Online Gambling in Virginia (2026) | Laws, Sports Betting & Casino Guide
Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Virginia |
| Online Casino Games (iGaming) | ❌ Not legal — 2026 bills stalled in conference; expected return in 2027 session |
| Online Sports Betting | ✅ Legal — live since January 21, 2021; 12 licensed operators |
| Online Poker | ❌ Not legal — no separate authorization |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Legal — Virginia was first state to formalize DFS (2016) |
| Brick-and-Mortar Casinos | ✅ Legal — 4 casinos now operating |
| State Lottery (online) | ✅ Legal — Virginia Lottery offers draw games and 150+ instant games online |
| Horse Racing / Pari-Mutuel | ✅ Legal — Colonial Downs operates pari-mutuel wagering |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 (sports betting and casino) |
| Regulatory Bodies | Virginia Lottery (sports betting); Virginia Gaming Control Board (casinos) |
| Last Legal Update | 2026 — HB 161 / SB 118 iGaming bills passed chambers but stalled in conference |
Legal Overview
Virginia has made substantial progress toward a fully regulated gambling market, but online casino gaming is not yet available. Online sports betting launched January 21, 2021, and Virginia now has one of the country’s largest sports betting markets with 12 licensed operators. Four commercial casinos have opened across the state. Daily fantasy sports have been legal since 2016 — Virginia was the first state to formally enact DFS legislation.
The missing piece is online casino gaming (iGaming). Two bills — House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 — passed their respective chambers in 2026 after clearing by narrow margins on second votes. Both included a reenactment clause, meaning they must pass again in 2027 before taking effect. The bills stalled in conference before the 2026 session ended. If the 2027 session succeeds, a regulatory buildout and licensing period means Virginians should not expect live iGaming earlier than 2028.
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What’s Legal
- Online sports betting: Fully legal. 12 licensed operators offer online/mobile wagering statewide. Launched January 21, 2021. Minimum age: 21.
- Brick-and-mortar casinos: Four commercial casinos are open: Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Caesars Virginia (Danville), and an interim gaming hall in Norfolk. A fifth casino in Petersburg received operator approval in January 2026 — open status unconfirmed.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal since 2016. FanDuel and DraftKings are the primary licensed operators. Virginia was the first state in the US to formally legalize DFS via the Fantasy Contests Act.
- Online lottery: Virginia Lottery offers draw games and 150+ instant games online at valottery.com.
- Horse racing / pari-mutuel: Colonial Downs operates pari-mutuel wagering in New Kent.
- Sweepstakes / social casinos: Currently operating legally, but under increasing regulatory pressure.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming): Not yet legal. HB 161 and SB 118 passed chambers in 2026 but stalled before becoming law. Do not confuse sports betting availability with casino availability — there are no licensed online casino platforms in Virginia as of 2026.
- Online poker: No separate authorization. Falls under the general absence of iGaming regulation.
- No operator may offer online casino gaming in Virginia without a license — which currently cannot be issued because the enabling statute has not been enacted.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Fantasy Contests Act | Virginia becomes first state to formally legalize DFS |
| ~2020 | Casino gaming legislation | Authorized commercial casinos in qualifying Virginia cities, subject to voter referendum |
| November 3, 2020 | Voter referendums — Bristol, Portsmouth, Danville, Norfolk, Petersburg | Voters in five Virginia cities approved casino construction |
| 2020 | HB 896 / SB 384 (signed by Gov. Northam) | Legalized sports betting; Virginia Lottery designated as regulator |
| March 25, 2021 | SB 1254 / HB 1847 (effective July 1, 2021) | Expanded VA sports betting to allow up to 12 mobile sportsbooks; added Olympic wagering |
| January 21, 2021 | Sports betting market launch | FanDuel and DraftKings go live; Virginia becomes legal sports betting state |
| April 2022 | Hard Rock Bristol operator license approved | First Virginia commercial casino licensed |
| October 2025 | Norfolk (Boyd Gaming) facility operator license approved | Interim gaming hall operating; permanent casino TBD |
| January 2026 | Petersburg casino (PPE/Live!) facility operator license approved | Fifth commercial casino licensed |
| 2026 | HB 161 / SB 118 (iGaming bills) | Passed respective chambers but stalled in conference; both include reenactment clause requiring 2027 passage |
Regulatory Structure
Two agencies oversee gambling in Virginia, with different jurisdictions:
Virginia Lottery is the primary regulator for sports betting and has overseen casino gaming licensing. The Virginia Lottery reports to the Virginia Lottery Board and operates under Title 58.1 Chapter 40 of the Code of Virginia for sports wagering.
