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Illinois sports betting is alive and well after launching during 2020. And, in 2021 we anticipate more Illinois sports betting apps will join the fray.

Illinois sports bettors can expect to avoid the in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks for the first half of 2021. This means unfettered access to all five of the state’s online sports betting apps and websites.

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But that’s not news to thousands of Illinoisians – the state has already become the fourth largest sports betting market in the country.

Summary of the Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps

• FanDuel Sportsbook: Best for iOS & Android App
• PointsBet: Best for Closest Retail Betting
• DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for New Promos
• BetRivers: Best for Loyalty Program
• William Hill Sportsbook: Best for Market Depth

Illinois Sports Betting Updates

• Illinois Takes First Step Toward Online Casinos – Illinois legislators introduced HB 3142 in February 2021, which would create the Internet Gaming Act and authorize casinos to offer online casino gaming in the state.
• Governor J.B. Pritzker Extends Mobile Registration – The Illinois Governor has once again suspended in-person registration until March 8, 2021.
• DraftKings Launches In Illinois – On August 5, 2020, DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. The app currently offers a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000 for new members.
• FanDuel Launches In Illinois – On August 28, 2020, FanDuel Sportsbook joined the Illinois market in partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria. If you’re not already a member, you can place a risk-free bet up to $1,000 at FanDuel Illinois.
• In-Person Registration Requirement Suspended Again – On August 21, 2020, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker suspended the in-person registration requirement for the second time, and has since renewed that order through January 2021. That means you can sign up at any Illinois online sportsbook remotely.
• PointsBet And William Hill Launch In Illinois – PointsBet Illinois launched on September 12, and William Hill Illinois launched on September 15, 2020. Those are the fourth and fifth options to enter the market, respectively.
• Illinois Sports Betting Hits $435 Million – In January 2021, the Illinois Gaming Board released their most recent sports betting revenue report: $435 million in October 2020, making it one of the largest markets in US sports betting. Online bets consisted of 95% of total wagering, and estimates suggest that the state could see more than $5 billion in sports wagers by the end of 2023.

The 5 Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps

Best Sportsbook iOS & Android App

at FanDuel Sportsbook

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: IL, NJ, PA, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, MI, VA

Best Sportsbook iOS & Android App

FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois

4.7

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

The FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook offers an exceptionally smooth and intuitive platform that’s a joy to navigate. And that’s on top of the hyper-competitive odds and some of the best parlay deals in the state.

In Illinois, FanDuel is offering a risk-free bet up to $1,000 for new members. If the bet is won, you keep the winnings and the wager. But a losing bet is refunded in site credits, which then need to be bet a single time (in any combination) before you can cash out.

While DraftKings offers a better welcome bonus, FanDuel often offers better odds on certain events. Joining both may be a smart move to compare win potential before placing a bet.

The FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook offers an exceptionally smooth and intuitive platform that’s a joy to navigate. And that’s on top of the hyper-competitive odds and some of the best parlay deals in the state.

Best for Closest Retail Betting

at PointsBet IL

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Closest Retail Betting

PointsBet Illinois

4.25

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

PointsBet is a new name in US sports betting. But the Australian company is already making waves in New Jersey, Iowa, and Indiana, and it’s sure to continue its trajectory as a top-tier sportsbook brand as it grows in Illinois.

The PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook offers new members two risk-free bets up to a total of $1,500 with code BIGBONUS. You can place up to $500 risk-free on a fixed-odds bet, and up to $1,000 on a “Points Betting” wager, which is the platform’s most unique feature. Losses are funded as site credits that must be wagered 1x.

With Points Betting, you choose a totals wager, such as NBA total points or NFL passing yards. When the game ends, you receive a multiplier based on how accurate you were.

But that multiplier applies to both winning and losing bets. For example, if you bet the over on 200 total points for an NBA game and it ends in 210 total points, you’d win a 10x multiplier. But if you bet the under on that same game, your lost wager is multiplied by ten.

Unique “Points Betting” feature for totals, huge number of promotions every day, “no Juice” spreads on certain events, tons of market depth for MMA and international sporting events

Best for New Promos

at DraftKings at Casino Queen IL

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: IL, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, WV, VA, PA, NH

Best for New Promos

Draftkings at Casino Queen

4.5

Deposit Bonus

Retail Partner

Licensed by

The DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook is second to none. With the best mobile platform for both iOS and Android devices, a lucrative welcome offer, and extremely competitive odds, DraftKings tops the list of options in the state.

