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Sub-national
North America

United States - Virginia: gambling regulation and licensing

State of Virginia

Part of United States

  • Online sports bettingRegulated
  • Online casinoProhibited
  • Online pokerProhibited
  • Lottery and iLotteryMonopoly
  • Horse race bettingRegulated
  • Esports bettingRegulated
  • Daily fantasy sportsRegulated
  • Prediction marketsNot yet verified
  • Land-based (reference)Regulated
Regulator
Virginia Lottery
Headline tax
15% GGR
Licence required
Yes
Last verified
21 Oct 2026

Summary

Virginia licenses online sports betting and land-based casinos but not online casino or online poker. The Virginia Lottery, which also runs the state lottery and sells its games online, regulates sports betting under Article 2 of Chapter 40 of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia and casino gaming under Chapter 41, both enacted in 2020. Online sports betting launched on 21 January 2021. The Lottery issues three-year permits, capped at 12 not counting those held by casino operators and qualifying major league franchises, and in July 2026 eleven mobile operators and three casino sportsbooks were authorised to take bets. Players must be 21 and physically in Virginia; bets on Virginia college teams and youth sports, and proposition bets on any college sport, are prohibited. Operators pay 15% of adjusted gross revenue, with 2.5% of the tax going to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and 97.5% to the general fund. Since 1 July 2026 permit holders may not accept credit cards to fund betting accounts. In the year to June 2026 Virginians wagered $7.74 billion and operators reported $791.1 million of adjusted gross revenue, on the Lottery's monthly figures. Casino gaming, including mobile play, is confined to the premises of five licensed casinos in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Petersburg, taxed at 18% to 30% of adjusted gross receipts. Bills to authorise internet gaming (HB 161 and SB 118) passed both chambers in different forms in 2026 but failed in conference on 14 March 2026. A 2026 law in force from 1 July 2026 moves fantasy contests from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Lottery, with a 10% tax and a 2.6% fee on permitted operators.

Common pitfalls

Treating a sports betting permit as covering casino games: online casino is not authorised, and mobile casino play is legal only on casino premises. Quoting the 15% tax without its base: adjusted gross revenue allows deductions for winnings, promotions, capped bad debt and federal excise tax, though the Lottery's recent monthly reports show no promotional deductions taken. Assuming college betting is banned outright: only games involving Virginia college teams, and proposition bets on college sports, are prohibited. Assuming permits can be applied for at any time: applications are accepted only from 15 to 31 May. Relying on 11VAC5-70-290 for credit card funding: the statute has barred it since 1 July 2026.

Key facts

Regulator
Virginia Lottery
Regulator type
Sub-national body
Headline tax
15% GGR
Licence required
Yes
Minimum age
21+
Tax base
Adjusted gross revenue: gross revenue from sports betting less (1) cash and merchandise paid out as winnings and the value of bonuses or promotions given as an incentive to place internet wagers, (2) uncollectible gaming receivables up to 2% of gross revenue less winnings, (3) for a significant infrastructure limited licensee, payments into the horsemen's purse account, and (4) federal sports betting excise tax (§ 58.1-4030). The tax is 15% (§ 58.1-4037 A), due monthly by the 20th of the following month; a negative month may be carried forward for up to 12 months (§ 58.1-4037 B, C). The Lottery's monthly reports for July 2025 to July 2026 show no allowable bonuses or promotions deducted.
Capital
Richmond
Currency
USD
Official languages
English

How to get a gambling license in Virginia

The regulator is Virginia Lottery.

We record 5 licence types for Virginia.

For the Sports betting permit, the application fee is $250,000 (as of 23 Sept 2026).

Applications
Capped
Time to licence
The Director must decide an initial permit application within 90 days of receipt (§ 58.1-4032 E) and a renewal within 60 days (§ 58.1-4033 D). Permit applications are accepted only in the annual window from 15 to 31 May (11VAC5-70-20 A 3).
Financial guarantee
A bond from an insurer rated A or better, of up to $5 million for a permit holder (11VAC5-70-100 E). A reserve of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter of credit or bond of at least $500,000 and not less than player balances, unsettled wagers and unpaid winnings, held with an FDIC-insured institution licensed in Virginia and calculated daily (11VAC5-70-140 A to D). Insurance of $5 million general commercial liability and $15 million errors and omissions (11VAC5-70-140 F).
Headline tax
15% GGR (see Taxation for the full position)

Licence fees in Virginia

Licence typeApplication feeAnnual feeTerm
Sports betting permitNonrefundable $250,000 paid before the permit is issued (§ 58.1-4032 J), plus a nonrefundable $50,000 for each principal at filing to fund background investigations, with any excess investigation cost payable by the applicant (§ 58.1-4032 A 2). A permit transfer costs $200,000 (§ 58.1-4034 F).$250,000 (as of 23 Sept 2026)Not yet verified3 years (§ 58.1-4033 A)
Sports betting supplier licence$125,000 for a sports betting platform supplier, of which $115,000 is refundable if the background investigation costs do not exceed $115,000; $50,000 for other suppliers, of which $5,000 is refundable if the investigation costs less than $45,000. Further fees are charged if costs exceed these amounts. Renewal fee $50,000.$125,000 (as of 23 Sept 2026)Not yet verifiedNot yet verified
Sports betting vendor registrationNonrefundable $500 application and registration fee (11VAC5-70-80 D); $500 renewal.$500 (as of 23 Sept 2026)Not yet verified3 years (11VAC5-70-80 E)
Casino gaming facility operator's licenceNonrefundable $15 million on issue and on any transfer, with a capital investment of at least $300 million and an equity interest of at least 20% (§ 58.1-4108).$15,000,000 (as of 23 Sept 2026)Not yet verifiedNot yet verified
Fantasy contest permit (Chapter 42)Nonrefundable $50,000 initial fee paid into the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (§ 58.1-4202 C). Applications open only after the Board adopts regulations (due by 1 January 2029).$50,000 (as of 1 Jul 2026)Not yet verified3 years (§ 58.1-4202 A)

Built from the record on this page, last verified 21 Oct 2026. The Licensing and Taxation sections carry the full detail and sources.

Licensing

Licence required
Yes
Application window
Capped
Local establishment required
Not yet verified
Local server required
Not yet verified
Active licences
11 (as of 31 Jul 2026)
Typical time to licence
The Director must decide an initial permit application within 90 days of receipt (§ 58.1-4032 E) and a renewal within 60 days (§ 58.1-4033 D). Permit applications are accepted only in the annual window from 15 to 31 May (11VAC5-70-20 A 3).
Bank guarantee or bond
A bond from an insurer rated A or better, of up to $5 million for a permit holder (11VAC5-70-100 E). A reserve of cash, cash equivalents, irrevocable letter of credit or bond of at least $500,000 and not less than player balances, unsettled wagers and unpaid winnings, held with an FDIC-insured institution licensed in Virginia and calculated daily (11VAC5-70-140 A to D). Insurance of $5 million general commercial liability and $15 million errors and omissions (11VAC5-70-140 F).
Testing labs accepted
Gaming Laboratories International, Bulletproof Solutions, BMM Testlabs, Cobalt, eCorga, NCC Group, AccessIT Group, Gaming Associates, C8 Secure
Notable licensees
FanDuel (Betfair Interactive US, with the Washington Commanders), DraftKings (Crown Virginia Gaming), BetMGM, BetRivers (Rivers Portsmouth Gaming), Caesars Virginia, Penn Sports Interactive, Bally's Interactive, Fanatics (Colonial Downs Group), Hard Rock Bet (HR Bristol), bet365 (Hillside (Virginia)), Sporttrade Virginia
Certification requirements
All platform equipment and software must be tested by an independent laboratory approved by the Director before the permit is issued (11VAC5-70-270 B). A system integrity and security assessment, including vulnerability and penetration testing, is required within 90 days of launch and annually (11VAC5-70-200). Geolocation systems must be kept current and reviewed at least every 90 days (11VAC5-70-280).
Barriers to entry
The statute allows no more than 12 permits, not counting permits issued to casino operators or to qualifying major league franchises and facility operators (§ 58.1-4032 D 2), and permit applications may be filed only from 15 to 31 May each year. Applicants are judged on experience, finances, compliance history, minority investment efforts and expected tax revenue. Principals face $50,000 investigations each, and the reserve, bond and insurance requirements apply. In April 2026 the Lottery listed 12 permit holders, including SuperBook (PlayLive Virginia), which it described as non-operational.

Licence types

  • Sports betting permit

    Scope
    Operation of an online sports betting platform, or a sports betting facility inside a licensed casino (§§ 58.1-4030, 58.1-4032)
    Term
    3 years (§ 58.1-4033 A)
    Application fee
    $250,000 as of 23 Sept 2026
    Fee basis
    Nonrefundable $250,000 paid before the permit is issued (§ 58.1-4032 J), plus a nonrefundable $50,000 for each principal at filing to fund background investigations, with any excess investigation cost payable by the applicant (§ 58.1-4032 A 2). A permit transfer costs $200,000 (§ 58.1-4034 F).
    Renewal terms
    Renewal application with a nonrefundable $200,000 fee at least 60 days before expiry; the Director decides within 60 days (§ 58.1-4033). The Lottery lists the principal renewal fee as $50,035.72.

