Virginia has no legal online casinos, but online sports betting is legal and land-based casinos are open in five cities. Sweepstakes casino apps are still available while a proposed ban waits for the next session. Offshore casino apps accept Virginia players but have no US license.
- Online casinos are not legal yet
- Online sports betting is legal, regulated by the Virginia Lottery
- Sweepstakes apps are available; a ban is pending
- Help: Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-888-532-3500
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Virginia has moved fast on gambling: online sports betting has been legal for years and several new casino resorts have opened. Online casinos are not legal yet, although lawmakers came close to approving them. This guide explains what is allowed, which casino apps Virginia players come across on iPhone and Android, and what to check before you deposit.
Casino apps Virginia players use
Only apps available in Virginia (US)Bovada Casino App
21+ · T&Cs apply
21+ · T&Cs apply · Min. deposit $20 · 25x wagering on the casino part · Live dealer and Hot Drop Jackpots excluded
21+ · T&Cs apply
21+ · T&Cs apply · Min. deposit $20 · Wagering applies · Slots count 100%
21+ · T&Cs apply
No apps match this filter yet.
None of these apps holds a Virginia license or a license from any other US state. They are offshore apps, so read the section on what is legal below before you sign up.
Are online casinos legal in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not license online casino games. In the last legislative session, the House and Senate each passed a version of an online casino bill, but they never agreed on a final text, so the bill died. Lawmakers are expected to try again.
Land-based casinos are legal. Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Portsmouth and Caesars Virginia in Danville are open, and Norfolk and Petersburg have opened temporary casinos while their permanent resorts are built.
What is legal in Virginia at a glance
- Online sports betting: legal, regulated by the Virginia Lottery.
- Real-money online casino apps: not licensed in Virginia.
- Sweepstakes casino apps: available; a ban was proposed but carried over to the next session.
- Social casino apps: legal, as long as you can’t win money or prizes.
- Land-based casinos: open in Bristol, Portsmouth, Danville, Norfolk and Petersburg.
- Virginia Lottery: legal, including online games.
- Skill games: banned.
Sports betting apps in Virginia
Online sports betting launched in Virginia several years ago and is regulated by the Virginia Lottery. Several of the biggest US sportsbooks operate in the state. You must be 21, and betting on Virginia college teams is not allowed. These apps offer sports betting only, no casino games.
Offshore casino apps
Casino apps that accept Virginia players are run by companies based outside the US. They have no US license, so there is no state regulator to turn to if a withdrawal is delayed or an account is closed. We don’t make claims about whether playing at these apps is legal for you. Check the terms, start small and only play with money you can afford to lose. For the bigger picture, see our guide to US gambling legislation.
Casino apps in Virginia by game type
Slot apps
Slots are the biggest category in every casino app. Virginia players find them in offshore casino apps, in sweepstakes apps and in free slot apps from the App Store and Google Play that don’t pay out. Most offshore casinos are not in the official stores, so you play in the mobile browser or add the site to your home screen. Browse our slot machine apps for reviews of individual games on mobile.
Poker apps
There is no regulated online poker in Virginia. Some of the new casinos have poker rooms. Online, Virginia players find real-money poker in offshore apps and in sweepstakes poker apps, or play for fun in free apps such as Zynga Poker. Compare options in our overview of poker apps.
Table game apps
Blackjack, roulette and baccarat are available in offshore apps, often with live dealer tables streamed to your phone. Live tables use more data and battery than digital versions, so Wi-Fi is the better choice for longer sessions. See our blackjack apps for mobile tips.
Sweepstakes casino apps in Virginia
Sweepstakes casino apps are available in Virginia. A bill to ban them was carried over to the next legislative session, and the Virginia Lottery Board is studying the issue. Until lawmakers act, the apps can keep operating, but that can change quickly once the new session starts.
Sweepstakes apps use Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for prizes after playthrough and an ID check. Keep balances low and redeem regularly, so you aren’t caught out if the rules change.
Our guide to sweepstakes casino apps explains how Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins and redemptions work.
Social casino apps
Free social casino apps from the App Store and Google Play are legal in Virginia, as long as you can’t win money or prizes. You play slots, poker or bingo with virtual coins and can buy extra coins in the app. They are a good way to learn a game, but in-app purchases add up quickly, so set a spending limit in your Apple or Google account.
Deposits and withdrawals on mobile
- Offshore casino apps: cryptocurrency is the most common method and usually the fastest for withdrawals. US banks often decline card payments to offshore gambling sites. Expect an ID check before your first withdrawal.
- Sweepstakes apps: you buy Gold Coin packages with a card or other methods, and redeem Sweeps Coins by bank transfer once you reach the minimum.
- Licensed sportsbooks: regulated sportsbooks use mainstream payment methods such as cards, PayPal and online banking, with state oversight.
On your phone, use biometric login if the app offers it, avoid public Wi-Fi for payments and never install casino APK files from unknown sources.
How to check a casino app before you play
- License: find out who licenses the operator and whether that regulator handles complaints.
- Your state: check that the app accepts players from Virginia; several brands exclude specific states.
- Withdrawal terms: minimums, maximums, processing times and bonus wagering.
- Download source: only install apps from the App Store, Google Play or the operator’s own site.
- Responsible gambling tools: deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a legal online casino in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not license online casinos. A bill came close in the last session but did not pass. Land-based casinos and online sports betting are legal.
Is sports betting legal in Virginia?
Yes. Online sports betting is regulated by the Virginia Lottery. You must be 21, and bets on Virginia college teams are not allowed.
Are sweepstakes casino apps legal in Virginia?
They are available. A ban was proposed but carried over to the next session, so the situation may change.
Which casinos are open in Virginia?
Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Portsmouth and Caesars Virginia in Danville, plus temporary casinos in Norfolk and Petersburg.
Where can I get help with gambling in Virginia?
Call, text or chat with the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-888-532-3500, or call the national helpline 1-800-MY-RESET.
Gambling should be entertainment. Set deposit and time limits before you play, take breaks, and use self-exclusion if you need it. National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (call) · text 800GAM