The welcome bonus is a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. To receive the maximum amount, you’ll need to deposit $5,000. DraftKings Illinois will then match each $5 in real-money with $1 in bonus money which then must be wagered 1x before it can be withdrawn.

If you’re going to use the maximum amount and plan on betting $6,000 anyway, then this is the best welcome bonus. But for most of us, the 100% deposit bonus up to $250 offered by BetRivers is the better deal.

New promos and special offers added daily, free daily tournaments and tournaments with huge prize pools, popular loyalty program, works seamlessly with DraftKings DFS

Best for Loyalty Program

at DraftKings at Casino Queen IL

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Loyalty Program

BetRivers Sportsbook IL

4.5

Deposit Bonus

Retail Partner

Licensed by

The BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook offers a robust sports betting platform, with somewhat competitive odds and some interesting special offers. However, it shines brightest in the promotions and reward category.

BetRivers Illinois will double your first deposit up to $250, and the amount is tied to a mere 1x wagering requirement. That means you only need to bet the full amount (using any combination of bets), and whatever is leftover is yours to withdraw.

The BetRivers Illinois mobile app is currently subpar. And they do not consistently offer much better odds than other options. But they compensate well for those significant downsides with lots of free chances to win.

High-quality loyalty program (iRush Rewards), integrated live streams of select events, special offers in the “House Bets” section, PayPal available as deposit and cashout method

Best for Market Depth

at Willima Hill IL

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: IL, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, WV, VA

Best for Market Depth

William Hill Illinois

4

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

The William Hill Sportsbook in Illinois brings a century-old sports betting brand from the UK to a state with a sizable European and Mexican soccer fanbase.

That’s where William Hill really stands apart from the other options in the state. They have an impressive market depth for international events, and their odds are competitive across the board.

But beyond that, William Hill largely falls short. They offer the worst welcome bonus in the state, with a risk-free bet up to $300, and a loss is refunded in site credits that need to be wagered a second time before cashout.

The other promotions are few and far between, and the app is having a lot of issues too, which is an even bigger problem when they don’t offer a desktop version of the site.

Huge market depth, unique options for international sports, simple, straightforward platform, quality odds that compete well with competitors

All Illinois Sportsbook Apps

How To Place A Bet In Illinois

Step 1: Find The Right Sportsbook

You can safely join any of the five legally-licensed online sportsbooks in Illinois.

You can also do so from anywhere in the state, as Governor Pritzker has suspended the in-person registration requirements via Executive Order, and will likely renew that order throughout 2021.

If you’re unsure which to join, consider choosing the platform with the best odds on an event you like. You can view the odds at all sportsbooks (except William Hill) before joining by visiting their website.

Step 2: Download The App Or Bet Via Desktop

If you’re using Apple’s App Store, make sure the app is specific to your state. In the case of FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet, the same sportsbook app applies to all legal states. But you’ll need to download BetRivers Illinois and William Hill Illinois specifically.

For Android users, you’ll need to visit the desktop version of the website and download the app directly from the sportsbook. The Google Play store does not list sports betting apps.

For all online sportsbooks except William Hill, you can also bet directly on the website using the browser on your mobile device or computer.

Step 3: Make A Deposit And Get The Welcome Offer

Make a deposit using one of the baking methods offered by your preferred sportsbook. The most common options include:

• Credit/Debit Card
• PayPal
• Online Bank Transfer
• ACH/E-Check
• PayNearMe retailers (7Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, etc.)

You can also deposit in your online sportsbook account and receive winnings in cash at the partnering casino cage. For example, BetRivers deposits and cashouts are accepted at Rivers Casino Des Plaines.

You may also need to provide a promo code during signup or deposit. In some cases, the promo can be automatically applied.

Step 4: Place Your Bet

If you’re using a promotion, make sure you read the terms and conditions. For example, a risk-free bet usually only applies to your first wager, and the odds must be -200 or longer.

Otherwise, simply select the bet you want to place, and add the amount you want to wager into your bet slip. The sportsbook will automatically generate the amount you stand to win.

Illinois Legal Sportsbooks

The legally licensed sportsbooks available in Illinois are some of the highest quality brands in the world. And with the ability to register on these sites and apps remotely, it’s simply not worth the risk of joining an illegal site.

One of the biggest reasons to avoid an illegal sportsbook is the fact that you’re not protected from fraud. If the website disappears, if they refuse to pay out your winnings, if they allow your information to be compromised, you have no legal recourse.

