Virginia Online Casino Sites 2024 | Best VA Casinos Online 🇺🇸

Are you wondering whether you can play at a Virginia online casino? Considering how gambling regulations vary from state to state in the US, it’s essential to learn about the specific laws in your region to know your options.

The good thing is that we’ve done the research for you. We’ll share all our findings about casinos in Virginia.

Until recently, VA was a restrictive location in terms of gambling. However, the state government now permits several forms of real money betting, including casino games. However, there’s a distinction between playing online and in-person at a land-based establishment.

We’ll explain it all in this guide, beginning with playing online.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Discover the best Virginia sweepstakes casinos for free gaming.
Find out the big gambling brands with land-based casinos in VA.
Learn the requirements and how to declare taxable casino winnings in Virginia.

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Virginia?

While Virginia has legalized several forms of gambling recently, the state is yet to approve real money online casinos. So, using such sites within its borders is illegal.

Based on our research, the Virginia Code § 18.2-325 defines unlawful gambling as making or placing bets on games, contests, or events not regulated by the following bodies:

Virginia Lottery or Virginia Lottery Board
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
The Virginia Racing Commission

None of the above authorities operate or license any real money Virginia online casino. So, playing on any such site is illegal. What are the available alternatives then? Let’s answer that below.

Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Virginia

Can you play online casino in Virginia? If it’s a sweepstakes platform, the answer is 100% yes! Virginia permits playing at sweepstakes casinos since the platforms offer free games. No payment is mandatory, and you can always get coins to play with.

Here’s our in-depth guide to the best sweepstakes casinos for US players. You can get it to find a quality platform or quickly pick from the top five sweepstakes casinos in Virginia.

Stake.us in Virginia

Stake.us is a unique sweepstakes casino where you play with Gold Coins and Stake Cash. You can claim 260,000 GCs, 55 SCs, and a 5% rakeback when you sign up. As you switch to the library, you’ll find 750+ games. With such a comprehensive collection, Stake.us sure is a top alternative to the best real money online casino Virginia players can’t access.

This sweepstakes casino doesn’t omit any option, as it features slots, table games, and instant wins. There are also exclusive Stake Originals from in-house providers.

→ Chaos Crew by Hacksaw Gaming is one of the best slots at Stake.us. It’s a top title with punk-style animations and mystery multipliers.

Sweeptastic in Virginia

Consider Sweeptastic the perfect platform for casino gaming in VA. That’s thanks to its extensive collection of 400+ games — slots, card games, roulette, and in-house Originals. Plus, the welcome package gives you 100,000 Lucky Coins and 4 Sweeps Coins for free.

As you claim the bonus and play games, you can receive points for the loyalty program. It’s one of the best features on the site.

→ If you check the popular games on the site, you’ll find Gold of Minos by BGaming. Playing the slot is worthwhile, as you get a bonus game of Respins.

Vegas Gems in Virginia

Vegas Gems offers new players 1,000 Gems via the welcome bonus. All you have to do is create an account, and the offer is yours. Then, all that’s left is to start playing the 400+ games.

As a Virginia player, you get all the options you’ll need at a real money casino with Vegas Gems. These include a wide variety of online slots and contemporary, Provably Fair games.

→ One Spin’s Lucky Win Spins is an exciting game at this sweepstakes casino. Simply put, you’ll love it if you’re a fan of classic machines.

WOW Vegas in Virginia

You can’t go wrong if you pick WOW Vegas Casino. Immediately after creating your account, you’ll receive a welcome package of 250,000 GCs and 5 SCs. It’s a top Virginia online casino bonus and more than enough to start enjoying the free games.

WOW Vegas offers over 900 games, and the platform is exclusive to slots. However, the games still introduce variety, as you’ll find titles from different providers with unique features.

→ Do check out Candy Stars by Pragmatic Play when you sign up. You’ll enjoy the Tumble Feature, free spins, and sticky wild multipliers.

Chumba Casino in Virginia

Chumba is one of the oldest Virginia online casino sites for sweepstakes gaming. The platform was launched in 2019, and it has remained one of the best. If you join this casino, you get a massive welcome bonus of 2 million Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins.

In terms of games, Chumba Casino offers up to 150. Don’t look at the count, but pay attention to the diverse categories, ranging from slots to table games and Slingo.

→ You’ll want to play Triple Double Golden Eagles by VGW when you sign up. The game is recommended thanks to its triple and double wild symbols.

Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Virginia

You can legally gamble at land-based casinos in Virginia. In our opinion, physical establishments are your best alternatives to VA online casino sites if you want to bet real money. Here are our top three recommendations.

Caesars Virginia in Danville

Caesars is a renowned brand in the US, so there’s no surprise that its casino in VA is one of the best. At the location, you get quite a large gaming floor, with 1,300+ slots, 85+ classic table games, and 24+ electronic table games.

Thanks to Caesars Rewards, you can enjoy exclusive benefits whenever you visit and play at this casino. Here’s what this player — who came all the way from Atlanta — had to say:

My husband and I absolutely love this casino. We left with more money than what we came with. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Nurse Pebbles, From Google Review

Address: 1100 W Main St, Danville, VA 24541, United States
Phone Number: +1 434-483-4500
Website: caesars.com/caesars-virginia
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Review on Google: 4.0/5

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol

Here’s another top gambling brand in the United States with a casino in Virginia. Located in Bristol, you’ll find everything when you visit Hard Rock. To be specific, the casino features 870+ classic and trendy slots and all table games — blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker.

