When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Virginia

The potential for legal online casinos in Virginia is as strong as its ever been. However, iGaming is still not legal in the state.

Separate legislation to legalize online casinos have passed through the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate in 2026. But, one bill must pass through both chambers and get the approval of Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

Should the Old Dominion legalize online casinos, it would immediately be one of the top markets in the US. Here’s a look at where things stand, and what you could expect from legal iGaming in the state of Virginia.

Where Online Casino Legalization Stands in Virginia in 2026

Online casinos remain illegal in Virginia as of now. Online sports betting is legal in Virginia, and has been operational since January 2021, with a dozen different sportsbooks offering markets.

A push for online casino legalization has occurred prior to 2026, but past legislation hasn’t built up much steam. This year, there appears to be a noticeable change in momentum for the industry. The 2026 legislative session saw two different iGaming legalization bills introduced. They are:

• House Bill 161
• Senate Bill 118

VA iGaming Legislation Details

Both bills call for many similar details when it comes to online casinos in Virginia. Each land-based casino would be able to issue up to three online casino licenses. That means up to three different operators per licensee. That would not only apply to the three fully-operational casinos in the state, but also the two temporary casinos that are working on expansions into 2027. Regulation would be done by the Virginia Lottery Board.

Each bill calls says retail casinos would be required to pay a $2 million platform fee, while each online casino operator would be subject to a $500,000 licensing fee. Licenses would last five years, with a renewal option at half of the cost after the five-year period. After original proposals had a 15% tax rate, the current versions of each bill now have a 20% tax rate on each operator’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

Where these bills differ come in the forms of how the tax revenue would be dispersed, and further passage requirements.

HB 161 would require passage of the bill in both the Virginia Senate and Virginia House in 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions. SB 118 only seeks one year of passage with an expected launch date of July 1, 2027.

When it comes to tax revenue funding, HB 161 would have:

• 5% to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund
• 6% to the Internet Lottery Hold Harmless Fund until January 1, 2037
• 89% to the Virginia General Fund, then 95% starting January 1, 2037

For SB118, the funding would be:

• 3% to the Gaming Regulatory Fund
• 2% to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund
• 95% to the Modern Public Education Fund

Both Bills Pass Chambers on Second Attempt

Each of the respective bills passed through their respective chambers, but it took second votes to do so.

SB 118 was first, failing to pass through the Senate with a 19-20 vote the first time. However, under reconsideration soon after, three ‘No’ votes elected to not vote the second time around in order for the bill to move on to the Virginia House.

When it comes to HB 161, the first vote was a 46-49 defeat. But, again when it was reconsidered soon after that day, it passed with a 67-30 advantage, a drastic change over a short period of time.

Each bill remains with the opposing chamber. It will be up to them to find a common bill they can agree on and pass if iGaming is to become legalized in Virginia.

What Could Prevent Virginia Online Casino Legalization

As in most cases when a state considers legalization of iGaming, some lawmakers fear it would lead to an increase in problem gambling and gambling-related crime.

Extra precautions and safeguards for problem gambling have been added throughout the legislation process and more could be added before a final bill is accepted.

There is opposition that also believes that introducing iGaming could cannibalize other forms of gambling in the state, including retail casinos and online lottery.

One key to all of this is if Virginia can establish a regulatory board that would take control of overseeing state gaming. Currently the Virginia Lottery Board would handle iGaming regulation on top of already dealing with online sports betting and its own retail and online lottery.

Gov. Spanberger believes a Virginia Gaming Commission would be an ideal creation before bringing in new forms of Virginia gaming. Senate Bill 195 is also being considered by the state government, which would establish such an entity. The VGC would oversee sports betting and iGaming in the state, while the Virginia Lottery Board deals with its retail and online oversight.

Unregulated Online Gambling in Virginia

While online casinos are not legal in Virginia, two forms of unregulated online gambling are currently operational. Those are sweepstakes casinos, as well as prediction markets.

Sweepstakes casinos are operating in Virginia under the current legal framework. However, should a Virginia Gaming Commission be formed, that could change the outlook of these platforms. Any legalization of iGaming in Virginia would also put more emphasis on taking action against sweepstakes, as it would be a direction competition without the state receiving any tax revenue from it.

Prediction markets are also operating in Virginia despite a high-profile legal battle across the United States. Prediction markets are regulated under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is federal oversight. Virginia has no control over their actions as of now, but that could change pending the outcome of legal battles in other states.

What Virginia Online Casinos Could Look Like

Should legalization happen when it comes to iGaming in Virginia, expect to see a full complement of game offerings once the industry launches.

As seen with the other available online casino states in the US, VA users would have access to thousands of different online slots. That includes progressive jackpot slots, and more.

Table games and live dealer games will be in the dozens, with a wide variety of betting options. Live-dealer studios would be set up within the state to provide the latest and best for Virginia residents and players.

What Operators Would Have a VA Online Casino

Each land-based casino would be granted up to three licenses, so right now there would be potential for up to 15 different online casino operators.

