Virginia Sports Betting Apps
Virginia sports betting is legal, live and available online throughout the state. Bettors in Virginia can access the best online sports betting companies in the US, sign up and then bet from the comfort of their homes. We’ve got everything you need to know about online Virginia sports betting and the state’s wide variety of sportsbooks.
There are currently 14 legal, regulated Virginia online sportsbooks. WynnBET ceased operations in the commonwealth in 2023. Bally Bet, however, recently relaunched its sports betting app after going dark earlier in the year.
Betr, which specializes in microbetting, has obtained a Virginia sports betting license. They recently rolled out a DFS platform in 24 states, and an imminent Virginia launch is possible. In addition, PointsBet users may soon see a rebrand to Fanatics Sportsbook, which purchased PointsBet’s U.S. assets earlier this year.
For sports betting apps, you’ll need to be physically in Virginia to place your first bet and remember that in-state college teams are off-the-books. With that in mind, browse the options below to take advantage of the best sign-up offers.
We’ll cover how to get started, what to look for in an app, which sports betting apps have launched in Virginia, and which ones could debut next.
VA sports betting app bonus offers
How to download a VA sports betting app
Getting a sports betting app up and running on your phone is a piece of cake. This is true for both Android and iOS users. Whether you use a Galaxy, Pixel, iPhone or iPad, you can be ready to go in a couple of minutes.
For starters, download any of the apps below and create your new account.
Once your new account is all set, it’s just a matter of downloading the app that correlates with your device from the sportsbook’s website. Generally, there are clearly labeled links or icons for iOS and Android to get the ball rolling.
After you have the app downloaded, log in on mobile and you’ll be golden. A sportsbook will be there at your fingertips whenever you need it. After all, betting is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If the online sportsbook happens to not have an iOS or Android app, fear not: Online sportsbooks are fully optimized to work on mobile browsers. You’ll be able to log in as normal and get down to business without missing a beat.
Best VA sports betting apps for 2023
Now that Virginia sports betting apps have launched, you have access to all of the markets and bet types you could ask for from your phone or tablet. From betting on the NFL in Virginia to soccer and all points in between, it’s all here.
The only major restrictions have to do with Virginia college sports betting. You can’t bet on Virginia-based college teams (or college games played in Virginia even if they don’t involve VA schools), and there’s no betting on college player props, which is wagering on collegiate athletes’ individual performances.
Here’s what you can expect to see from the top online sports betting apps in VA.
1. Bet365 VA App
Bonus: Bet $1, Get $365
Use bonus code: PLAYVA
An industry leader over the past two decades, bet365 is slowly but surely making its way across the United States. After debuting in New Jersey, the sportsbook expanded to Colorado, Virginia, and is likely to continue growing.
bet365 lends itself to both the experienced and rookie sports bettor. The platform is easy to use, offers plenty of markets, and is a highly refined sports betting experience thanks to years of service internationally. The company was founded in 2000 in England before expanding throughout Europe, Australia, and more recently into North America.
The bet365 mobile app is one of the strongest mobile sports betting platforms on the market today. It is available for free for both IOS and Android users. The operator has clearly refined its app over years of service internationally. It is a very simple app that doesn’t appear too visually stunning at first glance. However, as you continue to use the platform, you’ll notice the simplicity makes everything easier, and it is highly intuitive with very few issues.
2. Betway VA App
Bonus: First Bet Reset up to $250
The Betway mobile app can be downloaded to both iOS and Android devices and has positive reviews on both platforms, averaging a 4.7/5 on the Apple App Store after almost 50,000 ratings and a 4.3/5 on the Google Play Store with over 10,000 ratings and 1 million downloads.
Betway Sportsbook also offers tons of live betting options for users who want to wager on games that are already in progress. To head to the live betting menu, select “In-Play” from the top toolbar on the main menu (indicated by a stopwatch icon).
