Betting Apps Review
- Best Betting Apps Android
- Best Sports Betting Mobile Apps
- Sports Betting Apps Review
- Sports Betting Apps Reviews
- Best Online Betting App
- Best App For Sports Betting
Betfred, an international online betting company from the United Kingdom, is one of the go-to bookmaking companies for placing bets on sports and games. The platform offers a mobile application that makes it easy for users to bet via their mobile phones and tablets. Here is our Betfred mobile app review. Best Betting Apps Reviews Now that you know a little about the differences between certain apps, we’re going to go through and review several of them. We have a team of experts who research and analyse all that’s available on the market, and as an impartial entity we have the same end goal as you –. The sports betting apps for iPhones and Androids that we recommend offer multiple high-quality, safe, and secure banking options. Sports Betting Apps vs. Online Betting Sites. Using only the best sports betting apps. How To Download A Horse Racing Betting App. If you decide to download a horse racing app rather than betting through your browser, you just need to follow these 6 easy steps. Choose from the list of best horse racing betting apps at the top of this page. Click the button to visit the bookmaker’s website. Register for a new account.
It’s no surprise why Michigan made online sports betting a part of its most recent gambling expansion. After all, mobile sports betting has proven to be an extremely viable and profitable offering for states that have gone before the Great Lakes State.
Sports betting apps are now a major convenience for residents that doesn’t feel like getting over to the nearby casino, or those who live in a “middle of nowhere” section of Nevada and have to travel a.
However, the prospect of using a Michigan sports betting app might be a bit daunting.
As Michigan residents will soon find out, technology has allowed sports betting to take a giant leap forward in terms of flexibility and opportunity. So, here is a handy guide to help Michiganders step into the world of Android and iOS sports betting apps.
Best Michigan sports betting app bonuses
You have multiple MI sports betting apps to choose from. Each of the sportsbooks featured below offers an excellent app for both iPhone and Android. So, we thought we’d give you a short preview of each site and tell you about the features that distinguish one Michigan sports betting app from another.
BetMGM sports betting app
The BetMGM sportsbook app represents gaming behemoth MGM Resorts International. Naturally, the sportsbook enters Michigan in partnership with its sister property, MGM Grand Detroit. As befitting the representative of one of the world’s largest casino companies, the BetMGM betting app has plenty of opportunities to bet and a plentiful slate of promotions.
There is one feature that allows the BetMGM sportsbook app to stand out from the crowd, however. It’s called Edit My Bet.
Many sports betting apps have a Cash Out option. This functionality allows you to end your open bets earlier than the conclusion of the match. In exchange for a reduced payout, you can settle the wager without having to sweat out the final minutes of the game.
However, Edit My Bet allows a much greater level of flexibility to the bettor by empowering you to augment your Cash Out-eligible bets in a more meaningful manner. You can cash out, of course, but you can also change the amount of your wager, add teams to the bet, or swap out pieces of the existing ticket.
The Bet MGM Android and iPhone app also maintains a healthy roster of odds boosts each day. If you are looking for a reputable company with a few quirks, BetMGM Sportsbook might be just the app for you.
BetRivers sports betting app
The BetRivers sportsbook app is a relatively new brand of sportsbook that is quickly becoming a mainstay in US sports betting states. The book is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, which notably runs the Rivers chain of casinos in the Midwest and New England. For its Michigan launch, BetRivers has partnered with the Little River Casino.
The Bet Rivers app distinguishes itself first and foremost in how quickly the app moves. The speed and fluidity with which the app moves from screen to screen is noteworthy and important. Seconds count with online sports betting, especially for in-game wagering, and BetRivers won’t let you down on that front.
The BetRivers mobile sportsbook, somewhat unusually, also maintains a rewards program for its sportsbook customers. The iRush Rewards program allows you to earn points for both its online merchandise and your reward tier. There’s no cost to enter, and there’s only upside if you were planning to play on BetRivers anyway.
One thing to mention, however, is that the Apple version of the app remains a bit clunky. BetRivers did not have an iOS app for many months after its Android debut, and there are still some bugs. However, there are still plenty of reasons to take a look at BetRivers.
DraftKings sports betting app
The DraftKings Sportsbook App is one of the best in existence. The DFS giant splashed onto the sportsbook scene in 2018 and has never looked back. The sportsbook operates in cooperation with Bay Mills Casino.
One of the key reasons that the DraftKings Android / iPhone app is so stellar is its betting carousel. This wheel feature proposes possible bets to each player when they log onto the site. Each bet, however, is specifically chosen based upon the player’s stated preferences and past betting history. So, everyone gets a custom experience when they play on DraftKings.
DraftKings was also the first site to offer a live ticket system to players. The ability to cash out an open bet and avoid any sort of late-game catastrophe is quickly becoming a must-have for online sportsbooks in the US. None of them have been offering this feature longer than DraftKings.
FanDuel sports betting app
FanDuel is the DFS pioneer that has joined the sports betting market in a big way. The company continues to expand its reach into both retail and online sportsbook spaces across the country. Its Michigan partner is MotorCity Casino, where it operates the retail book.
