Virginia has experienced a significant shift in its gambling landscape in recent years, evolving from a state with limited gambling options to one embracing a more diverse gaming environment. Legal gambling activities in Virginia now include state lottery games, charitable gaming, horse race betting, and, most notably, sports betting, which was legalized in 2020.

The state also allows for the operation of casinos, with several new projects underway following legislative changes in 2020 that permitted the development of commercial casinos in certain cities. These developments have positioned Virginia as an emerging player in the regional gambling market, drawing interest from residents and tourists alike.

Despite these advancements, Virginia’s gambling options remain somewhat limited compared to neighboring states like Maryland and West Virginia, which have more established casino industries. While sports betting is rapidly growing in popularity, Virginia’s casino scene is still in its infancy, with most casinos expected to open in the coming years.

Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, continues to be a staple of the local gambling industry, with numerous nonprofit organizations using these games to raise funds for charitable causes. The Virginia Lottery, established in 1988, remains a key part of the state’s gambling offerings, contributing significant revenue to public education.

Types of Gambling in Virginia

Virginia permits a variety of legal gambling activities, offering residents several options to engage in regulated gaming. One of the most prominent forms of gambling is sports betting, which has grown rapidly since its legalization.

Virginia offers both online and retail sports betting through licensed operators, providing a wide array of wagering options on professional and collegiate sports. Additionally, the state has authorized the development of several commercial casinos in cities such as Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Bristol, with these casinos expected to offer traditional gaming options like slot machines, table games, and poker once completed.

The Virginia Lottery is another key component of the state’s gambling landscape, offering popular games such as scratch-offs, draw games, and multi-state lottery games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds from the lottery go toward funding public education, making it a popular and socially beneficial form of gambling.

Charitable gaming, including bingo, pull-tabs, and raffles, is also legal in Virginia and regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Nonprofit organizations across the state use these games to raise funds for various charitable purposes.

However, Virginia does maintain certain restrictions on gambling activities. Online casino gaming and poker are not yet legal, and while horse race betting is permitted, the state has seen a decline in live racing venues in recent years, with the focus shifting more toward off-track betting and simulcast wagering.

Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting

Horse racing has a long history in Virginia, but the industry has faced challenges in recent years. Colonial Downs, the state’s primary racetrack, reopened in 2019 after several years of closure, marking a resurgence in live racing events. Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is legal in Virginia, and residents can place bets at the track, through off-track betting (OTB) facilities, or online via licensed horse racing platforms. Simulcast wagering is also available, allowing bettors to wager on races taking place at tracks across the country.

Despite the resurgence of Colonial Downs, horse racing is no longer a dominant form of gambling in Virginia. Many residents opt for off-track or online wagering rather than attending live races. Still, the presence of horse race betting provides an additional legal option for gambling enthusiasts in the state.

Casinos

Virginia’s casino industry is a recent development, following the passage of legislation in 2020 that allowed certain cities to build commercial casinos. These casinos are expected to offer a full range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Some of the cities that have been approved for casino development include Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Richmond, though Richmond’s casino project has faced delays.

While none of these casinos are fully operational yet, their development signals a significant expansion of Virginia’s gambling industry. Once complete, these casinos will provide residents with access to the type of gaming experience previously unavailable within the state, potentially drawing in tourists from neighboring areas and generating substantial revenue for local economies.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming remains an important part of Virginia’s gambling industry. Nonprofit organizations throughout the state hold bingo nights, raffles, and pull-tab events to raise money for charitable causes. These activities are regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, ensuring that the games are conducted fairly and that proceeds are used for their intended purposes.

Bingo, in particular, is popular in Virginia, with many community organizations and churches hosting regular events. The state also permits electronic pull-tabs, which have become a common fixture at bingo halls and other charitable gaming locations. Overall, charitable gaming offers a legal and socially beneficial form of gambling for Virginians while supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives.

State Lottery

The Virginia Lottery, established in 1988, has become one of the most popular forms of gambling in the state. The lottery offers a wide range of games, from traditional scratch-off tickets to daily draw games and multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. In addition to these traditional games, the Virginia Lottery offers some limited online gaming options, allowing players to purchase tickets and participate in select games through its official website or mobile app.