3. BetMGM VA app
Bonus: Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets
Use bonus code: PLAYVA
BetMGM offers one of the leading apps for US sports betting. All of the markets you would expect to find are here. BetMGM has also been going the extra mile with niche offerings, including things such as the Korean Baseball Organization and various international soccer competitions.
We’ve put the app through its paces numerous times and have always come away impressed. All of the major functions, whether it’s adding items to the bet slip or depositing funds, are easy to use.
In addition to the offer on the left, new users are also eligible for another promotion. Sign up with the promo code GETPLAYVA, bet $10, and earn $200 in bonus bets.
BetMGM has become a top destination for sports bettors in numerous markets to date. With its vast wagering options and frequent promotions, it’s become a top book in Virginia too. We fully expect BetMGM to remain a market leader that offers a stellar betting app for the foreseeable future.
4. BetRivers VA app
Bonus: $500
Bonus code: PLAYVA
Created by industry veterans Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers has become a recognized brand in the gambling industry over the past decade. What began as an online casino brand has since broadened its reach into the world of sports betting.
In 2016, BetRivers.com became the first regulated online gaming site to enter Indiana and has now become one of the top sportsbooks in the 12 states where it’s licensed.
The company’s years of experience are reflected in its easy-to-use platform, accessible design and extensive wagering variety. And since it was one of the original brands to enter the regulated market, you can rest assured that you’re interacting with a trustworthy platform.
Moreover, BetRivers holds customer service at the forefront of focus. Not only will you benefit from lucrative deposit bonuses upon sign-up, but you’ll be able to take advantage of their competitive odds long after your first deposit.
5. PointsBet VA app
Bonus: Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets
Bonus code: Click to claim promo
Along with the second-chance bets offer, PointsBet has a variety of other bonuses and promotions. PointsBet also has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points for every bet you make. The breakdown is pretty straightforward. You get one point for every $5 in fixed odds bets you place, and $1 parlay bet for every $1 won or lost with PointsBetting. Points can then be redeemed for bonus money to wager with. Every 250 points will get you $2.50 in bet credits.
PointsBetting is a unique offering at PointsBet Sportsbook and quite simply it’s not for the faint of heart or the risk-averse.
In normal sports betting, whether you’re betting the moneyline, against the spread, over/unders, or parlays you know exactly how much money you will win or lose at the time you place your bet. That is not the case when it comes to PointsBetting.
In PointsBetting neither your wins nor losses are fixed. Instead, they vary based on the amount you were right or wrong with your wager.
6. Caesars VA App
Bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
Use bonus code: PLAYVA1000
The Caesars Sportsbook sports betting app is simple and easy to use. If you’re looking for a spot to get down to business quickly, then Caesars checks off all of the right boxes. If you like more pomp and circumstance with your sports betting, you might find Caesars VA lacking in comparison to others.
Overall, the range of markets and bet types is perfect. From betting on the NFL to the UFC, moneyline to parlays, it’s all here and easy to find. There are also dedicated tabs for live betting, so you’ll be able to zero right in on current and upcoming offerings right away.
Navigation on the app is smooth and quick, and we didn’t come across any red flags during multiple tests of the platform. Placing bets, funding your account, or just browsing around are among the tasks you’ll be able to complete without issue.
7. FanDuel VA app
Bonus: $200
Bonus code: Click to claim promo
If you put together a product that’s visually appealing, easy to use, and hits all of the right notes with sports betting, then there’s a really good chance that users will flock to it. That’s exactly what has happened with FanDuel.
The company has a wealth of gaming experience behind it, and that shows in both its mobile offering and overall approach to serving customers. FanDuel is user-centric, so a good part of its focus is on the customer service aspect.
One of the more impressive features of the FanDuel app is the betting slip function. You can add and delete items with ease, and you can minimize and restore the slip itself without missing a beat.
FanDuel has been at the top of the charts for all markets entered to date. That includes Virginia, where FanDuel was the first sportsbook to begin accepting bets. The app is highly regarded across the industry, so there’s a good chance that you’ll find lots to love.