As you visit and play, you can join the Hard Rock loyalty program and get exciting rewards. This comment from a loyal player captured what you can expect from the casino:

I’ve enjoyed the Bristol casino for a few years now. They have some of the newer slots and recently have been keeping their games new and fresh!
John “XellosMK2” Kilpatrick, From Google Review

Address: 500 Gate City Hwy, Bristol, VA 24201, United States
Phone Number: +1 276-696-3660
Website: casino.hardrock.com/bristol/casino
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Review on Google: 4.1/5

Rivers Casino in Portsmouth

There’s no better casino in Portsmouth than Rivers. If you visit, it’s 24/7 fun with more than 1,400 unique slot machines, blackjack, roulette, three-card poker, baccarat, and craps. Interestingly, there’s an exclusive poker room with 24 tables you can join.

To give you more options, Rivers Casino in Portsmouth also offers a sportsbook and electronic table games. Rest assured that the staff are friendly, as confirmed by this first-time player:

This was my first visit to a casino. I was so nervous….but the dealer made me feel at ease. He very kindly explained when I did something wrong and taught me the process as we went along.
Trisha Leary, From Google Review

Address: 3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701, United States
Phone Number: +1 757-840-2278
Website: riverscasino.com/portsmouth
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Review on Google: 3.9/5

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Virginia?

We’ve established that there’s no real money online casino Virginia residents can play at. You only have land-based establishments. If you play at a casino house in Virginia State and win, you must pay state and federal taxes. Hence, you’ll report both independently.

For the state, you’ll use Virginia Form 760 for individual income tax returns. Specifically, you’ll report your winnings as “Other Income” when filling out the form. You can do this online via the Virginia Department of Taxation official website for more convenience.

On the other hand, federal tax involves filing Form 1040 with the IRS. You may receive Form W-2G from the gambling operator if you win up to a certain amount. If that applies, you still have to report all your winnings on Form 1040.

Fact: Unlike federal taxes, Virginia does not allow a deduction on gambling losses when declaring your return.

Other Legal Gambling Activities in Virginia

Since there is no real money online casino Virginia players can visit, it’s understandable if you’re considering alternative gambling activities. Fortunately, VA has other legal options that allow you to wager real money online and in person.

Here are the alternatives we uncovered during our research:

Lottery: The Virginia Lottery provides several games, including scratch-offs and draw games. If you consider this option, you can participate in popular games like Powerball and Mega Millions. There are also daily options such as Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Sports betting: This is the latest gambling activity to be legalized in the Old Dominion State. You can bet on sports events at licensed online sportsbooks and retail locations.
Horse racing: Virginia has Colonia Downs as its primary horse racing track, and you can legally bet on events held at the location. Plus, the state also permits online and retail off-track betting.

History of Gambling in Virginia

You’ll quickly give a no reply if someone asks, “Is online casino legal in Virginia?” But has that always been the case? From our findings, it appears so. The Old Dominion State has a gambling history that traces back to the colonial era, and for the most part, the laws have not been friendly to casinos.

Check out the complete historical timeline below:

1740: The first law rendering most gaming illegal is enacted in Virginia.
1850: Anti-lottery provision is added to the Virginia Constitution, prohibiting future lotteries and the sale of unauthorized lottery tickets.
1971: The Virginia Constitution is amended to allow the General Assembly to permit lotteries.
1973: General Assembly authorizes charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles.
1987: The Virginia Lottery is established following a statewide referendum.
1988: Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is legalized, also contingent on a statewide referendum.
1996: The Charitable Gaming Commission is established to regulate charitable gaming.
1997: Colonial Downs opens, hosting thoroughbred and harness racing.
2003: The Charitable Gaming Commission is replaced by the Department of Charitable Gaming and Charitable Gaming Board.
2008: Oversight of charitable gaming is transferred to VDACS — Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
2010: Electronic pull-tab machines are introduced to boost charitable gaming fundraising.
2013: Network bingo is legal for statewide games.
2014: Colonial Downs closes following a dispute between its owner and Virginia horse riders.
2018: Historical horse racing (HHR) machines are to revive live horse racing, and Colonial Downs reopens.
2019: Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is launched with HHR machines.
2020: Online sports betting and land-based casinos are legalized. iLottery is also launched.

What’s Next for Virginia Online Casinos?

From our research, state lawmakers are yet to consider permitting VA online casino sites. So, the platforms are likely to remain illegal for a long time. However, industry experts highlight that the success of online sports betting, and land-based casinos can significantly influence future events. For emphasis, both legal gambling options were only legalized in 2020.

Since approving online sports betting, sportsbooks have generated massive revenue for Virginia. Recent reports confirm that residents in the state wagered $635.5 million on sports in March 2024, a 24.2% increase from 2023.

Predictions are that VA lawmakers may consider revisiting bans on online casinos if there are prospects of them also generating such revenue. Some legislators are currently moving to establish land-based casinos in areas like Fairfax County and Tysons.

Fact: Legalizing real money Virginia online casino sites will require approval from the House of Delegates, Senate, and state governor.

So, Will You Bet From Virginia Tonight?

Until a new law is established, you can’t bet real money on online casino games in VA. For now, you can play at the best Virginia sweepstakes casino sites we recommend. If there’s any change to the state’s legislation, we’ll update this page to inform you.

Therefore, ensure you keep tabs on our website to not miss any vital information. We also invite you to check our dedicated page on US states with online casino gambling if you want to know your neighboring options.