Virginia Online Casinos & Legal Gambling Sites 2024
This guide explains the current gambling laws and whether or not Virginia online casinos are available. In addition to providing an overview of the legal landscape, we'll walk you through what the best Virginia online casinos offer in terms of sweepstakes gaming.
- 1Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
The Legal Status of Virginia Online Gambling
Online casino gambling isn't legal in Virginia, but there are ways to play slots and table games on digital devices. There were efforts to legalize online casino gambling in 2020 when state officials passed a sports betting bill. Those efforts fell short, which meant real-money casino sites weren't available in Virginia at the time of writing.
What you can access, however, are social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites allow you to play casino games for free via your desktop or mobile. We'll explain more in the following sections, but the bottom line is that you can legally access online casinos in Virginia, play games for free, and, importantly, win cash prizes.
The Gambling Age in Virginia
Commercial casinos were approved by the Virginia General Assembly in 2019. Cities across the state got the right to vote on the issue, with four giving them the green light. The first land-based casino opened in 2022 and the minimum age to play real-money games in these venues is 21. The legal gambling age for sports betting in Virginia is also 21. Anyone aged 18+ in the state can play the lottery or bet on horse racing via the parimutuel system.
Are There Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Virginia?
Gambling winnings are subject to 24% federal tax and between 2% and 5.75% state tax, based on your income. Therefore, anything you win from land-based casinos in Virginia (and online casinos if they're legalized) will be subject to tax. Wins over a certain threshold will have tax automatically withheld and you'll be issued with a W-2G form. You need to submit this with your annual tax return. Even if you don't receive a W-2G form, you'll need to report winnings (minus losses) from gambling.
Regulation of Online Casinos in Virginia
When will real-money Virginia online casinos launch? That's a tough question to answer as previous attempts to make them legal fell short. However, it's important to say that real-money online gambling is legal in Virginia. Retail sports betting, both land based and online, was legalized in 2020. Online sportsbooks launched in 2021, so there's already a framework in place.
What's more, it's possible to wager money at a land-based casino in the Old Dominion. Horse racing and lottery games are also legal in Virginia. Therefore, Virginia state lawmakers aren't opposed to gambling. This doesn't mean they'll make online gambling legal in Virginia anytime soon, but it's certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.
Social Casinos & Sweepstakes in Virginia
Social casinos allow you to play slots and every popular table game for free via your computer or mobile. These casinos are legal in Virginia because they don't accept real-money deposits or bets. Essentially, they're free-play gaming platforms. However, if a social casino also allows you to wager and win Sweeps Coins, you can unlock cash prizes.
Sweepstakes casino gambling is legal in the US. Virginia online casinos use this legal framework to offer free games that give you the chance to win Sweepstakes Tokens aka Sweeps Coins. These tokens can be exchanged for prizes, including cash payments. So, in lieu of real-money online casinos being legalized in Virginia, you can use social and sweepstakes sites to play games and, potentially, win prizes.
BetRivers.net Social Casino
BetRivers.net is the free-play version of a real-money gaming site. That real-money casino is BetRivers. Although it wasn't available in Virginia at the time of writing, BetRivers is one of the top online gaming sites in states where real-money casino gambling is legal. Therefore, it's hardly surprising the company's social casino is just as impressive.
Registered users can play over 450 popular casino games, including slots, online blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more. In fact, BetRivers.net also offers free-play live dealer games, online slots tournaments, and sports betting. Finally, even though you can't play for cash prizes, BetRivers.net runs a variety of promotions, including daily free credits, loyalty rewards, and a prize wheel. Very few social casinos in Virginia have these options, which is why BetRivers.net is rated highly by players and experts alike.
Top Features:
- Over 450 free-play casino games and sports betting markets
- Quality software from Rush Street Interactive
- Ongoing rewards and competitions
Promotions: Spin the bonus wheel for prizes worth up to 1,000 virtual dollars
What Casino Games Are Available in Virginia?
If you visit one of the state's land-based casinos or try the various online platforms currently available in the state, you'll get to play these games...
Slots
From three to five-reel games, Megaways slots with dynamic payline structures, and progressive jackpot spinners, you won't be short of options in the state's casinos. In fact, once real-money Virginia online casinos are available, the number of options will increase further thanks to the latest innovations, such as prize drop games and Link & Win slots.
