Virginia
Gambling Laws 2026

Virginia moved from having almost no gambling to having an active market in a short span. The state legalized sports betting in 2020, and the mobile market launched in January 2021 with more than two dozen licensed operators — one of the most competitive mobile sports betting launches in the country. Commercial casinos were approved through local referenda, and several have opened: Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia in Danville, among others. Additional properties in the Richmond and Norfolk areas are in development.

The lottery has operated since 1988 and is well-established. Horse racing at Colonial Downs in New Kent operates under a mixed live-racing and historical horse racing machine framework. Historical horse racing terminals were a significant political issue that preceded broader gambling expansion.

For residents, Virginia has transformed quickly. Mobile sports betting works statewide with a wide operator selection. New commercial casinos have opened in multiple parts of the state. Northern Virginia and the DC suburbs do not yet have a nearby commercial casino, though that may change as development continues. Online casino gambling is not currently legal in Virginia. The regulatory environment has been active, and the market has grown faster than most states that started at the same time.

New commercial casinos opened 2022-2024 (Bristol, Danville, etc.). Sports betting mobile since 2021.

Finding nearby venues...

Similar States

More on Virginia

• Best online casino for Virginia [ vpn or not ] to play blackjack?
• Online Gambling Options In VA?
• Sport bet taxes : r/gambling
• If online gambling is illegal in the U.S then why is it ...
• How are so many people using Rainbet? : r/gambling
• Gambling problem
• How are u people all winning 1k+ on >1$ spins : r/gambling
• I finally understand why people hate bonus wagering ...
• When does a player get a host at Caesars : r/gambling
• Where can someone under 21, but over 18 gamble legally ...

• Virginia Sports Betting: Best VA Sportsbook Promos & Apps - FOX SportsMay 4
• When Could Online Casinos Launch in Virginia (May 2026 Update) - Sports Betting DimeMay 11
• Virginia HB161 Targets Sweepstakes Casinos as iGaming Regulation Advances - DeadspinMay 15
• Best Virginia Sportsbook Promos: $5,100 in Bonuses - RotoWireMay 1
• Sports Betting in DC, Maryland & Virginia - Major League RugbyApr 8