The Virginia Lottery plays a vital role in supporting public education, with a significant portion of its proceeds earmarked for educational funding. The lottery generates millions of dollars in revenue each year, making it one of the most successful and widely participated-in forms of gambling in the state.

Poker Rooms

Poker is expected to become a significant component of Virginia’s casino offerings as new facilities open across the state. Currently, poker is not widely available outside of home games or charity events. Virginia law permits home poker games as long as no rake or entrance fee is charged, but the state does not have commercial poker rooms or online poker for money.

Once the casinos in cities like Norfolk and Bristol are fully operational, they are expected to offer live poker rooms, giving players access to popular poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, as well as poker tournaments. This development will add a new dimension to Virginia’s gambling environment, attracting both casual players and serious poker enthusiasts.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is one of the most recent additions to Virginia’s gambling landscape, having been legalized in 2020. The state allows both online and retail sports betting, with a variety of licensed operators providing Virginians with legal access to betting on professional and collegiate sports. The market has grown rapidly, with millions of dollars wagered on sports each year.

Sportsbooks are currently available online and at some retail locations, and the state’s new casinos are expected to feature in-person sportsbooks as well. Virginia’s sports betting laws are designed to protect consumers while allowing for competitive, regulated wagering on a wide range of sports events.

Gambling Laws and Regulations in Virginia

Virginia’s gambling laws are relatively modern and have been shaped by recent legislative changes aimed at expanding gaming options in the state. The legal forms of gambling include:

• Sports Betting: Online and retail sports betting is legal and regulated in Virginia, offering bettors a variety of options for wagering on sports.
  
  
• Tribal and Commercial Casinos: Although still under development, commercial casinos are legal in certain cities, and tribal gaming is permitted under federal law.
  
  
• Charitable Gaming: Bingo, raffles, and other charitable games are legal for licensed nonprofit organizations, provided they follow state regulations.
  
  
• Virginia Lottery: The state lottery offers a range of games, with proceeds benefiting public education.

Illegal Gambling Activities

• Online Casinos/Poker: Virginia does not currently permit online casino gaming or poker for real money, and unlicensed operators are illegal.
  
  
• Unlicensed Gambling: Operating unlicensed gambling establishments, including illegal poker rooms or casinos, is prohibited and can result in severe penalties.

Virginia’s approach to gambling regulation aims to balance consumer protection with providing a growing range of legal gaming options for residents.

Gambling in Virginia is overseen by several key regulatory authorities, ensuring that all legal gaming activities comply with state laws and regulations:

• Virginia Lottery: This body not only manages the state’s lottery operations but also regulates and oversees casino gaming, sports betting, and online wagering in Virginia. Established in 1987, the Virginia Lottery has expanded its role in recent years to include managing new gaming opportunities such as sports betting and the upcoming commercial casinos.
  
  
• Virginia Racing Commission: This agency regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Virginia. They ensure that all races and betting activities are conducted fairly and transparently. The commission also oversees off-track betting facilities and the historical horse racing (HHR) machines operating in the state.
  
  
• Virginia Department of Charitable Gaming: Responsible for regulating charitable gaming activities such as bingo, raffles, and poker tournaments conducted by qualified charitable organizations. They ensure that these activities comply with state laws and that the proceeds go to charitable purposes.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Virginia’s gambling laws are strictly enforced, and those caught engaging in illegal gambling can face serious consequences. Operating an illegal gambling operation is a felony offense and can result in significant fines and lengthy prison sentences. Participating in unauthorized games or sports betting can lead to misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines, jail time, or both. State law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies monitor for illegal gambling activities and work to prevent underground operations.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Virginia

Virginia’s sports culture would likely fuel a robust sports betting market. While sports betting is already legalized, future growth is anticipated, driven by several popular sports:

• Football: Betting on the Washington Commanders (NFL) and college football teams such as the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies would likely dominate the market. Both professional and collegiate football have passionate fan bases in Virginia.
  
  
• Basketball: The Washington Wizards (NBA) and Virginia’s college basketball teams, particularly during March Madness, would attract significant betting activity. The ACC rivalry and postseason tournaments would add to this interest.
  
  
• Baseball: The Washington Nationals (MLB) are a popular team for Virginians, and Major League Baseball could generate considerable betting interest throughout the season.
  
