Virginia Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in VA

Find the best online poker rooms in VA and learn about gambling laws in The Old Dominion

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Offshore poker sites aren’t regulated but fall into a legal gray zone in Virginia.
  • Land-based Virginia poker gameplay was only recently made legal in the state.
  • Sweepstakes poker is particularly popular amongst Virginians.
  • When you play online, you can expect to join top tourneys with prizes worth $1 million or more.
  • Virginia has debated legalizing online poker and other games, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in Virginia

  • Ignition – #1 overall poker room in Virginia
  • Everygame – Most generous rakeback deals in Virginia
  • Bovada – Best Virginia native mobile poker app

Reviews of the Top Three Online Poker Rooms in Virginia

Ignition Poker

Ignition Poker Room

Another one of our recommended venues to play online poker in Virginia is Ignition, which debuted in 2016. Of course, you can find the same array of poker games here as you will at other sites, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Hi-Lo options. You can enjoy a range of table limits that start at $0.10/$0.25.

Ignition Poker is most notable for the Golden Spade Open. This renowned poker tourney supports a $1 million guaranteed cash prize. However, there are smaller tournaments you can explore, too. Chief amongst them is the Gumball 3,000, which supports a guaranteed cash prize worth a quarter of a million dollars.

Ignition accepts US dollar and cryptocurrency deposits as standard. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, American Express, MasterCard, and VISA are all supported when you want to start playing poker online.

Use any of these USD methods to make your first deposit and claim a 100% match up to $1,000. Alternatively, deposit with cryptocurrency to claim a larger $1,500 welcome bonus. Plus, you gain entry into Ignition Poker’s $2.5k freeroll.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker stands as a reputable platform for Virginia poker aficionados, with a legacy stretching back to the mid-2000s. It hosts a variety of beloved poker games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, alongside Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud, catering to a wide range of preferences.

The stakes commence at a modest $0.01/$0.02, presenting an affordable entry for casual players, while high-rollers can find their niche at the high-limit tables available, ensuring a balanced offering for all players.

While it may not feature a grandiose tournament like the Monthly Millions, Everygame Poker holds its own with a lively tournament scene. Engage in knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs, each providing a competitive arena for players.

Upon joining, a welcoming bonus of up to $1,000 awaits, with a 200% match deposit. The deposit process is smooth with major credit cards and various cryptocurrencies accepted, making it a straightforward choice for Virginia’s poker community.

Bovada Poker

Bovada

Playing poker games at Bovada Poker is a breeze. But because the site launched back in 2004 (when it was known as Bodog), Bovada has had plenty of time to build up a solid reputation with players.

Simply, Bovada is one of the most experienced sites on our list and it’s home to Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud, among other variants. You can also try fast-fold poker for a slick way to enjoy cash games.

Bovada Poker is an online gambling site with one of the most extravagant tournaments around: the Monthly Millions. Participate to win a share of a guaranteed $1 million pot in this competition. Knockout tournaments and bounties are also playable at Bovada, while newbies can get started with beginners’ tables once they register.

As a new Bovada Poker player in Virginia, you can claim a 100% match on your first deposit. The promotion is worth up to $500 when you use the PWB500 code and make a deposit with a debit or credit card. You can also jump in with a cryptocurrency deposit. All major digital coins are accepted, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Online Poker Laws & Regulations in Virginia – Is It Legal?

The Old Dominion has recently adjusted Virginia law and rules regarding betting. Most activities constituted illegal gambling until 2022, even if it wasn’t necessarily punishable.

That’s all changed now. Is online poker legal, then? Well, no, sadly, the Hold’em and Omaha games are still unregulated. Are home poker games legal? Absolutely. Let’s examine what the changes mean for Virginia online poker sites and land-based gambling in the state.

In 2020, the Virginia Code was changed to benefit state players who wanted to gamble. This effectively made the minimum gambling age 18. In addition, lottery sales and some charitable gambling were made legal. A further change in 2021 removed the illegal gambling status of sports betting. Legalized sports betting is now fully legal in the Old Dominion. Some of the biggest online sportsbooks in Virginia now enjoy access to the new gambling market.