The front-and-center reason to try FanDuel app for Android and iOS is its extensive promotional framework. No other sportsbook operator approaches FanDuel when it comes to a diverse set of generous bonus offers and promos each day.
That list of promos also includes an extremely healthy dose of odds boosts. There are boosted odds available in every major market, and you can put yourself in a great spot to pick up some extra cash each day.
Like DraftKings, FanDuel also integrates its DFS and casino functions into the site. So, it’s a snap to move back and forth between the different types of games.
Between the integration and the swath of promotions available, it’s easy to see why FanDuel Sportsbook is so popular. Give it a try, and see what you think.
Fox Bet Sportsbook App
FOX Bet Sports Betting is a joint venture between two powerhouses in the gambling and sports worlds. The Stars Group, which owns the top Michigan poker site PokerStars, has joined forces with media giant Fox Sports to create this amalgamated offering. FOX Bet is partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.
The FOX Bet betting app has all the bells and whistles that you’d expect from a joint effort from such large companies. In fact, the Stars Group already had an existing sportsbook platform prior to its union with Fox, so the site has plenty of experience behind it.
What you’ll notice about FOX Bet, though, is the unmatched level of integration between the two aspects of its corporate ownership. There are running promotional series on the site that feature “picks” from various Fox Sports personalities.
In addition, Fox Sports now hosts content specifically designed as extra information about wagering for its clients. You can hear the explanations behind the picks and get some more ideas if you watch Fox Sports while you play on FOX Bet.
In a way, FOX Bet is ahead of its time. As you’ll see, the melding of a sportsbook operator and a media company makes all the sense in the world.
PointsBet Sportsbook App
PointsBet is an Australian sportsbook that has made quite the splash into America in the past few years. It has been one of the first to market in several states. Its Michigan partner is the Northern Waters Casino.
PointsBet is unlike any other sportsbook due to its namesake product. Points Betting is a unique innovation that puts a clever twist on the classic spread or totals bet.
You begin one of these wagers by making a selection as usual. For spreads, you pick the team you expect to beat or cover the spread. For totals, you choose over or under.
However, the distance that the outcome of the game is from PointsBet’s estimate serves as a multiplier for your winnings or losses. If you win, your payout will increase by however many points of difference that exist. Of course, if you lose, then your losses are compounded by the difference.
So, if you make a $10 bet on a game to go over and it goes over by 10 points, you will win $100. On the other hand, if the game goes under by 10 points, then you are now on the hook for $100. Needless to say, there is a high-risk, high-reward component to Points Betting, but it’s certainly a memorable way to place a bet.
PointsBet has also shown itself to be quick to recompense players in the case of unforeseen outcomes, like referee mistakes or other external errors. The site’s commitment to the players is actually palpable, and makes PointsBet worth a try.
Other sports betting apps in Michigan
There are several other sportsbooks available in Michigan right now and others that will arrive soon. We will update our list as news occurs.
- TwinSpires
- WynnBet
- Four Winds
Stay tuned. It’s an exciting time for sports betting in Michigan.
All the apps listed above are live in Michigan, but new ones could arrive in the future. There’s simply not enough data to know which company will be the next Michigan online sportsbook.
A couple wildcards exist with FireKeepers and Soaring Eagle casinos. Those two notable Native American gaming properties could launch their own sports betting apps.
However, we can safely assume that the procedures for using each app will be virtually identical.
Sports betting app instructions for Apple users
There are two main types of mobile devices that Americans use on a daily basis. The first of these types is Apple devices, which use the iOS platform to run.
The good news is that downloading and accessing a sportsbook app will be largely the same process as any other app. Here is the procedure:
- Click through our link above to access the sportsbook of your choice.
- Once there, look for the Apple download button to get started.
- The button should take you to the download site, where you can click the “Get” button to begin the process.
- However, make sure to double-check that the app you’re downloading works in Michigan. Some sportsbook apps are specific to particular states, and won’t work in Michigan.
- Once the app is downloaded to your device, click to open it as you normally would open any other app.
- If you have an existing account with the sportsbook, go ahead and log in. If not, look for a button that says “Register” or “Sign Up” to begin the process of opening a new account.
- If you are registering for a new account, make sure to check PlayMichigan for any bonus codes we might have. They could be worth hundreds of extra dollars in your account.
System requirements
Most MI sports betting apps will work with iOS version 8 or higher. However, just to be safe, it might be worth updating your phone to version 9 or above — a few sportsbook apps do require the latest updates to function properly.
Sports betting app instructions for Android users
Android users will be able to download and use betting apps in Michigan, too. However, there will be a couple of extra steps in the process.
The reason is that Google does not allow gambling apps to download from the Google Play Store. As a result, it is necessary to get the programs directly from the sportsbooks themselves. Here’s how to go about it:
- First, you will need to set your phone or device to allow downloads from other sources. You can accomplish this task by going to Settings.
- Once in Settings, select More, then the Security button. Select Unknown Sources, and you’re done.
- Then, use our link to find the sportsbook of your choice.
- The link should take you to a page with a download link and the Android logo.
- Download and install as usual. If you get any error or warning messages, go ahead and accept the terms.
- As is the case with Apple users, you can log in directly if you already have an account with your sportsbook of choice.