All licensed operators would need to meet specific requirements and qualifications from the regulatory board, whether it be the Virginia Lottery or a new Virginia Lottery Commission. These requirements would be different than what online sportsbooks have to meet.

Currently, Virginia features these online sportsbooks that also operate an online casino in one of the legal states.

• Bally Bet
• bet365
• BetMGM
• Betr
• BetRivers
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• Hard Rock Bet
• theScore Bet/Hollywood Casino

Virginia Online Casino Bonus Code Offers

With casino online gambling not legal in Virginia, there aren’t any current promo code offers to utilize.

However, if Virginia lawmakers do eventually make iGaming legal, you can expect a wide array of VA online casino bonus code offers upon launch.

Similar to what you see available for West Virginia online casinos, each operators is likely to have its own unique welcome offer, like the Hollywood Casino bonus code, or the BetMGM Casino bonus code.

Bonus offers typically include things like bonus spins, casino credits, deposit matches, and more. Some operators will provide a 24-hour insurance that gives users their losses back in bonus credits, up to a certain max amount like $1,000.

Legal Virginia Gambling Options in 2026

For those looking to enjoy some form of legal gambling in the state of Virginia, and can’t make it to neighboring West Virginia for iGaming, there are plenty of options available.

Online Sports Betting

Virginia has 12 different online sportsbooks that are legally operating. They feature a wide variety of sports to wager on, as well as different markets to consider when it comes teams or individuals. One restriction Virginia has is that you can’t bet on in-state college teams.

Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

Virginia features five different casino establishments you can enjoy. Three feature fully-operational casinos and sportsbooks, while two temporary locations are working toward full expansion in 2027. They are:

• Caesars Virginia (Danville)
• Hard Rock Casino (Bristol)
• Rivers Casino (Portsmouth)
• The Interim Gaming Hall (Norfolk, temporary)
• Live! Casino Virginia (Petersburg, temporary)

Virginia Retail and Online Lottery

Virginia is one of the states that offers purchase of lottery tickets at retail locations and through the state website/mobile app. Virginia iLottery includes 10 different draw games and over 150 online instant games.

What is the Likelihood of Virginia Online Casinos in 2026

There is virtually no chance of an actual online casino launch in 2026.

Even if legislation is passed and agreed to by Gov. Spanberger, an official launch wouldn’t come until July 1, 2027.

Could Virginia iGaming exist and launch in 2027? Yes. The state seems closer than ever to finding common ground on legalizing iGaming. The big question right now is if a bill passes in 2026, will it require additional passage in 2027? If it doesn’t then a launch in 2027 would be likely. If it does, chances are greater that Virginia residents would be looking at 2028 for a launch date.

Once legislation is passed, online casinos won’t just magically appear in the state. It takes typically around one year for online operators to launch following legalization. That is due to establishing all of the state regulatory requirements through the governing body.

Also, any licensed operators will need to build their platform to meet any requirements Virginia would have, while also getting the state geofenced to ensure that players are within state borders.

When it comes to 2027, VA online casinos look like they have a 50/50 chance, maybe more of a 40/60 chance.

When it comes to 2028, the odds seem a little greater than 50/50, maybe closer to that 60/40 range.

It seems like iGaming expansion is a matter of when, and not if, in Virginia. But, delicate matters take a lot of time and fine-tuning to work out. Legislators may not want to rush legalization in 2026.

Either way, we will keep you updated on the latest developments and any potential Virginia online casino launch date.

Virginia Online Casino Legalization FAQ (2026)

Are online casinos legal in Virginia?

No, online casino gambling is not legal in Virginia as of now. Legislation has been introduced looking to change that.

What legislation on VA online casinos is being considered?

Currently, House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 each would legalize online casinos with a 20% tax rate on operator’s adjusted gross revenue. Each bill has passed through its respective chamber and being considered by the other.

What forms of online gambling are legal in Virginia?

Online sports betting has been legal in Virginia since January 2021. Currently, sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets are also available in Virginia, but not under regulatory control by the state.

What would VA online casinos include?

If legalized, Virginia online casinos would feature online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Slots would feature thousands of options across operators, including progressive jackpots.

What online casino operators would exist in Virginia?

Each retail casino in Virginia would have the option to provide a license to three different operators, so up to 15 difference online casinos could exist. You could expect many of the top platforms that you see in other legal US markets like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, Hollywood Casino, and more.

Who would regulate Virginia online casinos?

Current bills up for consideration would have the Virginia Lottery Board oversee iGaming. However, another bill up for legislation in Virginia looks to establish the Virginia Gaming Commission, which would oversee all non-lottery gambling in the state.

When is the soonest VA online casinos could launch?

The soonest online casinos in Virginia could launch is July 1, 2027. That is pending the legalization of SB 118, which lists that as a the start date. HB 161 calls for two years of legislative approval before legalization, then launch likely coming in early 2028.