Live poker and casino games are also on the way, with plans to build several brick ‘n mortar establishments. However, the situation surrounding Virginia online casinos and poker remains murky. Online poker sites were not included in the latest bill. And while it is popular, sweepstakes poker hasn’t been included, either. Home poker games seem to be above the law, though.

It could be a while yet before we see poker fully legal in Virginia, at least online. Currently, you’ll need to head to offshore poker sites if you want to play P2P games over the web.

How to Play Online Poker in Virginia

Whether you prefer playing on a mobile poker app or a desktop client, the steps to get started at the top Virginia online poker room remain relatively similar. Using Ignition Poker as a guideline, here’s how to dive into the online poker arena:

1. Select an Online Poker Site

Ignition Poker is a solid choice for players in Virginia. Browse through its offerings to ensure it aligns with your preferences concerning game variety and stake levels.

2. Create an Ignition Poker Account

Click the ‘Join Now’ button on the Ignition Poker homepage. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and other necessary personal details in the registration form to create a new account. Once completed, submit the form and verify your account through the verification link sent to your email.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose a Welcome Offer

Log into your new Ignition Poker account and navigate to the cashier section to deposit funds. Select your preferred payment method, specify the deposit amount, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Ignition Poker often provides a welcome bonus which may require a bonus code for activation. If a code is needed, it’s generally found on the promotions page of the website.

4. Play Online Real Money Poker

Go to the lobby where you can choose from a variety of gaming options including cash games, tournaments, or Sit ‘n Gos. Review the minimum and maximum stakes, pot rules, and buy-ins for the real-money games available.

If you’re new to poker, consider starting with a freeroll or testing the waters at the play-money tables to gain some experience.

When Will Virginia Online Poker Sites Be Legalized?

It could be some time before Virginia players get to play at regulated online poker sites. There are no plans to legalize cash games and tournaments in the same way that online sports betting has been. In addition, offshore casinos are your only place to enjoy roulette, blackjack, or slots.

By contrast, West Virginia has legalized all these games in a full sweep of legislation that began a few years ago. It’s possible to bet online as long as you are located within WV borders.

Don’t want to leave home? Feel free to join our internet poker rooms based offshore, which operate in a legal gray zone in the Old Dominion.

How to Choose the Right Virginia Poker Site for Your Play Style

Virginia online poker sites support the most popular games. You should choose the top sites in the poker world based on the quality of games, tournaments, and welcome bonuses. Those are just some of the criteria we check out when we select the top VA online gaming sites.

Here are our top picks for Virginia poker fans:

  • Cash game variety: BetOnline Poker
  • Betting limits: Bovada Poker
  • Freeroll availability: Ignition Poker
  • Poker welcome bonus size: Everygame Poker
  • Tournament variety: Americas Card Room
  • Mobile betting: SportsBetting.ag Poker
  • Rakeback: Everygame Poker

What Varieties of Poker Are Available Online in Virginia?

The best online poker sites in Virginia offer much the same selection of games. Here are some of the most popular poker variants that you can play online in the state:

Texas Hold’em

There’s no doubt about it; the number one game when it comes to global poker is Texas Hold’em. The same is true for venues that accept players from Virginia. The card game is the star of tournaments, including the WSOP Main Event and WPT World Championship.

Hold’em features hole cards (two of them), community cards (five in total), and a series of betting rounds between each deal of the cards. You must make the best five-card hand with any of the seven cards available.

Omaha/Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha is a popular Hold’em variant that plays a little like Texas Hold’em, with one difference: you must use two of your hole cards to form the best poker hand. The best Virginia online poker rooms will normally spread a mix of Omaha cash games and tournaments to suit all stakes.

Try Omaha Hi-Lo if you want to spice up your play. In Hi-Lo, there is the chance to win half the pot if you hit the best qualifying low hand as well as the best high hand.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud is still a popular old-school poker game for Virginians. However, its status as the go-to game for poker players in the US has been supplanted by Hold’em in recent decades.