- If not, look for the registration function at the top right corner of the page. It will be a prominent button, and you won’t be able to miss it.
- Be sure to check our page for any bonus codes before you submit an application for a new account. We often have exclusive discounts and deals that you cannot find anywhere else.
System requirements
Usually, Android users with Version 5.1 or higher will be able to use most sportsbook apps.
Who is allowed to bet on sports in Michigan?
The gambling age in Michigan varies between 18 and 21, depending on what type of gaming it is and which casino you are at. The three Detroit casinos set the age requirement at 21 for all forms of gambling, sports included. Betting on sports at tribal casinos varies by the tribe. However, by virtue of the new law, it will be necessary to be 21 or older to bet online in the Great Lakes State.
Though it might seem obvious, it will be necessary to be physically inside the state in order to play. Neither state nor federal law permits sports betting across state lines.
How would they know where I’m playing?
The short answer is that all online sportsbooks use geolocation verification software. The programs that they use create a virtual fence around Michigan to keep out those from other states and countries.
This software is quite effective at performing its stated function. Most books set the parameters of their programs to deny service a few feet inside state lines.
In other words, there is a small chance that someone who actually should be able to play would get falsely denied. There is no chance that a player across the border could slip by.
In most cases, the software uses the GPS functions of your phone to verify your location. There’s really no extra step required on the part of the user.
However, if you happen to be using a laptop or other computer, make sure that you are stationary and using a valid in-state IP address. Use of a VPN, a virtual client network, or any other connection that allows remote access could get you booted from your sportsbook of choice.
Michigan Android and iOS App Features
If you’ve never used an online sportsbook app before, you may be surprised to learn how in-depth they are. Few sportsbook apps cannot match the offerings of their land-based counterparts.
In fact, in many cases, they exceed their retail brethren in terms of the number of bets, types of bets and flexibility that they offer. Numerous features make sportsbook apps a better option than retail books much of the time.
Bonuses and promotions at Android / iPhone betting apps in Michigan
One of the first things you might notice about Android and iOS sportsbook apps is the frequency and breadth of bonuses and promotions. It is common practice for many sportsbooks to offer at least one new promotion every single day.
This practice contrasts sharply with retail sportsbooks, which might only offer one or two promos every month or so. However, mobile sportsbook in Michigan have to deal with much stiffer competition since their competitors are only a button press away.
Because of that pressure, sportsbook apps can ill afford to be stingy with their offers. There are several types of bonuses that you could encounter when you log on to your app of choice. Here are a few of those bonus types:
No deposit bonuses
No deposit bonuses are perhaps the best type of bonus that you can find. Consequently, they are also some of the rarest.
In a no deposit bonus, a player receives a perk or prize from the sportsbook for little in exchange. Usually, the bonus comes as a reward for something relatively innocuous, like signing up for a new account.
So, once the player completes the required action, he or she will find the bonus waiting in the account. It will usually come in the form of free sportsbook bets or bonus dollars, as cash bonuses are quite rare.
Bonuses in these first two formats are not eligible for withdrawal, so you will have to bet them in order to convert into any withdrawable winnings. However, since you were wanting to “test drive” the site anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem to gamble with these types of vouchers.
First deposit bonuses
Deposit bonuses are the opposite of their no-deposit cousins. For this type of bonus, you are required to place money into your sportsbook cashier account.
Once you claim the bonus and do so, the sportsbook will match a certain percentage of your deposit with its funds. The book will specify both the match percentage and the absolute limit for bonus dollars that you can receive.
The sportsbook will require you to play through your bonus amount a certain number of times before the bonus becomes eligible for withdrawal. This number of times will be a predetermined multiple of the bonus amount, and is known as the “playthrough requirement.”
Once you finish wagering the required amount, the deposit bonus money will become part of your account.
Cash back offers
A cash-back bonus is a parachute for when things go wrong. Instead of adding extra money to your account, cashback serves as insurance for any net losses that you show in a given time period or on a given bet.
As is the case with deposit bonuses, a cashback bonus will come with a specified percentage and limit for the amount of refund you can get. Although it might not be much, it can help to take the sting out of a bad day of wagering.
One thing to note, however, is the fact that cash back only activates for net losses. So, if you suffer some setbacks but still show an overall profit, you won’t receive anything extra.
Odds boosts
Odds boosts are so common to sportsbooks that they often get overlooked as bonuses. Instead, sportsbooks pull them out as a regular feature onsite.
Nevertheless, they are a promotional item, and they can help to sweeten the pot for players. The sportsbook will select various bets each day and increase the payout potential for each one.
Odds boosts are most common with moneyline wagers. They are usually denoted by a line striking through the original moneyline and the boosted line appearing next to it. So, a bet opportunity at +200 might move to +220, for instance.
The amount of the boost is usually not enough to warrant making a special bet. However, if you were already planning to make a similar wager, it might be worth a look, considering that the payoff for a successful bet is now more attractive.
What markets can I bet on using a sportsbook app in Michigan?
For those unfamiliar with sportsbook apps, you might think that a traditional retail book would outpace the electronic version in terms of different sports it could offer. However, not only are online books able to compete, but they are often able to outpace their land-based counterparts in terms of selection.