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates state-licensed sportsbooks, and also offers dispute resolution directly on their website.

Remember, you’re legally obligated to report net winnings from gambling every year, and they’re subject to income tax at both the state and federal level. The online sportsbooks in Illinois are obligated to provide tax documents and make it easy to receive them if needed.And, yes, the sportsbook will report net winnings to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Illinois Sports Betting Revenue

According to the sports wagering monthly reports offered by the Gaming Board, Illinois sportsbooks handled close to a billion dollars in bets across the different sportsbooks between March and October.

In October 2020 alone, sports bettors in the state wagered $435 million. That translates to $42.2 million in revenue for the sportsbooks and $6.3 million in tax revenue for the state.

The top three most popular sportsbooks in October 2020 were:

1. DraftKings ($141 million wagered)
2. BetRivers ($115 million wagered)
3. FanDuel ($106 million wagered)

Based on the fact that 94% of those wagered were placed on mobile devices, and given the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl LV, and March Madness, that trend is only expected to continue.

Experts believe that the total amount wagered in Illinois could exceed $5 billion within the first three years of legalization.

How Illinois Compares To Other States

When Illinois first launched legal online sports betting in March 2020, the in-person registration requirement made the Indiana and Iowa laws more appealing. But since Governor Pritzker suspended that requirement via executive order, that’s no longer a factor.

However, Illinois currently offers five online sportsbooks. Indiana offers ten, including top-tier choices like BetMGM, Unibet, and Caesars Sportsbook. Iowa offers seven and also boasts BetMGM, which has an app quality that’s on par with DraftKings.

Further, Illinois does not allow betting on in-state schools, whereas you can bet on all collegiate sports in Indiana and Iowa. But you cannot place in-game bets on college sports in Iowa, while Illinois and Indiana allow it.

Thankfully, Illinois has most of the best online sportsbooks, and remote registration will likely be available for the entire year. So unless you’re determined to bet on the University of Illinois or Northwestern football, you have all sports betting action you need in-state.

Illinois Betting Successes And Failures

Illinois Sports Betting Success

The immediate and gradually increasing popularity of sports betting in Illinois has been a success that’s expected to continue. As the sixth-largest state in the US—and with Chicago boasting some of the biggest professional sports teams in the world—a lack of legal sports betting pushed the pastime underground.

Another major success was the Governor suspending the in-person registration requirement. The requirement to leave home, drive to the closest casino, and register for just one online sportsbook would be a major hurdle in normal times. But during COVID-19, that became all the more unreasonable.

Thankfully, the Governor continues to renew the executive order suspending that requirement, and legal sports betting in Illinois continues to gain in popularity as a result.

Where Could Illinois Improve Online Gambling

Several line items in the state’s sports betting regulations have received a significant amount of criticism.

But for both sports bettors and sportsbook operators, the biggest failure seems to be the licensing issue with mobile-only brands. The Illinois Gaming Board has until Spring 2022 to approve three mobile-only licenses, which cost $25 million apiece. Assuming there are any takers, approval would mean the end of the in-person registration requirement.

Until then, it’s up to the renewal of the executive order. So it might be a good idea to register now while it’s available.

It’s also disappointing that only ten mobile licenses can be approved. Illinois has a population that could support far more. For example, New Jersey has 14 options and about 4 million fewer people.

Legalization Effort In Illinois

It’s easy to say that legal sports betting wouldn’t exist in Illinois if it weren’t for the push by Governor Pritzker. Just six months into his first term, the Governor garnered bipartisan support for a gambling expansion. This included a casino in the City of Chicago as well as sports betting.

However, state senators have been pushing for this initiative since at least 2018, when the Supreme Court repealed the law restricting legal sports betting in the US. And, really, New Jersey lawmakers and voters are responsible for attempting to legalize sports betting in their state in 2011. That triggered a challenge in the federal courts, and New Jersey eventually prevailed on behalf of all US states, ending Nevada’s monopoly on legal US sportsbooks.

Meanwhile, Indiana and Iowa also legalized sports betting, and both states were faster with their rollout than Illinois. This meant Chicagoans would travel to Indiana to bet on sports, as Horseshoe Hammond offered Windy City bettors free shuttles to and from Chinatown and other locations.

But when Governor Pritzker replaced Bruce Rauner, sports betting was quickly on the docket, and the state legalized online and retail sportsbooks in March 2020.

Timeline For Illinois Sports Betting

June 28, 2019- Governor Pritzker signed the Gambling Act into law, which expanded gambling regulations considerably, including legalized sports betting.

