This guide will unveil the best online casinos in Virginia and tell you where you can play your favorite online casino games and enjoy exclusive bonuses.
Our experts also rated the top real-money Virginia online casinos and provided their mini-reviews, allowing you to decide which to choose. After reading this page, you’ll also know all about the current Virginia gambling laws, the evolution and history of gambling in Virginia, and where to find the best land-based casinos in the state.
Types of Legal Gambling in Virginia
Virginia is one of the last states in the nation to legalize casino gaming in 2019. The 2020 gambling expansion bill allowed five commercial casinos and retail and online sports betting in Virginia.
Residents in five cities were allowed to vote on whether to allow Virginia casinos in the 2020 election. Four cities approved the measure in the 2020 referendum, and the first Virginia casino in Bristol opened in July 2022.
Currently, Virginia allows lottery games, horse racing, and five off-track betting locations across the state. The state also recently allowed historical racing machines at Colonial Downs.
Other legal gambling options include daily fantasy sports and online sportsbooks. However, there is no regulated online casino gambling in Virginia.
The Virginia Lottery Commission was established in 1988 to oversee the state lottery. The State governor appoints all eight members of the lottery. There are more than 5,000 retail locations where residents can buy VA lottery tickets. Interstate games like Powerball and Mega Millions are also available.
Virginia lawmakers legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016 and online sports betting in 2020. However, online casino gaming was not included in the recent gambling expansion in Virginia. Virginia’s online lottery allows you to play lottery games or buy tickets from smartphones or tablets.
While current gambling laws don’t allow licensed real-money online casinos, Virginia gamblers can join leading offshore casinos like BetUS. No gambling laws mention the legality of these offshore casinos in Virginia, which means state authorities won’t prosecute you for online casino gaming.
Charitable Gambling
For those interested in participating in charitable gambling in Virginia, it’s important to note that the state offers various options that combine the thrill of gaming with the joy of giving back. Virginia regulations permit various forms of charitable gambling, including bingo, raffles, and duck races, all conducted under specific guidelines to ensure fairness and legality. Engaging in these activities not only provides an entertaining experience but also supports worthwhile causes, making it a win-win for participants and beneficiaries alike.
Bingo Halls
For locals in Virginia looking to enjoy a classic game of bingo, the state boasts a variety of popular bingo halls known for their vibrant atmosphere and community spirit. From the bustling Beach Bingo in Virginia Beach to the friendly halls of Richmond Bingo, there’s a spot for everyone. These establishments offer a great way to socialize, have fun, and even win prizes.
Whether you’re in Northern Virginia enjoying the lively games at Alexandria Bingo or in the heart of Roanoke at Star City Bingo, each hall provides a unique experience that embodies the charm and warmth of local Virginian communities.
Virginia Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
Since July 2022, Virginia gamblers have been able to decide between land-based casino gambling and online casino gaming. However, the Old Dominion only houses one land-based casino in Bristol.
In contrast, any Virginia player can gamble online from the comfort of their home at any time. You don’t need to plan a trip to the state’s only casino in Bristol. Besides saving time and gas money, you’ll find many real-money online casinos in Virginia to choose from. You can even enjoy online casino gambling on the go from anywhere in the state thanks to the best real-money casino apps.
Each of the top Virginia online casinos provides hundreds of top-notch online video slots, table games, and live dealer games. In addition, all the best online casinos in Virginia feature exclusive bonuses and promotions you can hardly expect from land-based casinos.
How To Gamble Online in Virginia
Utilizing Cafe Casino as our illustrative model, renowned for its stature in the online betting arena, we’ll navigate through the setup process.
1. Selecting an Online Casino
Navigate to the Cafe Casino website and click the prominent orange “Register” button. Proceed to complete the “Registration” form that appears. Enter essential information including your full name, address, and email, then select the “Register” button to proceed.
2. Registering Your Account
After setting up your account, the subsequent action involves its confirmation. Access your email, locate the confirmation message from Cafe Casino, and click the provided link to authenticate your account.
3. Initiating Your First Deposit
Now’s the time to add funds to your account for real-money online gaming in Vermont. Access the ‘Payments’ section and choose your preferred payment method from the available options. Follow the instructions displayed to deposit funds into your gaming account. Fortunately, our top-rated online sites support a wide array of payment methods, including cards and digital currencies.
4. Game Selection and Placing Your First Bet
With your Vermont online gambling account active, browse the game library to find a game that interests you. Input your bet amount and click “Bet Now” to begin your gaming experience.
Gambling in and Near Virginia
Virginia only houses one land casino. Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, the first land-based casino in Virginia, opened on July 8, 2022, less than two years after voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth approved casinos in November 2020 voting. Four of these casinos had already announced their preferred casino partners.
The fifth city, Richmond, rejected a casino measure in 2021.
Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock
Address: 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201
Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock was launched as an economic driver for the city in July 2022. As the only operational land-based casino in Virginia, Hard Rock Casino Bristol is a temporary full-service casino featuring a 30,000-square-foot casino floor. Guests can choose from 870 slots, 21 tables, and a sportsbook 24/7, with a spacious parking area.
