Those looking for more than a racetrack in Virginia might think they are out of luck. There are many more gambling options than the land-based establishments would have you believe. Millions of Americans are taking part in this worldwide pastime every day. These online gambling sites are part of a gaming revolution that is constantly gaining momentum.
This article will illuminate the federal and commonwealth laws that surround online gambling. The internet holds many opportunities that many gambling fans might not be aware of. We will point you in the direction of some great legal gambling sites for Virginia residents and tell you which laws affect the average bettor in Virginia.
The federal laws surrounding sports betting are clear-cut. In 1992, Congress felt that sports betting was becoming a “national problem”, and passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The PASPA outlawed sports betting in every state or commonwealth except for Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. This law regulates the amount of organized crime involved in sports betting. Independent bookies proliferate in most cities, and they like to prey on aspiring gamblers. We recommend staying away from these nefarious elements. Independent sports betting establishments are subject to raids, and your money will not be safe.
Since the PASPA banned sports betting in most states and commonwealths including Virginia, there are no laws regarding it. Some experts predict that the PASPA will be subject to major revisions in due time, and certain states or commonwealths might change their tune. As of now, there are no legal sports betting establishments in Virginia.
There are many Virginia sports betting sites that are legal to use. These sites function out of places like Canada, and the Republic of Panama, where running a sports betting site is legal. Millions of Americans use these sites every day, and they offer the fastest lines on all your favorite sports. These sites use the best security measures in the game and known to be just as safe as using sites like Amazon or even PayPal.
The federal laws surrounding casino gambling are straightforward. Federal law leaves the decision of whether to allow casinos up to the individual states and commonwealths. When it comes to online casinos, the federal laws are strict. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 banned online gambling sites from functioning in most of the US. You will not find an online gambling site in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Other than horse races, Virginia does not allow betting practices within the commonwealth. The language of the law not only criminalizes the operation of illicit casinos but punishes those who utilize them in an attempt to discourage the business of illicit gambling by removing their customer base.
Virginia has taken the stance that land based gambling is illegal. This doesn’t mean that residents cannot use the many legal online casinos for Virginia residents that operate overseas. These sites are safe, reputable, and offer great games for real money. Since these online establishments are legal for Virginia players, there is no concern over any unwanted legal attention.
The federal laws surrounding poker are much the same as the ones regarding casinos. Most states and commonwealths can decide whether to allow poker rooms. The UIGEA outlaws all forms of online poker in almost every state or commonwealth, so you will not find an online option in Virginia.
The Virginia gambling laws do not mention poker, but they do not allow gambling unless it’s pari-mutuel betting (such as horse racing). Because of this, you will not find a land-based poker room in the commonwealth. The laws the govern poker are the same as the ones that regulate casinos. There are no casinos or poker rooms in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Plenty of legal online poker rooms that accept Virginia players operate overseas and serve up some of the best action in the business. These VA poker sites are free to sign up for, offer limit and no-limit tables, and have large guaranteed tournaments as well as satellite events. These are currently the best options right now for Virginia residents, and the sites we review are all reputable and safe.
When searching out legal Virginia online gambling sites, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to know that the site is reputable and secure. There are many gambling forums online where members constantly debate which site is the best. Exploring these can be tiresome, with all the obnoxious behavior that prevails, but if a majority of forum members concludes that a site is worth it, it usually is. Luckily, we have done most of the dirty work for you, and have come up with a few sites that we consider to stand above the rest.
Bovada is the industry’s leading gambling site right now. You don’t have to take our word for it; US media giants like CBS Sports and USA Today also agree that Bovada is outstanding. This is where the professionals come to ply their trade when they are away from the big casinos. Bovada offers poker, sportsbooks, racebooks, and over 150 authentic virtual casino games. This meticulously crafted site is a virtual gambling hub, and you will be hard pressed to find any kind of wager that isn’t on offer. Bovada boasts the biggest sportsbook in the industry, with the fastest lines on all major sports. The poker section is always well populated, and there are innovative tournaments going on every day. The virtual casino is home to over 150 games, and there are bonuses that will make you more money every time you play.
Bovada now offers a mobile version of every aspect of the site. You can bet on your favorite game, play a few hands, and pass the hours in the casino all from the palm of your hand. Almost every mobile betting option comes with a Welcome Bonus, which rewards you on your first play. There are no extra charges, and you can contact customer service at any time if you experience any problems.