Virginia Casinos & Legal Online Gambling

Virginia’s Current Online Casino & Gambling Laws Explained

You can't play real money online casino sites in Virginia yet, which is something that may not change for a while. That said, there are some gambling options available already.

In the late 1980s, the Virginia Lottery Board began selling scratchers/tickets for various games and legalized horse betting. This was the status quo for some time, but in 2016, daily fantasy sports were launched. 

And in 2019, Virginia legalized physical casinos and sports betting online. Rivers Casino Portsmouth was the first land-based casino in VA, and it opened in early 2023. 

Recent Updates on Online Gambling in Virginia

• October 2024: Ground is broken on the awaited new casino in Norfolk's entertainment district. Set on the banks of the Elizabeth River, the project calls for a gaming space that includes roughly 4,000 slot games and 200 live dealer games. The goal is for the casino to open its doors in September 2027.
• November 2024: The city of Petersburg becomes the fifth retail casino location in VA. Residents voted for a $1.4 billion plan for Cordish Companies to build a 400,000 square-foot complex. This includes a gaming space, a hotel with 300 rooms, a 3,000-seat convention center, plus entertainment options and amenities.
• January 2025: Senator Mamie Locke presented a bill that would give the land-based casinos in Virginia licenses for online gambling from the Virginia Lottery Board. The bill calls for establishing iGaming rules fast, paving the way for a launch in late 2025 or early 2026. There wasn't much support behind this particular piece of legislation.

Exploring Free Play Casinos in Virginia

Real-money online casino gaming hasn't yet gotten the green light from the Virginia General Assembly. But there are free sites out there that offer gambling options.  

If you're itching to play and don't mind it being for free, sweepstakes casinos are your best bet for now. This also gives you an idea of what games to play with real money once the option is available.

What is a Sweepstakes Casino?

In short, sweepstakes casinos give you the same experience as other casinos, but without money. They give you the option to play all the popular games, be it slots or tables. They operate on virtual currencies, such as Sweeps Coins, which you can use to redeem real prizes. 

Many sweepstakes casinos even offer free sc coins to help get you started.

How Do I Play Free Casino Games in Virginia?

Getting up and running on a sweepstakes casino site or app is easy. Once you sign up, you can access the entire gaming selection. Most of these platforms work just as well in your browser as if you download an app.

If you just want to try some online slots for free, you can do that here as well! The free demo games work exactly like the real deal, but there just isn't any money in play.

What Are the Best Free Online Casinos in Virginia?

After extensive research and review, I'd recommend BetRivers. It's a free-to-play site that has a corresponding real money experience. So, you get the same games, software, features, and even support that paying customers do.

BetRivers Virginia Online Casino

I regard BetRivers highly for its overall variety, customer support, and overall experience. The free-play version of the platform comes with all the bells and whistles of the standard site, just minus the cash stakes. The platform is also very user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for newbies to online gambling.

Are Bonuses Available at Virginia Casinos? Will there be Promos for VA Online Casinos?

Physical casinos in Virginia offer a variety of loyalty rewards. From shopping discounts and free play to dining and hotel stays for bigger bettors. (A friendly reminder here that no matter what extras are on the table, it's important to have responsible gambling habits.) 

I'm 100% confident that if and when Virginia online casinos become a reality, there will be a whole host of casino welcome bonuses.

Does Virginia Have Land-Based Casinos?

Yes! After an approved referendum for Virginia to decide on multiple locations for casinos, four were approved. The first retail casino to open was the Rivers Casino Portsmouth. More casinos have opened since, including Caesars in Danville and Hard Rock in Bristol. 

What Is the Biggest Casino in Virginia?

For a long time, the only permanent casino location in Virginia was Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The 400,000-square-foot resort features almost 1,500 slot games, a sports betting lounge, and more. 

The in-person gaming capacity at Hard Rock Bristol Casino Resort is similar. It has 1,500 slot machines, almost 60 table games, a sports betting lounge, and a new poker room.

What Casinos Are in Richmond?

While there are no full-service casinos in Richmond, Colonial Downs features both horse racing and Rosie's Gaming Emporium. The facility offers off-track betting and many slot games.

What Casinos Are in Norfolk?

Norfolk doesn't yet have a casino, but ground has been broken on a massive casino gambling resort on the banks of the Elizabeth River. The waterfront casino is slated to have 4,000 slot games and 200 live dealer games, along with dining, convention, and hotel space.

What Casinos Are in Bristol?

As mentioned above, Hard Rock Bristol is a massive facility, with plenty of options for playing, staying, and dining.

Comparing Offshore and Legal In-State Casinos

You may have seen ads and bonus offers for websites claiming to be the top Virginia online casinos. But how can this be, if this type of online wagering isn't legal? Well, these are likely "offshore" casinos that use international servers to get around regional gambling laws.

Beyond existing in a legal grey area, these casinos are NOT regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board. In other words, player protection isn't a guarantee. That's why I only recommend using licensed, fully above-board online casinos, no matter where you're located.

Current Legal Gambling Options in Virginia

There are many legal avenues for gambling in Virginia already. Here's a quick overview of what's available at the moment, including some we haven't covered yet:

• Sports Betting: 13 sportsbooks are licensed and operating in the state. They include BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and other popular brands.
• Daily Fantasy Sports: DFS games arrived in Virginia in 2016. Popular providers include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog.
• Local Retail Casinos: There are two permanent and two temporary casino resorts in Virginia. And another major waterfront casino resort is coming soon in Norfolk.
• Horse Racing: A public referendum legalized horse betting via pari-mutuel wagering in 1988. Popular tracks include Colonial Downs, Foxfield Racing, and Shenandoah Downs.
• Bingo: Charitable organizations can raise funds via Bingo (and other games) if they get a Charitable Gaming Permit from the state. But they're limited to accepting wagers and paying cash prizes within seven days in a calendar year.
• Lottery: The Virginia Lottery started selling scratchers and tickets for numbers games in 1988. The organization has continued to expand its offerings and now oversees other forms of gambling in the state.