  • Sports betting supplier licence

    Scope
    Persons who manage wagers or games on a platform, or maintain or operate platform software or hardware, including geolocation and account management
    Application fee
    $125,000 as of 23 Sept 2026
    Fee basis
    $125,000 for a sports betting platform supplier, of which $115,000 is refundable if the background investigation costs do not exceed $115,000; $50,000 for other suppliers, of which $5,000 is refundable if the investigation costs less than $45,000. Further fees are charged if costs exceed these amounts. Renewal fee $50,000.
    Renewal terms
    Renewal applications at least 60 days before expiry; failure to file on time ends the licence.

  • Sports betting vendor registration

    Scope
    Persons in Virginia providing sports betting goods or services to a permit holder who are not principals or suppliers, such as marketing affiliates and equipment maintenance providers
    Term
    3 years (11VAC5-70-80 E)
    Application fee
    $500 as of 23 Sept 2026
    Fee basis
    Nonrefundable $500 application and registration fee (11VAC5-70-80 D); $500 renewal.
    Renewal terms
    Renewal at least 60 days before the end of the term with a further $500.

  • Casino gaming facility operator's licence

    Scope
    Operation of a casino gaming establishment in an eligible host city, as the preferred operator certified by that city after a local referendum
    Application fee
    $15,000,000 as of 23 Sept 2026
    Fee basis
    Nonrefundable $15 million on issue and on any transfer, with a capital investment of at least $300 million and an equity interest of at least 20% (§ 58.1-4108).

  • Fantasy contest permit (Chapter 42)

    Scope
    Offering fantasy contests to players in Virginia
    Term
    3 years (§ 58.1-4202 A)
    Application fee
    $50,000 as of 1 Jul 2026
    Fee basis
    Nonrefundable $50,000 initial fee paid into the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (§ 58.1-4202 C). Applications open only after the Board adopts regulations (due by 1 January 2029).
    Renewal terms
    Renewal at least 60 days before expiry with a nonrefundable $25,000 fee; decision within 30 days (§ 58.1-4203 F).

Taxation

Headline GGR tax
15% GGR
Effective date
21 Jan 2021
Player winnings tax
Gambling winnings, including from sports betting, are fully taxable federal income; losses are deductible only by itemising, up to reported winnings (IRS Topic 419). Virginia individual income tax is charged at 2% to 5.75%, the top rate applying above $17,000 of Virginia taxable income (§ 58.1-320). No Virginia Tax guidance on sports betting winnings was read in this review.
Withholding mechanism
Permit holders must issue the applicable tax forms to bettors who meet the reporting threshold (§ 58.1-4034 A 6; 11VAC5-80-60); payers issue federal Form W-2G for reportable winnings. For the lottery, the Director provides for withholding of state and federal income tax on prizes over $5,001 (§ 58.1-4006 B 18). No statutory Virginia withholding duty on sports betting winnings was found.
Tax base
Adjusted gross revenue: gross revenue from sports betting less (1) cash and merchandise paid out as winnings and the value of bonuses or promotions given as an incentive to place internet wagers, (2) uncollectible gaming receivables up to 2% of gross revenue less winnings, (3) for a significant infrastructure limited licensee, payments into the horsemen's purse account, and (4) federal sports betting excise tax (§ 58.1-4030). The tax is 15% (§ 58.1-4037 A), due monthly by the 20th of the following month; a negative month may be carried forward for up to 12 months (§ 58.1-4037 B, C). The Lottery's monthly reports for July 2025 to July 2026 show no allowable bonuses or promotions deducted.

Earmarked levies

  • Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund: 2.5% of sports betting tax revenue (Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; the remaining 97.5% goes to the general fund (§ 58.1-4038))
  • Casino gaming tax (land-based reference): 18% on the first $200 million of adjusted gross receipts a year, 23% from $200 million to $400 million, 30% above $400 million (Gaming Proceeds Fund, with amounts equal to 6%, 7% and 8% of adjusted gross receipts in the same bands returned to the host city (§§ 58.1-4124, 58.1-4125). Casino sports betting receipts are taxed under § 58.1-4037 instead.)
  • Fantasy contest tax and fee (Chapter 42): 10% tax and 2.6% fee on fantasy contest revenue (2.5% of the tax to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and 97.5% to the general fund; the fee funds Lottery administration of Chapter 42, with any surplus to the general fund (§ 58.1-4208))

