Virginia sports betting launch expected in time for Super Bowl

The long-awaited Virginia sports betting launch is expected in time for this year’s Super Bowl, allowing sports fans in the state to bet on the biggest event on the Football calendar.

This week, Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall announced that the state expects to have sports betting in operation in time for this year’s Super Bowl:

“We’re close to the end zone, and once we begin to issue the first of the licenses. Once the sportsbooks feel like they’re ready to go, they can go live,” said Hall.

The Virginia sports betting launch will be similar to Tennessee’s launch at the end of 2020, permitting online sports betting only. This is because Virginia does not have any casinos. The possibility of in-person sports betting is not off the cards, but this will depend on whether the state allows casino gaming in the future.

The Virginia sports betting launch is currently expected to see 12 sports betting operators going live in the state. The Commonwealth is not permitting bettors to wager on Virginia colleges but college sports betting in general will not be off-limits. Virginians must bet within state lines and be 21 years or older to place bets.

Although Virginia does not have any NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL representation, the Virginia sports betting launch does still have potential to thrive. The state has the 12th largest population in the US and, while they are not tied to a Virginia-based team, the state is still home to plenty of passionate sports fans. Virginia’s strong auto racing presence may also prove to be significant in boosting sports betting revenue in the state.

Looking to the Future

If the Virginia sports betting launch goes ahead before the Super Bowl, this gives online sportsbooks the opportunity to obtain new customers immediately, while also giving them time to tailor their offerings to the Virginia market in time for the new Football season.

In the long-term, in-person sports wagering in Virginia is very likely. In April, Virginia’s new gaming laws allowed five cities in the state to build casinos based on referendums. The casinos should be ready to open by early 2023, which will open the door for physical sportsbooks. These developments are all very exciting for the Commonwealth, as it prepares to enter a thriving US market.