In a game of Seven-Card Stud, you must form a conventional five-card hand from seven cards. Betting is usually in a Limit format, and each player receives a series of down-cards between each betting round.

Boost Poker

Boost Poker is a fast-fold cash game variant that is popular at many US-facing gambling sites. You move tables following the end of each hand.

Boost Poker may be beneficial if you’re new to playing online, as it gives you a bit of wiggle room in terms of your opponents. The basic idea is that you should end up at a table with similarly skilled counterparts. This helps to ensure a better long-term profit, plus you avoid sharks who have cottoned on to your style.

Windfall Poker

Another game that features in both tournaments and cash games is Windfall Poker. This is a three-hand variant with a randomly-assigned jackpot.

The winner-takes-all prize varies depending on your buy-in level. Most jackpots are won by one player only. However, at the higher levels, the prizepool may be split among all players.

A History of Online Poker Legislation in Virginia

Online poker sites aren’t yet green-lit in Virginia, but we can see progress based on the history of gambling in the state. Let’s chart that below:

  • 1973: Virginia legalizes charitable gambling games. Charitable gaming options are still legal today.
  • 1987: Virginia legalizes the state lottery. It becomes legal to purchase lottery tickets.
  • 1995: A bid to legalize riverboat casino gaming is beaten.
  • 2013: Virginia once more tries to offer legal poker and casino games but fails.
  • 2020: The state announces that live poker, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports are legal.
  • 2021: The first sportsbooks go live.
  • 2022: Work begins on constructing land-based casinos in Virginia. However, there is no discussion concerning online poker sites and real-money games.

Can You Play Online Poker for Free in Virginia?

Freerolls represent an excellent way to play poker without paying an entry fee. You may be awarded freeroll entries by opening a new account. You can also gain freeroll tickets on a daily or weekly basis, or by joining a VIP program.

Mobile Online Poker in Virginia

Mobile online poker sites in Virginia can take two forms: apps or browser-based sites. Downloadable gambling apps are compatible with iOS and Android handsets. However, these tend to be available only in regulated states.

Either way, you’ll download them at the source or in an app store. They offer streamlined, mobile-optimized gameplay, with all the same options provided at a web-based site. You use a touch slider to alter bets, plus you can use the mobile cashier to make deposits.

Instant-play poker action on mobile devices requires nothing more than a browser. While not as optimized, these sites are still mobile-friendly, and you won’t miss out on any of the actions if you choose to use them.

What Online Poker Tournaments Are Available to Virginia Poker Players?

One of the most exciting aspects of playing Virginia online poker is competing in online tournaments. Most are similarly structured to the rules found in land-based casinos, but there are differences sometimes. Let’s explain what you can expect to see here.

Freerolls

When online poker sites offer freerolls, you’re looking at pocketing entry-free access to tournaments. There are no buy-ins or entry fees involved here, but you can still win real money.

Freezeout Tournaments

This option represents most of the tournaments you’ll find online. The best freezeouts offer guaranteed prizepools and run daily or weekly. You can’t rebuy in a freeroll: once you’re out of chips, the game is over for you.

Multi-Buy Tournaments

Multi-buys let you stock up on chip stacks before the card games begin. Once it does, you fall back on any chips you already have, but that is all.

Rebuys

Rebuys don’t require you to purchase additional chips ahead of time. You can get yourself back into the action by re-buying. However, you can’t do this indefinitely, so be sure that you rebuy before the window closes.

Guaranteed Tournaments

Guaranteed tournaments support cash prizes put up by the online poker site. The guarantee is honored, regardless of how many players there are. It’s possible to have some overlay, added value that must be paid out by the poker rooms.

Online Satellites

Major poker tourneys sometimes have qualifiers that allow you to win your buy-in without breaking the bank. Satellites can start from as little as $0.01, but the potential prizes are huge.

