Best Virginia Online Casinos 2025
Virginia’s gambling history is recent compared to other US states. While charitable gambling was introduced in Virginia in 1973, sports betting only launched in 2021, followed by the opening of the state’s first land-based casino in 2022. However, Virginians will have to wait longer before signing up to play real money casino games online, as online casinos are still illegal in the Old Dominion State.
While you may not be able to play online casino games for real money in Virginia, sweepstakes casinos allow you to play thousands of exciting online casino games for free.
These sites don’t offer real-money gambling, so they are available and safe to play in Virginia. Read this complete guide written by our casino experts, learn about the legal landscape, find VA’s best sweepstakes casinos, claim a bonus, and play for free.
Our Top Five Recommended Virginia Casinos
Social casinos are sweeping the US by storm, and many are available. So, how can you tell the best sweepstakes casinos from the rest? We are constantly testing sweepstakes casinos and have listed below some top brands you should check out.
Play 17,000+ Free Casino Games
Top Legal Games to Play at Virginia Casinos
Many legal games can still be enjoyed at land-based casinos. Current laws allow five cities in VA to build casinos, and several locations throughout the state now offer real-money casino gambling.
Best Casino Games to Win Real Money in Virginia
Playing casino games without risking your own money provides safe entertainment, but adding the chance to win real money brings a new dimension of excitement to the gameplay experience. Popular slot titles, progressive jackpots, table games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, and live dealer experiences are available at the best sweepstakes casinos.
Slots
Blackjack
Roulette
Live Dealer
Crash Games
Card Games
Baccarat
Arcade
Bingo
Casual Games
Craps
Dice Games
Fish Shooting
Game Shows
Instant Games
Keno
Other
Scratch Cards
Slingo
Table Games
Video Poker
Virtual Sports
Spinmatic
Amatic Industries
Barcrest Games
Spinmatic
SmartSoft Gaming
Casino Web Scripts
How to Win Real Money on Casino Games in Virginia
One of the main aspects to look for when considering the different casino games offered at Virginia’s sweepstakes casinos is the game’s RTP (Return to Player), the statistical percentage of winnings paid back to players over the long run.
Virginia Online Gambling Overview
Virginia Gambling Laws
Virginia is home to legal sports betting and casino gaming, although real-money online casino gaming is still prohibited. The current laws allow for up to five land-based casinos, with several throughout the state. However, cities must approve a casino by public vote before it can acquire a license.
Aside from gambling at land-based casinos, Virginia residents can also enjoy betting on sports. Both retail and online sports betting are available in VA, with up to 12 online sportsbooks able to be licensed by the Virginia Lottery Board. Anyone over 21 can bet on various sporting events, including college sports.
While there aren’t any plans to legalize online casinos, you can still sign up and play at sweepstakes and social casinos in Virginia. As these platforms don’t allow you to gamble real money, they operate within a legal grey area, and players aren’t at legal risk when signing up.
How to Play With Virginia Online Casinos
It’s easy to start playing at sweepstakes casinos in Virginia. You’ll have to sign up to play, but creating an account is straightforward. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Choose a casino from this guide and click on the link to be redirected to the casino’s site.
- Click the sign-up or register button, provide your contact details, and follow the steps to complete the registration.
- Some casinos will ask you to verify your account via email or text.
- If you have a promo code, enter it to claim your welcome bonus.
- Confirm that you’re at least 18 years old and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.
Accepted Virginia Online Casino Banking Methods
Virginia sweepstakes casinos accept a range of redemption methods for purchasing coins. Before you choose a method, check the minimum and maximum limits and any fees or redemption waiting times.
Sweepstake casinos let you play for free, with free coins awarded to your account upon sign-up. However, you can also purchase additional coins to play for longer and give yourself a greater chance of winning prizes. To purchase coins, you’ll need to link a valid redemption method. Here’s how:
- Sign up, log into your account, and navigate to the casino’s coin store.
- Select the amount of coins you would like to purchase.
- Enter your payment method and follow the steps to complete the purchase.
- If you win enough coins, revisit the coin store to redeem your winnings for cash prizes or gift vouchers.
| Payment Method | Purchases | Redemptions |
|---|---|---|
Visa
| Yes | Yes |
Mastercard
| Yes | No |
Bitcoin
| Yes | Yes |
PayPal
| Yes | No |
ACH
| Yes | Yes |
Apple Pay
| Yes | No |
Google Pay
| Yes | No |
Paysafecard
| Yes | No |
Skrill
| Yes | No |
Neteller
| Yes | No |
Who Can Play at Virginia Online Casinos?