| Authority | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Virginia Lottery | Sports betting licensing and regulation; casino facility operator licensing |
| Virginia Gaming Control Board (VGCB) | Casino gaming oversight |
| Virginia Lottery Board | Policy for lottery and sports betting regulation |
Licensed Sports Betting Operators
Virginia launched sports betting on January 21, 2021, and has grown into one of the most active mobile betting markets in the country. Twelve licensed operators offer online/mobile sports wagering statewide as of May 2026.
| Operator | Licensed Entity (per VA Lottery) | Launch / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Betfair Interactive US LLC | January 21, 2021 (Day 1); in conjunction with Washington Commanders |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Crown Virginia Gaming, LLC | January 21, 2021 (Day 1) |
| BetMGM | BetMGM, LLC | January 2021 |
| BetRivers | Rivers Portsmouth Gaming, LLC | January 27, 2021; tied to Rivers Casino Portsmouth |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Virginia, LLC | Launched as William Hill; rebranded August 3, 2021 |
| Bally Bet | Bally’s Interactive, LLC | — |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Colonial Downs Group, LLC | — |
| Hard Rock Bet | HR Bristol, LLC | Tied to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol |
| bet365 | Hillside (Virginia), LLC | Launched February 2023 |
| theScore Bet | (per VA Lottery permit list) | — |
| Sporttrade | Sporttrade Virginia LLC | Exchange-model sportsbook |
| Betr | (per Sports Betting Dime, May 2026) | — |
Retail Sportsbooks (at Virginia Casinos)
| Casino | Retail Sportsbook |
|---|---|
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol | Hard Rock Sportsbook |
| Rivers Casino Portsmouth | BetRivers Sportsbook |
| Caesars Virginia, Danville | Caesars Sportsbook |
| Colonial Downs Racetrack (New Kent) | Fanatics Sportsbook |
Virginia Casinos
Virginia voters approved commercial casinos in five cities via referendum on November 3, 2020. Four casinos are confirmed open; a fifth in Petersburg received its facility operator license in January 2026 but has not been confirmed open at time of publication.
| Casino | City | Operator | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol | Bristol | Hard Rock International | Open | First Virginia commercial casino; Hard Rock Sportsbook on-site |
| Rivers Casino Portsmouth | Portsmouth | Rush Street Gaming | Open | BetRivers Sportsbook on-site; hotel (The Landing) opening early 2027 |
| Caesars Virginia | Danville | Caesars Entertainment | Open | Caesars Sportsbook on-site |
| Interim Gaming Hall (Boyd Gaming) | Norfolk | Boyd Gaming | Open (interim) | Temporary facility; permanent casino under development |
| Petersburg Casino (Live!) | Petersburg | PPE Casino Resorts / The Cordish Companies | Unconfirmed | Facility operator license approved January 14, 2026; opening date not confirmed |
Note on Richmond: A Richmond casino proposal was defeated in a November 2021 voter referendum. No subsequent approval has been confirmed.
Online Casino Gaming (iGaming) — Not Yet Legal
As of May 2026, online casino gaming is not legal in Virginia. There are no licensed online casino platforms operating in the state.
Virginia came close in 2026. House Bill 161 passed the House 67-30 and Senate Bill 118 passed the Senate 19-17 — each required a second attempt before clearing. However, neither chamber agreed to the other’s version, and the bills stalled in conference before the session ended.
The reenactment clause is important: Both bills included a provision requiring them to be passed again in the 2027 session before they become law. If 2027 produces a successful conference agreement and gubernatorial signature, it will still take approximately 12 months to build the regulatory framework, issue licenses, and stand up licensed platforms. Realistic launch: not before 2028.
What the 2026 bills proposed:
- Each of Virginia’s licensed land-based casinos could issue up to 3 online casino licenses
- 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue (AGR)
- Oversight by the Virginia Lottery Board
- $2 million platform fee per casino; $500,000 licensing fee per operator; 5-year license terms
Until iGaming passes and launches, Virginians who want to play online casino games must use offshore platforms (which operate outside state regulation) or wait for the licensed market to launch.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Virginia has a long history with daily fantasy sports. The Fantasy Contests Act, signed in 2016, made Virginia the first state in the United States to formally legalize daily fantasy sports. The law was enacted before many other states had addressed DFS at all.
FanDuel and DraftKings are the major licensed DFS operators in Virginia. Both offer season-long and daily contest formats.
Offshore Online Casinos
Since Virginia has no licensed online casino market, some Virginia players use offshore casino platforms. Virginia has no law explicitly criminalizing individual players for accessing these sites, though they operate entirely outside state regulation.
All five platforms below accept Virginia players based on standard US offshore operator practices. Virginia is not in any of their known restricted-state lists.
| Casino | VA Status | License / Notes | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Accepts VA players | Offshore; not VA-licensed | Read Review |
| Wild Casino | Accepts VA players | Offshore; Panama Gaming Commission | Read Review |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts VA players | Offshore; not VA-licensed | Read Review |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts VA players | Offshore; not VA-licensed | Read Review |
| Slots.LV | Accepts VA players | Offshore; not VA-licensed | Read Review |
Note: Once Virginia’s licensed iGaming market launches, MobileCasinoParty recommends transitioning to licensed platforms for full consumer protections.
Recent Legal Changes (2024–2026)
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 2026 | iGaming Bills Stall: HB 161 and SB 118 passed their chambers — a significant milestone — but stalled in conference without a final compromise. Both include a reenactment clause requiring 2027 passage. |
| January 14, 2026 | Petersburg Casino Licensed: PPE Casino Resorts Petersburg, LLC (Live! brand) received its facility operator license from the Virginia Lottery. Fifth commercial casino license issued in Virginia. |
| October 29, 2025 | Norfolk Interim Gaming Hall: Boyd Gaming’s Norfolk casino facility operator license approved. Current operation is an interim gaming hall while the permanent casino complex is built. |
| 2026 | SB 195 — Virginia Gaming Commission: Bill to create a standalone Virginia Gaming Commission introduced. Final status unconfirmed. If enacted, would restructure gambling regulation significantly. |
| 2026 | SB 661 — Skill Games: Virginia Senate considered legislation to define and regulate skill game machines for taxation purposes. Final status unconfirmed. |
Responsible Gambling Resources
Virginia-Specific Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) | 1-888-532-3500 | 24/7; toll-free; confidential; call or text. Primary VA problem gambling resource. |
| VCPG Website / Chat | vcpg.net | Online chat available; Virginia-specific resources and counselor directory |
The VCPG helpline at 1-888-532-3500 is the primary Virginia problem gambling resource. Some Virginia-licensed sportsbooks display 1-800-GAMBLER in their fine print — that number routes to the national NCPG line, which is a valid resource but is not Virginia’s primary helpline.
Self-Exclusion Program
The Virginia Lottery administers a self-exclusion program for sports betting. For enrollment, visit valottery.com and navigate to the responsible gambling section.
