Online Poker in Virginia 2024 – Compare the Best Real Money Poker Sites in VA

Comparing Virginia Online Poker Sites

The table below outlines the best Virginia online poker sites in the state. Use the table to compare what you can get from each of the sites, as well as information on each of the welcome bonuses you can claim.

Is Online Poker Legal in Virginia?

The poker sites listed and reviewed above are completely legal to use in Virginia. They have offshore servers, meaning VA residents can safely play on them against other players either within the state or anywhere around the world, where brands such as BetOnline and Bovada are in operation.

Our recommendation for the safest Virginia online poker site is BetOnline. They’ve been around since 2004 and have some of the best games in the business. It comes with a wide range of payment options, tons of cash games, dedicated poker bonuses, and mobile access.

Outside of offshore sites, the only poker that you can play is home games that have no rake and games that are located at either bingo halls or charitable gaming venues.

Virginia Poker Laws

We’ve included a list of some of the Virginia poker laws that are currently in place. We want to stress that, while these laws cover most of the mainstream gambling within the state, it does not impact the accessibility of offshore poker sites as they do not need to adhere to these laws.

We’re also expectant that these laws will be set to change in the not-too-distant future, so we will keep these updated as and when this occurs.

Most of these laws come from section 18.2-325 of the Virginia Code linked to gambling:

• General overview of illegal gambling – Virginia classes poker as part of its “illegal gambling” laws. However, this is linked to poker sites that are based in the state and do not include offshore poker sites as listed on this page.
• Skill games – Poker is not seen as a Skill game by the state of Virginia. This is an interesting point as it was thrown out by the House when contested that poker was a skill game. Greg Raymer, WSOP winner, was unsuccessfully used to prove the point that it was a game of skill.
• Home games – Games are allowed to be played for money if no rake is taken by the house.
• Bingo/ Charitable Gaming Venues – Poker is allowed for real money.
• Legal age – Charitable gaming is accessible for those aged 18 and over. However, sports and casinos have a minimum age of 21.

When Will Online Poker be Legal in Virginia?

The legal structure surrounding online poker in Virginia is complicated. The fact that you’re allowed to play at bingo halls but not in casinos makes no sense, according to many politicians, so something must give.

The positives are that the state does accept some forms of gambling, with online sports betting becoming legal in 2020 (this, like so much of legislation within the state, has still not fully gone through given the slow rate at which licenses have been commissioned).

We think that online poker will be legal within the next couple of years. Casino is almost certainly going to follow sports and when it does, that will give the green light for poker. The additional revenue that the state will make from both is going to be too much to pass on.

Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Virginia

The lack of access to online poker sites that are hosted within Virginia means that there are no laws on the tax that you pay. However, it’s almost certain that online poker will eventually fall into the general tax rates for gambling in Virginia, which are outlined below:

It’s worth noting that any winnings made on offshore poker sites will not be taxable. These sites do not conform to US laws, and you do not need to declare these winnings on your tax reports.

Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

In this section, we’re going to look at what you can expect from regulated and offshore poker sites. Even though Virginia doesn’t have any regulated sites as of yet, it’s still worth looking at how they compare.

Regulated Sites

• Licensing – All licenses are issued by the state of Virginia. This means that they need to adhere to rules and regulations within the state, which are often more restrictive than offshore sites.
• Taxes – Taxes will be due on poker winnings. This will range from as little as 2% up to 5.75%. The scale is based on your income and will come with a surplus charge applied to each level.
• Limited player pools – The number of players at the poker site will be limited as they will only be able to play against other players within the state. It’s likely going to take a long time for the online poker room to get established to drive any meaningful traffic.
• Limited game types – Not all forms of online poker are accessible on regulated sites. These can be limited, especially for new online poker rooms.
• Higher minimum age – Regulated sites generally only accept players that are 21 or over in the United States. This is the case even though the legal gambling age for poker in Virginia is 18.