September 1, 2019-Indiana launches sports betting, creating easy access for Chicagoans who still don’t have a legal option in-state.

March 9, 2020, 12:00 PM- Rivers Casino in Des Plaines began accepting the first legal sports bets in Illinois at their retail BetRivers Sportsbook.

March 16, 2020-All casinos shut down for 14 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the BetRivers Sportsbook.

June 11, 2020- By this day, seven sports betting licenses were granted to seven gambling properties: Rivers Casino, The Argosy, Grand Victoria Casino, Par-A-Dice, Casino Queen, Hollywood Casino Aurora, and Hollywood Casino Joliet. Each could also launch an online sports betting brand.

June 18, 2020- BetRivers launched online, becoming the state’s first legal sports betting website and app. Through an Executive Order, the Governor also suspended in-person registration requirements.

July 2020- On the first, retail casinos and sportsbooks could reopen in Illinois at 50% capacity with six feet of social distancing. Late in the month, the Governor reinstated the in-person registration requirement.

August 2020- DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook launch in Illinois.

September 2020- Not only did PointsBet and William Hill launch in Illinois, the Governor again suspend the in-person registration requirement, and has every month since.

October 2020- Illinois sports betting hits its record $435 million in wagers in one month, and about 95% of those wagers were placed online. The sportsbook market is officially off to the races.

Illinois Teams

Illinois Professional Sports Teams

Chicago Bears

Betting on the NFL is the most popular wager in Illinois, and the Chicago Bears are the most popular NFL team in Illinois. The Monsters of the Midway are an institution that dates long before the days of Coach Ditka. And they’ve recently been making it to WildCard rounds at the playoffs, so the future isn’t looking half bad.

Chicago Bulls

Since the double three-peat days of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, the team has seen more downs than ups. But they remain one of the most popular sports teams in the world, and folks in Illinois love to bet on the NBA – and Bulls games in particular.

Chicago Cubs

For decades, the Chicago Cubs offered the best live sports experience in Illinois that you could attend for under $10. But those days are behind us now that the Cubbies broke their 108-year World Series drought in 2016. And while ticket prices are none too cheap, they’ve been a contender for another ring every year since, which makes for great betting action.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, and they’ve had some great teams in the years since. And while the South Siders don’t receive the kind of national attention the Cubs enjoy, they’re a popular team in Illinois that inspires plenty of wagers.

Chicago Blackhawks

Seeing the Chicago Blackhawks play in-person at United Center is absolutely electrifying. Combined with the excitement of placing bets, and that’s an irresistible level of excitement that thousands will enjoy when the crowds return post-coronavirus.

Illinois College Sports Teams

Illinois boasts 18 D1 college football teams and 22 D1 college basketball teams. The top programs include the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, and DePaul, all of which are popular options for bettors across the US.

In fact, during the college football and NFL seasons, the collegiate level events were a close send to the pro games for most wagering in Illinois.

Unfortunately, it is illegal to bet on in-state Illinois teams. That means all those wagers placed in Illinois—including much of the $435 million worth in October 2020—were placed on out-of-state college football teams.

While the Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats have a lot of alumni throughout the state, Chicago residents as a whole may have more love for other midwest teams. For example, you’re never more than a mile or two from a Notre Dame, Michigan, or Ohio State bar.

Further, March Madness attracts more bets than any other multi-event postseason in the US. Illinois has 30 appearances, DePaul has 18, and Northwestern has just one. That means there’s a decent chance that folks in the state can bet on all the March Madness games, and the vast majority are always fair game.

Other Sports To Bet On In Illinois

Betting Apps With No Deposit Bonuses

International Sports

PointsBet and William Hill are two international sportsbook brands available in Illinois. As such, both offer tons of bets on the more obscure competitions.

However, for mainstream international sports like the Premier League or Champions League, all the sportsbooks will offer tons of action, particularly DraftKings and FanDuel.

Individual Sports

You can bet on golf, tennis, MMA, boxing, and all other individual sports at the professional level in Illinois. As betting on the PGA and MMA continues to grow in popularity, the action will only get more robust as time goes on.

Racing

The Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL boasts top-tier NASCAR events, which means you could attend a race and bet on it online simultaneously. Illinois sportsbooks also offer bets on Formula 1 and other racing events.

Esports

Illinois defines a sport in a way that makes betting on esports a real possibility. Only time will tell, but in Indiana and Iowa, esports betting is prohibited, so the potential alone is promising.

