Home › State rules › Virginia
Sports betting in Virginia: age, regulator and how to bet
Minimum age 21+. Regulated by Virginia Lottery (Va. Code title 58.1, chapter 40, article 2: sports betting). This page summarizes official sources only; it is not legal advice and not a recommendation to bet.
Minimum age
21 years old for sports betting, per the source below.
The statute says no person shall knowingly accept or redeem a sports bet by, or on behalf of, a person under the age of 21 years.
Source: Va. Code § 58.1-4040 (underage betting prohibited) (verified )
Who regulates it
Virginia Lottery (Va. Code title 58.1, chapter 40, article 2: sports betting)
Source: official page or statute (verified )
How you can bet
Online and in casinos
State law defines a sports betting platform as a website, app or other platform reached over the internet or mobile technology that bettors use to place sports bets, and a sports betting facility as an area, kiosk or device inside a licensed casino gaming establishment that is designated for sports betting. The Virginia Lottery's sports betting page lists the approved permit holders.
Source: Va. Code § 58.1-4030 (definitions) (verified )
Virginia college games are excluded
The same section says legal sports betting in Virginia does not include a wager on a college sports event in which a Virginia public or private college or university is a participant. It also excludes youth sports.
Source: Va. Code § 58.1-4030 (definitions) (verified )
Find licensed operators: Virginia Lottery: sports betting page (approved permit holders).
Help and self-exclusion
National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-522-4700 also works). NCPG state-by-state help map.
Taxes on winnings
Federal tax rules are the same in every state: gambling winnings are taxable income. See our taxes guide. State income tax rules differ; check your state tax agency (not covered on this page yet).
Before you open an account
- Confirm the operator is on the regulator's licensed list above, not just that a site or app looks real.
- Read the terms, especially for any bonus: see bonus fine print.
- Set deposit and time limits first, and know how to get help or self-exclude.