Blackjack
Blackjack has been around for centuries in one form or another and, in Virginia, you'll have dozens of ways to play. Vegas and Atlantic City rules are used for the most popular games. However, if you want to try something different, modern variants such as Multi-Bet, Infinite, and Xchange blackjack are available online.
Roulette
Like blackjack, roulette is almost as old as casino gambling itself. American and European tables dominate the gaming floors of land-based casinos, as well as their online counterparts. For extra features, online casino operators also offer modern games such as Lightning Roulette which has payouts topping 500x.
Poker Games
Casino poker games are great because you don't need to bluff. A lot of people shy away from online poker games such as Texas Hold'em because there are so many variables to consider. Casino games, such as Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em, are less complex. The aim is simple: make a ranked hand that beats the dealer. Do that and you'll win a prize.
Video Poker
Like casino poker table games, video poker games are played in isolation. You place a bet and receive five cards. You can swap as many cards as you like before a showdown takes place. If you've made a ranked poker hand, you win a prize based on its rank. The most popular video poker games you'll find in commercial and online casinos in Virginia are Jacks or Better, Regal Poker, and Double Bonus.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casino games are a product of the online casino industry. They combined webcams and RFID trackers with software that bridges the gap between you and games housed in a remote location. Essentially, these games provide a hybrid experience that sits between live and online gaming. In addition to live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, the best online casinos in Virginia offer live game shows, such as Mega Ball and Dream Catcher.
Online Casino Virginia Bonuses
Even though the term real-money online casino Virginia wasn't a thing at the time we wrote this guide, the signs are that it will be in the future. In lieu of this, it's worth knowing about the extras you can get when you make real-money bets and, interestingly, even when you play social casino games.
Sign-up Bonuses
All of the best online casinos in Virginia, regardless of whether they offer sweepstakes or real-money gaming, give new customers a welcome bonus. Sign-up bonuses are given to new customers once they complete the registration process and typically include free slot spins and gaming credits. Other sign-ups bonuses are unlocked when you make an initial deposit (real-money online casinos) or your first purchase (sweepstakes casinos). There are various terms and conditions attached to sign-up bonuses, but the main one is that they're only available to new and eligible customers.
Free Spins
Free spins no deposit casinos allow you to play the top slots without spending any money or gaming credits. Free spins are often given away as part of a welcome bonus, but they can also be unlocked through ongoing promotions such as giveaways, loyalty rewards, and deposit offers. Free spins will be particularly useful when online slots real-money Virginia gaming is possible. One thing to note is that, in general, money you win from free spins will be credited to your account as bonus cash at real-money casinos. Bonus cash has to be cleared by hitting a wagering target because it can be withdrawn.
Sweep Coins
The top online casino bonuses in Virginia right now are Sweeps giveaways. Because real-money online casino gambling wasn't available at the time of writing, the best way to win cash prizes is through Sweepstakes games. In line with this, sweepstakes casinos give you plenty of ways to get free Sweeps Coins, including login bonuses, purchase offers, loyalty rewards, and competition prizes.
No Deposit Bonus
A Virginia online casino free cash bonus no deposit casino is any reward that doesn't hinge on a financial transaction. Specifically, as the name suggests, you get a bonus without making a deposit. No deposit offers are available for new customers as part of a welcome bonus. They can also be given to existing customers through loyalty rewards, giveaways, and cashback offers.
Local Casinos in Virginia
Voters in the cities of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth approved land-based casinos in November 2020. Each city now has the right to host one commercial casino. The casino partnerships agreed in each city are:
- Bristol = Hard Rock
- Danville = Caesars
- Portsmouth = Rivers (Rush Street Gaming)
- Norfolk = the Pamunkey Indian Tribe
Voters in Richmond rejected casino gambling in the city, but Petersburg may take the state's fifth casino license. All casinos in the state are owned by Native Indian Tribes who run them in conjunction with commercial entities, such as Caesars. Interim casinos have been operational since 2022, with completed venues expected to open their doors in 2024 and 2025. If state gambling laws change, expect these Virginia casinos to partner with online gaming companies to launch digital platforms.