Bounties

Bounties are knockouts that award a cash prize every time you eliminate a player. You can still win a good amount of money, even if you get nowhere near the regular prize payouts.

Banking Methods at Online Virginia Poker Apps

A typical Virginia online poker site will support US dollar deposits made using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Wire Transfers, and other options. However, our trusted sites also accept cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and Litecoin.

You’ll find a variety of deposit and withdrawal limits available, ranging from low $5 minimum deposits up to $500,000. However, limits will vary depending on your choice of banking method. Watch out for transaction fees on some card deposits and withdrawals.

Some poker sites want you to clear a KYC (Know Your Customer) identity verification process before they will process your withdrawal request. You may have to provide a scan of your passport or other photographic ID to complete the process.

Rakeback at Virginia Online Poker Rooms

While not all online poker sites offer rakeback, many of our most trusted partners certainly do. Rakeback is akin to cashback, and it sees you redeem a small part of the rake you’ve paid while playing in selected games and tournaments. The value of your rakeback can vary, as can its practical use – sometimes it’s offered as a bonus, and sometimes it is presented as wager-free funds.

Top 4 Brick ‘n Mortar Poker Rooms in Virginia

At present, there are no casinos currently operating in the Old Dominion. However, poker rooms are on the way. Live poker will soon be playable in brick-and-mortar casinos across the state. Moreover, these will be legal casinos. While none are currently open, we’ll give you the information you need about those that are on the way.

Caesars Virginia

Caesars aimed to open a poker room for Virginia poker players after July 2023. This was only be a temporary venue offering poker games until the casino and hotel are formally opened in 2024. We’ll bring you more about this casino when it debuts this summer.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Players in Bristol are already able to try poker in Virginia. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened its poker room in July 2022. However, it also acts as a temporary live poker venue until a permanent casino opens in the summer of 2024.

The temporary poker room at Hard Rock currently only offers casino poker, games such as Mississippi Stud, Three Card, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

HeadWaters Resort & Casino

This poker room at HeadWaters is aiming to be fully operational in Norfolk in 2024 or 2025. Construction is a little behind its counterparts, and like those, it aims to have a temporary live poker venue first. However, this, too, is not currently operational.

Rivers Casino

Portsmouth’s Rivers Casino is a live poker venue that is up and running, so it is one of the first land-based casinos in the state. Moreover, its dedicated poker room is ready for you. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily, seven days a week, and offers Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games and tournaments. Expect the schedule to expand as the gambling resort finds its feet this year.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in Virginia

Given the recent emergence of Virginia’s legal gambling scene, we would not be surprised to see new casinos spring up. We haven’t heard anything about new venues doing so just yet, but there is talk of a handful of tribal casinos going live, so that’s something to keep an eye out for. We’ll keep you informed if things change there.

Poker Promotions in Virginia

As we’ve already said, online poker sites (especially those you’ll find here) tend to come rocking promotional offers and bonuses. The value of each offer can vary from site to site. However, most of our trusted domains offer a similar range of deals, including:

Welcome Bonus

Claim a welcome bonus when you sign up at a site to play poker in Virginia. Most welcome bonuses consist of a cash match on your first deposit. Some sites also toss in freeroll tickets as part of the deal. Always check those terms and conditions before accepting any bonus. You’ll want to be aware of any wagering conditions before you start clearing a bonus.

Freerolls

Virginia poker fans can find freerolls at some of our recommended online gambling sites. Freerolls give you access to tournaments with no buy-in. You can, however, win a share of a small prizepool when you play. Freerolls are also offered to regular players too. Check our top poker site reviews to find out what’s available today.

Rakeback

As with freerolls, the availability of rakeback varies from site to site. Rakeback may be offered as a bonus or as real money and is typically used to bump up your balance and prolong the amount of time before you need to re-deposit.

Why Play at Virginia Poker Rooms Online?