  
• Other Sports: Soccer, NASCAR (with Virginia being home to several major race tracks), and hockey (Washington Capitals in the NHL) could also draw attention from bettors. Additionally, the rising popularity of esports and other niche sports could further diversify the market.

Local Casinos in Virginia

Virginia’s gaming landscape is set to expand dramatically with the construction of new commercial casinos:

• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol: Located in the southwestern part of the state, this is one of the first full-fledged casinos set to open, featuring slot machines, table games, and live entertainment. It will also offer dining and lodging options, making it a destination resort.
  
  
• Norfolk Casino: This upcoming waterfront property will be operated by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and promises a range of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. It will also offer hotel accommodations and other amenities.
  
  
• Caesars Virginia (Danville): Set to open in 2024, this large-scale casino resort will include slot machines, table games, and a poker room. Additionally, it will offer a luxury hotel, a sportsbook, and top-tier entertainment venues.

Gaming Experience in Virginia’s Casinos

Virginia’s upcoming casinos will offer a modern and exciting gaming experience. These casinos will likely feature a wide variety of gaming options, including slot machines, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and more. Poker rooms will also be a staple in larger casinos, offering tournaments and cash games.

Beyond gaming, these casinos will serve as entertainment hubs, offering live shows, concerts, dining options, and accommodations for guests. Their development represents a significant economic opportunity for local communities, providing jobs and generating revenue through tourism and gaming.

Future of Gaming in Virginia

Virginia’s gaming future is looking promising, with several key developments on the horizon. The state has embraced the expansion of gambling, from legalizing sports betting to permitting commercial casinos. As these casinos open and sports betting gains traction, the state is likely to see a growing gaming economy.

• Casino Expansion: Virginia is currently building several commercial casinos, a major shift from its previous gambling restrictions. These casinos will likely attract significant tourism and gaming activity.
  
  
• Online and Mobile Gaming: As online sports betting has already been legalized, the potential for further online gaming options, including online casinos and poker, could be the next step in Virginia’s gambling evolution. This would require legislative changes but could open the door to a broader gaming market.
  
  
• Future Legislation: The state may also consider other gambling expansions, including allowing more casinos in different regions or introducing additional forms of gaming, such as online lotteries or instant win games. These changes will depend on the success of the current expansions and the appetite for further legislative action.

Gambling FAQ – Virginia

1. Can I gamble online if I live in Virginia?
   Yes, online sports betting is legal in Virginia, and residents can place wagers through state-approved platforms. Online casino games and poker, however, are not yet legal.
   
   
2. Is gambling legal in Virginia?
   Yes, gambling is legal in Virginia, but it is limited to state-approved forms such as the lottery, horse racing, charitable gaming, sports betting, and soon, commercial casinos.
   
   
3. Are there poker rooms in Virginia?
   While traditional poker rooms have not yet been established, Virginia’s upcoming casinos will offer poker, including both cash games and tournaments.
   
   
4. Is casino gambling legal in Virginia?
   Yes, casino gambling is legal, with several new casinos set to open in the coming years. These casinos will be the first commercial gaming establishments in the state.
   
   
5. What gambling apps are legal in Virginia?
   Virginia residents can legally gamble on sports through approved mobile sports betting apps. The state lottery also has an official app that allows users to play certain games.
   
   
6. When Did Virginia Legalize Gambling?
   Virginia began legalizing certain forms of gambling in the 1970s. Charitable gaming, such as bingo and raffles, was among the first forms to be legalized, providing a way for nonprofits to raise funds. The Virginia Lottery was established in 1987 following a voter-approved referendum, marking the state’s first significant step into government-regulated gambling. Horse racing and pari-mutuel betting were legalized in the 1990s, with the creation of the Virginia Racing Commission in 1988. Over the following decades, gambling laws in Virginia remained relatively conservative until the state embraced more expansive gaming legislation. In 2020, the General Assembly passed a historic law that legalized sports betting and allowed the construction of commercial casinos, signaling a new era of gaming in the state.
   
   
7. What Is the Oldest Casino in Virginia?
   As commercial casinos are still under construction, Virginia does not yet have an established oldest casino. However, the first casino expected to open is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2024.