1. Legal Gambling Age In Virginia
2. Legal Gambling Age In Virginia

The frenzy that caught many technology-loving citizens, regarding the United States online gambling expansion, is not necessarily a phenomenon that we might see at a prevailing level in the law-creating structures of the states.

On this site, we have listed off the legal gambling age for land-based gaming for every state. Generally speaking, so long as you are 21 years or older, you are safe all over the country. There are no states that have a legal gambling age over 21 years old. How Old Do I Have To Be To Gamble Online?

• What’s Virginia’s Minimum Legal Gambling Age? Virginia’s minimum gambling age is 18. Residential players and visitors who are 18 can participate in pari-mutuel wagering on horses, charitable gambling at bingo halls, raffles, lotteries, betting on duck races, and daily fantasy sports.
• Both VA SB 384 and VA HB 896 are bills that would make sports betting legal through the Virginia Lottery. The main bill as it pertains to the legalization of gambling is VA HB 4. VA HB 4 would make casino gaming in Virginia legal for state residents and visitors. The Virginia Lottery Board would oversee the gambling market for the Commonwealth.

Virginia is at the bottom of the list when it comes to the prospect of instating such a regulation. We usually find this sort of reluctance to even debate the subject in states which haven’t a very liberal stance on gambling in general. Seeing how there aren’t any casinos in VA, it’s actually no surprise that talks about online casinos haven’t even started.

Best Virginia Online Casino Sites

Contents

Virginia Gambling Laws Overview

Virginia gambling laws aren’t the strictest in the country, but they also don’t offer any intense support in expanding these activities. Putting it simply, the authorities are not yet convinced of the pluses the instalment of slot machines in Virginia is going to bring to state’s budget.
The biggest shortage in the VA gambling field is, without any doubt, the lack of land-based casinos state-wide. For those state residents that are keen on betting in table games, not offering this option can result in two things:

• An important part, as some of the more permissive states have found out, of potential tax revenues aren’t going to Virginia’s budget
• This money is still spent, only in the benefit of others: either travelling to nearby states, Maryland and Delaware being the main speculator of this opportunity, or even worse, going abroad, towards online casinos based off-shore

Statistics show that a state with tribes willing to put the base of casinos on their land, get a taste of what the extra revenue from casino activity means and are much more relaxed towards the idea of allowing the expansion of gambling. In Virginia, the only recognized tribe thus far, the Pamunkey have had a different approach, being completely against it, even having to reelect a new tribal chief, which would support less this idea.

However, gambling in Virginia isn’t completely non-existent. The largest part is played by race betting. Until 2015, a renowned horse racetrack, the Colonial Downs, offered live racing to enthusiasts. However, some issues and endless debates made the venue to close-up shop for an indefinite amount of time. At the time, it’s rumoured to become a golf course. Still, betting on races is possible through the OTB locations around the state.

Virginia also has a state lottery and allows charitable gaming, as well as the organizing of social events, in the form of social poker, as long as no fees are paid for taking part.

Virginia Online Gambling Possibilities

Online gambling Virginia is not a subject in the state’s fiery debates so far, VA having other priorities to handle in this field, before that. This means that no slot machines are available anywhere between state borders. A solution has been found for this issue, as well, and seeing how the best casinos, in this case, are the ones available for VA players, it was the loop that off-shore new RTG online casinos found to enter this market.
For example, Bovada is legal in Virginia through the fact that it’s not actually specified to be illegal anywhere in the legislation. Thus, for those who wish to play online slots for real money, the only thing to look out for is the best way to discern between plenty of options existent out there. Filtrating these online sites through the pluses and minuses are given to them in professional made reviews, like the ones from the list above, might just be the easiest and most reliable way to go about this.

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Offline Gambling

Racetracks

The races should have been the element to replace gambling casinos in Virginia’s market. They were the main betting entertainment provider, up until 2015, when the only racetrack active, suspended its operations. Nowadays, the track is said to become a golf course, which ironically enough would allow golf courses betting.

Lottery

What would gambling in VA mean without the existence of a state lottery? It also participates at the interstate available versions, Mega Millions and Powerball.

