18+ Virginia Casinos

  • Virginia State Flag IconThree 21+ domestic casinos in Virginia offer table games, slots, poker, and sports betting.
  • No state-regulated online Virginia casinos
  • 18+ casinos In VA offered through legal online gambling sites

Old Dominion has a rich and mature history with horse racing; while the state does not provide Virginia 18+ casinos, it does offer three local VA casinos (21+), numerous slot parlors, state-run and inter-state-based lotteries, charitable gambling, and most recently, in-person and online sportsbooks.

Only three commercial casinos are found in Virginia, and those locations only accept players over the age of 21. For this reason, most residents cross into Maryland or other neighboring states that provide 18+ casinos. However, there are legal offshore online-based 18+ casinos that offer casino games like poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, keno, craps, and more to players from VA that are at least eighteen.

Below, we will discuss these legal gaming options further in this Old Dominion-focused guide. It remains important, however, to understand what is legal and illegal within Virginia and in the eyes of the Federal government if VA residents or guests would like to participate in gambling.

Can You Gamble At 18 In Virginia?

Minimum Legal Gambling Age Icon With 18+ LicensePlayers at least eighteen may enjoy various legal forms of gaming in the state. This means players 18 and over can access and participate on pari-mutuel horse betting activities at the Colonial Downs racetrack or at off-track betting facilities and EZ betting terminals, charitable gambling at bingo halls, buying raffles, and betting on duck races, purchase lottery tickets, and enter daily fantasy sports leagues.

While VA players are given many alternative gambling options, only three casino locations operate within Old Dominion, all of which only accept players over 21.

Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Virginia As Of 2024?

Laws differ by state, so VA residents and visitors should read on corresponding information about their state and neighboring states, as well as, comprehensive US laws on 18+ casinos. Those living in or visiting Old Dominion should learn what legal gaming offers are available to them, whether they are land-based or online.

No law in Old Dominion legislation prohibits players from participating in legal offshore online gaming destinations. Instead, there are provisions within VA gambling legislation that restrict players from gambling at state-based gaming sites if they are under 21.

Federal gaming laws protect players on legal online casinos outside of the US, as these casinos have been recognized by international authorities and licensed by legitimate jurisdictions.

Most Reputable 18+ Online Casinos For Virginia Players In 2024

These legal online casinos represent the best international brands in terms of performance, service quality, banking methods, and security, as well as, openly accepting of Virginia players as young as eighteen. We have personally reviewed each brand for high-grade security profiles and player protection, which they provide through firewalls, data encryption, and theft prevention. Enjoy a high-quality casino gaming experience when you gamble at these recommended brands.

Site NameBonusAgeUSAVisit Site
1Bovada Casino100% Max $3,00018+Play Now Full Review
2Slotslv Casino200% Max $3,00018+Play Now Full Review
3logo for cafe casino350% Max $2,50018+Play Now Full Review
4logo for Ignition Poker150% Max $3,00018+Play NowFull Review

What Virginia Casinos Are 18 and Up?

Residents and visitors over 18 can legally access some state-regulated gambling services, including Bingo, Lottery, Horse racing, and Fantasy sports. Domestic casinos in the state only allow players over 21 on the casino floor.

Legal 18+ Gambling Destinations In VA

  1. Colonial Downs
  2. Pop’s Bingo World
  3. Brentwood Hall Bingo
  4. Bingo Palace
  5. Centerville Bingo
  6. Bingo At Witchduck Hall
  7. Oak Tree Pro Shop
  8. Ponies & Pints
  9. Duraturf Service Corporation

Virginia 21+ Casino List

  • Hard Rock Bristol
  • Rivers Casino Portsmouth
  • Caesars Virginia
  • Rosie’s Gaming Emporium +

+ Eight locations throughout the state only offer slots.

