Online Gambling in Virginia - Casino & Sports Betting

Virginia, also known as The Old Dominion, is known as such because it was one of the first of the 13 colonies established in what is now known as the United States. It was even the first state to have a nickname! Virginia is located on the East Coast and boasts beautiful mountains as well as a treasured bit of coastline. Most forms of gambling are legal in Virginia. However, it is still your responsibility as a player to make sure that you are following regulations and laws pertaining to the types of games you play.

This article gives a brief but comprehensive overview of the types of gambling available in Virginia to help you make decisions that are right for you.

Virginia has undergone a notable expansion in legalized gambling in recent years. Although previously conservative in its approach, the state now authorizes several major forms of betting under robust legal frameworks, including sports betting, land-based casinos, lottery games, pari-mutuel horse racing, and charitable gaming. Oversight is primarily administered by the Virginia Lottery Board, the Virginia Racing Commission, and relevant chapters of the Code of Virginia.

Online Casinos

Online casino gaming remains illegal in Virginia. As of 2025, there is no legislation that authorizes licensed operators to provide real-money online slots, blackjack, roulette, or poker games to residents. While proposals have been introduced in the General Assembly (e.g., Senate Bill 827), none have been enacted into law. Any form of online casino play offered by unlicensed offshore entities is considered unregulated and prohibited under state law.

• Status: Illegal
• Date of Authorization: N/A
• Law: N/A
• Official Link: N/A
  

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting was legalized in April 2020 through legislation passed as part of Virginia's broader gambling expansion. The law allows mobile sports betting platforms to operate under licenses granted by the Virginia Lottery Board. Bettors must be physically located in Virginia to place bets, and only approved sportsbooks may legally operate. The legal framework is outlined in Title 58.1, Chapter 40, Article 2, which specifies eligibility, tax rates, operator conduct, and consumer protections.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: April 2020
• Law: Code of Virginia §58.1-4030 to §58.1-4043
• Official Link: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter40/
  

Physical Casinos

Casino gambling in Virginia was legalized in July 2020 through the Casino Gaming Law outlined in Title 58.1, Chapter 41. The legislation permits the development of full-service commercial casinos in five cities: Danville, Bristol, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond, pending local referenda. These casinos are authorized to offer table games, slot machines, and in-person sports betting. Licensing, taxation, and operational regulations are administered by the Virginia Lottery Board under the statute.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: July 2020
• Law: Code of Virginia §58.1-4100 to §58.1-4124
• Official Link: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter41/
  

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been legal in Virginia since the mid-1990s and is currently governed under Title 59.1, Chapter 29 of the Code of Virginia. The law allows live horse racing events, simulcast wagering, and off-track betting (OTB) facilities. The Virginia Racing Commission is responsible for licensing, oversight, and enforcement. Historical horse racing machines (HHRs) are also regulated under this chapter and operate in designated locations like Rosie’s Gaming Emporium.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: Codified in 1995
• Law: Code of Virginia §59.1-364 to §59.1-392
• Official Link: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title59.1/chapter29/
  

Lottery

The Virginia Lottery was established on July 1, 1988, following a voter-approved constitutional amendment. It offers a wide range of draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash4Life), instant scratchers, and online ticket sales. In 2020, online lottery access was expanded to allow digital ticket purchases directly through the Virginia Lottery website and app. Operations and oversight are codified in Title 58.1, Chapter 40, Article 1.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: July 1, 1988 (retail), July 1, 2020 (online)
• Law: Code of Virginia §58.1-4000 to §58.1-4029
• Official Link: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter40/
  

Charitable Gaming (Bingo, Raffles, Pull-Tabs)

Charitable gaming is legal and regulated under Title 18.2, Chapter 8, Article 1.1 of the Code of Virginia. Nonprofit organizations may apply for licenses to conduct bingo, raffles, pull-tab games, and electronic charitable gaming. These operations are distinct from commercial gambling and are designed to support community fundraising efforts. The regulations cover licensing, prize limits, age restrictions, and financial reporting.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: Codified in its modern form in the early 2000s, revised through 2020
• Law: Code of Virginia §18.2-340.15 to §18.2-340.37
• Official Link: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter8/
  

Overall Comment

Virginia has created a well-structured and modern gambling landscape since 2020, with clear legal pathways for land-based casinos, online sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing, lottery products, and charitable games. The state continues to evolve in its regulatory maturity. However, real-money online casino gaming remains illegal, and until passed by legislation, operators are not allowed to offer digital slots or table games to Virginia residents.

Online Casino in Virginia

Online Casinos are not yet legal in Virginia. It’s important for players to use Legal Online Casinos. This ensures the safety of the site owner and all of the players. It is the bettor’s responsibility, however, to ensure that the sites they choose are vetted and legitimate.

Sports Betting in Virginia

As of July 2020, Virginia sports betting is legal. There are now more than two dozen online sportsbooks that take bets, all of which are licensed through the Virginia Lottery Board.