Offshore Sites

• More games to choose from – Offshore sites have been established for years and have big pools of players. This means that there are more games to choose from, especially when it comes to off-peak times.
• Bigger bonuses – The lack of restrictions for offshore sites results in bigger welcome bonuses. You will usually get access to existing player promos as well.
• Cross-network games – A lot of the offshore poker rooms run on the same network. This means that you are playing against more players with bigger prize pools.
• No location restrictions – You’re able to access offshore poker rooms from anywhere in the United States. A lot of the poker rooms accept players and grant access to countries from around the world, meaning you can play while you travel as well.

Will Virginia be Ring-Fenced or Shared Player Pool?

Gambling laws in the US are now run on a state-by-state basis. As you know, not all states legally allow online poker, with Virginia being one of them.

However, this is likely to change in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, which is why we need to look at if the state will be ring-fenced or not.

When we talk about ring-fencing this means that players in Virginia can only play against other players in the same state. Shared player pools will accept players from other states and even potentially other countries.

All the US states currently accept online poker ring fence players. This will almost certainly be the case in Virginia when online poker is legalized.

How to Play Online Poker in Virginia

We’re going to use our No.1 rated Virginia online poker site, BetOnline, to guide you through the process of how to create an account with them. We will also include information on how to access the online poker room and play your first game.

1)   Open BetOnline Poker Site

You first need to open the BetOnline poker site, which you can do by clicking on this link. Once there, click on the green “join” button to start the process.

2)   Enter Account Information

Within the pop-up box, enter the information needed for your account. This will include things like your first and last name, email address, password, country, Zip code, phone number, and date of birth. Take the time to make sure all this info is correct as you need to verify this before you can withdraw.

3)   Log in and Head to the Cashier

Once your account is set up you should be automatically moved to the cashier. If not, simply log in using your account username and password. Choose the payment method that you want to make your first deposit.

4)   Enter BetOnline Promo Code and Claim $1,000 Welcome Bonus

When you click on your payment method it will include a section that states “promo code”. Use our exclusive BetOnline promo code “INSIDERS” to claim up to $1,000 in bonus cash. Choose your deposit amount and then continue with the process.

5)   Open the Poker Room

You can choose to either download the poker client to Mac or Windows, or you can play via instant play online and on mobile. Within the poker choose the game type you want to play (cash or tournament) and then use the menu to find the game you want to play.

Open the table and then sit down by clicking on the seat. You are now set to play for real money at the BetOnline online poker room.

Types of Poker Games available at Virginia Poker Sites

In this section, we’ve included a look at the range of poker games you can access from Virginia online poker sites. The majority of poker rooms will offer variations of each of these and are regarded as the most popular.

Cash Games

Cash games can start from as little as 1c/2c and are great starting points for new players. As the stakes increase, generally so does the quality of players. Limits will range up to around $15/$30 for most sites, but they are more limited as you get higher. Tables come in heads up, 6 max, and full ring (9/10 players) for the most part.

Sit and Go’s

A sit-and-go is a single-table knockout. These games all have a set buy-in with a percentage of the pot going to the winner and subsequent finishing positions. As the game progresses, the blinds go up, with most lasting around 20-30 minutes. Table sizes include 6 max and full ring, with buy-ins starting from as little as $1.

Multi Table Tournaments

Tournaments are games that include more than two tables and can have hundreds of players. Each player pays a buy in and this is added to the prize pool. To win a multi-table tournament can take hours, but the payout in relation to buy-in can be huge.

Jackpot Games

Jackpot games have a bad beat jackpot that is attached. This is paid out based on the strength of the losing hand. As an example, BetOnline runs an offer where if you have four-of-a-kind deuces or better and that hand loses, you and the players at the table will get a share of the bad beat jackpot.

A typical breakdown of the jackpot would be 20% to the player with the bad beat, 15% to the hand winner, 12.5% shared amongst the other players at the table, 12.5% shared amongst players at other BBJ tables, 35% reseed and 5% fee.