Compliance

Minimum age
21+
KYC timing
Information is collected when the account is opened. If identity, deposit or withdrawal details cannot be verified, the permit holder must request further information within 21 days and, failing verification, suspend the account, refund deposits and send any winnings to the Director for the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (11VAC5-70-290 D). Identity must be re-verified on reasonable suspicion of compromise (11VAC5-70-290 N).
AML regime
Internal controls and the platform risk framework must include anti-money laundering compliance standards (11VAC5-70-270 C 3 f); house rules must warn players that wagers are subject to AML rules, including currency transaction and suspicious activity reports, and must prohibit structuring (11VAC5-70-260 C, D). Permit holders must report suspicious or illegal wagering, including laundering and use of illegal funds, to the Lottery (§ 58.1-4044 A 5), and must report violations of the Virginia Comprehensive Money Laundering Act or federal money laundering law (11VAC5-70-230).
AML supervisor
Federal anti-money laundering regime, with the Virginia Lottery enforcing its AML-related regulations
Deposit limits
Permit holders must honour requests to set deposit limits and publish procedures for them; limits can be tightened at any time but loosened only after the current restriction expires (11VAC5-80-120 A, B).
Session limits
Platforms must let players note the passage of time and start cooling-off periods (11VAC5-80-90), offer timeouts and pop-up warnings (11VAC5-80-120 B), and suspend an account at the player's request for any period of at least 72 hours (11VAC5-70-290 R).
Data localisation
All wagers must be initiated and received within Virginia unless federal law permits otherwise; intermediate routing of data does not change where a wager is placed (§ 58.1-4046; 11VAC5-70-270 A). No requirement to host servers in Virginia was found in the statute or regulations read.
KYC requirements
One account per player per permit holder. At account opening the permit holder records legal name, date of birth, residential address (not a PO box), phone number, email, Social Security number (or the last four digits where the full number can be established, or a passport or taxpayer number for a foreign player), confirmation that the player is not prohibited, and the number of a government ID or an approved remote multi-source authentication (11VAC5-70-290 B, F). Age-verification methods must be approved by the Director (11VAC5-70-210 B). Records are kept for five years.
Stake limits
Players may limit their total betting activity or restrict themselves to bets below a set amount (11VAC5-80-120 A). House rules must disclose the operator's power to limit maximum bets (11VAC5-70-260 E).
Mandatory player messaging
Platforms must show a responsible gambling logo, the toll-free National Problem Gambling Helpline number and a responsible gaming commitment (11VAC5-80-80), link to the Sports Bettors' Bill of Rights (11VAC5-80-20) and the self-exclusion programme (11VAC5-80-90), and publish parental control procedures (11VAC5-80-50 C). Permit holders must keep a responsible gambling policy, train staff, and have systems to identify at-risk players (11VAC5-80-120).
Reporting obligations
Monthly tax returns by the 20th (§ 58.1-4037 B); records of all bets and of suspicious activity kept for at least three years after the event (§ 58.1-4034 B, C); prompt reports of criminal or disciplinary proceedings, abnormal betting, integrity breaches and suspicious wagering to the Lottery and affected sports governing bodies (§ 58.1-4044); an annual report of wagers, adjusted gross revenue and payouts by 15 January (11VAC5-70-250 A); daily reserve calculations with deficiencies reported within 24 hours (11VAC5-70-140 D); complaint records kept for four years (11VAC5-80-30 D).
Game content restrictions
No bets on youth sports, no proposition bets on college sports, and no bets on any single game involving a Virginia college team (§ 58.1-4039). The Lottery's directive also excludes proposition bets on injuries, unsportsmanlike conduct or officiating calls, bets on subjective awards and bets on drafts; operators may offer only events and wagers in the approved catalogue. Proxy servers and simultaneous logins from inconsistent locations must be blocked (11VAC5-80-110).

