Gambling in Virginia
The US state of Virginia is found in the east of the United States. Located by Chesapeake Bay, it neighbors Carolina to the north and Maryland to the south. The capital is Richmond, and the biggest city is Virginia Beach. Eight million people reside in the Old Dominion.
Overview of Gambling in Virginia
Until recently there were no Virginia casinos in the territory, and nor could you find online gambling, with Virginia having strict anti-gaming laws. Times are changing, however, and the first casino has now opened in Bristol with more to come. Here we will explain why and give a little history of the attempts to introduce gaming.
You can almost hear the construction machines whirring as Virginia casino building gets under way. Residents of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth have voted to become a casino city in Virginia and Richmond will decide in 2023 whether to join the Virginia gambling scramble.
Bristol became the first gambling city in Virginia when the Hard Rock Casino opened its temporary home in the former Belk department store in the Bristol Mall July 2022. The venue cleared $11.7m in its partial debut month. The company has been planning for the legalization of casinos in Virginia with slot machines table games and sports books since 2018, and the permanent Hard Rock Casino and Resort should open in Summer 2024 with the traditional guitar smash.
Meanwhile, in Danville ground was broken in August for the start of the $650m Caesars Virginia Casino. This is a joint project between Caesars and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and should open its doors in late 2024.
Over in Portsmouth the Rivers Virginia Casino will beat Caesars to it, as their opening is planned for next year. Rush Street Gaming are the preferred partner.
In Richmond the operator will be Urban One/Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, whilst in Norfolk the Pamunkey Indian Tribe have been offered the license, although the betting platform has not been declared.
State of Online Gambling in Virginia
Players often ask: is online gambling legal in Virginia? When it comes to online gambling Virginia allows it, but in a limited manner. The first online sports books went live in January 2021, and players have been able to bet on DFS since 2016, when Virginia became the first state to legalize them.
Players can bet on the lottery online, and the new casinos will offer mobile casino games. This will be the only way to play at an online casino Virginia taking its time to look at this option.
Virginia Online Casino Games
Customers can expect all the regular games found elsewhere, including blackjack, poker, craps and slots. You will find all of these at the temporary Hard Rock
Online Poker
There are currently no legal online poker sites, as they are treated the same as online casinos. Whether the new casinos will offer mobile poker is not certain.
Tribal Gaming in Virginia
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are working with Caesars in Danville on the casino project, whilst the Pamunkey Indian Tribe will operate the casino in Norfolk.
Virginia Casinos FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Virginia?
The legal gambling age is currently 18 years of age.
Is online gambling legal in Virginia?
Yes, there are limited opportunities to play DFS and enjoy sports betting along with the lottery. The new casinos will be able to offer mobile casino games.
What is the most popular casino in Virginia?
The only casino currently open in the state of Virginia is the Hard Rock.
When did Virginia legalize gambling?
In 1998 the state lottery was launched in Virginia.
Does Virginia tax gambling winnings?
2% to 5.75% is the state tax rate that applies to gambling winnings.
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes, since January 2021. Players in the state are now able to wager on a wide variety of sporting events.
Is there a real money online casino Virginia regulated?
No, real money online casinos are illegal.