Speed Poker

Speed poker tables are where you are entered into a pool of players and as soon as you fold your hand, you’re moved to another table instantly to play your next hand. You can rack up a huge number of hands in a short period of time in these games and they bring a totally different dynamic and strategy compared to standard cash games.

Straddle

Straddle games are where you essentially place an extra big blind, which in poker is referred to as the straddle. As a result, these games can play big, and you need deep pockets to keep up with increasing pot sizes.

Poker Site Bonuses Available for Virginia Players

Bonuses are accessible on all new accounts and most existing accounts for players in Virginia. We’re going to look at what type of bonuses you can claim and a little more about how they work.

Matched Deposit Bonuses

The most common promotion you can get is the matched deposit option. This is where the poker room will match the deposit you make in the form of a bonus that you then need to clear.

For example, at BetOnline, you get a 100% match worth up to $1,000. This means that for every dollar you deposit up to $1,000, they will give you a bonus of that amount. So, a $250 deposit will get a $250 bonus.

You then need to clear that bonus by playing for real money. In this example, it’s $5 for every $50 you rake.

No Deposit Bonuses

The no-deposit bonus is an offer where the poker room will grant you a bonus without the need to deposit. This will still come with wagering requirements attached and once applied to your account, you will treat this like a typical deposit bonus.

Free Roll Tickets

Free roll tickets are usually given as part of a welcome package. This is free entry into a tournament that will have some money included as the prize money. As the name suggests, there is no payment needed and you can only get these vouchers as part of a bonus package.

Comparison Table of the Best Poker Bonuses in Virginia

The table below includes a look at the different bonuses you can claim from what we consider to be the best online poker sites in the business. Use this to see how they work, what wagering is attached, and what payment methods are accepted for each offer.

Making Deposits & Withdrawals at Virginia Poker Sites

We’ve included a look at the best ways to deposit and withdraw on Virginia online poker sites. This section highlights the different payment options that you can use and a little more about how they work.

Crypto at Poker Sites

Crypto methods are now more popular than ever, and most online poker sites are encouraging users to utilize the fast deposit and withdrawing times that comes with these. Common crypto-banking methods include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum. It’s worth noting that some poker sites will have specific bonuses for crypto, many of which are larger than the standard offer.

Traditional Payment Methods

Your more traditional payment methods include credit and debit cards, such as Visa, American Express, and Mastercard. You can also access the likes of bank wire, check, MoneyGram, and Person 2 Person.

eWallets at Poker Sites

eWallets allow users to move money into poker accounts without the need to attach a bank account to their betting site. The most common include Neteller, Skrill, and MatchPay. Not all bonuses can be claimed using eWallets, so this platform is not as popular as it once was.

Deposit Options Available at the Best Virginia Poker Sites

Offshore betting sites have a wide range of payment options available to them. The table below highlights what you can access across our range of the best Virginia online poker sites.

Withdrawal Options Available at the Best Virginia Poker Sites

The table below highlights all the withdrawal options available. Please note that just because you can deposit with a payment method, does not necessarily mean you can withdraw as well.

Playing on Virginia Poker Apps & Mobile Sites

Mobile accessibility is possible on all the betting sites that we’ve listed on this page. It’s worth noting that there are no restrictions based on using the sites within the state of Virginia on your mobile.

However, none of these sites have dedicated apps that you download, and instead benefit from using mobile betting sites. These sites can be used from any iOS or Android device and all you need to do is enter the poker site via your mobile browser and you will automatically be redirected.

Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Virginia

We’ve listed some tips for playing online for real money in Virginia. Use these to become better at the game and essentially make more from our time playing.