The legal minimum age for gambling in Virginia is 21, with no players under this age allowed to sign up and bet at online sportsbooks. However, Virginia sweepstakes casinos often let players sign up if they’re at least 18. You’ll need to create an account before you can play, and you may need to verify your age.
What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for Virginia Casinos?
Real-money online casinos in Virginia aren’t legal, but sweepstakes and social casinos still have to follow US gambling law requirements. You’ll need to create an account before you can start playing and complete the verification process. This involves entering your full details and verifying your phone or email address. You may also need to upload a copy of your ID.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery Board regulates all forms of gambling in Virginia and sets the rules for online gambling platforms. It was established in 1987 to govern the lottery and now licenses all retail and online real-money gambling in VA. However, there are proposals to develop a gambling commission.
Virginia Casino Apps for Players
Casino gaming is no longer confined to a land-based casino's walls, thanks to advanced mobile technology that allows you to enjoy your favorite games from anywhere. Nearly all sweepstakes casino websites are built with HTML5 technology, which makes them responsive and customizable to mobile devices. Many casinos also offer a downloadable app, which you can install on your device for more convenient access.
Virginia Casino Apps for Android
If you have an Android device, you can install and play at any of the following casino apps, all of which are available from the Google Play Store:
Virginia Casino Apps for iOS
iOS users also get to enjoy casino gaming apps. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download any of the following iPhone casino apps from the App Store:
History of Online Gambling Laws in Virginia
Online gambling may be relatively new, but gambling isn’t. People have been playing casino games and wagering on events for decades. However, the laws have changed a lot over time.
Here are some key dates in the timeline of gambling in Virginia:
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in Virginia
1973
Charitable gambling is legalized.
1987
Following a vote, the Virginia Lottery is established. A year later, the first lottery ticket is sold.
1989
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legalized.
2018
The Virginia Lottery Board launches a mobile app that allows players to purchase state lottery tickets via Bluetooth when tethered to a retail location.
2020
The General Assembly legalizes sports betting and casinos. The state creates a problem gambling and support fund.
2021
The first licensed sportsbooks begin accepting real money wagers on sports.
2021
Norfolk, Danville, Portsmouth, and Bristol Voters pass referenda to allow casinos to operate in these locations.
2022
The first legal casinos open their doors in Virginia.
Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Virginia: What’s the Difference?
Virginia social casinos are a great legal option for VA players, as they are available and allow you to enjoy thousands of casino games online. However, some players may be tempted to seek their casino thrills elsewhere.
Offshore online casinos are platforms that aren’t based in the US and don’t follow the same rules and regulations. Although they’re not licensed in VA, they’re still often licensed by other regulators, such as the Curacao Gaming Control Board.
Signing up for an offshore casino can be tempting, as they offer real money casino games and attractive bonuses. However, doing so could put your information and finances at risk. When you play at offshore sites, they don’t follow US regulations and could be unsafe. If you want peace of mind when you play, choosing a legal and licensed online casino is best.
Land-based Casinos in Virginia
Virginia legalized land-based casinos in 2020, and several cities throughout the state held referendums to decide whether or not to allow casinos to establish themselves. So far, three casinos have opened their doors, though more could open in the future.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Virginia?
Real-money online casinos are still not legal in Virginia. Still, sweepstakes casinos that don’t adhere to the restrictions of real-money casinos are widely available in Virginia and are safe to play online and via mobile apps.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Virginia?
Sweepstakes and social casinos are legal as they do not offer real-money gaming. Therefore, they are widely available in most US states, including VA, and are safe, fair, and trustworthy.
What are the best sweepstakes casinos in Virginia?
It all depends on personal preference. Our casino experts have tested and listed the best options in this guide, such as High 5 Casino and Hello Millions.
Are Virginia online casinos safe?
While most sweepstakes casinos are safe and trustworthy, some are better than others. This is why we test every casino based on strict criteria and recommend only the most trusted sweepstakes operators to you.
Can I claim bonuses at Virginia casinos?
Yes. It’s possible to claim bonuses at Virginia sweepstakes casinos. Most sites offer a range of bonuses, including a sign-up bonus, coin purchase bundles, log-in bonuses, referral bonuses, and more.