Illinois Sports Betting FAQs

Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois. Five licensed sportsbooks are currently available: DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, BetRivers, and William Hill. As of September 2020, you can also register at all legal Illinois sportsbooks remotely. Governor Pritzker suspended the in-person requirement by Executive Order, and he seems set to renew that policy for the majority of 2021.

You must be at least 21 years old to wager at online sportsbooks in Illinois. The same is true for betting on sports in-person at sportsbook retailers. You must verify your age and identity when you register for an online sportsbook account to ensure you’re of the legal age.

Yes. You can bet on college sports in Illinois except for in-state college teams. That means University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul, and all the rest are strictly off-limits. However, you can place in-game bets on out-of-state college teams, and bet on tournaments like March Madness as long as it’s not on a single-game event with an Illinois school.

No. You can bet at Illinois sportsbooks as long as you’re at least 21 years old and physically located in the state. This law applies to both online and retail sportsbooks. To place a wager, you must turn on geo-tracking to verify your location inside the state.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois on August 5, 2020, in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, which also has a retail DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re over 21, you can join DraftKings Illinois right now and receive a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000. But you have to be physically inside Illinois to wager.

Yes. The FanDuel Sportsbook launched on August 28, 2020. It was part of a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, IL, which also houses a FanDuel Sportsbook lounge inside for those who prefer in-person betting. Those who want to wager in Illinois can join FanDuel Sportsbook and place a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

More Resources On Illinois Sports Betting

• Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), which regulates and collects taxes from gambling companies, including land-based casinos and sportsbooks as well as online sportsbooks.
• Check this page of the IGB website to download PDFs of sports betting revenue reports as they’re released.
• Read the full Sports Wagering Act, which details all rules and regulations surrounding online and retail sportsbooks in Illinois.
• You can find Chicago’s breaking sports news at the Chicago Tribune online Sports Section and the Chicago Sun-Times online Sports Section.
• The Illinois College Sports News page at the Decatur Tribune and the Chicago TribuneCollege Sports page offer daily updates on in-state college sports.
• College Football News and ESPN’s College Football page offers nationwide coverage of college football, which will likely be more useful than in-state coverage for Illinois bettors.

The first Virginia online sports betting apps launched in January 2021.

Virginia bettors had access to legal sports betting sites and apps in time for Super Bowl LV in 2021. FanDuel announced its official launch on January 21, 2021. Several other apps followed suit quickly after.

Virginia voters also legalized land-based casinos in four cities across the state: Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. However, they won’t open their doors until 2022 or 2023.

Thankfully, sports betting sites and apps don’t need a partnership with land-based properties like they do in other states. From anywhere within Virginia state lines, anyone over 21 will be able to bet at legal online sportsbooks from their laptop, desktop, or mobile device.

Legal online casinos and online poker sites are not available in Virginia.

List Of Legal Online Sportsbooks In Virginia

Although FanDuel Virginia was the first to launch, several other sportsbook apps joined just after.

• William Hill Sportsbook >> Claim a $500 risk free bet at William Hill Virginia
• FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim a $1000 risk free bet at FanDuel Virginia
• BetRivers Sportsbook >> Claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250
• BetMGM Sportsbook >> Claim a $600 risk free bet
• DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000

What Other Legal Online Sportsbooks Are Coming To Virginia?

The Virginia Lottery can issue up to 12 online sports betting licenses, and they received 25 applications leading up to launch. While they won’t publicize the list of applicants, the potential additional online sportsbooks include:

• Caesars Sportsbook
• Barstool Sports
• TwinSpires Sportsbook

What Online Sportsbook Bonuses Will Be Available In Virginia?

No-Deposit Free Bets

A few online sportsbooks offer no-deposit free bets. This means you get a free chance to win without depositing money. The only requirement is that you create and verify a new account.

For example, in the past, DraftKings Sportsbook offered a $25 free bet to new members who sign up. The full amount must be placed on a single bet with odds -200 or longer, and it can’t be placed on teasers.

But if you win that free bet, you can cash out the winnings, all without making a deposit.

Deposit Match Bonus

A deposit match bonus is where an online sportsbook matches your deposit amount by a percentage.

The best example is at BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia, where new members get a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250. Essentially, they’ll double your money on your first deposit.

The only stipulations are that you have to bet the full amount before you can cash out, and the bets must be on odds of -200 or longer.