The dining options include Mr. Lucky’s, a brick oven pizza Brick’d, and a Bristol Bar.
Other Approved Casinos in Virginia
Danville
Caesars plans to build its casino in Danville by 2024.
Norfolk
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe opened this $700-million establishment next to the minor league baseball stadium in 2023.
Portsmouth
Rivers Casino Portsmouth was constructed in 2023 near the marina on the Elizabeth River. This gaming facility will include nearly 1,500 slots, 57 table games, and many restaurants.
Other Forms of Gambling in Virginia
Virginia offers a diverse range of gambling options beyond traditional casinos, catering to various interests and preferences.
- Virginia online casinos
- Virginia online sportsbooks
- Virginia online poker sites
- Virginia casinos
- Virginia bingo
- Virginia lottery
- Virginia sportsbooks
- Virginia race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in Virginia
Explore a variety of exciting casino games available to players in Virginia, from classic slots to strategic table games.
Poker
Globally, poker continues to be a widely favored card game. Digital services in Virginia provide different poker versions, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. Playing this game involves a blend of talent, tactics, and a hint of fortune.
Blackjack
The goal in Blackjack, a popular card activity, is achieving a hand as near to 21 as achievable without surpassing it. This game permits tactical play and rapid choices. Various online interfaces present numerous Blackjack versions, encompassing both single and multiple deck formats.
Roulette
In this traditional gaming house play, participants have the opportunity to wager on the result of a rotating disc. Various editions are accessible on the internet, encompassing both the American and European styles of Roulette. The ’00’ feature in the American style adds an extra element, slightly increasing the casino’s advantage.
Slots
Slot devices might be the most approachable gaming house plays, demanding no expertise or tactics. VA web casinos present an extensive assortment of slot plays, incorporating traditional 3-reel machines and intricate video slots encompassing diverse motifs and additional perks.
Live Dealer Games
Individuals seeking a genuine gambling house ambiance can find real-time engagement with a live person dealing cards via video streaming in live dealer activities. Widely favored live dealer options encompass blackjack in real-time, roulette live, and baccarat live.
Video Poker
Electronic poker merges aspects of slot machines with conventional poker. The objective for participants is to create the most favorable five-card combination, with superior hands yielding larger rewards. Common versions such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are widely accessible.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Virginia
- 1987: State residents vote for the Virginia Lottery a year before the first ticket is sold.
- 1997: Colonial Downs, the first horse track in New Kent, opens in Virginia.
- 2013: Legislation attempt to allow riverboat casinos in the state fails again.
- 2014: Colonial Downs, the state’s horse racing track, shuts down following a dispute with horsemen.
- 2018: Virginia Lottery allows online ticket sales.
- 2020: Lawmakers approve a bill legalizing gambling in five Virginia cities, pending local referendums.
- 2020: Gov. Ralph Northam signs online and retail VA sports betting bill into law, days after the state’s general assembly approves sports betting legislation.
- 2020: Voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth approve casinos in their cities.
- 2021: Legal online sportsbooks go live in VA. Check out the best Virginia sportsbooks here.
- 2022: The Virginia Lottery Board awards Hard Rock International the first of four casino licenses.
- 2022: Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock officially becomes the first Virginia casino to open on July 8.
Virginia Online Gambling FAQs
What types of gambling are available in VA?
Virginia’s landscape is devoid of any casinos, tribal, or commercial. Fortunately, local gambling enthusiasts can engage in pari-mutuel horse race betting and various forms of charitable gambling, including Virginia bingo. Virginia operates its own lottery, which has been relatively popular over the past few years. Nevertheless, lottery tickets can’t be purchased online, and the state doesn’t have any locally licensed internet gambling sites.
Are online casinos legal in Virginia?
Virginia has not regulated online casinos. However, the state’s gambling laws don’t bar you from playing online casino games using offshore sites.
Can you play slots online for real money in Virginia?
Yes, all the top VA online casinos include excellent slot selections. Slots.lv is one of the best online slot casinos you can try in Virginia.
What gambling sites are legal in Virginia?
Although Virginia has yet to regulate local casino sites, all our recommended online casinos in this list are licensed by the jurisdictions from which they operate. For instance, Wild Casino is licensed by the Panama Gambling Commission, and Bovada is licensed by the Curacao Gaming Commission.
What is the biggest casino in Virginia?
BetOnline is the biggest online gambling site, with nearly 500 casino games and a poker room, and it also includes a full-fledged sportsbook and a horse betting platform.
Does Virginia have any land-based casinos?
Currently, Virginia only houses one land-based casino in Bristol. However, three other Virginia casinos in Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth will open within the next few years.
Which VA online casinos pay out immediately?
Wild Casino is the fastest payout online casino, with less than 24 hours of withdrawal time. However, withdrawal speed depends on the payment method you choose. For faster payouts, we suggest using cryptocurrencies.
What is the legal gambling age in Virginia?
According to the Virginia gambling laws enforced by the Virginia Lottery, you can participate in all forms of gambling if you’re 18 or above.