Is Poker legal in Virginia (va)? Online Poker Laws in Virginia Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Virginia?

Regulation is currently under discussion.

Current Virginia Gambling Laws

Casinos and greyhound racing are currently prohibited in Virginia. While horse racing was once allowed, that market has dried up as its last racetrack, Colonial Downs, was converted into a golf course.

However, the state does offer off-track betting parlors and allows for some charitable gambling. There's also a state lottery that includes Mega Millions and Powerball, and in 2016 they became the first state to legalize and regulate Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).

For years it looked as if Virginia would have nothing to do with online gaming, but an online gambling expansion bill in 2019 — one that passed the House, Senate, and received a signature from Governor Ralph Northam — brought about new hope of casinos, online poker, and sports betting coming to the state.

The bill was signed into law in March 2019. In regards to birck-and-mortar casinos, state-licensed casinos have been approved in four cities – one in Portsmouth that is expected to open in 2023, and the other three in Bristol, Danville and Norfolk, each expected to open in 2024.

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and launched in January 2021. It operates under the authority of the Virginia Lottery and has proven to be a strong market.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an recent talk of online poker in Virginia, so while it’s possible in the future given the state’s current gaming landscape, it wouldn’t be anytime soon if at all.

Best Online Poker Sites for Virginia Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.