Casinos in Virginia – Casino Locations

Home » Casinos in Virginia

Updated on: September 27th, 2024

casinos in virginia

The lack of casinos in Virginia is a reflection of how Virginia is one of the states that is not gambling-friendly. However, the state laws are kind to online gamblers. To make sure that you stay above of the law.  You will have to be aware of the state gambling laws.

Our Virginia gambling guide outlines casino gambling in the state. Read our guide for all there is to know about gambling in Virginia.

List of Casinos in Virginia

As one of the nine US states that do not have tribal or commercial casinos, Virginia has very little to offer. However, their laws are, improving making way for gambling in the state.

Five gambling cities have been identified and this could lead to a change in the gambling laws. The gambling industry could also see the state possibly building a new casino in Virginia.

Here is a list of the proposed casinos:

  • Horseshoe Danville – It will be located in the City of Danville and is expected to be complete by 2023. The plans include 2000 slot machines, 16 table games, and 75 poker games. There will also be a conference center, a hotel, and live entertainment.
  • Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino – It will be located at the Bristol Mall. The casino and resort will have a hotel. And the gaming space that will include slot machines, sports betting, and table games.
  • Pamunkey Resort and Casino – The casino will be operated by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. It will be located on the east side of Harbor Park in Norfolk. Services will include a hotel, restaurants, a spa, an entertainment venue, and an outdoor and indoor pool.

New Casino in Virginia: Laws

The possibility of a new casino opening in Virginia is looking up. In the meantime, US players can legally place bets on the state lottery, horse racing, bingo, and daily fantasy sports. The legal gambling age in the state is 18 and over.

The Virginia General Assembly had another session in April 2020. This sis where they decided on the legalization of casinos. The legislation was amended by Gov Ralph Northam.

All legalized games can operate in the state if they receive a license. There are penalties in place for those who operate illegal gambling establishments. As well as those who take part in illegal casino gambling in Virginia.

Gambling crimes, such as taking part in unlawful gambling are misdemeanors. Operating illicit operations is a felony.

Internet gambling in Virginia is not regulated, which does not automatically make it illegal. However, neither does it make it legal. Two bills were passed to prevent players from playing and operating gambling sites. To take part in online sports betting you have to do so at a reliable and licensed offshore casino site.

Are There Any Casinos in Virginia?

As we have mentioned, at the moment there are no commercial or Indian casinos in Virginia. Players will have to look at gambling at land-based casinos near Virginia. If you want to play blackjack or roulette, there are fantastic casinos in Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia.

So, are there any casinos in Virginia that take pari-mutuel bets? Yes. Luckily, the state does offer pari-mutuel betting, which can be enjoyed at Colonial Downs; a popular horse track.

Players can place bets on the harness and thoroughbred races at over 90 wagering stations. The races are season-based with harness racing taking place in fall and thoroughbred racing in the summer.

Another fun gambling alternative is betting on the Virginia lottery. Players can pick from scratch cards and eight other lottery games, which include Powerball as well as Mega Millions.

As the state does not have any regulated casinos and sports betting. There are very few gambling options that are considered legal. Rosie’s Gaming Emporium offers over 1400 historical horse racing machines in four Virginia locations.

The machines resemble slot machines and offer players great jackpots. Apart from Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, there are hardly any other gambling options in the state.

gambling in virginia

Legislation About Gambling Casinos in Virginia Beach

Gambling in the 1900s

Charitable gambling was legalized in 1973 and lawmakers were given the power to license betting events in the state. The state lottery launched in 1988 after being given the green light a year before. The first horse racing venue opened in 1997.

Gambling in the 2000s

It was decided that the lottery funds would go towards education. The racing commission issued a license that was set to expand off-track gambling in the state. Digital betting terminals debuted in the state.

Lawmakers introduced sports betting enactment; however, it failed to gain traction similarly to the riverboat gambling casino bill.

Regulatory Bodies in Virginia

The Virginia Charitable Gaming Board is in charge of charitable gaming. It is an 11-member board. It advises on the conducting of charitable betting in Virginia. A casino opening in Virginia would probably fall under this regulatory board.

The state lottery is controlled by the Virginia Lottery Board. The board makes sure that the lottery is fair and licensing.

The Virginia Horse Racing Commission was formed in 1989 to regulate pari-mutuel horse race betting.

See Other States Pages 

Index