Here are the sports currently being wagered on in Michigan sports betting apps:
- Boxing (IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO)
- Division 1 NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball
- Division 1 NCAA Football – FBS only
- Major League Baseball
- Major League Soccer
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC and Bellator)
- NASCAR
- National Basketball Association
- National Football League
- National Hockey League
- PGA/LPGA/European Tour golf
- Winter and Summer Olympic Games
What are the bet types?
Of course, all that selection would be meaningless if the online books could not offer more than a couple of types of wagers. However, this is decidedly not the case.
In fact, online sportsbook apps have pushed the envelope for what bets are available. The result is a sports betting experience that only vaguely resembles the old days of backrooms and chalkboards. Here are some of the most common types of bets on mobile betting apps:
- Point spreads
- Money lines
- Totals (over/under)
- Futures
- Propositions
- Parlays
○ Teasers
○ Pleasers
○ Round robins
In addition to the above selection of sports betting options available, live betting on sporting events is another form of gambling that has exploded in popularity online.
Live betting
Most of those types of bets are familiar, even to those who are not sports bettors. However, one of the biggest innovations in sports betting for the last few decades has been the rise of live betting.
Live betting, or in-game wagering, allows players to wager on events that are already underway. Instead of making a bet before the game and waiting, you can now wager throughout the course of a game.
Live bets tend to come in three distinct flavors:
- Continued pregame wagering: The book simply keeps point spreads, money lines and totals bets going as play proceeds. The only difference is that the lines become dynamic and change according to the progress of the game.
- Milestone achievement: Bets may appear about whether a player or team will achieve a given milestone by the end of the game or a certain period of play. These milestones can be any statistic of the sportsbook’s choosing, and can span the game, the season or even a career.
- Partial game results: A sportsbook may choose to offer action on the eventual outcome of a particular segment of the game. These pieces of the game can be anything from major periods of play down to single game events.
This last type of live bet, partial game results, is the source of live betting’s ascension. The technology that sportsbook apps use for live betting allows for an extreme amount of granularity in the betting options.
Bettors can bet on the outcome of single plays in a game or match. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a single game to offer more than 100 different wagers.
Naturally, the sportsbook is happy to offer as many bets as it can. Generally speaking, a sportsbook’s profit increases as the number of bets goes up.
However, bettors like this flexibility, too. Live betting offers the ability either to augment pregame selections that seem to be going well, or hedge against those that are going badly.
Cash-out option
Another feature of sports betting apps for Android and iOS is the cash-out option. Like live betting, the cash-out option yields a tremendous amount of flexibility to your wagering, and creates a situation with positives for both sportsbook and sports bettor.
The cash-out option usually takes the form of a button on the bottom of your bet slip. After you make a wager, you will have to keep an eye on the button during the game.
Should it appear that your bet is destined to win, the cash-out button may illuminate and display a dollar amount to you. In effect, the sportsbook is offering to settle the bet for that amount.
Of course, you don’t have to take the payout. It will be less than if you were to wait until the end of the game, so it’s obvious why the sportsbook would want to offer it.
However, the cash out option is a great way to guard against any kind of late collapses or roaring comebacks that might destroy your wager. Were something like that to happen, you could rest easy in the knowledge that you took a safer alternative.
Parlay bettors might be especially inclined to use the cash-out option. Given how precarious a parlay bet is, a bettor might be persuaded to forgo the final leg of the bet and accept a lower cash-out value.
Many have heard the expression that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. The cash-out option is sports betting’s bird in the hand.
Advantages of using a sportsbook app
Best Betting Apps Android
Between the commercial and tribal casinos in Michigan, there are 26 locations that could potentially host a sportsbook in the near future. So you might wonder if it’s even worth fooling with the online games at all. However, there are several reasons that a sportsbook app might be a better fit for your needs.
- Convenience: Naturally, an app on your phone is more convenient than having to drive to a physical location. Almost every corner of Michigan could play host to a sports bet through online sports betting apps. In a state with such frigid winters and inclement weather, the ability to place sports bets on your phone could be the only avenue you have available — at least, some of the time. Even without weather woes, there’s no question that it’s easier to sit in a favorite chair at home and play. It’s even possible to place a bet in pajamas!
- Bonuses: Online sportsbooks are not run by stupid people. They know that you have a range of choices when it comes to looking for the best sportsbook in Michigan. So they understand the need to entice you to play. Their struggle is to your benefit. Unlike retail sportsbooks, which may not have as much direct competition due to geography, a mobile sportsbookis much more likely to offer bonuses to attract your business.
- Flexibility: There’s no question that there are more ways to wager online than in retail sportsbooks. The mere presence of live betting explodes the options beyond the capabilities of a land-based sportsbook. However, some sportsbook apps offer a live ticket system as a means of equipping bettors with greater flexibility. A live ticket system, or cash out option, allows players to cash out their open tickets under certain conditions in a game.
The option allows players to guard against any kind of late charge if their bet appears to be winning. The sportsbook can settle likely losses for less money and allow both parties to move on with their lives.
