If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to get off the sidelines! Virginia is one of America's newest sports betting markets, so that you can take advantage of huge sign-up bonuses from VA sportsbooks. Betting on your favorite sports brings you closer to the action, but we know it can initially be a bit confusing.
State of Virginia Sports Betting Overview
It would be best if you were physically located within Virginia state lines to place a bet with a Virginia sportsbook. For example, most other state platforms like online sportsbooks in Colorado, will use geolocation verification software to confirm your whereabouts each time you place a wager.
Most mobile betting apps have integrated this functionality with the location services on your phone. Computer users may need to download a hidden software package directly from their sportsbook’s website.
If you sign up for a sportsbook that doesn’t require you to enable location services on your device, consider it a red flag: that sportsbook is not legal in Virginia.
You do not need to be a Virginia resident to use a betting app or online sportsbook. Location requirements apply to your physical presence in the state rather than your place of residence. Therefore, sports bettors from nearby states like Maryland or Kentucky are welcome to wager using a VA sportsbook app while within Virginia state lines.
By law, sportsbooks in Virginia must use official league data to settle all in-play wagers. This requirement is a win for sports leagues as it’s easy revenue for the likes of the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL.
However, buying league data adds further operating costs for sportsbooks. Unfortunately, these will likely be passed on to bettors through increased vigorish.
Who Can Bet on Sports in Virginia?
Most adults can legally bet on sports in Virginia through online sports betting sites and mobile apps.
The legal gambling age in Virginia is 21. This age restriction applies to all bets in person or through the Internet. All legal operators will verify your age and identity upon registration.
Some operators require you to upload a government-issued photo ID, while others rely on approved e-verification software to electronically confirm your age and identity.
To mitigate potential conflicts of interest or unfair advantages, Virginia lawmakers placed the following restrictions on industry insiders: Employees and board members of the state lottery are prohibited from sports betting, Sportsbook employees and members of their households cannot place bets on their platform, Any competitor, coach, trainer, employee, referee, or owner of a sports team in a professional or college sports event are prohibited from betting on any event in a league they participate in.
These restrictions are in line with the sports betting regulations in place in other states. Ultimately, the vast majority of adults in Virginia are legally allowed to bet on sports in the state.
State of Virginia Sports Betting Timeline
July 13, 2023 – Betr is reportedly expected to launch in Virginia within a few weeks. Betr is already available in Massachusetts and Ohio.
July 11, 2023 – Already licensed in Virginia, micro-betting sportsbook Betr could try to launch sometime soon after receiving $35 million in a Series A2 round of financing.
July 3, 2023 – Virginia sports betting handle reached $403.7 million in May, a 5.2% drop from April but a 14.9% increase year-over-year. Revenue was $48.1 million, a small increase from April’s $45.1 million.
June 30, 2023 – Bally Bet temporarily shut down its app while the company changes to Kambi’s sports betting platform. The process is expected to take a few months, and bettors must withdraw their funds by June 30.
June 27, 2023 – Virginia announced the creation of a Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. Starting July 1, the committee will aim to provide more responsible gaming resources for bettors.
June 7, 2023 – While there is no real effort to legalize online casinos in Virginia, the potential legalization of North Carolina sports betting could pressure Virginia to find another revenue stream, with North Carolina likely stealing some sports betting business.
June 2, 2023 – Virginia sports betting handle hit $425.9 million in April, a 16.7% drop from March but a 7% bump from April 2022. Revenue was $45.1 million for the month, a drop of about $10.1 month-over-month.
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