Risk-Free Bets

A risk-free bet bonus is exactly how it sounds. You deposit money in the account, and your first bet is risk-free. If it wins, you keep the wager amount and the winnings. If the bet loses, the amount is credited back to your account.

FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia will offer a risk-free bet up to $1,000 for new members. The refunded credit must be bet at least once before cashout.

Bet-Match Bonus

This is a somewhat unusual welcome bonus, but it’s offered by Caesars Sportsbook, and other platforms will offer it as a promotion here and there.

A bet-match bonus is similar to a deposit match bonus. The sportsbook will match your first bet with an additional free bet of an equal amount. At Caesars, the bet-match is up to $500.

What Sports Can You Bet On In Virginia?

You will be able to bet on all types of professional and collegiate sporting events with a few key exceptions:

• You cannot bet on in-state Virginia colleges.
• You cannot place in-game bets on college games.
• No betting on the Olympics is allowed.

Aside from those three areas, sports bettors in Virginia have access to all major sports competitions, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS as well as NCAA D1 events.

Women’s sports leagues will also be represented, including both men’s and women’s MMA, as well as many international sports, such as European soccer, Australian football, and cricket in Asia.

You can also bet on sports tournaments where a Virginia college team is participating, such as March Madness. You just can’t bet on a single game matchup with an in-state team.

What Types Of Bets Are Allowed In Virginia?

Virginia sports bettors will have access to all types of bets, with the only restrictions being on specific sports rather than the bets themselves. Here are the types of bets you can expect:

• Straight Bet/Moneyline
• Points Spread
• Totals (Over/Under)
• In-Game/Living Betting (Professional Sports Only)
• Prop Bets
• Futures
• Parlays
• Teasers/Pleasers

Betting On US Pro Sports In Virginia

Despite the Commonwealth of Virginia not having any professional sports teams of their own, locals have plenty of love for nearby teams in DC, Baltimore, and elsewhere. And folks in the state know that the Washington Football Team claims the strongest fandom.

Now, you’ll be able to bet on any professional sport via legal sports betting apps and sites. Pro sports in the US is an unrestricted market, meaning you can place any type of bet on any pro sports team in the Commonwealth.

All Virginia sportsbooks will make all major US professional sports leagues available for betting. You can join multiple platforms and compare the odds, as they will be largely offering the same bets but with varying win potential.

Washington DC has restrictive sports betting laws that require in-person betting or using the state-run GambetDC, which offers terrible odds. As a result, Virginia will likely become the ideal place for betting on the Washington Football Team and all other DC teams.

College Sports Betting In Virginia

As mentioned above, it will be illegal to bet on in-state Virginia teams, even if they’re playing an away game. You can’t bet on the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech, which is frustrating. It is highly unlikely that will change too.

However, you can bet on all other college sports. The only restriction here is that you can’t place in-game wagers (AKA live betting) on collegiate competitions, which are bets placed after the game begins.

It’s still unclear whether you can legally play March Madness brackets, seeing as the University of Virginia and William and Mary are often in the tournament. However, many sportsbooks, most notably DraftKings and FanDuel, host free bracket tournaments for a chance to win a long list of prizes.

What International Sports Can You Bet On In Virginia?

Virginia does not have any specific restrictions on international sports as long as they’re professional level. However, the Virginia Lottery has to approve each type of sport before it’s allowed in a sportsbook. That means the more obscure contests may not be listed.

In general, though, international sports will be available at Virginia’s online sports betting apps and sites. The most popular international sports leagues for US bettors include:

• The English Premier League
• UEFA Champions League
• FIFA World Cup
• Formula One
• Japan’s NPB (baseball)
• Australian Rules Football

The list goes on, and the soccer leagues in Spain, Germany, and France are also highly popular options. All of the above and more will be available for betting at Virginia sportsbooks.

But, unfortunately, the Olympic Games will not be a legal option for betting in the Commonwealth.

Can You Bet On Esports In Virginia?

Not yet. The Virginia Lottery will greenlight the launch of licensed sportsbooks without the inclusion of esports betting.

But there’s nothing stopping online sportsbooks from seeking approval for esports betting. DraftKings DFS already offers Daily Fantasy Esports, and that’s available to folks in Virginia.

Simply, it’s safe to hope that esports becomes a common betting option at Virginia sportsbooks in the near future.

Can I Place Parlay Bets At Virginia’s Online Sportsbooks?

Yes, you will be able to place parlay bets at the online sports betting apps and websites available in Virginia. Parlay betting in Virginia is legal for professional, college, and international sports.