Some sportsbooks even allow players to propose their own wagers. Such a concept would be a rare thing to see in a retail sportsbook.
Disadvantages of using online sportsbook apps
Of course, nothing is perfect. There are some downsides to sportsbook app play that simply do not exist in retail settings.
Social
The most obvious ding against sportsbook apps is that they negate the social aspect of sports betting. Even if a bettor visits a retail book alone, there is a natural camaraderie between bettors who have taken the same bet on a game.
Retail sportsbooks are designed to be the most comfortable areas in the entire casino, too. It’s possible to relax and have some food and drink with friends in most land-based sportsbooks, and there are always plenty of televisions to watch.
Sportsbook apps don’t offer anything like that. Although you may be sitting comfortably at home, there’s probably nobody there to root for your chosen bets along with you.
Trust
Sportsbook apps require a certain degree of trust from their players. After all, you’re sending your personal information and banking data out into the ether to a faceless company.
In most cases, this isn’t a problem. Sportsbooks are heavily regulated and monitored, and it’s unlikely that any kind of monkey business might occur.
Nevertheless, an online sportsbook transaction is far more nebulously stressful than a bet in a retail sportsbook. In retail books, you bark out your bet to the tired staff member, hand over your cash and that’s it.
So there might be some who feel an understandable amount of reservation about online betting versus the simplicity of retail.
Complexity
Actually, the entire notion of retail sports betting is simpler than online betting. A retail sports bet is an easy transaction — it’s usually made with cash, and there’s no need for names. Structurally, it’s not much different from buying a doughnut.
Sportsbook apps, however, require much more work to move forward. You will have to provide them with a variety of personal and banking information, and God help you if you misprint a number or letter.
With so many different bets available, a sportsbook app might also seem overwhelming to the uninitiated sports bettor. So, understand that there may be a learning curve associated with using a sportsbook app.
Virginia became one of the latest states to legalize sports betting in 2020. Five sportsbook apps launched in time for Super Bowl LV betting, with the first app launching on January 21, 2021.
Numerous big names in the sports betting industry are set to launch throughout 2021. Some of these operators have deals with retail casino locations to be constructed over the next few years. Overall, the next few years are sure to be exciting for sports bettors all across the Old Dominion.
5 Best Virginia Sports Betting Apps 2021
- William Hill Sportsbook – Best for largest risk-free bet
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Best sportsbook iOS & Android App
- BetMGM – Best for MGM players who want to earn MLife Rewards
- BetRivers – Best for to deposit bonus
- DraftKings Sportsbook – Best for DFS players who also want to bet
Virginia Sports Betting Updates
- Early numbers show strong performance for Virginia sports betting – For the period of January 21 to January 31, 2021, Virginia sportsbooks brought in $58.9 million in handle.
- William Hill launches before Super Bowl in Virginia – on February 3rd William Hill launched in Virginia after partnering with Caesars Entertainment and became the fifth app. William Hill offers new players up to $2,021 risk-free bet.
- BetRivers and BetMGM join the fray – three days after DraftKings and six after FanDuel, two new sportsbooks entered the Virginia market. BetMGM and BetRivers both launched on January 27, 2021, bringing Virginia’s sportsbook total to four. You can get up to $250 at BetRivers and up a $600 risk-free bet at BetMGM.
- DraftKings goes live in Virginia – three days after FanDuel’s Virginia launch, DraftKings went live in the market on January 24, 2021. When you sign up for DraftKings Virginia, you can get a 20% deposit match up to $1,000.
- FanDuel launches Virginia’s first sportsbook – FanDuel debuted in Virginia on January 21, 2021. It was the first sportsbook to go live in the state, thanks in part to a partnership with the Washington Nationals. New FanDuel bettors can place a risk-free first bet up to $1,000.
- The Virginia Lottery begins accepting sports betting applications – On October 15, 2020, the Virginia Lottery opened up sports betting license applications. Dozens of operators applied in total, with several also applying for partnerships with Virginian cities like Danville and Portsmouth, who voted on referendums to allow the construction of retail casinos.
- Virginia voters approve five retail casinos – On November 3, 2020, voters approved five retail casinos in a referendum. Three of the cities have already partnered with online sportsbook operators and the other two teamed up with a local Indian Tribe: BetRivers via Portsmouth, Caesars via Danville, Hard Rock Casino via Bristol, Pamunkey Indian Tribe via Norfolk and Richmond.
The Best 5 Sports Betting Apps In Virginia (In-depth look)
Best for New Bettors
at William Hill VA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: VA, IL, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, WV
Best for New Bettors
William Hill Virginia
4.2
William Hill ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Licensed by
William Hill launched on February 3rd in Virginia just in time for the Super Bowl. With the largest risk-free opening bonus and a great website and app – William Hill is a great choice for Virginia sports bettors.
William Hill is the oldest continuously running sports betting company, with a large international footprint. They also operate the largest number of retail sportsbooks in the US. In Virginia, bettors can expect a strong and stable app, great ongoing promotions, and an easy-to-navigate live betting system on the app.
