FanDuel Sportsbook Live And Taking Wagers In Virginia

Written By Dann Stupp on January 21, 2021

Currently, only one operator is licensed and accepting wagers in the Virginia sports betting market due to a deal with the Washington Football Team, marking the official launch of sports betting in the state.

As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook, a prominent operator in the US, has commenced accepting bets from individuals located within the borders of Virginia.

Virginia is now the 19th state (along with Washington, DC) to have legalized sports betting available within its boundaries, following its recent launch.

How did FanDuel manage to become the first betting platform to enter the Virginia market, despite already operating in 11 other states?

According to Play Virginia, the spokesperson mentioned that while the Virginia Lottery has provided significant and preferred treatment to the sportsbook due to their collaboration with the Washington Football Team, it is expected that other sportsbooks will also be available online before SuperBowl LV on February 7.

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How to get started at FanDuel Virginia

At approximately 2 p.m. local time, FanDuel Sportsbook has officially launched in the commonwealth and is currently accepting wagers. To participate in the excitement, there are a few choices available to you.

To begin, you have the option to simply access your desktop or laptop, register an account, and place bets directly through your web browser.

However, the majority of individuals in Virginia are likely to have a greater inclination towards placing bets on their smartphones. The FanDuel application is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms. If you are searching for the app on your iPhone, it can be found in the App Store. However, if you are seeking the Android version, it cannot be found on the Play Store due to Google’s prohibition on gambling apps. Instead, you can visit FanDuel’s website using your phone’s browser, where you will find a noticeable link to download the app.

To make the most of an amazing sign-up deal, ensure that you sign up through our provided link to receive a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. This promotion exclusively applies to new customers. Here’s how it operates: place a single bet with a maximum wager of $1,000. If you win the bet, congratulations on a fantastic beginning! However, if you lose, FanDuel will refund your bet and grant you another opportunity to try your luck.

To ensure that all betting activities comply with state regulations, the app requires your consent to access your phone’s location technology before placing bets. If you reside near the state border, there is a possibility of encountering slight difficulties in accurately determining your location. If faced with any location issues, we recommend driving a bit further into the state and attempting again.

If you have already downloaded the FanDuel app to place bets in a state like West Virginia or Tennessee, there is no need to download it again. FanDuel offers a universal app that can be used in all states where it provides sports betting. However, it is important to note that not all sportsbooks have a universal app. Therefore, when other sportsbooks become available, such as BetMGM in Virginia, you may have to download a specific app for that state.

FanDuel’s competitive advantage in Virginia

FanDuel emerged as the top choice among 24 other applicants in the Virginia market, successfully launching on Thursday.

The reason for this, according to John Hagerty, a spokesperson for the VA Lottery, is the sports betting legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly. Despite the fact that the team plays in Maryland and is named after Washington, DC, its headquarters are actually situated in Virginia.

Nevertheless, despite FanDuel’s early advantage, Hagerty informed Play Virginia that within the upcoming two weeks, various other operators are expected to be operational and ready to accept bets.

FanDuel has become the recipient of the inaugural mobile sports betting permit, thanks to its collaboration with the Washington Football Team. The Virginia General Assembly has bestowed the team with significant benefits, resulting in this prestigious recognition. We expect that the decision for more permits will be made soon, and it is highly likely that multiple sportsbooks will be ready to accept legal bets from Virginians just in time for the Super Bowl on February 7.

To put it differently, FanDuel’s advantage will only last for a few days, not weeks.

In July 2020, the legalization of sports betting was enacted by the VA General Assembly. Subsequently, lawmakers established a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at fostering a strong and competitive market.

In the beginning, the Virginia Lottery had intended to license a maximum of 12 sportsbooks for online betting. However, with the introduction of new legislation that provides clear explanations to the original bill, that number could potentially increase to 19.