Minimum age by vertical

  • Online sports betting: 21+
  • Daily fantasy sports: 21+
  • Land-based (reference): 21+
  • Lottery and iLottery: 18+
  • Horse race betting: 18+

Advertising

Advertising permitted
Yes
Affiliate rules
Anyone performing vendor functions for a permit holder in Virginia must be a registered sports betting vendor (11VAC5-70-80), and the Lottery gives marketing affiliates as an example of a vendor; the regulations define an affiliated marketer as a person paid per registration, per depositing registration or by revenue share. Suppliers and vendors that market for permit holders must keep all materials available to the Director (11VAC5-70-240 A, B), and permit holders must make their agents and agencies comply (11VAC5-70-240 T).
Celebrity and influencer rules
No celebrity or entertainer endorsements designed to appeal specifically to people under 21, and no one who is or appears to be under 21 except professional athletes (11VAC5-70-240 G, H). Individuals banned under § 58.1-4041 must have any promotional agreements with the permit holder terminated (11VAC5-80-70 B).
Social media rules
No advertising on social media outlets appealing primarily to under-21s (11VAC5-70-240 I); the Director may relax the responsible gaming message and age statement for media such as social media posts (11VAC5-70-240 D, E).
Bonus advertising rules
Material terms of promotional offers must be disclosed when advertised and in full before the bettor gives anything of value, by hyperlink where the medium is too small; new-account offers may not delay full implementation for more than 90 days (11VAC5-80-140).
Mandatory warnings
A responsible gaming message including the toll-free National Problem Gambling Helpline number and an assistance and prevention message, and the minimum legal age (11VAC5-70-240 D, E). The Lottery lists the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline as 800-522-4700 and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling line as 888-532-3500.
Penalties for breach
Suspension or revocation of the permit and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation per day after at least 15 days' notice and a hearing (§ 58.1-4035; 11VAC5-70-120), or an agreed settlement (11VAC5-70-120 H).

Restrictions

  • Permit holder advertising must not target people under 21, must disclose the permit holder, must give information about or links to gambling addiction resources, and must not mislead a reasonable person (§ 58.1-4034 E).
  • Gaming businesses may not use the phrase "Virginia is for Bettors" in advertising, on pain of a civil penalty of up to $50,000 (§ 58.1-4006.1).
  • No images, symbols, celebrity or entertainer endorsements or language designed to appeal specifically to under-21s, and no one who is or appears to be under 21 other than professional athletes (11VAC5-70-240 G, H).
  • No advertising in media, including social media, that appeals primarily to under-21s, or before an audience presumed to be mostly under 21 or that targets vulnerable persons including self-excluded bettors (11VAC5-70-240 I, L).
  • Advertising must not be placed with a frequency that saturates a medium, must not suggest that betting guarantees social, financial or personal success or that spending more improves the chance of winning, and must not appear on pages devoted to responsible gaming (11VAC5-70-240 J, K, M, O).
  • Advertising and marketing materials must carry a responsible gaming message with the National Problem Gambling Helpline number and state the minimum legal age, unless the Director permits otherwise for media such as social posts (11VAC5-70-240 D, E).
  • Permit holders may not market their platforms jointly with alcohol (ABC) licensees, except on the premises of a permitted stadium, motor sports facility or casino with local ordinance approval (§ 58.1-4034 G 2; 11VAC5-70-240 U).
  • Only permit holders may make premises available for online sports betting or advertise that premises may be used for it, with penalties of up to $10,000 per advertising violation (§ 58.1-4042).
  • Direct marketing by mail, phone, email or social media to prohibited or self-excluded individuals is banned, and email and text marketing must offer an unsubscribe option (11VAC5-80-120 C; 11VAC5-70-240 N, R).

Payments

Credit card ban
Yes
Crypto stance
Not yet verified
Permitted methods
Debit cards, ACH and other electronic bank transfers, including through third parties, Wire transfers, Online or mobile payment systems, Reloadable prepaid cards verified as issued to the player, Winnings and bonuses, Other methods approved by the Director
Withdrawal timeframe rules
Withdrawals of cleared funds must be completed within 10 days unless there is an unresolved dispute or investigation (11VAC5-70-290 I); the consumer protection rules require a request to be honoured by the later of five days or 10 days after required tax paperwork, subject to a good-faith fraud investigation (11VAC5-80-100 E 5). Closed-account balances are refunded within 10 days (11VAC5-70-290 O). Player funds are held in trust or in a segregated special-purpose account (11VAC5-80-100 C), and accounts unclaimed for five years are remitted to the State Treasurer as abandoned property (11VAC5-80-100 G).