Charitable Games

Some non-profit organizations are allowed to host charitable gambling events, in the form of bingo games, raffles or duck racing, in order to raise money for a specified cause. Also, as a result of many people not wanting to travel to casinos near VA, social casino nights are allowed, as long as the organizers don’t receive a fee for hosting such events. Surely though, this is a weak replacement, as it mainly offers a form of social poker, while other types of gambling, such as baccarat, are hard to be found at such events.

Future Prospects

2019 came along with an unexpected twist in the gambling market of Virginia after a bill on expanding this domain has passed the State Senate. The main development that this bill stipulates is that of allowing sports betting Virginia, which would be a terrific first step on the road to gambling expansion. It also could lead to the opening of one of the first state casino resorts, located in Bristol. Before getting hopes up, at this point, a referendum must be held on the matter, which would only be possible in November, but it’s still great news on the authorities’ behalf.

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Is gambling legal in Virginia?

There are some forms of gambling Virginia permits within its state: lottery, charitable games, and racetrack betting. There currently aren’t any gambling casinos, although some movement has been seen lately in that area, with a new bill passing Senate, which would allow a first casino to be built in Bristol. For those who haven’t the patience to wait that long, there is the option of traveling to nearby states, Maryland and Delaware being the closest go-to destinations. Also, online casinos are available, but only those situated in across borders jurisdictions.

Are there casinos in VA?

There aren’t any casinos in Virginia at this point, but the alternatives of going up online are permitted. As long as the operators of these online casinos are licensed in other countries which allow these activities. Also, driving around 100 miles to the closest casino in Maryland, for example, although uncomfortable, might just solve the issue.

Can I gamble online in Virginia?

If I would like to do some Internet gambling near me, there are only four states where I need to go, for that to be legal. As a resident of Virginia, these states are a bit farther away than comfortable, so another option to engage in online poker, would be to use the off-shore websites that accept players from the US. The main problem with not having Virginia online casinos is that if fraud happens, no American authority is allowed to check out the issue, but instead, you’d have to entrust the matter to the licensing authority, which is in another country altogether. For that not to happen, choose carefully the online casinos to play at. Instead of going solo on searching the wide web for a safe website, it’s better to follow the recommendation list of casinos from those sites specialized in reviewing online casinos.

What is the legal age for wagering in VA?

Not unlike the neighboring West Virginia gambling age, the same partition happens when it comes down to the Virginia gambling age: 18 for a lottery, bingo, racetrack betting and 21 for online casino gambling.

Are there any changes for the good in Virginia’s gambling market?

There is a real opportunity for a first addition to the Virginia casino list, in Bristol, after a bill has passed Senate in early 2019. If this bill manages to pass a state referendum, the possibility to play roulette should be available in no-time. The same bill is also trying to regulate sports betting, so it seems there are many things to be looking for in the near future.

• Year Virginia Regulated Gambling: Bingo (1973), Lottery (1987), Horse racing (1997), Daily Fantasy Sports (2016)
• Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $487 million
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: $1.6 billion
• Virginia Gambling Age: 18 for all forms
• Smoking ban: Virginia does not ban smoking in establishments that ban minors
• Virginia Online gambling: Horse racing and Daily Fantasy Sports

Virginia gambling leaves its residents with hardly any options to choose from. Even though there are no Virginia casinos, there are services that will transport gamblers to other states. There are only three legalized forms of live gaming available in the state. One no longer operates due to a lack of demand.

Despite the fact that there are not Virginia casinos within state borders, there are always other options. Anyone that wants the gambling experience can always rent casino games (with strict rules of how to operate them). They can also go to “party casino” establishments, where all games are just like casino games, without having real money involved. The last way Virginia casino gamblers can have their fun is by actually taking a bus ride to other states. There is always the option to get on a cruise casino and sail out to international waters and gamble.

Below you will find a simply map and guide to some of these Virginia casinos alternatives.

Virginia Casinos Map & Event Guide

• None

• Number of B&M Casinos: 0
• Number of Poker Rooms: 0
• Number of Indian Casinos: 0

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Types of Virginia Online Gambling Allowed

Off-track betting is legal over the Internet and on mobile devices in Virginia. The problem is that there are no tracks to partner with so no sites operate. As of now, online casino gambling is not legal in Virginia.

Daily fantasy sports sites are explicitly legal in Virginia. DraftKings and FanDuel are licensed to operate in the state.

