Online Gambling in
Virginia
The state of Virginia is steeped in history and tradition, and those values remain when it comes to more modern activities such as gambling. Virginia has no legal online casino industry, and gaming as a whole is limited. There are no land-based casinos, and bettors in the state need to cross the border into states such as New Jersey and West Virginia for more gambling options. This may change following the Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting and more states legalizing online casinos. However, for now, the Old Dominion State has very stringent gambling laws.
As a rule of thumb, residents or visitors to Virginia cannot bet on the outcomes of games that are based on “chance.” Consequently, casino gambling, online gambling in any form, and betting on greyhounds is not permitted. However, there are two exceptions to this, with Virginia offering five off-track betting parlors located throughout the state. Additionally, an application for a sixth parlor has been approved by the state, which will be located in Richmond.
Is It Legal In Virginia?
Players in Virginia cannot play at online casinos for real money. There is no regulated casino industry, and gambling laws are very limited. Even though betting on horse racing is permitted, this is still not straightforward. Bettors in Virginia are allowed to gamble at licensed tracks and off-track betting outlets, however, there are currently none open in the commonwealth.
Apart from horse racing, the only other accepted form of betting in Virginia is charitable gambling, such as bingo and raffles. There is also the state lottery, which has games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch cards. Essentially Virginia is more than happy to give its gambling offering a boost but will not permit casinos and sportsbooks to open in the state to create more revenue by expanding the online gambling options. Of course, if there are not enough gambling options for you, you can hop across the border to West Virginia or Maryland and take part in legal real money casino gambling.
Those in the northern half of Virginia have the option to visit a state with more lenient gambling laws; however, there are no online gambling options. However, things look like they could be changing. The Colonial Downs horse track was previously shut but re-opened in 2019 and became the state’s first land-based casino.
Moreover, the Pamunkey Native American tribe plans to build a land-based casino in the southeastern part of the state. In another boost to gambling in Virginia, sports betting is now officially legal in the state. It is possible that this momentum may continue, and online gambling in Virginia could soon become a reality.
Social Casinos in Virginia
You cannot legally play for real money at any online casino sites in Virginia. However, Virginians can play at social casinos. Sites such as Big Fish, Double Down Casino, and Slotomania all have apps that offer free play through mobile devices. Players can play casino games on the go via their smartphones, even though they cannot win any money.
One of the best gambling sites available for Virginia residents is the Hollywood Casino Charles Town’s Play4fun network site. This allows players to play games such as slot machines on the casino floor without playing for any money.
The majority of the social casinos feature traditional casino games such as blackjack, slots, roulette, and video poker. They are entirely legal and free to play. You cannot win any money playing games at social casinos; however, sites like Chumba Casino run on a sweepstakes model that offers prizes that include real money jackpots. These are the only legal online gambling options in the state until the current Virginia online laws change.
Online Poker in Virginia
Gambling in the state is limited, and there has been a big push for the legalization of land-based poker, but it remains to be seen if it will be introduced. Campaigners have claimed that poker should be made legal in Virginia as it is one of the games that is skill-based. Lawmakers have not budged, so poker players need to travel to casinos and tournaments elsewhere to enjoy online poker.
Bonuses & Promotions at Virginia Casinos
Online casino sites will offer several bonuses and promotions to attract players to register for an account and retain existing ones. The majority of these bonus offers will come with a play-through requirement, which means the bonus money must be wagered at least once before it can be released. It is vital to read the terms and conditions with any wagering requirement before you play.
Online casino sites will offer new players a welcome package that will be presented in different formats. One of the ones typically offered is a matched deposit offer. Once you make your first deposit, the casino will match the amount up to 100%. Please note that the wagering requirements for these are usually high, so it may not be worthwhile to play it.
One of the most generous welcome bonuses to keep an eye out for is a no deposit bonus. These are straightforward and allow new players to get their bankroll off to an impressive start. The only requirement is to sign up for an account, and once it has been verified, you will receive some bonus funds, which are usually around $20 before you make your first deposit. If online casinos become available for Virginia residents, there will be lots of competition. Hence, players have the chance to look around and select the casino most suitable for them, which offers the best terms.
Security & Privacy
Virginia online casinos will offer numerous payment methods that are fast and efficient. As and when online gambling becomes legal in Virginia, the industry will be regulated, so all financial transactions are safe and secure. The most common deposit and withdrawal options available at online casino sites include:
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- ACH/E-check
- Online Bank transfer
- PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
- Play+
E-wallet payment systems such as PayPal and Neteller allow you to transfer money online instantly with no fees. The above options are the most common payment choices for online gaming sites; however, Virginia online casino sites may offer different methods.
Virginia Gambling News
We will bring you all of the latest gambling news from the Old Dominion State, including casino gambling updates, the latest on sports betting, and more.