Land-based casinos operate their own self-exclusion programs:
| Casino | Contact for Self-Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol | hardrockcasinobristol.com |
| Rivers Casino Portsmouth | riverscasino.com/portsmouth/ |
| Caesars Virginia | caesarsvirginia.com |
| Norfolk Interim Gaming Hall (Boyd Gaming) | norfolk.boydgaming.com |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| NCPG National Helpline | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | 24/7/365 |
| 1-800-GAMBLER (NCPG legacy) | 1-800-522-4700 | 24/7 (also used by some VA operators) |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 | Meetings vary; gamblersanonymous.org |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Virginia?
Partially. Online sports betting is legal in Virginia and has been live since January 21, 2021, with 12 licensed operators. Daily fantasy sports are also legal. However, online casino gaming (iGaming) is not yet legal. House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 both passed their respective chambers in 2026 but stalled in conference. Both include a reenactment clause requiring passage again in the 2027 session before they become law.
Can I play at online casinos in Virginia?
There are no licensed online casino platforms in Virginia as of 2026. The iGaming bills that would authorize them stalled in the 2026 legislative session. Some Virginia players use offshore casino sites, which operate outside state regulation. Virginia has no law explicitly penalizing individual players for accessing offshore sites, but those platforms offer no Virginia consumer protections. Licensed online casinos are not expected before 2028 at the earliest.
How many legal sportsbooks are there in Virginia?
Virginia has 12 licensed online sports betting operators as of May 2026: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, Bally Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, bet365, theScore Bet, Sporttrade, and Betr. All offer mobile wagering statewide. The minimum age is 21.
When did Virginia legalize sports betting?
Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020 under House Bill 896 and Senate Bill 384, signed by Governor Ralph Northam. The market launched on January 21, 2021. Amendments signed in March 2021 (SB 1254 / HB 1847) expanded the framework to allow up to 12 mobile sportsbooks not tethered to land-based gaming facilities.
What casinos are open in Virginia?
Four casinos are confirmed open in Virginia as of May 2026: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (Bristol), Rivers Casino Portsmouth (Portsmouth), Caesars Virginia (Danville), and an interim gaming hall in Norfolk operated by Boyd Gaming. A fifth casino in Petersburg (Live! brand, by The Cordish Companies) received its facility operator license in January 2026, but its opening status has not been confirmed. There are no casinos in Richmond — a 2021 referendum there was defeated.
Is daily fantasy sports legal in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016 through the Fantasy Contests Act — making it the first state in the United States to formally enact DFS legislation. FanDuel and DraftKings are the primary licensed DFS operators.
What is the problem gambling helpline for Virginia?
The primary Virginia problem gambling helpline is 1-888-532-3500, operated by the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG). It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free, and confidential. You can also chat at vcpg.net. Some sportsbooks display 1-800-GAMBLER in their fine print — that number is a valid national resource but 1-888-532-3500 is Virginia’s dedicated line.
When will online casinos launch in Virginia?
Online casino gaming is not yet authorized in Virginia. The 2026 iGaming bills (HB 161 and SB 118) passed both chambers but stalled in conference without a final agreement. Both bills include a reenactment clause requiring them to pass again in the 2027 session. If 2027 succeeds, the regulatory buildout and licensing process typically takes about 12 months, putting a realistic launch date no earlier than 2028.
Related Guides
- USA Online Casinos — Full State Guide Hub
- Online Gambling in New Jersey — Legal iGaming since 2013; 15+ operators
- Online Gambling in Pennsylvania — Legal iGaming since 2019; neighboring state
- Online Gambling in Michigan — Legal iGaming since 2021
- Online Gambling in Connecticut — Legal iGaming and sports betting
- Online Gambling in New York — Sports betting legal; iGaming not yet enacted
- Online Gambling in Maryland — Sports betting legal; iGaming not yet enacted
- Online Gambling in Ohio — Sports betting legal; iGaming not yet enacted
- Bovada Casino Review — Accepts Virginia players
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts Virginia players
- Ignition Casino Review — Accepts Virginia players
- Cafe Casino Review — Accepts Virginia players
- Slots.LV Review — Accepts Virginia players
Last verified: 2026-05-19 | Responsible Gambling Policy | How We Review
