Honestly, the short answer is yes. FanDuel is completely legal in Virginia, and it has been for a while. But if you’re standing in Arlington or Richmond trying to put money on a game, there are some weird local quirks that might trip you up.
Virginia was actually a pioneer here. It was the first state to formally legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) back in 2016. Then, when the Supreme Court opened the floodgates for sports betting, Virginia didn't wait around. FanDuel was the very first mobile sportsbook to take a legal bet in the Commonwealth on January 21, 2021.
Is FanDuel Legal In Virginia For Everything?
Not exactly. You've got to break it down into three buckets: the sportsbook, daily fantasy, and the casino.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is wide open. You can download the app, create an account, and bet on the NFL, NBA, or whatever else you’re into. They even have a partnership with the Washington Commanders because the team’s HQ is in Ashburn. It’s pretty seamless.
Then there’s FanDuel Racing. If you want to bet on the horses, you’re good to go. Virginia has a long history with horse racing (shoutout to Colonial Downs), and FanDuel’s racing product is licensed and legal for residents.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is also a green light. Since the 2016 Fantasy Contests Act, FanDuel has been a staple for Virginians picking lineups for the weekend.
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But here is the catch. FanDuel Casino is not legal in Virginia. As of early 2026, you cannot play online slots or blackjack on the FanDuel app if you are physically located within Virginia state lines. There’s been a lot of talk in the General Assembly recently—specifically House Bill 161—about finally legalizing online casinos, but for right now, the "Casino" tab on your app will basically tell you to go away.
The "In-State" Trap You Have To Avoid
This is where people get annoyed.
Virginia law has a very specific, and some would say "annoying," rule: You cannot bet on Virginia college teams. If you want to bet on the UVA Cavaliers or Virginia Tech Hokies, FanDuel literally won't let you. The games might show up in the app, but you can’t click them. This applies to every licensed sportsbook in the state, not just FanDuel. They also ban "player props" for all college sports, even if the teams are from California or Florida. No betting on how many yards a random QB throws for if it's a Saturday afternoon college game.
Who can actually play?
You’ve gotta be 21 or older for the sportsbook. No exceptions.
If you're just doing the horse racing or DFS, the age limit is technically 18 under state law, but FanDuel often streamlines their internal rules to 21+ for everything to keep things simple with the Virginia Lottery Board, which oversees the whole operation.
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Also, you have to be inside Virginia. The app uses geofencing that is surprisingly aggressive. If you're driving across the Chain Bridge into D.C., the app might cut you off mid-wager. It happens.
Taxes and The "Hidden" Costs
Nobody likes talking about it, but the tax man stays busy in the Commonwealth. If you hit a big win—usually $600 or more, or if you win 300x your bet—FanDuel is required to report that to the IRS and the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Virginia treats gambling winnings as taxable income. You're looking at a state tax rate that scales, but generally, you should set aside about 2% to 5.75% for the state, on top of whatever the feds want.
A quick pro-tip: Keep a record of your losses. In Virginia, you can often deduct your gambling losses to offset your winnings, but only if you itemize. Don't just delete your betting history at the end of the year.
Why FanDuel Specifically?
There are like a dozen sportsbooks in VA now—DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, etc. Why do people stick with FanDuel?
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- Same Game Parlays: They basically invented this. If you want to bet on the Commanders to win, Jayden Daniels to throw 2 TDs, and the over on points all in one ticket, FanDuel makes it easier than anyone else.
- The Interface: Honestly, it’s just less buggy. Some of the newer apps that launched in 2024 and 2025 still feel a bit "clunky."
- Payout Speed: They’ve gotten really fast. If you use a debit card or Venmo, you can usually get your cash out in a couple of hours.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The biggest thing to watch is the push for iGaming.
The state is currently looking at legislation that would allow FanDuel to launch its online casino. If that passes, you’ll suddenly see slots and live dealer games appearing in the app. Until then, if you really want to play blackjack, you have to drive to a physical casino like the ones in Bristol or Danville, or cross the border into West Virginia where it's already legal.
There is also a bill (HB515) floating around right now that might ban the use of credit cards for sports betting. If that becomes law, you'll have to use a debit card, bank transfer, or something like PayPal to fund your account. It’s a move meant to curb problem gambling, but it’ll be a hurdle for some casual users.
Practical Next Steps for Virginia Bettors
If you’re ready to jump in, here is the smart way to do it:
- Check for the "No-Sweat" Promos: FanDuel almost always has a "Bet $5, Get $150 (or $200)" deal for new users in Virginia. Don't just sign up; make sure you click the promo banner.
- Verify Your Identity: You'll need the last four digits of your SSN. It feels sketchy, but it’s a legal requirement for every regulated book in VA to prevent money laundering and underage play.
- Set Your Limits: Use the "Play Well" tools in the app. You can set a monthly deposit limit so you don't accidentally spend your rent money on a "lock" that wasn't actually a lock.
- Watch the Borders: If you live near the Maryland or D.C. line, make sure your Wi-Fi is on. It helps the GPS verify you’re actually in Virginia so you don't get a "location failed" error right before kickoff.
Virginia is one of the most stable markets for FanDuel right now. It's safe, it's regulated, and as long as you aren't trying to bet on the Hokies, you're good to go.
Actionable Insight: Before you place your first bet, navigate to the "Promotions" tab in the FanDuel app. Virginia bettors frequently get specific "odds boosts" for local teams like the Commanders or Nationals that aren't available to people in other states. If you’re going to bet anyway, you might as well get the inflated price.