Enforcement

ISP blocking
Not yet verified
DNS blocking
Not yet verified
Payment blocking
Not yet verified
App store takedowns
Not yet verified
Administrative penalties
Sports betting: suspension or revocation of a permit and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation per day after at least 15 days' notice and a hearing (§ 58.1-4035; 11VAC5-70-120), usually resolved by settlement agreements the Lottery publishes; up to $1,000 per day per bettor for making premises available for unpermitted online betting and $10,000 per violation for advertising it (§ 58.1-4042). Fantasy contests: up to $1,000 per day per violation, capped at $50,000 (§ 58.1-4205). "Virginia is for Bettors" advertising: up to $50,000 (§ 58.1-4006.1).
Criminal penalties
Illegal gambling: Class 3 misdemeanour (§ 18.2-326). Operating an illegal gambling operation: Class 6 felony, or up to 10 years and a $20,000 fine where it runs over 30 days or takes $2,000 in a day (§ 18.2-328). Accepting bets on prohibited events, from under-21s or from prohibited persons, and false permit applications: Class 1 misdemeanour (§§ 58.1-4032 I, 58.1-4039 to 58.1-4041). Offering mobile casino gaming outside the casino rules: Class 6 felony (§ 58.1-4137).
Operator liability
The Director may sanction a permit holder for violations committed by its principals, suppliers, vendors or employees (11VAC5-70-120 D). Settlement agreements are not appealable (11VAC5-70-120 H).
Player liability
Placing an illegal wager is a Class 3 misdemeanour, and betting on horse races other than through licensed channels a Class 1 misdemeanour (§ 18.2-326). Self-excluded players forfeit winnings to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and may face trespass charges at casinos.

Notable actions

  • Caesars Virginia, LLC (Caesars Virginia casino, Danville)15 May 2026

    Settlement of alleged casino violations: voluntarily excluded persons on the gaming floor (August to December 2024), inaccurate records of the exclusion list, under-age persons on the gaming floor (November and December 2024) and unlicensed food and beverage staff

    Fine: $160,000 as of 15 May 2026

  • Rivers Portsmouth Gaming, LLC (Rivers Casino Portsmouth)6 May 2026

    Settlement of alleged casino violations: under-age persons on the gaming floor (May 2024 and August 2025) and voluntarily excluded persons on the gaming floor (2023 to 2025)

    Fine: $80,000 as of 6 May 2026

  • BetMGM LLC2 Oct 2024

    Settlement over 12 wagers accepted after results were known and seven players allowed more than one account (self-reported)

    Fine: $12,000 as of 2 Oct 2024

  • Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC2 Oct 2024

    Settlement over marketing sent to four people on the Voluntary Exclusion List and a late tax payment and certification

    Fine: $7,000 as of 2 Oct 2024

  • PointsBet USA, Inc. d/b/a Fanatics (supplier to permit holder Colonial Downs Group)30 May 2024

    Settlement over wagers accepted after results were known and a wager on an unauthorised event (self-reported)

    Fine: $7,000 as of 30 May 2024

  • VHL, VA LLC (888)10 Jan 2024

    Settlement over wagers accepted on Virginia college teams, prohibited by § 58.1-4039; the Lottery later proposed a further $5,000 penalty because the settlement was paid 16 days late

    Fine: $15,000 as of 10 Jan 2024

Market data

Figures on this record are drawn from official regulator data.

Online GGR
$786,512,930 as of 30 Jun 2026
Reporting year
2026
Licensed operators
11

GGR by vertical

  • Online sports betting: $786,512,930 as of 30 Jun 2026

Timeline

  1. 12 Oct 2020

    Virginia Lottery Board sports betting, consumer protection and voluntary exclusion regulations take effect

  2. 21 Jan 2021

    Online sports betting launches, with FanDuel first; DraftKings, BetMGM, Rivers and Caesars receive permits within a week

  3. 23 Apr 2022

    First casino facility operator licence approved, for HR Bristol

  4. 23 Jan 2023

    Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens

  5. 15 May 2023

    Caesars Virginia opens a temporary casino in Danville; the permanent casino follows on 17 December 2024

  6. 22 Oct 2025

    Amended advertising and responsible gambling rules take effect

  7. 29 Oct 2025

    Facility operator licence approved for Golden Eagle Corporation II, LLC in Norfolk

  8. 14 Jan 2026

    Facility operator licence approved for PPE Casino Resorts Petersburg, LLC

  9. 14 Mar 2026

    Internet gaming bills HB 161 and SB 118 fail to pass from conference

  10. 11 Apr 2026

    Governor Spanberger vetoes SB 756, which would have made Fairfax County an eligible casino host locality

  11. 13 Apr 2026

    Governor approves Chapter 565 (fantasy contests move to the Lottery) and Chapter 926 (credit card ban for sports betting)

  12. 13 Apr 2026

    Governor Spanberger vetoes SB 661, which would have legalised and taxed up to 25,000 skill game machines; the veto stands after the 22 April reconvened session

  13. 15 May 2026

    Caesars Virginia settles casino compliance allegations for $160,000

  14. 30 Jun 2026

    Fiscal year 2026 closes with $7.74 billion wagered and $791.1 million of adjusted gross revenue on the Lottery's monthly reports