A parlay bet is when you tie multiple bets together into one overall wager. To win a parlay, each individual bet needs to win; if even one loses, the whole parlay loses.

The reason you would place a parlay bet is to significantly boost your overall winning potential. While one team on an NFL points spread will generally have odds of -110, a three-team parlay will generally have odds of +600.

To put that into perspective, a $100 bet on -110 odds would win $90.91 (for a total payout of $190.91). But a $100 bet on +600 odds would win $600 (for a total payout of $700).

Like with all bets, the less likely you are the win, the higher the potential payout. So the more teams in a parlay, the bigger the win potential.

Teasers And Pleasers

Teasers and pleasers are parlays with adjusted odds.

For teasers, you can adjust the points spread in your favor to have a higher chance of winning the parlay. For example, rather than a +3.5 points spread, you might change it to a +6.5 spread to make the underdog more likely to cover.

A teaser is still less likely to win than a single points spread bet, but it’s more likely than a standard parlay.

Pleasers are the opposite of a teaser, where the points spreads are adjusted to be more in the sportsbook’s favor than the bettor’s. For example, a -3.5 points spread increased to -6.5 would make the favorite less likely to cover.

If the standard parlay’s win potential isn’t high enough, a pleaser might be a good route.

What Do I Need To Create An Online Sportsbook Account In Virginia?

To create an online sportsbook account in Virginia, you’ll need to do the following:

• Provide your email address and phone number to confirm your account.
• Provide your name, address, and the last four digits of your SSN to confirm your identity.
• Create your username (if it’s not your email) and password. Make it something strong, and don’t share it with anyone else. You should also update your password three to four times per year.

You also need to be at least 21 years old. And to place a bet at a Virginia online sportsbook, you need to be physically inside the Commonwealth. However, you can join, deposit, and withdraw from out of state.

Virginia Sportsbook Apps For iOS

The Apple App Store allows legal gambling apps. As long as they’re a legitimate and licensed platform and comply with Apple’s development requirements, they get approved by Apple. That means if the Virginia Lottery approves of a sportsbook app, it will be listed in the App Store.

However, make sure the app is specifically available in Virginia. Some will be state-specific (like FOX Bet and BetMGM) while others will list the accessible states at the bottom of their description (like DraftKings and FanDuel).

Android User Guide to Virginia Sportsbook Apps

For Android users, you’ll need to download the sportsbook app directly from the sports betting website. This is because the Google Play store does not list real-money gambling apps.

However, the online sportsbooks make it easy. Simply visit the website of the brand you want on your Android device. You’ll be prompted to download the app, and you’ll be good to go in just a few steps.

Warning: Do not download any sportsbook apps from a third-party site. Make sure you only download the Android app directly from the sportsbook of your choice.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks In Virginia

If you played at illegal online sportsbooks in Virginia prior to the legalization, it’s tough to blame you. Not only were there no legal sports betting options, but Virginia is also one of the few states without any casinos or poker rooms too.

However, now that Virginia legalized online sports betting, there’s no good reason to bet at an illegal site.

While there’s a small chance of getting into legal trouble, that’s the least of your concerns when you’re playing at an illegal site. These platforms are notorious for:

• Refusing to pay out legitimate winnings.
• Selling your personal and financial information to sketchy third-parties.
• Offering unfair odds or rigged casino games.
• Hiding ridiculous terms and conditions, like 50x to 100x wagering requirements for bonus offers.

On the flipside, legal online sportsbooks in Virginia:

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• Are regulated by the Virginia Lottery, which means they’re required by law to pay out legitimate winnings.
• Will have all Privacy Policy clearly spelled out so you know exactly what they do with your information.
• Offer competitive odds due to regulations as well as being in a competitive market.
• Keep their terms and conditions transparent, particularly with wagering requirements. (BetRivers has a 1x wagering requirement for their welcome bonus.)

Sports betting is risky enough. Avoid illegal sites to ensure you’re not putting yourself in danger.

What Else Can You Bet On In Virginia?

Online Horse Betting In Virginia

Online horse race betting is legal in Virginia. Colonial Downs Racetrack is the only Virginia racetrack still in operation. It recently had no scheduled races for more than half a decade, but races resumed in 2020 over a month-long period.

You can also legally bet on any horse track in the US and abroad online in Virginia. Here is a list of some of the best horse race betting sites available to Virginians:

• TVG
• TwinSpires
• NYRA

Another option is to visit one of four Virginia OTB facilities, which are located in Chesapeake, Henrico, Richmond, and Collinsville.