Verifying your location
In order to use an app to bet on sports, you will need to prove to operators that you are within the confines of a legal state such as Virginia. So exactly how do you go about doing that?
To verify your location, Virginia sports betting apps use what is known as geolocation. It’s software that’s specifically designed to confirm that you are where you say you are.
The first time you log in to use the app and attempt to place bets, you’ll be prompted to implement the geolocation tracking feature. It takes about a minute or less for it to be installed, and you’ll be good to go once it verifies your location.
From there, the software runs unobtrusively in the background. You may occasionally get a notice in the app that the software can’t confirm your location, but don’t sweat that too much. Just try again, and it should be fine.
If not, you can always contact customer service to help you out. A number of the top operators go all out on the service front with options including phone support and live chat so you can get immediate help.
List of 14 legal Virginia sportsbook apps 2023
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook (purchased by Fanatics in 2023 and may be rebranded)
- SI Sportsbook
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook (is expected to rebrand to ESPN Bet)
- Unibet Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet (formerly Hard Rock Sportsbook)
- Betway Sportsbook
- Betfred Sportsbook
- Bally Bet Sportsbook
What’s so great about sports betting apps?
As sports betting continues to grow, so do consumer options. Having a number of ways to go about it is awesome and all, but it’s really tough to beat the experience of betting on mobile. Here’s why.
- Convenience: Once downloaded, the app goes with you wherever you are. You can access it whenever you like, manage your account at any time and place your bets on the go.
- Ease of use: It’s a competitive landscape out there, so operators have to be on top of their game. Many are doing so while offering stellar mobile platforms that are a breeze to use.
- No waiting: Betting in person can be fun, but having to wait around to get a bet in can be a hassle. There’s no need to worry about long lines when betting on mobile.
- Accessibility: Simply tapping an app on your device opens the doors to the world of legal sports betting. That’s instant access that simply can’t be beat.
- Line shopping: It’s super simple to shop for the best prices at sportsbooks via your mobile device, so you won’t be missing out on many opportunities.
Betting on live sports with a sports betting app in Virginia
The features of sportsbook apps are many, but there’s one specific area in which they completely knock it out of the park.
Live betting is an extremely popular part of the sports betting landscape these days. You can wager in real-time as the action plays out, and there are always a number of opportunities to try.
Sportsbook apps make it a snap to stay on top of these fast-moving markets. In fact, most operators will have dedicated links that take you right to all of the current and upcoming live betting offerings.
Since live betting moves so fast, you need a platform that’s responsive and updates quickly. You’ll find that to be the case with our recommended operators. The odds update with lightning speed, but the apps also let you zero in on the bets you want without a hassle.
If you’re looking to get going with live betting quickly, easily, and painlessly, then sports betting apps are the way to go.
Mobile betting FAQs
Sports betting was officially given a green light in Virginia in April 2020. The first apps went live in January 2021. Eventually, there will also be retail sportsbooks at Virginia casinos in Danville, Bristol, Norfolk and Portsmouth, which are currently under construction.
The first app, FanDuel, launched on Jan. 21, 2021. Since then 14 others have set up operations in the state.
In short, yes, but there are some restrictions to keep in mind. You can bet on major sports such as the MLB and NBA, niche sports including cricket and rugby, and just about anything else you can think of.
Betting on college sports such as basketball and football are legal too. However, you can’t bet on any games involving in-state teams or games played within Virginia’s borders. Also, betting on college player props or awards like the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP is prohibited.
Yes. In order for you to place bets, sportsbooks need to verify your location. They do so by using geolocation tracking, which is a software function that essentially runs in the background. Sportsbooks track your location for those purposes, but that’s as far as it goes.
You can log in and access your sports betting account while out of state. You’ll be able to manage funds, contact support and review lines, among other things. However, you won’t be able to place bets when you’re physically out of state. In order to place a bet with a Virginia sports betting app, you’ll need to be back within state lines.