Playing at online Virginia poker sites is ideal for so many reasons. From free games to real money poker, promos, bonuses, tournaments, and anonymity, we’ve got all the main reasons to join online poker sites right here. They include:

Dedicated Bonuses

Claim dedicated bonuses tied to specific cash games and tournaments. Besides the welcome bonus, you can bag freerolls, rakeback, and other good stuff when you sign up to play at our trusted sites. The value of these bonuses often exceeds what you’ll find at land-based venues.

Multiple Tables

You can always grab a digital seat at the table when trying poker in Virginia at online sites. From Texas to Omaha Hold’em, and more besides, you won’t have to wait, and you can play at any time, with most sites offering various buy-ins and table limits.

Poker Tournaments

As touched on above, Virginia poker sites support many tournaments, some of which are akin to those in a brick-and-mortar venue and others that aren’t. In the best tourneys, the prizepools are worth tens of thousands of bucks, or even more. The top tournaments offer guaranteed prizepools in the millions.

24/H Access

As mentioned, there are no delays, no waiting, and no closing times at Virginia’s top internet poker rooms. You can play around the clock whenever it suits you. There is 24/7 support to boot, so if you’re a night owl or an early bird, online poker is favorable.

Anonymity

Land-based poker in Virginia is fine, but when it comes to online, things get messy. Therefore, some Virginians prefer a touch of anonymity, and this is often provided at an offshore site. Crypto poker domains excel at it and allow you to deposit virtually anonymously using Bitcoin Cash and other options.

Famous Virginia Online Poker Players

Some Virginia poker stars have built up huge reputations, along with massive bankrolls. Here are some of the most famous players to come out of the state:

  • Justin Bonomo: Known as ZeeJustin, this Oaktown native has won over $60m in offline MTT earnings and has three WSOP bracelets, putting him top of our pile.
  • John Gabe Patgorski: Patgorski has won over $7.8m and earned a spot on our list with an impressive number of cashes.
  • Urindanger and Trex313: Di “Urindanger” and Hac Dang (Trex313) worked together to win $8m after graduating from the University of Virginia, and both are now retired from the online poker scene.

FAQ

Is Online Poker Legal in Virginia?

Poker remains unregulated in VA. Sweepstakes poker and playing poker at offshore sites are not illegal, so you can do both in a legal gray zone.

Can You Play Real Money Poker in Virginia?

Yes. You can play poker online for real money at offshore gambling sites or at some brick ‘n mortar casinos.

Where Can I Play Live Poker in Virginia?

Two poker rooms are currently available in Virginia, although more establishments opened in the summer of 2023 and throughout 2024 and 2025, all of which will offer live poker.

What’s the Largest Cardroom in Virginia?

Currently, Rivers Casino is the biggest site in Virginia with a dedicated cardroom. However, other poker rooms are soon on their way, so this could change.

Can I Play Online Freerolls in Virginia?

Of course. You can claim a freeroll token as part of a sign-up bonus. The best online poker sites also run regular big-money freerolls for players of all budgets.

Are There Comp Points at Virginia Poker Sites?

Yes. Various Virginia online poker sites offer loyalty points that you can build up by playing cash games and tournaments. Build up points and redeem them for benefits and perks later on.

Can You Predict the Results of an Online Poker Game?

Playing poker with human counterparts may allow you to see tells and weaknesses. You won’t get that when playing online, but skills and strategy can still take you a long way.

Are There Any Famous Poker Players from Virginia?

The Virginia poker scene has been graced by the likes of John Gabe Patgorski and John Myung, while Urindanger and Trex313 have had success online. None hold a candle to the $60m in career cashes won by Justin “ZeeJustin” Bonomo, though.

Is Ignition Legal in Virginia?

Ignition Poker in Virginia currently has an unregulated status, meaning that you can sign up and play there from within state lines. However, the poker room is licensed offshore.

Can You Play at BetOnline Poker from Virginia?

BetOnline is not regulated by Virginia’s gaming commission. However, it does accept US-based players from its offshore HQ.

What’s the Difference Between P2P and Poker Games at Online Casinos?

Only Virginia poker sites offer P2P games against other players. Online casinos typically offer you poker games that are played against the computer.

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