Online Lottery

Virginia is one of just a few states that has an online lottery. This means you can buy tickets, win, and withdraw your winnings all on the Virginia Lottery website or app, which is available for iOS and Android.

Through your account, you can play Instants as well as interstate lottery pool games like Mega Millions, Powerball, and Cash4Life. However, other forms of Virginia Lotto games are only available at land-based retailers.

Feel free to use our lottery number generator to select lucky numbers.

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Online, prizes $100 and under are instantly added to your account. Prizes over $100 require you fill out an online claim form, but that only takes a few minutes.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Virginia was the first state to officially legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). In most states, DFS is not explicitly legal, so operators are allowed to offer their platforms. Others outright ban DFS.

Virginia took the guesswork out of it and established state-specific regulations.

You can legally play at all the major DFS platforms, but the two biggest are DraftKings and FanDuel. Remember, the DFS platform is different from the sports betting side, meaning you’ll need to download separate apps if you want to play both from Virginia. However, the same login should work for both.

Further, you need to be at least 18 to play DFS in Virginia, while the sports betting age requirement in the state is 21 and up.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos allow players in states without legal online casinos to play their favorite games and win cash prizes. And because online casinos are only legal in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Michigan, this is the only option for most states across the US.

The two best sweepstakes casinos are Chumba Casino and LuckyLand. At both websites, you can redeem Sweeps Coins directly for cash prizes. This isn’t one of those free casino apps through Facebook where you can win entries to random drawings. At sweepstakes casinos, the more Sweeps Coins you win, the bigger your cash prize.

Sweepstakes casino games available at Chumba Casino include classic slots, video slots, progressive slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker. The games at LuckyLand are also primarily slots, including progressive slots, but they also have some instant win scratchers similar to those offered through the Virginia Lottery app.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites

While there may be other sweepstakes poker sites out there, the only one you should join is Global Poker. Nowhere else can compete with their massive player pool or the win potential of their tournaments.

Everyone in all US states except for the State of Washington can play at Global Poker and face off against players in other states. The player pool also includes all of Canada except for Quebec.

The Global Poker setup is very similar to sites like World Series of Poker (WSOP) and PartyPoker. You can choose the type of game, like Texas Hold’em or Omaha. You can choose your budget, from micro to high. And you can play ring games, sit ‘n’ go, or multi-table tournaments.

Virginia Online Sportsbook FAQ

21. You must be at least 21 years old to bet at legal online sportsbooks in Virginia. When land-based casinos open in Virginia in 2022 and 2023, they will have retail sportsbooks where you can bet in person. However, the age requirement will be 21 at retail sportsbooks as well.

People in Virginia who are 18 years or older can bet at the Virginia Lottery online, at horse race betting sites, and through Daily Fantasy Sports platforms.

Not yet, but DraftKings Sportsbook is expected to be one of the first legal sports betting options in Virginia. The Virginia Lottery has not announced who has applied for a sportsbook license, but DraftKings is a safe assumption, as they’re available in almost all states with legal online sports betting.

When DraftKings Sportsbook does launch in Virginia, new members can receive a $25 free bet and a 20% deposit matching bonus up to $1,000.

Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook was the first to announced its launch in Virginia on January 21, 2021.

FanDuel independently tested a Virginia Lottery regulation that required real-time odds updates and proved that requirement wasn’t feasible. As such an active part of the legalization effort, it’s understandable that FanDuel was among the first to launch.

The FanDuel Virginia Sportsbook’s welcome bonus is a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

No, it is extremely unlikely that any legal online sportsbook in Virginia will offer a line of credit. There are some illegal websites that take bets on credit, but they require your personal financial information, including your social security number, which is why so many people in the US have their information stolen for this very reason. Chances are that the Virginia Lottery would consider bets on credit to be predatory and therefore illegal.

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Yes, you can bet on college sports in Virginia. However, live in-game betting on college sports is prohibited. It is also illegal to place any type of bet on in-state college teams, such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, or William and Mary. Betting on these teams is strictly prohibited in the state. The only exception is for multi-team tournaments like March Madness, where you can bet on games even if a Virginia team is part of the larger tournament.

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No, it is not required to register in-person at a land-based casino or sportsbook to bet at an online sportsbook in Virginia. Everything can be done remotely. In fact, you can join the sportsbook, make a deposit, and even withdraw from anywhere in the US. But you must be physically located within the Commonwealth of Virginia to place a sports bet at a Virginia online casino.