Virginia and Arizona Offer Diverse Legal Sports Betting Markets
Both states permit online and retail sports wagering, with numerous licensed operators and varied betting rules.
Legal sports betting is available in both Virginia and Arizona, offering residents and visitors a range of online and retail options. Both states have established regulatory frameworks overseen by state agencies, with specific rules governing wagers, particularly on college sports.
In Virginia, sports betting went live online on January 1, 2021, with the Virginia Lottery licensing its initial operators. The state has since seen over a dozen legal sportsbook apps become available. Wagering is permitted for individuals physically located within Virginia who are 21 years of age or older. The state's legal framework for sports betting was established when Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bill 896 into law on April 22, 2020. While the online market launched first, the first retail sportsbook opened on July 8, 2022.
Virginia does not host any professional sports teams, but it has popular college programs like Virginia, Virginia Tech, and others. Betting on college sports is legal in Virginia, but wagers cannot be placed on any in-state teams or on collegiate player props. Licensed retail locations in Virginia include Caesars Virginia in Danville, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol in Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Portsmouth.
Arizona's sports betting market launched on September 9, 2021, following the signing of House Bill 2772 into law on April 15, 2021. The Arizona Department of Gaming has licensed 15 different sportsbooks. Individuals aged 21 and older can wager on sports, with some fantasy apps available to those 18 and older. Arizona residents can bet on college sports, including in-state teams, though college player props and season-long individual awards are prohibited.
Arizona features several professional sports franchises, including the Coyotes (NHL), Cardinals (NFL), Diamondbacks (MLB), and Suns (NBA), primarily located in the Phoenix area. Retail sportsbooks are available at locations such as State Farm Stadium, Chase Field, TPC Scottsdale, and various casinos, including licensed sites operated by BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and Hard Rock Bet.
Both states offer various welcome offers for new users, typically including deposit matches, profit boosts, or bet-and-get formats. To sign up for a sportsbook in either state, users generally need to download the app, provide personal information, complete verification and location checks, deposit funds, claim any welcome offers, and then place a wager. It is crucial for bettors to be physically located within the state's borders to place a legal wager. Multiple resources for responsible gambling are provided in both Virginia and Arizona.