Virginia one of the most populated states and yet doesn’t have a major professional sports league franchise. The NFL’s Washington Redskins and the NHL’s Washington Capitals have their practice facilities and operational headquarters located in Northern Virginia, making them the closest things to home teams. Whether you support one of those teams, or perhaps another team in the region, all major professional sports teams are available to Virginia residents for sports betting through legally sanctioned online sportsbooks. There are some noteworthy college athletic programs in the state, which are also available for betting. Sports betting is a fantastic industry but there are certain rules, procedures and regulations that need to be considered. Using this guide, which was specifically created for Virginia residents, you will be able to inform yourself on the laws pertaining to sports betting in Virginia and learn how to safely place bets using the sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry.
Can Virginia Residents Legally Bet on Sports?
Both Virginia state gambling laws and US federal laws prohibit any type of state licensed sports betting from taking place in the Old Dominion State. While all these laws make it seem like sports betting is impossible in Virginia, the truth is that Virginia residents can safely and legally place bets through one of the offshore sportsbooks we’ve recommended. This is because these laws deal strictly with US-based sports betting, while the sportsbooks we’ve suggested are 100% legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks that are legitimately licensed to provide betting services to sports fans around the world, including Americans.
Most Trusted Online Sportsbooks For Virginia Gamblers
In order to ensure that your sports betting entertainment is legally approve and safe, we urge you to consider the input of industry professionals who have vetted the many sportsbooks operating on the Web. Not all of them are safe or legitimate. We have comprised a refined listing of the industry’s leading destinations for legally sanctioned online sportsbooks that accept customers from Virginia. They are all licensed and regulated, and they each offer a premium betting experience from top to bottom. These brands had to meet our stringent requirements on top of industry standards and licensing requirements in order to be considered for inclusion in our guide. The list is not long, but the sites featured are among the very best bookmakers in the business.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $2500 |  |
 |
Visit Site |
 |
Sportsbetting | 75% Max $1000 | |
|
Visit Site |
 |
Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | |
|
Visit Site |
State and Federal Laws That Govern Sports Betting in Virginia
Virginia has a state law that defines illegal gambling as “making, placing or receiving any bet or wager of money or other thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest or event, the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance,” (Virginia Code Section 18.2-325). This law outlaws sports betting in the usual sports booking operation—think Nevada-style sports betting. There are several federal laws that deal with sports betting as well. These laws include the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the Federal Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
PASPA centers on sports betting in the US and was passed in 1992 to stop the rampant legalization of sports betting across the nation. Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon were already operating legal sports betting operations, so they were grandfathered in and allowed to continue doing so. The other 46 states were restricted from having state-sponsored sportsbooks.
The Federal Wire Act was passed to stop organized crime from profiting off sports betting and deals with placing bets online through illegal US-based sportsbooks. Because the law was passed in 1962, prior to the inception of the Internet, there was a lot of controversy concerning the law’s application due to the birth of state licensed online casino and poker gambling initiatives in several states. In 2011, the DOJ clarified that the Federal Wire Act applies only to US based sports betting, and does not prohibit any other type of US based online betting entertainment such as online poker or casino games.
The UIGEA acts an overseer to financial institutions and monitors how they process gambling related transactions from sports betting operations and other forms of gambling. Again, these laws may seem like they bar Virginia residents from placing sports bets, but they only pertain to US-based sports betting. The offshore sportsbooks we’ve recommended aren’t operating out of Virginia—in fact, they are not operating within US borders. They also possess the legal licensing and regulatory oversight to operate. This makes them unaffected by PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA.
Popular Sports Teams To Bet On In Virginia
While Virginia doesn’t have any major sports franchises, it is close to Washington D.C. and Maryland, which both have their own franchises. Virginia residents may feel some allegiance to the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards or perhaps even the New England Patriots. Either way, these teams, and more, are available to Virginia residents for sports betting. In the world of college sports, the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech University are two household names who share a bitter rivalry. While the schools are more known for their basketball programs, their football programs are also relevant.
Popular College Sports Teams in VA
University of Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia Tech University Hockies
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Virginia Doesn’t Have Any Local Sports Franchise. Can I Still Place Bets?
Of course. While Virginia may not have any traditional major sports franchises, that doesn’t keep Virginia residents from getting in on the sports betting action. These offshore sportsbooks don’t restrict the teams you’re able to bet on to the state that you’re in. You can bet on any sports team in the country, or even the world. For example, Virginia residents can place bets on the Super Bowl, even though they don’t have a team competing.
Can Virginia Residents Bet On College Sports?
Yes, you can. While the NCAA has strict policies, they don’t have any say in placing bets with these offshore sportsbooks. March Madness is one of the most popular college sports events and Virginia residents are free to place bets on any games they choose. Virginia does have some notable college programs in the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, so these sportsbooks allow you to bet on your hometown favorite or any other team you enjoy following.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal?
Yes. The sportsbooks that we recommend are all 100% legally sanctioned and operated. They have also all been in business for at least ten years and have done business with millions of people. PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA don’t affect these sportsbooks or the bettors that use them. Virginia residents are free to place bets and collect money safely and legally.
How Do I Sign Up?
After you select the sportsbook(s) you want to become a member of, signing up is easy. All you have to do is enter your personal information and then you have to make a deposit into your account so you have money to bet with. Your personal and financial information will be kept safe through secure servers. There are several deposit methods you can use—such as credit/debit cards, wire transfers, etc.—but you should check with sportsbooks to see which methods are available. Signing up is free of charge and there are no monthly payments or anything like that.
How Do I Receive My Earnings?
The withdrawal process is a little different than the deposit process. Most sportsbooks restrict you to the same method as you chose for the deposit. So for example, if you deposited money via wire transfer through a service like Western Union, a wire transfer will most likely be your only option for withdrawals. The sportsbooks reserve the right to pick another method of withdrawal if they see fit. Checks are another popular option and take about 7-10 business days to arrive.
Do Online Sportsbooks Offer Any Bonuses, Prizes or Giveaways?
In a way. These sportsbooks that we’ve recommended offer bonuses to their users. These bonuses come in the form of additional funds for you to bet with. Players often receive their first bonus at the time they make their first deposit, so these sportsbooks waste no time in offering their users money. This is because customer service is a top priority and they want to retain your business. Bonuses can come throughout the year in seasonal promotions and other forms, so be sure to stay updated on whatever bonuses become available to you as you bet.
Can Virginia Residents Place Bets Using A Smartphone?
Yes, you can. These offshore sportsbooks offer mobile apps that function just like the sites do. These apps are designed to work across a variety of devices, making sports betting easier than ever when you’re on the go. They also have the same security and functionality standards, ensuring your information will be kept safe and you won’t have any problems when trying to make a deposit, make a withdrawal or place a bet.