Largest risk-free bonus, biggest retail sportsbook footprint in US
Best for iOS and Android Apps
at FanDuel Sportsbook VA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: VA, IL, NJ, PA, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, MI
Best for iOS and Android Apps
FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia
4.3
FanDuel Sportsbook ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Licensed by
FanDuel is one of the two top dogs in American sports betting, and it already offers daily fantasy sports. This makes it no surprise that it was the first to confirm its launch in Virginia on January 21, 2021, only a day before its launch in Michigan.
With a generous opening bonus and a slick, streamlined user interface that makes the app easy to use even on high-traffic gamedays, FanDuel is likely to be a sports bettor favorite in Virginia.
DFS, search bar, odds format changing, odds-changing mid-bet
Best for MGM Players
at BetMGM VA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: VA, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
Best for MGM Players
BetMGM Virginia
4.0
BetMGM ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Licensed by
BetMGM is an international sportsbook operator that’s likely to come to Virginia sometime early in 2021. As one of the biggest betting and casino companies in the world, this app offers excellent market depth and variety. Despite its recent arrival in the US, it has a solid user reputation already.
Included among its attractive features is a generous opening bonus, extra international betting pools, and markets for leagues and activities like international soccer, cricket, and Australian rules football, and more.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for Deposit Bonus
at BetRivers VA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
Best for Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Virginia
4.0
BetRivers ReviewDeposit Bonus
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Sports betting enthusiasts will want to check out the BetRivers mobile app. Unlike most other prospective sportsbook launches, BetRivers is definitely known to be launching in 2021 since the operator has already made an agreement with Portsmouth, VA. This operator will provide retail sports betting once that city’s casino has been constructed.
The app itself is one of the best on the market. It has a phenomenal loyalty program and a very clean, minimalist user interface. This makes navigating to different betting pools or game events quick and easy.
Sports newsfeed, “Live Right Now” wagers, live streaming
Best for Sports Fans Who Also Play DFS
at BetMGM VA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: VA, IL, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, WV, PA, NH
Best for Sports Fans Who Also Play DFS
DraftKings Virginia
4.2
DraftKings ReviewDeposit Bonus
Licensed by
DraftKings is also likely to have a big presence in the Virginia sports betting market. That’s partially because of its robust mobile app and its phenomenal market depth and variety, both of which blow most of its competitors out of the water. For example, DraftKings is one of the few operators to offer eSports betting on its mobile app where available under local state law.
DraftKings also has a very generous opening bonus totaling a little over $1000, an intuitive mobile app for all major platforms, and daily mobile-only betting pools that you can only access using the app rather than the desktop site.
Easy access betting slip, special mobile-only wagers, DFS
VA Sportsbooks Coming Soon
PointsBet Virginia (8.3/10)
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PointsBet is a relatively new sportsbook to come to America that offers phenomenal odds (especially for any fixed odds wagers). PointsBet shares its name from its special “pointsbetting” system – this allows players to participate in a special type of spread betting. If you have an appetite for high risk and high reward wagers, it’ll be a great app for you, even though its market depth and variety could be a little better.
All Virginia Sportsbook Sites
Sportsbook Name | Bonus Offer | Partner | Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|
William Hill | Risk free bet up to $2021 | Caesars Entertainment | 2/3/21 |
FanDuel | $1000 risk-free bet | Washington Football Team | 1/21/21 |
DraftKings | Five $5 free bets + 20% deposit match bonus up to $1000 | N/A | 1/24/21 |
BetRivers | 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 | Portsmouth, VA casino | 1/27/21 |
BetMGM | $600 risk-free bet | N/A | 1/27/21 |
PointsBet | $2000 in 2 risk-free bets | N/A | Coming Soon |
How To Place A Bet In Virginia
Virginia’s sports betting legislation has made placing an online wager quick and easy.
Choose A Sportsbook
First, choose your sportsbook among the many that will launch sometime in the near future. To do this, either visit the Apple App Store and download the apps straight to your iPhone device or visit the sportsbook’s online website and download the program to your Android device. The Google Play Store doesn’t allow any gambling apps at all.
After downloading the app, open it to begin the registration process.
Register For An Account
Registering for a mobile sportsbook account will be simple. You do not need to visit a retail location in-person to complete the registration process (because Virginia doesn’t have any retail casinos anyway).
Provide your name, address, Social Security Number, and any other required pieces of information. The app will verify your info for a moment, then allow you into the app if you are older than 21 years old and in Virginia. The app will install geolocation software to make sure you are accessing the app within Virginia’s borders.
Deposit Cash
Most mobile sportsbooks allow you to utilize multiple deposit methods to fund your sports betting account. Most allow some combination of credit and debit card deposits, bank transfers, and electronic wallet transfers.
Simply choose the method you want to use and connect that method to your account. This may require signing into your deposit method of choice – for example, if you want to use PayPal, you may need to use your PayPal username and password to link that account to your sportsbook.
Then you can decide how much money you want to place in your account. This will allow you to take advantage of many sportsbooks’ opening bonuses based on their terms and conditions.
Place Bets
Once your account is funded, you can navigate through the app as you like and start placing wagers! Be sure to take advantage of any opening bonuses that might apply to your account. These include deposit match bonuses, risk-free bets, and more.
