Poker: Poker is a widely enjoyed card game, and many casinos have dedicated poker rooms where players can participate in cash games or tournaments. Various poker variations, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud, may be available.
• Video Poker: Video poker machines are electronic versions of the traditional five-card draw poker game. Players can find a variety of video poker machines offering different rules and paytables at Virginia casinos.
• Live Poker Room: Some Virginia casinos may have dedicated live poker rooms where players can participate in live poker games against other players, rather than playing against the house.
• Other Casino Games: Depending on the specific casino and its offerings, you may find additional games such as Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, and more.

It’s important to note that the availability of games may vary among different Virginia casinos, as the specific games offered are determined by the licensing agreements and regulations set by the Virginia Lottery Board.

10 best casinos in Virginia

3. Horse Racing in Virginia

Horse racing has a rich history in Virginia, and the state offers opportunities for both live racing events and off-track betting (OTB) on horse races from around the country. Here’s an overview of horse racing in Virginia:

• Colonial Downs: Colonial Downs is the primary racetrack in Virginia. Located in New Kent County, it hosts live horse racing events during its racing season. The track features both thoroughbred racing and harness racing.
• Off-Track Betting (OTB): In addition to live racing, Virginia has several off-track betting (OTB) facilities where you can watch and wager on horse races from other tracks. These OTB locations allow you to enjoy simulcast racing from tracks across the country.
• Virginia Racing Commission: The Virginia Racing Commission regulates and oversees horse racing activities in the state. It ensures the integrity of the sport, licenses racing participants and facilities, and enforces rules and regulations.
• Virginia-Bred Program: Virginia has a program that supports and promotes the breeding of thoroughbred and standardbred horses within the state. The Virginia Breeders Fund offers incentives and awards for owners and breeders of Virginia-bred horses.

It’s worth noting that the availability of live racing events and OTB facilities may vary, and it’s advisable to check the official website of Colonial Downs or contact them directly for the latest information on live racing schedules and OTB locations in Virginia.

Additionally, note that horse racing and wagering laws can change over time, and there may be specific regulations and requirements related to betting on horse races.

4. Lotteries in Virginia

Virginia offers several lottery games, including both draw games and scratch-off tickets. The Virginia Lottery is responsible for overseeing and administering these games. Here are some of the main lottery games available in Virginia:

• Mega Millions: Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game played across multiple states, including Virginia. Players select five numbers from a pool of 70 and one Mega Ball number from a pool of 25. Jackpots start at $40 million and can reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Powerball: Powerball is another popular multi-state lottery game available in Virginia. Players choose five numbers from a pool of 69 and one Powerball number from a pool of 26. Powerball jackpots often reach staggering amounts, with the largest jackpot in history exceeding $1.5 billion.
• Cash4Life: Cash4Life is a unique lottery game where players have the chance to win $1,000 per day for life. Players choose five numbers from a pool of 60 and one Cash Ball number from a pool of 4.
• Pick 3 and Pick 4: Pick 3 and Pick 4 are daily draw games where players select three or four numbers, respectively, from a pool of numbers. Players can choose to play straight, box, straight/box, or other combinations, with different prize amounts for each option.
• Print ‘n Play Games: Virginia Lottery also offers a variety of instant-win games called Print ‘n Play. These games are similar to scratch-off tickets but are played online. Players can purchase tickets and instantly see if they’ve won a prize.

In addition to these main games, the Virginia Lottery also introduces limited-time games and promotions throughout the year. It’s important to note that players must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets in Virginia.

For more information, you can visit the official website of the Virginia Lottery or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on the available lottery games and how to play.