Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
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Looking for casinos in Virginia? The map below shows where every land-based casino and racetrack in the state is located, including Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Bristol, and Caesars Virginia. Use it to quickly find casinos in Virginia near you and plan your next gaming trip.

When you visit, why not blend the thrill of playing casino games with the simple pleasures of relaxing? Casino resorts offer wonderful hotel accommodation, along with excellent resort amenities. There are five to visit, so let’s take a closer look.
Poker is one of the biggest casino games, period, and if you’re a fan, then I have three places for you to swing by when you're in our state. In Virginia, players play against other players, not the house. The casinos benefit by implementing a rake or tournament entry fee. Let’s take a look at your options.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Supports members with a dedicated poker room offering the games of No Limit Hold’ Em and Pot Limit Omaha. Weekly tournaments take place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the weekend.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
Inside the poker room, you can play Pot Limit Omaha and No Limit Hold’ Em. Tournaments are held every day of the week and on weekends. This venue is very popular with poker fans, which is why it's available.
Colonial Downs / Rosie's Gaming Emporium
If you have ever been to Running Aces or Canterbury Park in Minnesota, the level of service might feel familiar, and the card games are limited in number. No live poker is currently available, but video poker is.
Take note: Virginia casino poker rooms host many events and tournaments, whose schedules vary by venue and are subject to change. You will not find a business operating a stand-alone poker venture. They will only ever appear alongside a casino or racetrack business.
If you like horse racing, then your journey to Virginia demands a stop at these two racetracks.
With no racinos allowed in the state, other gaming options are available to help enhance your day-out experience. Known as HHR machines, you can immerse yourself in Historical Horse Racing Virginia-style games. What are they and how do they work? Well, quite simply, the HHR is an electronic game that is built similarly to a traditional slot cabinet, though they are technically different.
It works by using historical horse racing results. Thousands of past outcomes are hardwired into the machine, and its anonymization program assures a fair experience. To play, you insert your funds, select your wager, select your horse to finish each way, and then press spin to activate the feature. Select the right horse and win.
Such games are highly supported by long-established horse racing venues like Colonial Downs and Rosie's Gaming Emporium. The locations of which are below:

At the locations mentioned above, you can enjoy HHR machines for a new experience. There’s live thoroughbred racing, live entertainment, with dining available, and simulcast betting.
When it comes to charitable gambling, Virginia is king of the East Coast. The state hosts a formidable charitable culture operating non-profit games across state-wide community venues. The games available within these charitable events include raffles, pull-tabs, and bingo (including instant bingo).
Charity events are there for the benefit of the community. Funds go straight back into the local economy, schooling, services, and agriculture. When such events happen, the system is regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs.
Sure, you may be heading out this way to embrace the variety of land-based gambling in Virginia, but step away from the tables and racetracks, and you will find plenty to make happy memories from. Here’s a brief rundown if you're driving through these cities.
Back at the resort, you can take on board the live concerts and entertainment. You have the luxury spa and fitness facilities. Hungry? Then explore the many dining concepts. Plus, book your special event and convention space for work or for those special occasions.
We want your visit to be fun for all the right reasons, and I’m confident it will. You’ll not only be backed by Virginia’s great gaming services, but you’ll also have the support of local gambling protection. The Responsible Gambling services of our state are regulated through the Virginia Racing Commission, the Virginia Lottery, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
You can call the free national problem helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER. You can also visit the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling at vcproblemgambling.org. Further resources are found through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services. Plus, visitors and locals can use self-exclusion programs to block themselves from any gambling options presented by all venues.
Gambling should only ever be thought of as a source of entertainment and not one of financial gain. Play with a smile and always stop when it's no longer the case. Think about your own spending limits, play to your budget, and always take breaks, whether you’re winning or losing.
This guide to gambling in Virginia is for informational purposes only. It is not about financial, legal, or gambling advice. This guide is intended to inform you about places to visit in the rapidly changing landscape. New casinos and new legislation are happening all the time, thanks to recent approvals in the state’s gambling law.
I encourage you to visit the following for more up-to-date information.
As of early 2026, there are five active land-based casinos. These casinos are the River Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, HeadWaters Resort & Casino, Live! Casinos & Hotel Virginia, and Caesars Virginia. More continue to be built and will be open over the coming years.
No. Whilst there are some partnerships with tribal nations, the legal and operational framework for all casinos is done through commercial enterprises. Not one casino is tribally operated, and the regulation of such services is done through the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Racing Commission.
No. The state of Virginia does not have any racinos, which are the service of horse racing and slot machines. Sports betting is allowed at retail locations. What you may find at some racetracks are HHR Machines, which are an alternative form of gaming.
Yes. There are several places where poker rooms are readily available inside the casino resorts of the state. You will also have access to regular tournaments, where you can play No Limit Hold’ Em and Pot Limit Omaha. All games pit you against other players and not the house.
No one is permitted to wager on games or sports unless the person is 21 years or older. When you visit Virginia, please bring with you a photo ID as you will be checked for your age when you enter all venues. To buy a lottery ticket, you can be 18 or over.
The HHR machines are similar in their build to slot cabinets. These games are developed with hundreds of thousands of historical racing data. You play the game by picking a horse, and if it’s the winner of its race by coming in Each Way, you win a prize.
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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