Casinos in Virginia
Rachel Elam | March 20, 2020 | Updated on: September 10th, 2024
There are no casinos in Virginia that leave players in the Old Dominion state with no gambling options to choose from. Both tribal and commercial casinos have been kept outside the borders of the state. In 2020 the Virginia Casino Bill advances, allowing for commercial gaming resorts to be built in the state. As it stands, there are currently only three forms of gambling that are permitted in the state. Players can also enjoy their favorite casino games at offshore casino sites or visit part casino establishments within the state. Alternatively, you can gamble in other states that have casinos. Whether it is by bus or cruise casino, Virginia players are not limited to the games offered in their state.
Our team of experts have created a guide for players who are looking for gambling opportunities in the state. We also look at online gambling laws and spots that allow you to gamble in Virginia.
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Virginia Casinos & Gambling
- Gambling Revenue in Virginia: $1.6 billion
- Estimated Tax revenue: $487 million
- Gambling Age in Virginia: 18
- Smoking Ban: Virginia does not have a smoking ban
- Year gambling was regulated in Virginia: Bingo (1973), Lottery (1987) and Horse Racing (1997)
Gambling Laws in Virginia
The gambling definition in Virginia states that illegal gambling is making a bet using money or anything of value in exchange for a chance to win a prize. In the light of the gambling definition, that the state has several penalties in place for gambling-related crimes. The gambling laws prohibit casino gaming in the form of commercial and Indian casinos in Virginia. There are no slots, gaming machines, or live table games in the state. The games offered by the state include the state lottery, bingo, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports.
Sites that offer daily fantasy sports should have a license and are required to register the site annually. The sites also have to give the state an annual independent auditors report. Similarly, off-track betting is legal when taking place at a licensed facility.
Live Gambling
Live gambling can be enjoyed in the form of bingo at one of 600 bingo halls that can be found in the state. Charities are also permitted to offer bingo games. The state lottery sells lottery tickets and scratch off cards. The lottery has some games players can take part in, such as the mega-million, power ball, pick 3, and many others.
Players looking to take part I daily fantasy sports can do so at the regulated sites that have been licensed to operate in the state. Players can place bets at sites such as Draftkings and Fanduel.
History of Mississippi Gambling
The history of gambling in Virginia dates back to 1973 when charitable gambling law was enacted. Soon after 1973, the state lottery was given the green light and launched in 1988. Horse racing is the oldest gambling option in Virginia gong as far back as the colonial days of Virginia. In 1997 Colonial Downs, a horse racing venue was launched. The venue was extremely popular, and over the years, the venue ran into financial difficulties and had to close shop in 2015.
The early 2000s saw a chance in gambling in the state with Virginia Racing Commission giving out a license to expand off-track gambling. In 2004 instant digital betting games debuted on EZ Betting terminals.
Casino opening in Virginia
2019 saw a turn in the law with the approval of the legislation. The legislation is a continuation of the SB 1126 casino law, which called for a study on the impact casino would have on qualifying cities. The bill passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Subcommittee and was approved. The qualifying cities are Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond. Proposals are pouring. However, voters will need to approve the projects before them receiving state gaming licenses.
Are there casinos in Virginia?
No. there are no casinos in Virginia. However, there are few alternative gambling establishments. As we had mentioned, there are about 600 bingo halls as lottery retailers. These may not be as flashy casinos in gambling-friendly states. On the contrary, players will be able to enjoy a legal game of bingo with the locals. Horseracing, daily fantasy sports, and the lottery are also available. Players can also table part in their favorite casino games online at regulated sites that accept Virginia players.
FAQS on Virginia Online Casino
Yes. Casinos may be coming to Virginia as lawmakers continue introducing the gaming legislation.
Yes. Danville is one of the five qualifying cities to get a casino however the Danville city council has announced its official position in regards to founding a casino in the city.
No, currently Virginia does not have brick and mortar casinos.
There are 48 states that have casinos visit our States with Casinos guide for a list of states with land-based casinos.
What two states have no gambling?
No. the closest casinos to Virginia Beach are in Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland.
Yes. Players have to 18 and above to take part in the legal gambling options.
Horse racing, lottery, daily fantasy, and bingo are the only legal gambling options allowed in Virginia.
Yes. To own a slot machine in the state you have to 25 years and it is illegal to charge people to play on the slot.
More States Gambling Guides
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Rhodes Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee