Although Virginia has legalized commercial casinos and online sports betting, the state has not yet legalized online gambling. Hence, finding where to play your favorite online slot games might be hard. But it is not impossible; there are safe options where you can play Virginia online slots for free or with real money.
In this article, we aim to highlight the best options for playing Virginia slots online. We also hope to introduce you to top offshore and reputable social casino sites with a wide collection of high-end slot games. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about online slots in Virginia!
Are Online Slots Legal in Virginia?
Although online sports betting and commercial casinos are legal in Virginia, playing real-money online slot games remains illegal. You can place bets on your favorite sports games online. However, you can’t play games like poker and slots online for real money in Virginia.
Nonetheless, the illegality of online gambling doesn’t mean you can’t play online slot games. While joining online casinos based in Virginia is impossible, you can still sign up for many top-rated offshore online casinos. Also, Virginia residents can log on to social casinos and play casino-like games for free.
When Will Online Gambling Become Legal in Virginia?
Unfortunately, the Virginia government is friendlier toward sports fans than gamblers. Since the admission of online sports betting in the state, Virginia has licensed over ten sportsbooks. These sportsbooks offer a plethora of games ranging from domestic to international games.
But as of now, it is unclear when or If Virginia will ever approve online gambling. In the meantime, you can head to any offshore casinos and try your hands at any casino games you like.
Timeline of the Virginia Gambling Scene
You must look at the past to have a clearer view of the future. Here are some critical moments for gambling in Virginia:
- 1997: Colonial Downs, a horsing race track, first opens.
- 2013: An attempt to legalize riverboat casinos fails.
- 2014: Colonial Downs, a horsing track in Virginia, closes down over a dispute.
- 2018: Horse racing machines are licensed in Virginia.
- 2019: Live horse racing resumes after years of the racetrack closure
- 2020: Online sports betting becomes legal in Virginia. Voters in Norfolk, Bristol, and Danville approve land-based casinos in their states.
- 2021: Virginia online sports betting goes live.
- 2022: The first land-based casino, Future Home of Hard Rock, opens in Virginia.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Virginia?
In Virginia, the legal gambling age is 18 years old. The age applies to both sports betting and gambling. The legal gambling age in Virginia seems strange since most gambling-friendly states only permit gambling for those aged 21 and above.
Nonetheless, all offshore casino sites and social casinos that accept Virginia players also permit gamblers 18 years and above.
Virginia Gambling Taxes
While waiting for online gambling to be legalized, it pays to get familiar with how gambling taxes work in Virginia. The state’s income taxes range from 2 to 5.75 percent. Also, you are obligated to pay $720 for winnings of $3,000 or more.
Aside from the state tax, residents of Virginia are also liable to pay federal tax. As with other states, the rate is around 24% after crossing the eligible threshold.
Moreover, Virginia is different from other states because there are no concessions for losses while making tax declarations.
Who Regulates Online Gaming in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery is in charge of regulating all forms of legalized gambling in Virginia. The body ensures that all legal gambling sites, including online sportsbooks and land-based casinos, work according to the state’s standards. It is also involved in licensing, regulating, and auditing gaming operators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and employees.
Besides the obvious duties of the Virginia Lottery, it also does the following:
- Ensure that slot machines in land-based aren’t rigged
- Enforcing responsible gambling among gamblers within the state
- Preventing underage gambling
However, since the Virginia government hasn’t legalized online gambling, it is not under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Lottery. Only the forms of gambling legal in the state fall under the regulatory body. The legal types of gambling and places where gambling can take place in Virginia are:
- Racinos
- Tribal casinos
- Charitable lottery
- Daily fantasy sports
- Sweepstake casinos
- Land-based casinos
- Online sportsbooks
- State-run lotteries
If online casinos become legal in Virginia, they would fall under the jurisdiction of the Virginia lottery.
Where Can You Play Online Slots in Virginia?
Virginia doesn’t permit online gambling within its borders. But there are several social casinos online that offer high-rated online slots in Virginia for free. Here is a brief run-through of the social casinos and what they offer their players.
Pulsz
Most social casino players in Virginia are familiar with Pulsz. The social casino started operating in 2006, and has been growing strong ever since. On the site, players get access to a vast selection of casino games and a bit of the Vegas experience. You will find table games like roulette and blackjack, which aren’t on many social casino sites. More so, there are myriad slot machines with numerous paylines.
You can play for free on Pulsz or buy the site’s currency, wager, and stand a chance to win real money.
What Pulsz offers Virginia players:
- Over 250 exciting, thrilling games from Pragmatic Play, EvoPlay, and more
- Mobile-friendly site
- Excellent VIP programs
- Various bonus offers, promotions, and tournaments
- Quality graphics and display
Most popular slot games on Pulsz
- Wolf Gold
- Cycle of Luck
- Buffalo: Hold and Win
- Olympian Gods
- Day of Dead
- Diamond Strike
- Aztec Pyramids
Fortune Coins
When discussing welcome bonuses, Fortune Coins has no competition. The social casino gives its new players a huge welcome bonus that allows them to explore the site’s games and develop a list of favorites. As well as welcome bonuses, Fortune Coins also offers promotions. Aside from the site’s interesting bonuses, it also includes incredible slots and table games.
