Virginia Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Welcome to your guide to Virginia sports betting. Since January 2021, online sports betting has been fully legal in Virginia, giving bettors access to a range of trusted platforms to place their wagers.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Virginia’s sports betting laws, highlight the top sportsbooks, and walk you through managing taxable winnings. Whether you’re new to betting or looking to sharpen your strategies, you’re in the right place!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Find out what the best online sportsbooks are for Virginia bettors.
- Learn about Virginia’s latest news for online sports betting.
Top 3 Virginia Sports Betting Sites
When it comes to reliable bookmakers to place sports bets, Virginians are spoiled with choice. The state currently has 13 legal online sportsbooks. Here is our selection of the best Virginia sports betting sites in 2024:
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Virginia?
Yes, online sports betting is fully legal in Virginia. It was approved through HB 896 and SB 384 in 2020, and the first online sportsbooks launched in January 2021, followed by retail sportsbooks in July.
Here are some key dates in Virginia’s gambling history:
- 1973: Gambling becomes legal.
- 1987: Virginia launches regional lottery games.
- 1989: Horse racing wagers are legalized.
- 2020: Online lottery and sports betting are legalized.
- 2021: The first online and retail sportsbooks launch.
- 2022: Several cities approve land-based casinos.
For more information on which US states allow online sports betting, check out our linked page.
Other Gambling Options in Virginia
In addition to online sportsbooks, Virginia provides many legal gambling opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and what’s off limits:
| Type of Gambling | Current Situation | Legal Gambling Age |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Sports Betting | Available at retail locations, including land-based casinos in approved cities such as Norfolk and Portsmouth. | 21 |
| Virginia Lottery | Managed by the Virginia Lottery, offering various draw games and instant tickets. Online lottery play is also allowed. | 18 |
| Casino Gaming | Land-based casinos are under development in cities like Bristol and Danville, with plans to offer traditional casino games. | 21 |
| Horse Racing Betting | Wagering on horse racing is legal, including pari-mutuel betting and online platforms like TwinSpires and TVG. | 18 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Fully legal, allowing residents to participate on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. | 18 |
Popular Sports and Teams in Virginia
Virginia has no major league teams, but its vibrant local sports scene offers plenty to enjoy. Here’s a brief look at the state’s favorites:
Baseball
Virginia boasts minor league gems like the Richmond Flying Squirrels, affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, and the historic Salem Red Sox, winners of seven minor league titles. The Fredericksburg Nationals also stand out, earning a title in 2022.
Ice Hockey
Teams like the Norfolk Admirals, Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, and Blue Ridge Bobcats bring thrilling action to the ice. The Admirals made history by qualifying for the ECHL playoffs in the 2023-2024 season.
Soccer
Virginia excels in soccer, hosting 10 professional teams, including Charlottesville Alliance, Virginia Beach City, and Virginia Dream. These teams dominate the National Premier Soccer League, with Virginia Beach active since 2013 and Virginia Dream founded in 2022.
Understanding Virginia Taxes and Payouts
All sports betting winnings in Virginia are subject to taxation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Federal Tax: A 24% federal tax is automatically withheld from your winnings before payout.
- State Income Tax: You must also report your winnings as income when filing your annual tax returns.
- For household income under $3,000, a 2% tax applies.
- For income over $17,000, the rate increases to 5.75%, including a standard base amount.
Make sure to include all gambling winnings in your IRS filings to avoid penalties. Keeping accurate records of your bets and winnings will make this process much easier!
Read our complete guide on how sports betting taxes work for more information.
So, Will You Bet from Virginia Tonight?
Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know about Virginia’s sports betting laws, including where to bet and which sportsbooks deserve your attention. Use this knowledge to explore Virginia’s dynamic betting scene and make the most of your wagering experience.
Want to maximize your returns? Then, make sure you don’t miss our guide to Virginia sportsbook bonuses. All the best offers are listed here!
References
- Article 2. Sports Betting Code Virginia — Retrieved on November 25, 2024
- Virginia Lottery — Retrieved on November 25, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Virginia, whether online or at retail locations.
Yes, but you cannot bet on Virginia-based college teams or games played in the state.
Yes, a 24% federal tax is withheld from large winnings, and state income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75% depending on total income.
