Virginia Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide
The Old Dominion State has embraced legal sports betting, offering residents and visitors a new way to engage with their favorite sports. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sports betting in Virginia, from its legalization to the best sportsbooks and betting options available.
Legal Virginia Sports Betting
Virginia legalized sports betting relatively recently, joining the growing number of states to offer this form of entertainment following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018.
The state's approach to sports betting has been characterized by focusing on mobile and online platforms, with a robust regulatory framework to ensure fair play and consumer protection.
What is Legal Sports Betting in Virginia?
Legal sports betting in Virginia refers to the state-sanctioned and regulated wagering on sporting events. Unlike other states, Virginia's model primarily focuses on online and mobile betting, with limited retail (in-person) options.
The Virginia Lottery oversees all sports betting operations in the state, ensuring compliance with regulations, fair play, and responsible gaming practices.
Virginia Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
The path to legal sports betting in Virginia involved several key legislative steps:
- May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
- March 2019: Virginia passes legislation to allow casino gambling, setting the stage for sports betting discussions.
- April 2020: Governor Ralph Northam signs bill SB 384 into law, legalizing sports betting in Virginia.
- September 2020: The Virginia Lottery approves initial sports betting regulations.
- January 21, 2021: FanDuel launches as Virginia's first legal online sportsbook.
- April 2021: The first retail sportsbook opens at Bristol Casino.
Sportsbooks Legal in Virginia
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- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- Some users have reported slow app loading speeds
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Wagering requirements on bonus offers can be difficult for new users
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- Widely available across 28 states and in Ontario.
- Responsible gambling tools enabling users to set their own limits.
- Wagering requirements on bonuses and promos are realistic.
- Bonus program is diverse and changes rapidly.
- Speaking to a real person in customer support chat take a long time.
- DraftKings limits the maximum bet amount on odds boost promos.
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- Available in 21 states, D.C. and Ontario, Canada
- Highly competitive odds
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues leading to exclusive promotions for users
- RG tools can be set by the user including deposit/time limits
- Wagering requirements on bonuses can be difficult for new users
- BetMGM Rewards requires excessive betting to advance the tiers
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- Extensive reach across the United States.
- Unmatched fan engagement thanks to ESPN media and sports coverage.
- Many responsible gambling tools enabling users to set limits.
- Odds are often times less competitive than other U.S. Sportsbooks.
- Wagering requirements on sports bets can be difficult especially for new bettors.
- Customer support takes a long time during the evening hours (ET).
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- Very popular rewards program.
- Many responsible gambling tools enabling players to set limits.
- Wagering requirements on sports bonuses are straightforward.
- Odds sometimes fall short from other sportsbooks.
- Limited live streaming options.
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- Good live streaming of major sports.
- Numerous promotional offers.
- Available in many U.S. states.
- Competitive odds.
- Some users have had trouble with payouts.
- Outdated website and app design.
- Betting app connectivity issues.
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- Excellent league coverage
- Popular FanCash Program
- Wide availability across the US
- Self regulating responsible gambling tool
- Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
- No desktop sportsbook option
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- Attentive customer service.
- Unique Flex Parlay betting market.
- Set of Responsible Gambling Tools for Bettors' Self-Governance.
- Limited availability in the U.S.
- Odds sometimes shorter than competition.
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- Numerous daily odds boosts
- Video tutorials to teach about BallyBet for new bettors
- Many responsible gambling tools for self regulating
- Limited availability across the US
- Some users complain about withdrawal speed
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- The sportsbook offers a mobile app for iOS and Android.
- They emphasize fast and secure banking methods for transactions.
- Provides live chat support for immediate assistance, as well as phone support and email support for diverse customer service options.
- Betting services are restricted to only 5 states.
- The website is outdated and in need of a new design.
- The site needs to provide a lot more detailed information about terms and conditions.
- Very limited sports categories.