Online Sports Betting In VA, Looking To Launch By End Of 2020

• The Virginia Lottery has announced an aggressive timeline aiming to legalize online sports betting by the end of 2020.
• Regulations would be complete by September 15, with the first bets being placed as early as December.

RICHMOND, Va. – Sports betting in Virginia could come by way of online sportsbooks by the end of 2020 according to a timeline presented by the Virginia Lottery.

The current proposed timeline lists off a relatively fast-paced regulatory process that has the potential of reaching its completion by late December.

The process begins with a public comment period from July to August, where Virginia citizens would be able to voice their opinions on the proposed changes. This would then lead to the approval of rules taking place by September 15.

Applications for potential online sports betting licenses would then be submitted to the lottery until the end of September. After that, lottery officials will then have 90 days to approve the applications, placing the possible completion date by the end of the year.

Other Aspects Bettors Should Note

When Virginia legalized sports betting, lawmakers also put in provisions for casinos to open in the state. However, casinos can only technically launch in five cities and those cities will have to vote to approve casinos on their November ballot.

These new laws allow for statewide sports betting, including mobile sports betting with remote registration. Bettors should also note that there is an “official league data” mandate and that the laws would also prohibit betting on in-state college sports teams.

Virginia will also permit legal sports betting to occur at retail casinos and professional sports stadiums. However, the state doesn’t currently have a professional sports team.

The Washington Redskins currently reside in Maryland, but Virginia officials have been attempting to court the franchise into a move to Virginia once their contract at FedEx Field expires in 2027.

Legal gambling in Virginia is going to look a lot different in the coming years. For the time being, the Virginia Lottery will have to take slow and steady steps to ensure that people’s voices are heard, regulations are published properly, and application processes are smooth.