Online Gambling in Virginia

What Gambling Is Legal in Virginia

Sports Betting in Virginia

Betting on sports is legal in Virginia, as authorized through SB 384 and HB 896 in 2020, with online wagering launching on January 21, 2021, and the state welcoming its first retail sportsbook in July 2022. Two crucial restrictions apply to the state’s online gambling. Virginia restricts wagering on games involving the state’s local teams, and it also restricts prop bets on college sports.

Fantasy Contests in Virginia

Wagering on fantasy sports is legal, but the rules changed significantly in 2026. The state was the first in the country to allow daily fantasy, through the Fantasy Contests Act of March 2016. For almost a decade, operators registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and paid no taxes on revenue.

This arrangement changed on July 1, 2026. HB 145 and SB 129, both approved April 13, 2026, moved oversight to the Virginia Lottery Board, under a new Chapter 42 of Title 58.1. Under the current terms, all operators now require a three-year permit; contest revenues are taxed at 10%, with 2.5% going to the state’s Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, and the rest to the general fund.

A 2.6% administrative fee also applies. Also, contests played against the house are not allowed, and every contest must have at least two actual players. Existing players get a 90-day transition window to comply.

Virginia Online Casinos

No, online casinos aren’t permitted under the 2020 law that authorized land-based casinos and sports betting. There was a brief legislative push for online casinos in 2026, but it failed. If a platform offers online slots or table games, it doesn’t hold a valid Virginia license.

Online Poker in Virginia

No, real-money poker is not available and has never been authorized in the state.

Casinos in Virginia

Virginia hosts land-based casinos for local players. A Virginia resident can visit one of these casinos and play, but they can’t do it online.

Gambling Age in Virginia

Virginia’s gambling age requirement varies by product. For sports betting and casinos, players must be 21+ to register and participate. The same rule applies to fantasy contests, based on the 2026 fantasy framework. Virginia Lottery requires players to be at least 18 years old to play, and this rule also applies to pari-mutuel wagering and charitable gaming. There’s no ban on the sweepstakes dual-currency model, and a 2026 bill failed.

Who Regulates Gambling in Virginia

The Virginia Lottery

Virginia Lottery, through the Virginia Lottery Board, now regulates online sports betting, casinos, retail sportsbooks, and lottery, and has added fantasy contests since July 1, 2026. Before this date, fantasy contest operators reported to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

What the Lottery Does Not Cover

Two verticals aren’tcovered by Virginia Lottery. For example, the Virginia Racing Commission oversees live, historical, and advance-deposit horse racing. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services retains charitable gaming, after giving up fantasy oversight. 

A few proposals to consolidate all oversight under a single Virginia gaming commission failed in the 2026 session. Virginia’s governor argued that the lack of a centralized regulator was a reason for disapproving a separate skill games bill.

Where to Get Help

For players struggling with problem gambling, they can contact the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling at 1-888-532-3500, or contact 1-800-MY-RESET. The Virginia Lottery Voluntary Exclusion Program covers casino and sports betting; fantasy contests offer a separate self-exclusion service, allowing bettors to self-exclude for 2 years, 5 years, or life, with their names kept confidential.

Where You Can Bet in Virginia

Sportsbooks in Virginia

As of July 2026, Virginia hosts 11 mobile operators, and three casinos may accept real-money bets.

Fantasy Contests in Virginia

As of September 2026, operators must hold a Virginia Lottery Permit to offer paid contests. The previous registration-only requirement is now gone, and house-banked contests are no longer permitted. Check out the latest comparison of the top Virginia fantasy contest options from licensed operators.

The Land-Based Casinos

There are four properties that locals can check: Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Caesars Virginia in Danville, and Norfolk’s transitional property, since the full Norfolk resort and a Petersburg property are under development. Get the latest information on land-based casinos on our Virginia casinos guide.

What Is Not Available Here

Online poker and online casino games aren’t legal in Virginia. No active online casinos accept real-money bets on poker and slots. Fantasy contests and sports betting are licensed, with self-exclusion available for casino and sports betting, and separately now for fantasy contests.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Virginia

Virginia State Tax on Winnings

Virginia taxes winnings from online gambling and fantasy contests as ordinary income, at the top marginal rate of 5.75% as of 2026. The lower brackets are 2%, 3%, and 5%, but the top rate kicks in at around $17,000 of taxable income. This means that almost all filers pay the tax. Virginia doesn’t have local income taxes.

When Losses Count

The state permits a deduction for your losses only up to the amount of winnings, and only when itemized.

What Still Applies Federally

Federal tax reporting remains the same, and the W-2G thresholds trigger. As of early 2026, federal deductions for gambling losses are capped at 90% of the winnings. Also, the new 10% tax on fantasy contest revenues is applied to operators, not individual players. Remember, all information shared here is general information, not tax advice.

Pending Virginia Gambling Legislation

What Passed in 2026

SB 129 and HB 145 approved the new fantasy contest permit and tax framework, signed April 13 and effective July 1, 2026. A separate skill games bill was filed, but vetoed. There was also a push to create a single gaming commission and ban sweepstakes casinos, but those efforts failed as well.

How Close Online Casino Came

Virginia almost approved legal online casinos. SB 118 passed the Senate 19-17, and HB 161 hurdled the House 67-30, each on a re-vote, and would have allowed existing land-based casinos to operate up to three online skins, subject to a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue. The proposal also called for a $2 million platform fee and a $500,000 operator license.

The conference committee failed to agree on where the tax revenues will go, and the session ended on March 14th, 2026, with no bill passed.

What Happens in 2027

Both casino bills featured a reenactment clause requiring another shot in 2027. Even if this bill passes, the legal online market would not launch before 2028. For complete coverage of Virginia’s legal gambling scene, read and follow our Virginia news.

Where to Bet in Virginia

Winnings Taxed as Ordinary Income

Virginia taxes winnings from online gambling and fantasy contests as ordinary income, at the top marginal rate of 5.75% as of 2026.

General information only; not tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

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