• Table selection – Online poker allows you to move from table to table quickly and easily to table. The best will avoid players of a high standard and target the weak (fish). Doing so it makes it easier to win more as the competition is lower.
• Starting hand strategy – One of the easiest strategies to employ is a solid starting hand. This is where you’re selective about the range of hands that you play and the position you are playing from. A tighter strategy will mean that you play fewer marginal hands and therefore get in fewer tough situations about what to do post-flop.
• Position – In an ideal world, we would act last in every hand. To do so means playing from the button (dealer). However, it’s not always possible to do this, but when we are out of position, we should be aware that we may have to act first and we want to be doing this with hands of strength.
• Take a shot – The majority of online poker players are incredibly conservative when it comes to the stakes that they play. You need to be comfortable to move up and take shots at higher levels, not just to make more money, but to improve as you come up against better players.
• Bankroll management – You need to practice good bankroll management. This means that your bankroll can cover the inevitable downswings. Bankrolls will be dependent on several factors, but a good place to start is 100 buy ins for the level that you want to play. For example, if you want to play 100NL then one buy in would be $100. Multiply that by 100 and you would need $10,000 to be comfortable.

Playing Online Poker vs Live Poker in Virginia

The best thing about poker in Virginia is that you’re able to access both online and live betting options. The games differ massively in terms of how they play out, which we’re going to look at in this section.

Online you get to access a huge range of promotions, something you will not get live. These can be worth thousands of dollars and are one of the main reasons why suggest playing online over live.

You also get access to a much wider range of games, with sites like BetOnline having dozens of tables spread across cash, tournaments, and sit and go games. This includes mixed games, such as Omaha and Razz, which are almost non-existence live.

However, when playing live you get player interaction, which cannot be replicated online. It’s likely going to be a nicer atmosphere to play in and often the games are weaker at the respected stakes.

Live Poker in Virginia – Casinos with Poker Rooms

The only live poker options in Virginia come in the form of bingo halls and charitable gaming venues. We’ve listed some of the more popular ones below.

The Beach Poker Room

• Address: 444 S Lynnhaven Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23452, United States
• Opening hours: 11am – 7am

The Beach Poker room is one of the more popular spots and is located at Virginia Beach. It runs cash games daily, with tournaments running from Monday to Friday.

Pop’s Poker Room

• Address: 210 Giant Drive, Richmond, VA 23224, United States
• Opening hours: 2pm- 2am

Located in Richmond, Pop’s Poker has No Limit Texas Hold’em cash games running daily. The weekends have the biggest tournaments, with the $200 NL on Saturday and $150 NL on Sunday, attracting hundreds of players for each.

Victory Poker Lounge

• Address: 4040 McLean St, Portsmouth, VA 23701, United States
• Opening hours: Thursday 5am – 12am, Friday 5pm – 2am

Victory Poker lounge is in Portsmouth, Virginia, and runs daily cash games. It’s down to only two days a week, but games are still very popular when the doors do eventually open. Tournaments are run on an ad hoc basis, depending on the interest on that day.

Famous Virginia Poker Players

Virginia has several high-profile poker players, that we’ve listed below:

• Justin Bonomo – By far the highest profile and best poker player in Virginia is Justin Bonomo. He’s won over $58 million in career earnings with his biggest cash being a $10 million win at the 2018 WSOP in the $1,000,000 NLH event.

Gambling Addiction Resources in Virginia

Gambling must be enjoyed responsibly in order to avoid the threat of problem gambling. Around 150,000 people in Virginia are suspected to have a gambling problem. For support people can visit these resources:

• The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling website has educational resources and can direct you to support.
• Gamblers Anonymous will likely have meetings in the area.
• You can also find peer support through GamTalk.

The Best Poker Site in Virginia

BetOnline is featured as the number one poker site in Virginia. The platform has some of the best games that we’ve tested, with a high percentage of recreational poker players. Traffic is excellent, even at off-peak times, and has some of the best software in the business.

It comes with a $1,000 welcome bonus with a clearing rate of $ per $50 raked. You can also enter a series of freerolls as a new account, as well as access to a range of jackpot tournaments.