What Fortune Coins offers Virginia players:
- Over 140,000 gold coins and 5,000 fortune coins when you register
- 50+ interesting games
- An average payout rate of 97%
- Fortune FC jackpot
- Daily no-deposit bonuses
Most popular slot games on Fortune Coins
- Dia De Los Muertos
- 777 Hotline
- Genie’s Lamp
- Farm Treasure
- Hot 777
- Caishen of Prosperity
- Emily’s Treasure
Stake Casino
If you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast and a slots lover in one, Stake casino has a treat for you. Stake Casino differs from all the other social casinos on this list by being a crypto-only site. Players can use mainstream cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin to buy the site’s currency and play exciting Virginia online slots. You can also gamble here for free.
Stake Casino also has an interesting range of games on its site. The casino has risen to fame by offering exclusive slot games.
What Stake Casino offers Virginia players:
- A welcome bonus package that includes 10,000 gold coins and one stack cash coin
- Gambling with cryptocurrencies
- A fast and simple deposit process
- Generous promotions and classy VIP programs
- A lot of slot game titles
Most popular slot games on Stake Casino
- Sugar Rush
- Sweet Bonanza
- Honey Rush
- Gates of Olympus
- Book of Shadows
Gambino Slots
Gambino Slots is one of the most respected social casino names in Virginia. As the name implies, Gambino Slots offers almost exclusively quality slot games. When Virginia players play here, it is safe and secure. You can play Gambino Slots on almost every device.
You can play your favorite slot games here for free or real money. If you want to play for real money, you can buy the currency and gamble it for a chance of winning.
What Gambino Slots offers Virginia players:
- 100,000 Free Coins and 200 Free Spins to new players
- Reliable customer support
- An app that’s available on all platforms
- Over 150 unique slot games
- Incredible VIP programs and exciting bonuses
Most popular slot games on Gambino Slots
- Aztec Fortune
- License to Win
- Samba in Rio
- Moon Spirit
- Enchanted Orbs
- Reel Estate
- Legend of Zeus
BetRivers.NET
BetRivers.NET offers a wide variety of table and slot games. Here, you can play all the games you want for free and stand a chance to walk home richer. You play the games with credits that come from daily promotions. You can also play BetRivers.NET games on its slick iOS and Android apps Also, the main site is mobile-friendly.
What BetRivers.NET offers Virginia players:
- Over 500 slot and table games from various high-end software providers
- Daily promotions and bonuses
- A responsible gambling service
- Aesthetic game design
Most popular slot games on BetRivers.NET
- Gold rush
- Pirate Gold
- Big Bass Bonanza
- Buffalo King
- Hit the Gold
- Book of Ra
- Lucky Lightning
Best Offshore Casinos to Play Online Slots in Virginia
Besides social casinos, Virginian gamblers can play their favorite slots and table games at offshore casinos. However, since offshore casino sites aren’t under the Virginia government’s jurisdiction, you must look out for shady sites. Here are some top-rated and secure offshore sites you can play online slots:
Ignition Casino
If you want a comprehensive and impressive selection of virtual and thrilling live games, head to Ignition casino. Regardless of what your favorite casino games are, you are likely going to find them on this casino site. The casino has many online slots for real money, table, and specialty games. You can also access the site’s poker platform and play in ongoing tournaments.
As a new player on the Ignition Casino, you are given a 150% deposit match bonus that’s worth $3,000. The bonus is typically split between the casino games and the bonus. More interestingly, the wagering requirement is a fair 25×.
Pros:
- Around-the-clock customer support
- A generous welcome package worth up to $3,000
- Mobile-friendly site
- An impressive collection of Vegas-like casino games
Cons:
- Real sports betting is not available
Wild Casino
Wild Casino outperforms most of its competitors regarding welcome packages and amazing game selection. The casino has over 400 diverse games that have high payout percentages. Virginia has a wide collection of online slots from notable providers like Betsoft. However, the site’s selection isn’t limited to slot games. There are also table and live games, to mention a few.
Moreover, there is a litany of payment options. Wild Casino has one of the most extensive payment options of any casino on this list. Plus, the site also accepts crypto payments. Read our Betsoft review to find out more about Wild Casino.
Pros:
- Has some of the best online slots in Virginia
- Tournaments with luxurious prizes
- A juicy welcome bonus of up to $5,000
Cons:
- There is no live chat support
BetOnline Casino
By a long shot, BetOnline casino is the largest offshore casino that admits Virginia gamblers. The casino offers gambling and sports betting services. You will find various online casino games from top-tier providers. Plus, you also get to bet on your favorite sports as well. If you are a sports bettor and gambler, here is a two-in-one casino you can’t resist.
