Virginia launched its eagerly anticipated online sports betting market in January 2021. The law allows 18 online sportsbooks to launch in total, and it does not make provisions for any retail sports wagering lounges. FanDuel stole a march on its rivals by tying up a market access deal with the Washington Commanders and launching first. It remains the clear market leader in the state, but it faces a great deal of competition.
Fourteen of the 18 available online sports betting licenses in Virginia have now been filled. Along with FanDuel, you can place bets at highly popular brands such as DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. Additional operators in the state include Bally Bet, Barstool, BetRivers, Betway, Golden Nugget Sportsbook, Hard Rock Sportsbook, PointsBet, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, Unibet and WynnBET.
That leaves Virginia with one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the country. The various sportsbooks offer large promotions and compete to offer the best odds in a bid to boost market share, which is great news for VA bettors.
Casinos are currently being built in Virginia. When they open for business, they will be permitted to host retail sports betting lounges. That will allow you to soak up the atmosphere, share picks with fellow bettors and watch games on a big screen, but online sports betting is a lot quicker, easier and more convenient.
You just need to be 21 or older and physically located in the state to sign up for a Virginia sports betting account. You can bet on all professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Straight bets on college sports games are permitted, but props are outlawed, and you cannot bet on games featuring teams based within the state either. That could change in future, but lawmakers would need to pass a bill to amend the current legal framework.
All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.
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