Virginia Online Casinos — Top Sites of 2024

Real-money online casinos are not yet legal in Virginia, but the state has embraced other forms of gambling, like online sports betting and land-based casinos. In this guide, we’ll break down Virginia’s gambling laws, share the latest updates, and highlight the best alternatives for casino enthusiasts. Stay tuned to explore your legal options and learn how to navigate taxable winnings!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Discover the best Virginia sweepstakes casinos.
• Find out why real-money online casinos remain illegal in Virginia.
• Learn how to declare taxable casino winnings in Virginia.

Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Virginia: Our Top 5

Virginia permits playing at sweepstakes casinos since the platforms offer free games. No payment is mandatory, and you can always get virtual coins to play with. Here’s our in-depth guide to the best sweepstakes casinos for US players.

For now, you can pick from the top five sweepstakes casinos available in Virginia:

Online Gambling in Virginia: What’s Authorized and What’s Off Limits

Virginia has embraced several forms of gambling, but real-money online casinos are still illegal. The state’s strict gambling laws do not permit such platforms, leaving residents to explore other legal alternatives, such as US land-based casinos, the lottery, sports betting, and horse racing.

Here’s a breakdown of the current gambling options in Virginia:

Gambling Type	Legal Status	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	No real-money online casinos are allowed in Virginia.	—
Land-Based Casinos	Yes	Casinos like Caesars Virginia and Hard Rock in Bristol offer a wide range of casino games.	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Legal alternative with casino-style games, offering prizes instead of real-money gambling.	18
Lottery	Yes	The Virginia Lottery offers games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and daily draws.	18
Sports Betting	Yes	Sports betting is legal, with both online and retail options at licensed venues.	21
Horse Racing	Yes	Betting is permitted at Colonial Downs and through off-track and online platforms.	18

Handle Your Virginia Taxable Winnings

If you win money at a land-based casino in Virginia, you are required to pay both state and federal taxes. Here’s how to handle it:

• State Tax:
  • Report your winnings as “Other Income” on Virginia Form 760 for individual income tax returns.
  • You can file the form online through the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website for convenience.
• Federal Tax:
  • File your winnings with the IRS using Form 1040.
  • If your winnings exceed a certain threshold, you may receive Form W-2G from the casino operator. Even with this form, all gambling winnings must be reported on Form 1040.

Note: Unlike federal taxes, Virginia does not allow deductions for gambling losses when you file your state tax return. Ensure you account for this when planning your taxes!

History of Gambling in Virginia

If asked, “Is online casino legal in Virginia?” the answer is a clear no—and it has always been. Virginia’s gambling history dates back to the colonial era, with laws that have largely restricted casinos.

Explore the full timeline below:

• 1740: The first law rendering most gaming illegal is enacted in Virginia.
• 1850: Anti-lottery provision is added to the Virginia Constitution, prohibiting future lotteries and the sale of unauthorized lottery tickets. 
• 1971: The Virginia Constitution is amended to allow the General Assembly to permit lotteries.
• 1973: General Assembly authorizes charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles.
• 1987: The Virginia Lottery is established following a statewide referendum.
• 1988: Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is legalized, also contingent on a statewide referendum.
• 1996: The Charitable Gaming Commission is established to regulate charitable gaming.
• 1997: Colonial Downs opens, hosting thoroughbred and harness racing.
• 2003: The Charitable Gaming Commission is replaced by the Department of Charitable Gaming and Charitable Gaming Board.
• 2008: Oversight of charitable gaming is transferred to VDACS — Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• 2010: Electronic pull-tab machines are introduced to boost charitable gaming fundraising.
• 2013: Network bingo is legal for statewide games.
• 2014: Colonial Downs closes following a dispute between its owner and Virginia horse riders.
• 2018: Historical horse racing (HHR) machines are to revive live horse racing, and Colonial Downs reopens.
• 2019: Rosie’s Gaming Emporium is launched with HHR machines.
• 2020: Online sports betting, and land-based casinos are legalized. iLottery is also launched.

Are Online Casinos Coming to Virginia?

Virginia lawmakers haven’t taken steps to legalize online casinos, and the ban seems likely to remain. However, the success of online sports betting and land-based casinos, both approved in 2020, could shift the conversation. In March 2024 alone, residents wagered $635.5 million on sports, highlighting the potential for online casino revenue.

For now, real money online casinos remain illegal. Stick with our recommended sweepstakes sites for legal options, and check back for updates as we monitor legislative changes. In the meantime, read our guide on state-by-state online gambling regulation for more information.

References

1. Virginia Individual Income Tax Filling — Retrieved on Dec 02, 2024
2. Skill Games Remain Illegal in Virginia — Retrieved on Dec 02, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions