States / Virginia / Sports betting
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes. In Virginia, online and in-person sports betting are legal (as of Oct 11, 2026). Online betting launched Jan 21, 2021; in-person betting Jan 27, 2021. Operators pay 15% AGR in tax.
| Channel | Status | Launched | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports (online) | Live | Jan 21, 2021 | Competitive | Online-only market; 4-12 permits, $250,000 per 3-year permit. FanDuel/WFT and others launched Jan. 2021. Va. Code § 58.1-4030 et seq.; Va. Code § 58.1-4037 [1],[2],[3] |
| Sports (retail) | Limited | Jan 27, 2021 | Hybrid | No freestanding retail sportsbooks; retail wagering is permitted only inside the licensed commercial casinos (e.g., Rivers Casino Portsmouth). Va. Code § 58.1-4030 et seq. [1],[2] |
Tax rate
| Rate | Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15% AGR (online) | Jan 21, 2021 | Rate was set at 15% at launch (down from an earlier proposed 20%/17.5%); the General Assembly later eliminated the promotional-credit deduction that had briefly been allowed.[3],[4] |
| 15% AGR (retail) | Jan 27, 2021 | Retail wagering (permitted only inside licensed commercial casinos, not at freestanding sportsbooks) is taxed under the same statute and rate as online sports wagering; mirrors the sports_online row above.[3],[4] |
Rules
- Minimum age to place a sports wager
- 21[1]
- Wagering on in-state college teams allowed
- No · Wagers on events involving Virginia colleges/universities are prohibited.[1]
- Credit cards may be used to fund accounts
- No · Lottery sports-betting regulations bar funding accounts with credit cards.[1]
- Esports wagering allowed
- Yes[5]
- Statutory cap on number of online sportsbook licenses/skins (omit if uncapped)
- 12[1]
- Online sports wagering available statewide (not tethered to premises)
- Yes[1]
Licensed sportsbooks
| Operator | Brand | Channel | Status | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bally's Corporation | Bally Bet | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| bet365 | bet365 | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| BetMGM | BetMGM | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| DraftKings | DraftKings | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| FanDuel | FanDuel Sportsbook | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| PENN Entertainment | theScore Bet | Sports (online) | active | [6] |
| The Cordish Companies | PlayLive / Live! Sportsbook | Sports (retail) | active | [6] |
All gambling laws in Virginia → · Sports betting in every state →
Sources
- How Virginia Became Second State To Legalize Sports Betting In 2020 · retrieved Oct 10, 2026
- Virginia Lawmakers Pass Casino, Sports Betting Bills · retrieved Oct 10, 2026
- Code of Virginia § 58.1-4037. Tax on sports betting · retrieved Oct 10, 2026
- Virginia Legislature Enacts Law Regulating Sports Betting, Imposing Gross Revenue Tax, Allowing Net Loss Carryover · retrieved Oct 10, 2026
- Virginia Sports Betting: VA Sportsbook Sites, Apps & Promos · retrieved Oct 10, 2026
- Sports Betting in Virginia | Virginia Lottery · retrieved Oct 10, 2026