  15. 1 Jul 2026

    Credit card ban for sports betting accounts and Chapter 42 on fantasy contests take effect

  16. 15 Sept 2026

    Lottery reports five operating casinos, with $97.5 million of August gaming revenue

  17. 7 Oct 2026

    Virginia joins Ohio, 38 other states and the District of Columbia in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to hear New Jersey's Kalshi case (No. 26-299), arguing the Commodity Exchange Act does not preempt state gambling law

Outlook

The Lottery must adopt fantasy contest regulations by 1 January 2029, after which fantasy operators move from Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registration to Lottery permits and the 10% tax and 2.6% fee. The credit card ban that took effect on 1 July 2026 is in the statute but 11VAC5-70-290 still lists credit cards, so a conforming regulation change is likely. PlayLive Virginia LLC (SuperBook), which the Lottery described as non-operational, was still listed among its 11 approved permit holders in October 2026, after the permit's 6 October 2026 expiry date. Internet gaming would need a new bill in a later session after HB 161 and SB 118 failed in conference in March 2026; no such bill was found in this review. Monthly Lottery reports will show FY2027 sports betting performance.

Frequently asked questions

Who regulates sports betting in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery, under Article 2 of Chapter 40 of Title 58.1 and the Virginia Lottery Board's regulations in 11VAC5-70 and 11VAC5-80. The Lottery also regulates casino gaming and, from 1 July 2026, fantasy contests.
What is the sports betting tax rate?
15% of adjusted gross revenue, paid monthly. 2.5% of the tax goes to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and 97.5% to the general fund.
Is online casino legal in Virginia?
No. Casino gaming, including mobile casino play, is legal only on the premises of the five licensed casinos. HB 161 and SB 118, which would have authorised internet gaming with a 20% tax, failed in conference on 14 March 2026.
Can bettors wager on Virginia college teams?
No. Bets on any game involving a Virginia college team are prohibited, as are proposition bets on any college sport and bets on youth sports. Bets on other games in the same tournament are allowed.
What does a sports betting permit cost?
$250,000 before issue, plus $50,000 for each principal's background investigation. Permits last three years and renew for $200,000; applications are accepted only from 15 to 31 May each year.
How large is the market?
In fiscal year 2026 (July 2025 to June 2026) Virginians wagered $7.74 billion and operators reported $791.1 million of adjusted gross revenue, $786.5 million of it online, generating $118.6 million in tax, according to the Lottery's monthly reports.
How long does it take to get a gambling licence in Virginia?
The Director must decide an initial permit application within 90 days of receipt (§ 58.1-4032 E) and a renewal within 60 days (§ 58.1-4033 D). Permit applications are accepted only in the annual window from 15 to 31 May (11VAC5-70-20 A 3). Last verified 21 Oct 2026.

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Glossary and directory

iGT coverage of United States - Virginia

Sources

Source tiers. Tier 1: the law, official gazette, licence register or regulator itself. Tier 2: other official sources such as ministries, parliaments, courts and statistics agencies. Only tier 1 and tier 2 sources can support a fact on their own.

  1. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 40: Virginia Lottery Law (Article 1) and Sports Betting (Article 2, §§ 58.1-4030 to 58.1-4048), as in force on 23 September 2026

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  2. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 41: Casino Gaming (§§ 58.1-4100 to 58.1-4141), as in force on 23 September 2026

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  3. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 42: Fantasy Contests (§§ 58.1-4200 to 58.1-4214), added by 2026 Acts cc. 565 and 566

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  4. Code of Virginia, Title 18.2, Chapter 8, Article 1: Gambling (§§ 18.2-325 to 18.2-340)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  5. Code of Virginia, Title 59.1, Chapter 29: Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering (§§ 59.1-364 et seq.)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  6. Code of Virginia § 58.1-320: Imposition of individual income tax

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  7. Virginia Administrative Code 11VAC5-70: Sports Betting (Virginia Lottery Board regulations)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  8. Virginia Administrative Code 11VAC5-80: Sports Betting Consumer Protection Program

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  9. Virginia Administrative Code 11VAC5-60: Voluntary Exclusion Program

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  10. 2026 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 565 (HB 145): regulation and taxation of fantasy contests, approved 13 April 2026

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 13 Apr 2026
  11. HB 145 (2026 Regular Session), Fantasy contests; regulation and taxation: bill history (Chapter 565, effective 1 July 2026)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  12. 2026 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 926 (HB 515): sports betting, prohibition on use of credit cards, approved 13 April 2026

