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Although online casino gambling is still illegal or unregulated in Virginia, there is a surge of casino apps that are quite popular with the locals. There were some efforts to legalize online casino gambling in Virginia back in 2020, but the bill fell short, and state officials only passed a sports betting bill.

This means that real-money casino sites are still unavailable here. So, how do people here play casino apps when they are still illegal?

Mobile Sports Betting

Let’s first talk about the mobile sports betting industry, just so we can understand the potential of casino apps. Virginia legalized sports betting with HB 1847 in 2021 without the need for physical casinos, which was a bold move, let’s just say that.

By 2025, there will be 14 sportsbooks that allow people from Virginia to place bets on everything from the NFL to golf tournaments all through their phone.

The Virginia Lottery is the regulatory body that oversees these apps, and last year, the Virginia sports betting handle was close to $7 billion, which shows that the market is already booming.

But why are such apps so popular? Well, we live in modern times where people are looking for convenience, and having an app on your phone that allows you to place a bet without needing to go to an actual location is the biggest reason why there is a high demand for gambling apps in Virginia.

This brings us to our next point, casino apps, which are still illegal. If sports betting gets massive attention from the public, we would have the same situation with online casino gambling. The state is losing a lot of money by not legalizing online casinos because most people look for alternatives like crypto betting in offshore casinos.

Click here if you want to find out which are some of the best casino apps for 2025.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Real-money online casinos are still off the table in Virginia, but sweepstakes apps like Chumba Casino, Pulsz, and Luckyland Slots are filling the void.

These platforms, legal under state law, use Gold Coins for free play and Sweeps Coins for cash prizes, redeemable for bank transfers or gift cards. Many Virginians spin on these apps, with 12+ platforms offering hundreds of slots, poker, and blackjack games.

Sweepstakes apps deliver glitzy, Vegas-style action without breaking state rules, boasting sharp graphics and immersive soundtracks. It is not as fun as real-money casino apps, but it’s better to get something rather than nothing, right? They’re a hit for casual players who want the thrill without a casino trip.

Land-Based Casinos

But what if sweepstakes aren’t cutting the cheese for you, and you want that adrenaline rush when your money is on the line? Well, the only option is to go to land-based casinos in Virginia.

Virginia’s gambling glow-up includes five new land-based casinos—Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Bristol, Caesars Danville, HeadWaters Norfolk, and a Richmond casino slated for 2026.

Legalized in 2020, these spots offer slots, table games, and sportsbooks, pulling in $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024. Their loyalty programs sync with mobile platforms, letting you earn points for free drinks or bets.

We assume that the moment when state officials pass the bill allowing online casinos to operate (which will eventually happen), most of these casinos will publish their own casino apps.

These casinos create a gambling buzz, inspiring fans to keep the action going on their phones after leaving the floor. They’re turning Virginia into a gaming destination, from Norfolk’s waterfront to Bristol’s hills. After all, they are the only totally legal place where you can enjoy some real-money casino action in Virginia.

The Crypto and Social Edge

Crypto gambling is creeping into Virginia’s app scene, though it’s still a gray area. These are apps that let you bet with Bitcoin or Ethereum on slots and table games, with blockchain tech ensuring fast, secure payouts.

Not many people are drawn to crypto casinos, just because not many of them understand how cryptocurrencies even work.

These are usually offshore casino apps that don’t have any geo restrictions, meaning that you can play online casino games with real money (cryptocurrencies) whenever you like.

Crypto adds a futuristic twist, while social features bring players together, like a digital card game with pals.

The online gambling scene in Virginia isn’t fully developed, but even despite regulation, casino apps are quite popular here.

Gamble Responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.