Types of Live Virginia Gambling

• Casino Games: No
• Horses: Yes
• Lottery: Yes

There are three types of legalized Virginia gambling options. The state lottery may sell scratch-off and lotto tickets. There are thousands of retailers. Charities may offer bingo games. There are nearly 600 bingo halls in the state. Live horse racing is legal in Virginia. There are no active tracks. Colonial Downs held its last race in 2014. Its simulcast betting shops shuttered in April 2015.

There is charity bingo, which is a booming business in Virginia due to the lack of other options. There is also a state lottery that sells scratch-off and lotto tickets.

Horse racing is legal but there are no active tracks. Off-track betting is permitted by advance deposit wagering companies if offered over the Internet. Since Colonial Downs shuttered, it cannot offer off-track betting so there is no way to play the ponies in Virginia these days, even though it is legal to do so. This includes betting apps and websites.

Virginia casino gambling is not legal. Players in the west part of the state can go to West Virginia or Cherokee, North Carolina for casino action. Those in the east part of Virginia will probably prefer going to Maryland and Delaware.

Daily fantasy sports contests were legalized in Virginia in March 2016. Sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are licensed to operate in the state.

Virginia Gambling Laws

Virginia requires gambler to be at least 18 years of age. Only bingo, a state lottery, horse racing and daily fantasy sports are considered legal in the state. Virginia law exempts any gambling that occurs in a private residence as long as it is not considered a commercial operation. This includes home poker games and casino nights among friends.

Gamblers that enter into a payment agreement cannot enforce it. Losers of money on games that involve an element of chance may recover that cash through legal means.

Most gambling crimes are misdemeanors. An operator of an illegal gambling enterprise that runs for 30 days or has $2,000 in revenue in a single day is a felony.

Daily fantasy sports sites are permitted to operate in the state if they receive a license. Registration costs $50,000 per year. The state must receive an independent auditor’s report annually.

Horse racing is legal in Virginia. There was only ever one licensed track. It failed in 2015. Off-track betting is legal in Virginia. It requires a licensed facility. Mobile betting on horses is also legal but it requires a partnership with a licensed track. There are none so there is nowhere to make these bets legally in Virginia.

Where to Gamble in Virginia

There are about 600 bingo halls in Virginia. There is never a problem finding a game. There are thousands of lottery retailers. These businesses sell instant games and tickets for lotto drawings. Casino players must go to West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware or North Carolina for action.

Virginia Gambling History

Horse racing dates back to the colonial days of Virginia. Historians note that races took place at underground operations from the 1500’s all the way until 1897. That is when the state specifically outlawed horse racing. It did not stop the activity in all counties. It simply drove the gaming underground.

The state legislature decided to legalize live and simulcast betting in 1997. This created pari-mutuel pools on races. Colonial Downs opened on September 1, 1997. There were 13,000 fans in attendance. The track ran into financial difficulties in the late 2000’s and started to trim live racing days. In 2013, the last thoroughbred race was held. That type of racing ended due to a dispute with the horsemen.

Harness racing continued at Colonial Downs into 2014. The track relinquished its live racing license in 2014. The off-track betting shop was closed in April 2015. There were OTBs in other parts of the state that shuttered in November 2014. Colonial Downs is likely closed forever. There are plans to develop a gold course on the land.

Bingo was approved through a constitutional amendment in November 1973. The first bingo games were held within months. Voters approved a state lottery in November 1987. The first ticket was sold on September 20, 1988.

Virginia Casinos & Gambling FAQ

The minimum Virginia gambling age is 18 for all forms.

Yes, but there are no tracks.

Yes, but there are no betting shops open. Internet companies are not licensed due to a lack of track partners.

Legal Gambling Age In Virginia

Yes. Virginia is the first state to license daily fantasy sports.

DraftKings and FanDuel are the main licensed operators.

Yes. It sells scratch-off and lotto tickets.

Yes, but only if operated by a registered charity.

No. None of these types of sites are licensed to operate in the state and are illegal.

Legal Gambling Age In Virginia

Virginia residents in the Appalachian area can choose between casinos in West Virginia and Cherokee, North Carolina. Those closers to Washington D.C. will find Maryland casinos to be closer.