Virginia Sports Betting
Introducing Your Guide to Sports Betting in Virginia.
Virginia is one of the most conservative states in the united states when it comes to casino games and sports betting. It is one of only a handful of states with no commercial or native American casinos, no slot machine venues or poker rooms/card rooms. The only legitimate onshore forms of gambling are via the Virginia State Lottery games and limited Charitable gaming i.e. bingo and restricted social poker games.
The Virginia State Lottery therefore holds a monopoly on all legalized forms of gambling. With the revenue it generates, funding is directed to educational programs in the state.
Top 3 Virginia Sportsbook Sites
- Bovada
- MyBookie
- BetOnline
Sports Gambling Laws and Legislation in Virginia
In May 2018, the overturning of the PASPA law which banned sports betting triggered massive change in the sports betting landscape across the country. Each state was permitted to determine the legality of sports betting without the overriding Federal law of PASPA being the blockade. Virginia, being conservative, has been slow to legalize sports betting, let alone facilitate any discussion for change.
As a result Sports Betting onshore clearly remains illegal. But in the year 2020, the laws regarding gambling may be changed.
There are two sports betting bills currently under consideration by the House and the Senate.
Both bills, SB384 and HB896, permit college and professional sports bets. They also require the use of Official League data and allow for the acceptance of sports bets online via the Virginia Lottery.
Their differences are found in the following:
- SB384 requires a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 sports betting platforms, and a tax rate of 15% on gross sports bets wagered.
- HB896 requires a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 sports betting platforms, and a tax rate of 20% on gross sports bets wagered.
For there to be only two bills pre-filed with very little difference, it can be noted that a lot of behind the scenes discussions have been held among legislators to come to agreement on most terms of sports betting. With only the tax rate and the number of platforms being remaining differences, Virginia pro sports bettors are optimistic of legalization.
In addition to the two sports betting bills, casino bill SB1126 has been pre-filed to propose the legalization of 5 (potentially 6) casinos in major cities across Virginia. Although the two sports betting bill only allow mobile sports betting, if the casino bill were to get up, sports betting on-site at casinos may be available in the future.
Virginia Online Sports Betting
Unbeknownst to many, online sports betting has been occurring for many years.
Virginia sports betting turnover for 2019 was $25.5 million, wagered via online sport betting sites.
These online sport betting sites are offshore and are open to accepting US players.
Is this illegal?
It is a gray area. The current state laws do not clearly articulate whether gambling offshore online is illegal or not. Therefore, you will find many online sports books (and online casinos) accepting US players from states that have ambiguous gambling laws – Virginia is one of those states.
Is it dangerous?
There are two aspects to this question.
Firstly, will you get caught or fined?
I highly doubt it. Till this day, there has been no precedence of anyone being charged with breaking the law for playing at offshore online sports betting books or offshore online casinos.
Secondly, are offshore sports betting books trustworthy and reliable?
Very much so. They have been operating in the market for many years and sports betting is a clear cut outcome (when compared to online casino games). It’s therefore extremely difficult to argue that an outcome of a sports bet is wrong.
How can I find an online SportsBook?
The most popular offshore sports book is Bovada. It is the largest and has a long standing history of operating a sports book for US citizens.
Do NOT place a bet at an unlicensed sports book operating offshore. Unlicensed sportsbooks may not be reliable. Although they may offer great Welcome Bonuses, their promise to pay any winnings may be empty. Keep with the which are trusted and the big brand names.
How can I place a Sports Bet onshore?
It is illegal to run a sports book or place a sports bet within the borders of Virginia. Other than placing a sports bet at an offshore online sports book the only other option is to travel interstate where sports betting has been legalized.
Popular Virginia Sport Bets
- NFL – Virginia has no NFL teams.
- NBA – Virginia has no NBA basketball teams.
- MLB -Virginia has no Major League Baseball teams.
- NHL – Virginia has no NHL ice hockey teams.
Bordering States
North Carolina | Tennessee | West Virginia | Kentucky | Maryland