Deposit and Withdrawals
Sweepstakes casinos allow you to purchase coins using a variety of methods, including debit cards and bank transfer. These casinos don't accept real-money deposits or process cash withdrawals. But, if real-money casino gambling laws are passed in the state, you will be able to fund your account and withdraw winnings using a variety of reputable payment methods.
Some of the possible payment options at top Virginia online casinos will be:
- Debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Diners, AMEX)
- Online bank transfer
- Wire transfer
- e-wallet (Skrill, PayPal)
- Play+ prepaid card
- PayNearMe (in-person at 7-Eleven)
- In-person at Virginia casino sites
What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Virginia?
Type "online gambling Virginia" into any search engine and you'll be presented with a variety of options. In addition to bingo and charity events, the following activities are legal in the state:
Sports Betting
Anyone in Virginia aged 21 or over can bet on sports in person or online. Land-based casinos can offer sports betting, but the main way to wager money on football, basketball, and anything else you enjoy is via mobile and online sportsbooks such as Caesars and Betway. Licensed online sports betting sites in Virginia can offer promotions and tips alongside their odds.
Horse Betting
Betting on horse racing has been legal in Virginia since 1988. The Virginia Racing Commission regulates the industry and licensed venues are able to accept parimutuel cash bets from anyone aged 18+ for thoroughbred and harness races. It's also possible to wager money on horse racing at tracks such as Colonial Downs by using certain online sites.
Virginia Lottery
Lottery games, including scratchers, are legal in Virginia. As well as national games, such as Mega Millions and Powerball, the Virginia Lottery Board oversees a number of local draws, including Pick 3, Cash 5, and Bank a Million. The minimum age to buy lottery tickets in Virginia is 18.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests were legalized in Virginia back in 2016. As per the local laws, licensed operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, can offer cash prizes for fantasy sports contests. These platforms align perfectly with the state's live betting venues, such as Colonial Downs, and online sportsbooks such as Caesars.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
Gambling, whatever context you do it in, should be done responsibly. You have to take a certain amount of agency and learn to make smart decisions based on your circumstances. The good news is that any legit online casino or land-based casino will do everything possible to help.
In addition to problem gambling advice and tips, a VA online casino will provide a variety of tools. These tools include things such as personalized deposit limits, restrictions on the amounts you can wager, and ways to control the amount of time you play for. VA online casinos will also offer contact details for the following organizations, all of which offer support and advice on problem gambling:
FAQs
Can you gamble online in Virginia?
Online casino gambling is not allowed in Virginia as of 2024. Online sports betting was legalized in April 2020 and launched in January 2021. Online wagering for Daily Fantasy Sports, horse racing and the Virginia Lottery is legal, as are social casinos. Given that state lawmakers have already approved other types of gambling, we wouldn't bet against Virginia casino apps being legalized at some point in the future.
What is the legal gambling age in Virginia?
The minimum gambling age for sports betting in Virginia is 21. Additionally, you need to be 21 or older to use Virginia's land-based casinos. When online gambling VA laws are updated to allow casino gaming, the minimum age will also be 21. Finally, the minimum age to participate in parimutuel wagering, Daily Fantasy Sports contests, and lottery games is 18.
Who regulates online gambling in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery regulates online gambling in Virginia. In addition to licensing online sports betting operators, the Virginia Lottery oversees draw games, land-based casinos, and other forms of gambling. It also works in conjunction with the Virginia Racing Commission to regulate horse racing.
Is online gambling in Virginia safe?
Yes, online gambling is safe in the state if you use platforms that are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery. The state's gambling regulator licenses all operators, which makes them legal entities bound by strict laws. These laws govern everything from gaming fairness and integrity to security, software, and the way bonuses are offered. Therefore, if you use a licensed online gambling site, you can expect a safe, fair, and high-quality experience.
How will Virginia tax my gambling winnings?
All gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state tax. Federal tax on gambling winnings is 24%, while state tax ranges from 2% to 5.75%, depending on your income. Licensed operators in Virginia will automatically withhold winnings that exceed specific thresholds to cover your tax liability. When they do this, you'll be given a W-2G form that you need to file along with your annual tax return. Doing this ensures you don't get taxed twice and that you can make any necessary deductions.
