Virginia Gambling Laws in 2024
Each state in the United States has its unique gaming laws. Even if you were born and raised in this country, you may require the assistance of a guide to become acquainted with the laws of each state. Worry no longer, since we have all of the latest Virginia Gambling Laws information for you to review.
What Are the Gambling Laws in Virginia?
The regulations of the Virginia gambling laws are not as lax as those in other states. The term “gambling”, as cited in the Virginia state law, refers to betting on the results of any games or competitions that are determined by chance. Even though Virginia’s gambling laws are rigorous, citizens can nevertheless partake in a game or two at a licensed casino. Since it is permissible to partake in legal gambling, let us examine what, where, and when it is possible to do so without breaking the law.
Legal Gambling in Virginia
To begin, you must be at least 18.years old to participate in Virginia’s legal gambling games. As previously stated, the Virginia gambling laws remain strictly regulated. As a result, there are just a few events and locations where you can gamble responsibly. Let’s find out more below.
Horse and Greyhound Racing
It is legal to bet on horse races, parimutuel betting, including off betting at licensed satellite facilities. In this case, “satellite facilities” means all parts of the property where simulcast horse racing is shown for pari-mutuel betting, plus any other parts of the property that the Commission specifies.
It is legal to bet on horse races, however, it is illegal to bet on greyhound races. Moreover, many people have confused this for that, so please keep that in mind as well.
Charitable Bingo
Gambling for charitable purposes is legal in Virginia as well. Bingo is one of them, and as long as the game is sponsored by charitable organizations, players can partake. However, if you want to participate, you need to be at least 18 years old.
Casino Games
Is it possible to legally play in a casino if you are located in the state of Virginia? The answer is both yes and no to both of those questions. The reason for this is that only Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth have legislation in place that allows for the operation of legal live casinos. In addition, the residents of Virginia can legally visit the best online casinos in the USA.
For your information, these aren’t land-based casinos yet. However, the establishment of the best land-based casinos in these four areas is in progress.
Sports Betting
In the state of Virginia, betting on sports, including wagering on sports online, is entirely within the law. The year 2020 marks the year that the state will make sports betting legal. Since then, online sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGM have begun operations in the state of Virginia.
Lottery
You must be at least 18 years old in order to engage in lottery games. This indicates that the state of Virginia has legalized the lottery. If you’re not aware, Virginia is home to one of the most diverse selections of lottery games, including national games like Powerball.
Slot Machines
Since the state just approved live casino gaming, wagering at slot machines will also be permitted within the state’s borders. If you want to try your luck at gambling, all you have to do is head over to one of the four establishments that have been granted a gambling license in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, or Portsmouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled lists of the questions that people ask most frequently on the internet and made them available to you. You will have a better understanding of the most recent revisions to the gaming regulations in Virginia by carefully considering the following questions. Let’s have a look at them, shall we?
1️⃣ Is online gambling permitted in VA?
After the passage of a measure to authorize casinos in Bristol, Danville, Northfolk, and Portsmouth, online gambling was given the green light. If you don't live in one of these four places, it's possible that gambling is against the law. Choose one of these four locations, and you won't violate the Virginia gambling law in any way.
2️⃣ Is charitable gambling allowed in Virginia?
In addition to charitable duck races and raffles, you can also join bingo nights in Tennessee. This type of gambling is referred to as "charitable gambling" since nonprofit organizations are required to organize the games before they may take place.
3️⃣ Can I bet on sports event legally in VA?
In the state of Virginia, gambling on any sporting event is completely permitted. If you are 18 years old and want to wager on any sporting event in VA, you can do so legally thanks to a bill that was just approved in the year 2020. This also applies to sports bettings that are conducted online.
4️⃣ What is the legal gambling age in VA?
You must be at least 18 years old to respect the legal gambling regulations in Virginia. Gambling while under the legal age of majority is a serious offense. Gamblers are subject to punishment, as are their hosts if they are discovered. The license may be cancelled, and the minor may be required to perform community service as a result.
5️⃣ Is poker legal in VA?
Yes, you can play and bet on poker games legally in Virginia. However, there are four places where you can play poker in Virginia. And for now, Bristol, Danville, Northfolk, and Portsmouth are the only locations where you can only play poker and other casino games in VA because they all have live casinos.