Brief History Of Virginia’s Gaming Legislation

In the early 1900s, gambling in nearly every state within the US, including VA, went underground. This was due to prohibition-era restrictions that outlawed alcohol and gambling. This era sprung due to the rising concern by abused women and multiple religious movements about the evil effects of alcohol and gambling on traditional family and moral values.

It was not until the end of the Great Depression and the tail end of the Second World War that states recognized the potential tax revenue that could be made from gaming to revitalize their own economies.

Historical Laws

In 1973, charitable gaming was legalized, and local governments were responsible for their oversight.

In 1987, the Virginia state lottery was legalized.

By 1988, the first VA lottery had gone live.

In 1989, the Virginia Racing Commission was created and held responsible for overseeing pari-mutuel betting activities.

In 1995, the Charitable Gaming Commission was formed to oversee all of Virginia’s charitable gaming activities. This commission is regulated by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs under the Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Virginia. During this year, there was also an attempt made to legalize riverboat casinos in order to retain residential dollars from leaving VA, which were being played at neighboring state casinos. This attempt failed to pass committee sessions.

In 1996, just one year after formation, the charitable gaming commission was up and running. They began approving of and overseeing every charitable game within the state.

In 1997, the Colonial Downs racetrack opened. This would be and still is VA’s only racetrack.

By 2000, lottery profits were mandated to go toward the state education fund.

In 2003, the Virginia Racing Commission became responsible for off-track betting facilities as well.

In 2004, EZ betting terminals were introduced.

In 2013, another attempt was made to legalize riverboat casinos but failed. However, a law did pass to allow for network bingo, where bingo rooms were allowed to join other bingo halls in offering larger pots. They would provide tickets to a video-streamed bingo drawing at one central location.

By 2016, VA became the first state to formally legalize Daily Fantasy Sports under the Fantasy Contests Act.

2021, VA passed legislation to allow five casino locations in the state. To date, only three are operating.

2023, Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens to the public as VA’s first domestic casino.

18+ Casinos For Virginia Residents

Our recommended resources provide Virginia players with access to a variety of casino games not found within Old Dominion and some games not even accessible at casinos across state-lines. The international gaming industry regulates all of these legal online casinos and must comply with fair gaming practices and licensing in order to stay in good standing with the gaming community. Players 18+ from VA can rest assured that the list we feature contains only reliable, legal brands that are safe to gamble on.

FAQs

What’s Virginia’s Minimum Legal Gambling Age?

Virginia’s minimum casino gambling age is 21. 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.

How Safe Is It For VA Players To Gamble At An Online Casino?

It is safe for VA players 18 and over to gamble at legally verified online casinos. Our provided list only contains reputable and legal online brands. These destinations were vetted for security measures and player protection technology, which they not only met but exceeded with their use of military-grade profiles, data encryption, and nonstop system monitoring.

Which Online Casinos Host Fair Games?

The online casinos we present all host fair games, this is because they use RNG technology and comply with industry regulated fair gaming policies. The online gaming sites listed also share a live link at the bottom of their homepage which sends users to their licensing, credentials, and other certifications which is a sign of a reliable and transparent casino.

Not every casino found on the internet will utilize RNGs, be so transparent, or have current licensing, even if they appear to look legitimate. Take care of your gambling dollars and information by avoiding predatory sites and only participating with verified resources.

Do All Online Casinos Allow 18+ Virginia Players?

No, this is due to an agreement between some online destinations and certain states within the US to not provide games to their residents. Other online casinos may not serve American players ultimately due to conflicts in US gaming regulations.

Can Virginia Players Participate On Poker Or Sports Betting Sites?

Of course, there are a variety of premium sites to visit that offer such capabilities. However, we provide three reputable and safe sites that give generous bonuses to new players, as well as, game-specific promotions. To participate at these sites, Virginia players must be at least 18.

  1. Bovada Sportsbook – 50% Bonus Max $250
  2. Betonline Sportsbook – 50% Bonus Max $2,500
  3. Sportsbetting.ag – 75% Bonus Max $1,000

Helpful Resources For VA Gamblers