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 and won’t be in 2026.

Separate legislation to legalize online casinos passed through the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate in 2026. But, one common bill couldn’t be agreed upon through both chambers and get the approval of Gov. Abigail Spanberger prior to the end of the 2026 legislative session.

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 was a noticeable change in momentum for the industry. The 2026 legislative session saw two different iGaming legalization bills introduced. They were:

• House Bill 161
• Senate Bill 118

Each bill passed through its respective chamber, but was voted down by the other. A conference committee was formed in hopes of finding a compromise, but one was not reached before the end of the 2026 legislative session.

VA iGaming Legislation Details

Both bills called 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 final versions of each bill now had a 20% tax rate on each operator’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

Prior to the session ending, each bill also contained a reenactment clause that would require the legislation to be passed by both chambers again in 2027 to be legalized.

When it came 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 Passed 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 came 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.

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. Multiple bills were introduced in 2026 looking to establish a new regulatory establishment, but they also didn’t pass before the 2026 session ended.

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 no chance of an actual online casino launch in 2026 now that the legislative session ended without any passing of an iGaming bill.

Even if legislation is passed in 2027 and agreed to by Gov. Spanberger, an official launch is unlikely in the same year. With both bills this year looking for two-year legislative passage, that means a launch likely wouldn’t have been until 2028 if either passed this year. Should that clause remain next year, iGaming wouldn’t likely launch until at least 2029.

Could Virginia iGaming exist and launch in 2027? Very unlikely. The state seems closer than ever to finding common ground on legalizing iGaming. The big question right now is if a bill passes in 2027, will it require additional passage in 2028? If it doesn’t then a launch in 2028 could happen. If it does, chances are greater that Virginia residents would be looking at 2029 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 2028, VA online casinos look like they have about a 20/80 chance.

When it comes to 2029, the odds seem a little more like 50/50.

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 don’t want to rush legalization, so 2027 may not be an end point, either..

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 had been introduced looking to change that, but didn’t pass before the end of the 2026 legislative session.

What legislation on VA online casinos was being considered?

House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 each would have legalized online casinos with a 20% tax rate on operator’s adjusted gross revenue. Each bill passed through its respective chamber, but was rejected 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, legislation this year looked into establishing 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 late 2027 or early 2028 if legislation gets approved next year without a reenactment clause. If any legislation in 2027 is passed with a reenactment clause, launch of iGaming would likely not be until 2029.