Virginia’s Legal Sportsbooks
Ultimately, Virginia’s legal sportsbooks are far superior to any illegal or offshore betting sites.
For starters, every Virginian sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the Virginia Lottery. This overseeing body performs regular investigations into all the sportsbooks within Virginia’s borders and makes sure that any operating sportsbook has excellent digital security to protect the financial data of its users.
Internet security is particularly important because identity theft and other cyber threats are much more common these days. In contrast, offshore or illegal sites usually don’t have high-quality security, let alone basic SSL certification. This means anyone who uses those sites puts their personal information and financial data at risk.
All licensed sportsbooks in Virginia must both have insurance for their users and must report their winnings to the state government and IRS. This does mean that you’ll need to pay taxes on any winnings you get from using a Virginia sportsbook. But it’s a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.
Virginia’s Sports Betting Revenue
It’s tough to say just how much revenue Virginia’s state government can expect once sports betting fully launches and gets going. However, certain studies have indicated that mobile sports betting revenue alone might approach $400 million over the next seven years or so.
When you consider the fact that Virginia is also launching retail casinos (which will incorporate their own brick-and-mortar sportsbooks), it’s clear that the Virginian state government has a lot to look forward to in terms of revenue.
The industry as a whole is set to explode. The more the market opens and develops, the more promotional opportunities and licensing deals will flood the state.
Per Virginia’s sports betting legislation, a 12% tax rate will apply to most sports betting revenue. For example, if the state generates (according to the above study) $462 million in annual revenue, the state government will receive around $55 million in taxes.
Mobile alone may generate close to $400 million in revenue and, therefore, also generate $40 million in taxes for the Virginian government. All in all, it’s likely that the government will appreciate its decision to legalize sports betting very soon.
How Virginia Compares To Other States
Although Virginia has been relatively barren in terms of gambling opportunity in recent years, its sports betting legislation is pretty similar to the rules adopted by other states, like New Jersey. For example, Virginia’s sports betting restriction against betting on collegiate teams from its own universities is identical to the laws adopted by New Jersey sportsbooks.
In contrast, Pennsylvania doesn’t have any restrictions on collegiate sports betting, which goes to show that individual states have clearly different opinions about what constitutes moral sports wagering.
Furthermore, there are states that have adopted sports betting without allowing casinos to be built. For instance, Tennessee now allows sports betting but does not allow either casinos or poker. In contrast, Virginia will allow retail casinos to be built across five cities (with more potentially being built in the future).
In summary, Virginia is around the middle of the pack in terms of gambling opportunities and freedom. Once the state government sees the extra income earned from sports betting, further restrictions may eventually be lifted.
Virginia Betting Successes And Failures
Virginia’s Sports Betting Success
So far, Virginia’s big sports betting success has undoubtedly been the launch of online sports wagering before the retail casinos are constructed. Because building a new casino or resort takes a few years at a minimum, Virginian residents are no doubt relieved that they’ll still be able to enjoy mobile sports betting before those brick-and-mortar locations are ready to be visited.
Furthermore, Virginia’s Lottery performed rather impressively when it came to creating the rules and regulations for sports betting. In just a few months, sports betting went from illegal in Virginia to fully licensed and regulated.
The Lottery began accepting applications on October 15, 2020, and finished accepting applications by Halloween. In total, eighteen sportsbooks are set to launch over the next few years when you combine online sites and retail operations. About 25 companies applied for licenses.
In other words, Virginia’s sports betting scene is so far impressive due to its speed. Few states have launched sports betting as successfully and efficiently.
Where Could Virginia Improve Online Gambling
This being said, Virginia could definitely improve its online gambling sphere by also legalizing online casino games and other activities like poker. For legal online gambling, Virginia bettors will need to travel to West Virginia.
For now, the only online gambling activity is sports betting (and daily fantasy sports, which technically doesn’t count as gambling). Even the state lottery must be played in person, preventing people from purchasing lottery tickets online.
However, it may be that Virginia legislators are looking to see how sports betting fully actualizes over the next few years before lifting the restriction on other forms of gambling. Hopefully, we’ll see many more gambling opportunities launch over the next decade.
Virginia could also make sports betting more accessible by allowing bets on local college teams, particularly in a state that doesn’t have any professional teams to officially call its own.
Legalization Effort In Virginia
The path to sports betting legalization in Virginia was long and hard-fought. Although the federal ban on sports gambling was lifted in May 2018, it took until 2019 for Virginian lawmakers to even begin debating sports betting proposals.
Then it took the rest of 2019 to reach an agreement. By April 2020, the Virginia House and Senate crafted a pair of bills outlining sports betting rules and restrictions. Both bills faced a little pushback from Governor Ralph Northam, who made a number of unspecified changes.
Fortunately, Northam did not stand in the way of progress and allowed both bills to pass the House and Senate. He then signed off on the final bills and set the date for legalization: July 1, 2020.
It’s likely that Northam was responsible for the two-month waiting period before official sports betting processes could begin. This allowed the weeks between July 15 and September 15 to be allocated to the Virginia Lottery, which then wrote detailed sports betting regulations.
