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Online Poker in Virginia | The Best Poker Sites for VA Players
Virginia residents can enjoy online poker through offshore platforms, as the state has yet to regulate peer-to-peer poker sites. These platforms provide a wide selection of cash games, tournaments, and exclusive promotions, making them a popular choice for Virginia players seeking competitive action.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best online poker sites available to players in Virginia, explore the state’s legal stance on online poker, and cover everything you need to know before getting started.
Online Poker Legality Snapshot
| Online Poker | Available (Offshore Only) |
| Land-Based Poker | Available at Licensed Casinos |
| Legal Gambling Age | 21+ |
| Poker Regulator | The Virginia Lottery |
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Virginia?
Yes! No law prohibits Virginia bettors from playing online poker for real money. However, as the state has yet to regulate online poker, the only option left is to play on offshore poker platforms.
These offshore sites serve as a reliable alternative since they operate under international licenses, which means they are not bound by any state or federal gambling laws in the US.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Virginia
While offshore poker rooms provide an option for Virginia players, not all sites are equally trustworthy. Some platforms offer a secure and fair gaming experience, while others may lack proper oversight. That’s why we carefully vet poker sites based on their reputation, security measures, fair play policies, and payout reliability.
With that in mind, here are our top recommendations for safe and reputable offshore poker sites:
- ACR Poker – Best for Tournament Players
- Bovada - Best for Casual Players
- Ignition Poker - Best for Secure and Fast Cryptocurrency Transactions
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in Virginia
Plenty of offshore poker sites welcome players from Virginia. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? This section analyzes the best poker sites available to Virginia residents.
| Poker Room | Bonus Offer | Best For | Minimum Deposit | Play Now |
| ACR | 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 ; (Released in $1 increments per 27.5 Award Points, 60 days to claim) | Best for Tournament Players | $10 | Play Now |
| Bovada | 100% up to $500 initial deposit bonus. 200% referral bonus for a $100 deposit + $75 bonus on cryptocurrency referral deposits. ( 30 days to claim) | Best for Casual Players | $10 | Play Now |
| Ignition Poker | 150% up to $3,000 (Crypto only), 100% up to $1,000 (Credit card only), 30 days to claim | Best for Secure and Fast Cryptocurrency Transactions | $10 | Play Now |
How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in Virginia
We didn’t just pick sites randomly; before making our recommendations, we thoroughly assessed every offshore poker site to ensure they aligned with the Virginia players' requirements. Here are some of the factors we considered before choosing our top picks for online gaming:
- Availability in Virginia: We prioritize platforms that operate on international licenses and accept poker players from Virginia.
- Customer support services: We look for platforms that provide the best customer support services to address consumers' concerns and grievances quickly.
- Player Traffic and Competition Levels: We look for platforms with active player bases so that Virginia residents can enjoy more player vs. player games instead of bots.
- Payment options: We favor platforms that offer secure, fast, and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies
- Game Variety & Features: We consider sites that offer a wide range of tournaments and poker games to cater to different player preferences.
Is Online Poker Legal in Virginia? | Laws & Legislation Summarized
Virginia law does not specifically address online poker, nor does the state regulate it. Since no state-licensed platforms exist, many players turn to offshore sites that accept Virginia residents. However, these sites operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and are not regulated by Virginia authorities.
Virginia’s gambling laws, outlined in Section 18-2-325, define illegal gambling as betting anything of value on an event that is “uncertain or a matter of chance.” Participating in illegal gambling as a player can lead to a misdemeanor charge (Section 18-2-326), while operating an illegal gambling business is a felony offense (Section 18-2-328). Additionally, cheating at gambling carries a unique penalty—offenders may be fined between five and ten times the amount won through cheating (Section 18-2-327).
One exception to Virginia’s gambling restrictions is private or social gambling, which is permitted under Section 18-2-334, as long as it does not operate as a business. Furthermore, individual counties have the authority to enforce their own gambling regulations, so players should also be aware of any local restrictions.
While online poker remains the primary option for Virginia players, the state’s live poker scene is also expanding. New casinos like Hard Rock Bristol and Rivers Portsmouth have added poker rooms, giving players access to in-person cash games and tournaments. However, Virginia does not currently offer state-licensed online poker, so players looking for real-money poker games online must turn to reputable offshore sites.
What is the Legal Age to Play Online Poker in Virginia?
In Virginia, players must be 21 or older before participating in land-based poker games and online sports betting. However, because internet poker has not been legalized or regulated in the state, there is no state-specific age requirement.
Most offshore poker sites require a minimum age of 21 or 18. So, before signing up on their platform, you must go through each platform's policy to ensure that you meet up with their age requirements and are also in compliance with other important terms.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Virginia
Poker should always be fun and played within your limits. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Virginia offers several resources, including counseling services, self-exclusion programs, and responsible gambling support.
If you're looking for self-help strategies, consider:
- Using self-exclusion tools on gambling websites to block access.
- Setting time and spending limits with the help of a financial advisor or trusted individual.
- Exploring new hobbies and spending more time with family and loved ones.
If these steps aren't enough, professional support can make a difference. Below are Virginia-based organizations and peer support groups dedicated to responsible gambling and addiction recovery.
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling: A non-profit organization that helps raise awareness about the dangers of gaming. Visit their website at https://vcpg.net/ for more information.
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Peer-support group for gambling addicts in Virginia and other states. To locate in-person or virtual meetings in Virginia, use the meeting locator on their website (https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/)
- QuitGamble: An online platform that educates gambling addicts on how to stop. Visit their website at https://quitgamble.com/stop-gambling-virginia/ to check out their resources.
- Birches Health: holds therapy sessions for gambling addicts in Virginia. Book a session on their website: https://bircheshealth.com/locations/virginia
Poker Players from Virginia
- Justin Bonomo - $65,611,097
- John Gabe Patgorski - $ 7,832,693
- Leo Wolpert - $ 1,768,647
- John Myung - $ 2,878,173
- John Gorsuch - $ 2,235,137
- Robert McLaughlin - $ 1,929,300
- Michael Jukich - $ 1,664,137
- William Lee Childs Jr - $ 1,569,405
- Phong Than Vip Nguyen - $ 1,551,461
- Temperance Hutter - $ 1,371,860
Virginia and Online Poker
Although Virginia has not yet regulated online poker, poker enthusiasts in the Old Dominion State can still access top offshore sites to play their favorite cash games and enjoy many promotions they typically won't get in land-based poker rooms.
Here’s our carefully selected list of the best poker rooms, each excelling in different areas. Bovada stands out for its top-tier customer support, offering 24/7 assistance via phone, email, and live chat, along with anonymous tables that protect player identities. Meanwhile, Ignition Poker provides the most well-rounded experience, featuring secure cryptocurrency transactions, generous bonuses, and various poker games suitable for all skill levels.
Ready to play? Choose from our top-rated Virginia online poker rooms, register today, and enjoy a secure and exciting poker experience from the comfort of your home.
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Virginia in the News
Virginia Legalizes Casinos and Online Gaming
Lawmakers in Virginia have been considering legalized gambling within its borders for years. Beyond the lottery and a horse racing
Virginia May Consider Casinos and Poker Rooms
Virginia offers little legalized gambling outside of the lottery. There is one horse racing track, Colonial Downs, which is located
Virginia Supreme Court Doesn’t Opine on Poker as a Game of Skill
In a move that will undoubtedly disappoint many fans of poker in the state of Virginia, the Supreme Court in
