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
Massive daily & weekly tournament schedule with high guarantees
Daily freerolls & leaderboards for casual players
Fast Bitcoin withdrawals (1-8 hours)
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1-24 hours
Best for Fast-Fold Blitz Poker
Blitz Poker is ACR’s fast-fold format, ideal for Virginia poker fans seeking high hand volume in short sessions. The mobile version performs well, allowing seamless transitions between cash tables and tournaments. ACR offers a strong variety of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and other variants. The site is competitive, posing a challenge for casual players, though the $2,000 welcome bonus eases entry. Crypto withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, enhancing the experience for players.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best Customer Support for VA Players
Responsive customer support is what helps Bovada stand out. Whether you use live chat, email, or the phone line, the team tends to respond quickly, something many platforms fail to deliver. If you have questions about banking or need clarification during a session, it’s good to know that help is close. Combine that with anonymous tables for added privacy, and you get a supportive and straightforward platform anywhere in Virginia.
Ignition is a standout in Virginia for crypto users and low-pressure online poker. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin deposits are fast and fee-free, with crypto reload bonuses available weekly. Zone Poker and anonymous tables favor recreational play, while daily tournaments offer plenty of low-to-mid stakes options. The $1,500 poker bonus plus $1,500 casino match provides early value, and regular freerolls keep the action going. For smooth, private sessions, it checks all the boxes.
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.
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/)
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.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Virginia Online Poker