Timeline For Virginia Sports Betting
- May 2018 – Sports betting ban is lifted at the federal level
- April 2020 – Bills HB 896 and SB 384 pass the Virginia House and Senate, respectively
- April 22, 2020 – Gov. Ralph Northam signs both bills and legalizes sports betting in Virginia
- July 1, 2020 – Sports betting officially becomes legal in Virginia
- July 15, 2020 – Temporary sports betting regulations are issued
- August 10, 2020 – Updated sportsbook draft regulations are released by the Lottery
- September 15, 2020 – Virginia Lottery publishes its official sports betting regulations
- October 15, 2020 – The Lottery starts accepting license applications from sportsbook operators
- October 31, 2020 – The sportsbook application window closes
- November 3, 2020 – The referendum for Virginian cities that decides whether they will allow or outlaw casino construction is held
- January 21, 2021 – Online and mobile sports betting launches in Virginia
Virginia Teams
Virginia Professional Sports Teams
Virginia residents have long dreamed of online sports betting coming to their state in large part because many of them are sports fanatics! Interestingly, Virginia doesn’t have a professional sports franchise of national repute.
However, Virginia is the state that most Washington DC professional sports teams call home. For instance, both the Washington Football Team and Washington Capitals (an NHL team) have their practice facilities and corporate headquarters stationed in Northern Virginia. This is even though both teams play outside of Virginia.
Thus, sports bettors would be wise to place wagers and look for promotional opportunities for the Washington Football Team. As a five-time NFL champion, this team is definitely one to watch, particularly when they face off against the Dallas Cowboys (their primary rival). Virginia bettors will also be able to place bets on the Baltimore Ravens and all other NFL teams.
But sports bettors should also check out the Washington Wizards, which is the closest professional NBA team for most Virginians to support. Games against the Cleveland Cavaliers are sure to be accompanied by excellent wagers and promotional opportunities due to the long-standing rivalry between both teams.
Other popular professional teams available for betting include the Washington Nationals, and the Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals have risen to prominence in the last few years and the Orioles have a strong rivalry with both the Yankees and the Red Sox.
Virginia College Sports Teams
While many Virginians love college sports, Virginia’s recent sports betting legislation has unfortunately placed severe limitations on college sports betting.
In fact, it will not be legal to place sports bets on Virginia college sports within the state. Instead, Virginia residents will only be allowed to place bets on college sports teams in other states (with the exceptions of proposition bets and live betting, which are still prohibited).
This is likely a big bummer for sports betting enthusiasts, as Virginia Tech and Virginia State University are two of the country’s leading teams for college football and basketball. But while Virginia sports bettors won’t be able to place wagers on the Virginia Cavaliers, Tech Hokies, or Liberty Flames, there are still lots of other options to bet on using the plethora of soon-to-launch sports betting apps. This includes being able to bet on the Georgetown Hoyas, the Maryland Terrapins, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs, all popular local college basketball teams.
Other Sports To Bet On In Virginia
Best Sports Betting Mobile Apps
Aside from professional sports, Virginian sports bettors will likely be able to find and enjoy lots of excellent betting markets for activities like NASCAR: arguably the most popular non-ball-sport activity in the state. This is probably because Virginia is home to four different annual NASCAR races in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Additional races to look for high-value wagers and betting markets include:
- Xfinity 500
- ValleyStar Credit Union 300
- Dominion Energy Charity Classic
Sports Betting Apps Review
Virginia Sports Betting FAQs
Yes. As of July 1, 2020, online sports betting is legal provided it is done on a licensed app currently regulated by the Virginia Lottery. The first sports betting app launched on January 21, 2021.
You must be 21 years of age or older to bet online within Virginia’s borders. This is the same age for the state lottery.
The Virginia Lottery regulates all online sportsbook activity. In addition, this organization will oversee retail sportsbook operations once they launch at brick-and-mortar casinos throughout Virginian cities.
Sports Betting Apps Reviews
No. Any Virginia mobile sportsbook will request your address and install geolocation software as the app installs. This requires you to be within Virginia’s borders when placing a wager or using a mobile sportsbook. You do not need to be a resident of Virginia, just located within its borders.
Yes. Mobile sportsbooks currently (or soon to be) operating in Virginia are licensed and regulated by the Lottery. This means that the Lottery investigated the operator and found that they had both excellent digital security, such as SSL certification, and insurance to protect its users in the event of fraud or theft.
In other words, any legal online sportsbooks are well-vetted and should be safe to use. If you have any issues, you can bring a grievance to the Virginia Lottery and they will investigate on your behalf.
Best Online Betting App
Yes and no. You are not allowed to place any sports wagers on Virginian college teams, like the Virginia Tech Hokies, regardless of league. However, you can place college sports bets on out-of-state college teams so long as they are not playing against a Virginia team. There is also a general prohibition against placing live bets or proposition bets on college sports.
Best App For Sports Betting
More Resources On Virginia Sports Betting
- Official Virginia House of Representatives sports betting bill HB 896
- Official Virginia Senate sports betting bill SB 384
- The Virginia Lottery, where you can file a complaint or learn more about their regulation process
- Virginia Mercury, an online newspaper with regular news about the Old Dominion and sports betting developments