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 13 Apr 2026
  13. HB 515 (2026 Regular Session), Sports betting; prohibition on use of credit cards: bill history (Chapter 926, effective 1 July 2026)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  14. HB 161 (2026 Regular Session), Virginia Lottery; internet gaming authorized: summary and history (failed to pass from conference, 14 March 2026)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  15. SB 118 (2026 Regular Session), Virginia Lottery; casinos, internet gaming authorized: summary and history (failed to pass from conference, 14 March 2026)

    Virginia General Assembly (Division of Legislative Automated Systems)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  16. Virginia Lottery home page

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  17. Law and Regulations: the Virginia Lottery regulates lottery gaming, sports betting and casino gaming

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  18. Casinos and Sports Betting (including the Virginia State Police gaming tip line for illegal gambling)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  19. Sports Betting: licence information, fees, renewals, approved permit holders, suppliers and testing laboratories, settlement agreements, regulations and the authorised events and wagers directive (as of 17 August 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    The approved permit holder list on this page names 11 entities and omits Sporttrade Virginia, LLC, which the Lottery's April 2026 Board presentation lists as a permit holder; the page also still names PlayLive Virginia LLC, which the same presentation describes as non-operational. The record takes the operator count from the Lottery's July 2026 activity report (eleven mobile operators authorised).

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  20. Casinos: facility operator licences, supplier and service permits, licence approvals, testing laboratories and settlement agreements

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  21. Voluntary Exclusion Program and Sports Bettors' Bill of Rights

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  22. Leadership: Executive Director and Virginia Lottery Board

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  23. How to Play Online (Virginia Lottery games online anywhere in Virginia)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  24. Gaming Compliance update to the Virginia Lottery Board, 22 April 2026 (permit holders, renewals, casino oversight, Voluntary Exclusion Program)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 22 Apr 2026
  25. Virginia Lottery releases first monthly sports wagering activity report (January 2021)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Mar 2021
  26. Virginia Lottery releases July sports wagering activity report (July 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Sept 2026
  27. Virginia Lottery releases August casino activity report (August 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 15 Sept 2026
  28. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of Caesars Virginia, LLC, Docket No. 2026-05-01 (casino)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 15 May 2026
  29. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of Rivers Portsmouth Gaming, LLC, Docket No. 2026-03-01 (casino)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 6 May 2026
  30. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of BetMGM LLC, Docket No. 2024-09-02

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 2 Oct 2024
  31. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, Docket No. 2024-09-01

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 2 Oct 2024
  32. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of PointsBet USA, Inc. d/b/a Fanatics, Docket No. 2024-05-03

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  33. Settlement Agreement, In the Matter of VHL, VA LLC (888), Docket No. 2023-12-02

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
  34. Topic no. 419, Gambling income and losses (last reviewed 11 June 2026)

    Internal Revenue Service

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 11 Jun 2026
  35. Virginia Lottery releases July sports wagering activity report (July 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 29 Aug 2025
  36. Virginia Lottery releases August sports wagering activity report (August 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Oct 2025
  37. Virginia Lottery releases September sports wagering activity report (September 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 31 Oct 2025
  38. Virginia Lottery releases October sports wagering activity report (October 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Dec 2025
  39. Virginia Lottery releases November sports wagering activity report (November 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 31 Dec 2025
  40. Virginia Lottery releases December sports wagering activity report (December 2025)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 30 Jan 2026
  41. Virginia Lottery releases January sports wagering activity report (January 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 27 Feb 2026
  42. Virginia Lottery releases February sports wagering activity report (February 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 31 Mar 2026
  43. Virginia Lottery releases March sports wagering activity report (March 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 May 2026
  44. Virginia Lottery releases April sports wagering activity report (April 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Jun 2026
  45. Virginia Lottery releases May sports wagering activity report (May 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 1 Jul 2026
  46. Virginia Lottery releases June sports wagering activity report (June 2026)

    Virginia Lottery

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 31 Jul 2026
  47. SB 661 (2026 Session), bill details

    Virginia Legislative Information System

    Tier 1Accessed 21 Oct 2026
  48. SB 756 (2026 Session), bill details

    Virginia Legislative Information System

    Tier 1Accessed 21 Oct 2026
  49. Brief of amici curiae Ohio, 38 other States and the District of Columbia in support of petitioners, Flaherty v. KalshiEX, LLC, No. 26-299 (U.S. Supreme Court)

    Supreme Court of the United States (docket filing by the Ohio Attorney General)

    Tier 1Accessed 21 Oct 2026Published 7 Oct 2026

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This page is industry reference information and not legal advice.

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