Best Betting Sites in Virginia – Top Online Sportsbooks for 2025
Updated: 06.10.2025
As someone who has studied the Virginia sports betting market in depth, I've prepared this 2025 guide to highlight the safest and most trustworthy online sportsbooks. Since Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2021, players have had access to multiple licensed operators offering competitive odds, strong bonuses, and secure payment methods. My goal is to provide an expert, unbiased review so you can choose the sportsbook that best suits your betting style.
How to Choose the Best Betting Site in Virginia
The best Virginia sportsbook should match your betting style and needs. My testing of multiple platforms reveals four elements that make some sportsbooks better than others.
Odds Quality & Market Coverage
Good odds versus great odds will make a big difference in your profits over time. I've found that comparing lines between different sportsbooks can increase your returns significantly. You should register with several sportsbooks to get the best odds before placing your bets.
The best platforms offer more than just NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL markets. While every sportsbook covers the major leagues, you'll want to take a closer look at what they offer for tennis, golf, and rugby. For example, Xbet leads with unique NFL betting markets, while bet365 shines with detailed futures options.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Your betting experience depends on smooth banking operations. Virginia sportsbooks typically accept these payment methods:
| Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Fee Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Banking/ACH | Instant | 1-3 business days | Usually fee-free |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Instant | Not always available | May incur cash advance fees |
| PayPal/E-wallets | Instant | 24-48 hours | Convenient for both deposits and withdrawals |
| Play+ Prepaid | Instant | 1-2 business days | Good alternative to declined cards |
Be aware of this: Banks often treat credit card deposits as cash advances and charge additional fees. Online bank transfers or PayPal work best for deposits and withdrawals.
Mobile & In-Play Betting Features
Smartphones dominate betting nowadays, so a sportsbook's mobile app quality matters more than ever. My app testing looks at:
- Page loading speed and performance stability
- Navigation simplicity and bet placement process
- Live betting interface responsiveness
- Availability of live streaming options
BetOnline offers live betting on more than 20 sports, while BetRivers stands out for its fast-updating platform for in-play betting.
Customer Support & Trustworthiness
The security of your personal and financial information should guide your choice. The Virginia Lottery Board requires all sportsbooks to meet strict regulatory standards.
In spite of that, customer service quality differs between platforms. Top operators provide:
- 24/7 support through multiple channels (live chat, email, phone)
- Clear responsible gaming tools and resources
- Transparent house rules and wagering policies
- Fast resolution of account or payment issues;
BetUS Sportsbook runs round-the-clock customer support, while Xbet runs state-specific support lines from 11 AM to 8 PM EST.
Test a platform's customer service before you commit. This quick step has saved me hours of headaches later on.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Virginia
The world of sports betting in Virginia continues to grow, and bettors have clear priorities when it comes to certain sports and events.
Major Leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
Football is at the top of Virginia's betting scene. Bettors wagered a record $757 million during the peak of the NFL season in November. The Washington Commanders are attracting huge betting interest, with their Super Bowl odds now at +2500.
Virginia may not have any professional teams within its borders, but the people here love their nearby teams. The Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Nationals (MLB) have loyal fans across the state.
The NBA playoffs helped boost operator revenues in May 2025. Monthly handle jumped to $595 million - up 17.7% from last year.
College Sports Betting
Virginia has strict rules regarding college sports betting. The law makes it illegal to place bets on any Virginia-based college team within the state's borders. This rule affects popular teams such as
- Virginia Cavaliers
- Virginia Tech Hokies
- JMU Dukes
- Liberty Flames
- VCU Rams;
Virginia residents can only bet on out-of-state college teams in single games. Recent legislation to change this rule hasn't worked. Senate Bill 124 has been delayed until 2025.
International Events & Soccer
Football betting has become a big hit at Virginia sportsbooks. The UEFA Champions League attracts a lot of betting from October to May.
On top of that, bettors can place wagers on many soccer events including:
| Soccer Leagues Available | Other International Events |
|---|---|
| English Premier League | Formula 1 Racing |
| La Liga | Cricket Tournaments |
| Serie A | Rugby Competitions |
| MLS | Tennis Grand Slams |
| UEFA Champions League | Olympic Games |
Local Sports Preferences & Trend
Virginia's betting patterns are consistent with what happens nationally. Football season brings peak activity. The NBA and NHL keep bettors busy in the winter, while the summer sees less betting.
NASCAR events mean something special to Virginia bettors, as the state hosts four NASCAR Cup Series races each year. The rise of e-sports betting has added new options such as CS:GO, Dota 2 and League of Legends to the mix.
Responsible Betting in Virginia
Sports betting in Virginia should come with healthy habits. My experience with Virginia sportsbooks has taught me that tools for responsible gambling help create a sustainable game.
Virginia Helplines & Player Support
Help is right there when you need it for gambling problems. The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling operates a private hotline at 1-888-532-3500 where you can talk to trained counselors. Every licensed sports book displays the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700). You can reach them anytime by phone, text or chat.
Deposit Limits & Self-Exclusion Tools
Virginia's sportsbooks give you control with features that really work:
| Tool | Function | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Cap daily/weekly/monthly deposits | Account settings |
| Time Limits | Restrict session duration | Responsible gaming menu |
| Cool-off Periods | Temporary account pause (1-30 days) | Support chat |
| Self-Exclusion | Block account access (1+ years) | Virginia Lottery website |
Tips for Betting Responsibly
Here's what works for me to bet responsibly:
- Betting should be fun, not a way to make money
- Keep your betting money separate from bills and essentials
- Don't chase losses with bigger bets
- Step away from betting regularly
Where to Get Help if Needed
In Virginia, there are many ways to get help beyond the helplines. The Department of Behavioral Health offers free counseling through community service boards throughout the state. Gamblers Anonymous holds regular meetings throughout Virginia. At these meetings, you can connect with others who understand what you're going through.
Our verdict
Virginia's sports betting scene features 13 licensed sportsbooks competing for your business. I've tested these platforms inside and out, and each one shines in its own way. Xbet stands out with its welcome bonus, MyBookie leads with great odds, and bet365 delivers an exceptional betting experience.
The best sportsbook for you depends on what you need. Look at the quality of the odds, the payment options, how well the mobile app works, and the responsiveness of the customer support team. Like many people, I have accounts with several sportsbooks. This helps me to get the best bonuses and find the best odds for each bet.
Football rules the betting world in Virginia. Basketball, baseball and hockey also draw a lot of action during their seasons. State laws don't allow betting on local college teams, so you'll have to stick to out-of-state programs for college sports betting.
