Legal casino gambling age in US-VA: 18
On this page
Online Casinos for players from Virginia
Introduction
There is a popular saying Virginia is for Lovers, but people probably don't know this state boasts so much more about it, from having 62% of its land covered in forests to providing excellent vacation experience due to many natural resources, but also casino gaming and sports betting offers!
Named after Queen Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen, this state is also known as the home of the first English settlement in the New World. Historically, Virginia was regarded as one of England's dominions, thus its nickname, the Old Dominion State.
Rich in history, the state is linked to many famous figures, from Pocahontas to Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence.
According to many experts, the first people arrived in Virginia about 18,000 years ago, while numerous tribes, including Cherokee, Powhatan, Tuscarora, and Croatoan, came thousands of years later.
But we are more interested in gambling history here…
…which appears to be equally abundant and amusing!
When it comes to gambling history in Virginia, the state's experience with gaming and casinos has gone through both highs and lows.
The very beginning of gambling in Virginia traces back to colonial times when it served as a form of amusement, while, nowadays, it represents an essential part of the state's income. In addition, back then, lottery tickets were distributed to fund public works.
As with the rest of the country, Virginia's gambling landscape has changed considerably throughout its history, reflecting changes in social attitudes and economic priorities.
Even in the past several years, we have witnessed a few new proposals for further expansion of gambling, while we have already seen an explosion of gaming laws, one of the most notable ones being the legalization of online sports betting in 2020.
Virginia Recommended Online Casinos
UP TO $11,000 BONUS
All US players welcome
Over 200 casino games
Play on PC or Mobile
UP TO $3000 BONUS
Casino & Sportsbook
American players only
Play on desktop or mobile
UP TO 777$ BONUS
Large welcome bonus
Daily casino tournaments
Popular games
History of Gambling in Virginia
Although Virginia's gambling began humblely in the 1970s, the state was also among the first to establish lotteries!
Today, Virginia does not restrict lottery games, including scratchers. In addition to national games like Mega Millions and Powerball, the Virginia Lottery Board oversees local draws like Pick 3, Cash 5, and Bank a Million. However, the state requires a minimum age of 18 to purchase lottery tickets.
In 1971, the state also legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, which led to further legalization of bingo halls and charitable gaming!
The Daily Fantasy Sports fans had to wait until 2016, while historical horse race betting was legalized in 2018. A year later, live horse racing and pari-mutuel betting returned to Colonial Downs racetracks.
Current Gambling Regulations in Virginia
We have finally come to 2020...
...when, after a lengthy debate among lawmakers, five cities across Virginia were allowed to host commercial casinos following the legalization of online sports betting when twelve mobile-only sports betting app providers were allowed to launch by the end of 2021!
Note that the legislation gave the Virginia Lottery Board regulatory authority for casino gaming in Virginia.
According to the American Gaming Association, five resort-style casinos operate today in Virginian metropolitan areas, including Norfolk, Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Richmond.
As a result, the economy expanded, and more jobs were created in local communities, which were lacking before the investment outside traditional industries.
The gambling business has several benefits, including job creation, tax income, and tourist spending. Conversely, if not controlled properly, it may result in criminal activities, increased addiction rates, or decreased property values.
Regarding further legalization, there several efforts have been made to legalize online casino gambling and skill games, as well as building more land-based casinos, but they all fell short so far.
Regarding skill games, the history of skill gaming in VA begins in 2020, when lawmakers banned the electronic games of skill in Virginia.
Still, only a few months later, Governor Northam overturned the ban, followed by a rule that from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, the Distributor of Skill Games must pay $1,200.00 per game monthly in taxes.
Once July 1, 2021, had passed, skill game machines were left unregulated until the end of 2023, when the State Supreme Court reinstated the ban.
However, while these slot-like betting machines are banned, Virginia considers legalizing them to significantly expand gambling, at least in businesses like restaurants, truck stops, and convenience stores.
Virginia Recommended Online Sports Books
Sign Up Bonus
50% up to
1000$
Sign Up Bonus
25% up to
500$
Sign Up Bonus
125% up to
2500$
Virginia Recommended Online Poker Rooms
Sign Up Bonus
200% up to
1000$
+25 spins
Sign Up Bonus - Cryptocurrency
150% up to
1500$
Sign Up Bonus
100% up to
1000$
Virginia Recommended Online Bingo Rooms
Free Trial Bonus - Exclusive
80$
Free Trial Bonus
25$
No Deposit Bonus - Exclusive
25$
What Legal Gambling Options in Virginia Are Available Now?
As stated several times throughout this article, sports betting is legal in Virginia; however, a person must be at least 21 years old to place the bets.
While there are several land-based betting venues, players mostly opt for a mobile version of sportsbooks since online sports betting sites are licensed and offer numerous promotions!
While online casinos are not allowed, users can access social and sweepstakes casinos and play their favorite games without placing real money deposits or bets.
In addition, these online casinos offer free games that allow you to win Sweepstakes Tokens, aka Sweeps Coins, and exchange them for prizes!
According to the Code of Virginia, illegal gambling in the State constitutes a Class III Misdemeanor. Potential penalties for this misdemeanor conviction include a criminal record and a fine of up to $500.
Regarding Virginia's land-based casino venues...
... various forms of games can be found, including slot machines, blackjack variants, roulette, craps, video poker games, and poker!
Still, if you are into trying online poker, you are out of luck since the law forbids it unless you try it in some offshore casinos or play it in someone's home.
Best Casinos for Players from Virginia
Casinos Found: 209Filter
More filters
If we have jumped the gun, you can remove that filter by clicking here.
.jpg){kind=logo}
.jpg)
Related Reading