Since its establishment in 2001, the casino has garnered an impressive list of over 400 slot games and several other casino games. Aside from the impressive game selection, other features make BetOnline casino stand out. More so, there are amazing bonus offers. BetUS is undoubtedly a top pick for casinos where you can play online slots for real money in Virginia.
Pros:
- Largest game selection in all of Virginia
- It has a sportsbook and event market
- An impressive welcome package
- Quick payouts and dependable payment options, along with crypto payments
Cons:
- Fees are attached to some withdrawal methods
Bovada
Gambling on the go does not get better than with Bovada. Bovada is one of the top-rated casino apps for iOS and Android users. The casino app mirrors an aesthetic gambling hall room and offers games that provide thrills and high payouts. Like BetOnline, this operator also offers sports betting services. Punters can bet on any competition they love, local or international.
Bovada’s casino section is equally impressive. There is an amazing collection of live dealer games and crypto-based games. You can also play Virginia online slots here. This casino is a fine stop if you want thrills and a chance to win big.
Pros:
- Nice Bitcoin bonuses
- Top-rated sportsbook with several competitions
- Free live streaming available
- A litany of fun-filled live games
Cons:
- The mobile casino is limited when compared to the site
BetUS Casino
One of the oldest casinos on this list is BetUS casino. The casino has been accepting Virgin gamblers since 1994, before most online casinos went live. The years of experience shows in the massive game selection and tempting bonuses.
The Curaçao-licensed casino has the complete package – casino, sportsbook, and racebook. Many top-notch software providers feature in the game selection. There are over 350 slot games, 24 video poker games, 36 table games, and 15 live casino games. Also, BetUS has the best selection of blackjack games online. The site hosts frequent tournaments and offers players a startling welcome bonus amount.
Pros:
- Up to 500 casino games
- Crypto-friendly casino
- 100% mobile-friendly
- It is an impressive sportsbook
Cons:
- Limited payment options
What Games Can You Play at Virginia Online Casinos?
Although online casinos aren’t legal, Virginia residents can play casino-like games on social and offshore casinos. The games on these sites offer a sneak peek of what to expect when online casinos go live.
Slots
Slots are the soul of online gambling – the epitome of thrill and chance. Currently, you can play thousands of slot games from various software providers at social and offshore casino sites. Slots are relatively simple to play and there are no complex rules, so it’s popular among gamblers. When online gambling goes live in Virginia, we know slot games will be popular.
Table Games
Table games include blackjack and roulette. Like slots, blackjack is very popular among gamblers. Also, it is a relatively easy card game. Many of our recommended casino sites have interesting game titles that you can check out and play for free. You can also find live dealer and video games on the site.
On the other hand, roulette is a great choice if you want to play classic casino games on the go. You’ll find roulette at many sweepstake casinos. There are so many types of roulette you can play at offshore casinos for free and for real money. Note that you can play for free to sharpen your skills before heading to play for real money.
Poker
If you enjoy poker in land-based casinos, you might enjoy it better in online casinos with all the bonuses that come with it. Poker games often have several exciting features. You can visit any of our recommended sites and try your hand at it. You can visit the Global Poker social casino if you want to play for free. If you want to feel the thrill of a poker session in a land-based casino, you can play poker live in most casinos.
Live Dealer Games
Essentially, live dealer games bring the Vegas experience from physical casinos online. This game is the perfect go-to option if you want to play table games with other players. You can try any live dealer games available on offshore casinos and experience thrills.
Speciality Games
Besides the mainstream online games, other equally thrilling specialty games exist. The games include:
- Scratch cards
- Keno
- Bingo
Virginia Online Slot Bonuses
Slot machines are known for their high odds. Although many slot machines have numerous paylines, they also have several bonuses. Here is a brief list of bonuses you will find while playing online slots in Virginia:
- Multipliers
- Scatters
- Bonus rounds
- Free spins
- Wilds
- Progressive jackpots
How to Start Playing Online Slots in Virginia
You may be excited about being able to play online slots and want to know how to begin. We are here to help. In this section, we will walk you through registering a new account and placing your bet.
As an example, we will use Pulsz as a point of reference. It is one of the best social casinos in Virginia. That said, this list also applies to most offshore and social casinos.
Step 1: Register on any of our recommended sites
First, you have to pick a sweepstakes casino or offshore casino. When that’s decided, you can enter their site by entering the name in your search bar. For most casinos, there are various “register” prompts when you are on their homepage.
After you click any prompt on the site’s homepage, you will have to enter some personal information. You might also need to verify your email address before moving forward.
Step 2: Claim your welcome bonus package
Most casino signs up will be complete within five minutes or less. The next step on the list is to claim your welcome package, which can come in different forms. For some social and offshore casinos, you get a no-deposit bonus. However, some casinos’ welcome offers are tied to deposits.
Nonetheless, most social casinos give no-deposit bonuses that you can use to play their games. Most offshore casinos have deposit bonuses. Some don’t have a demo mode so you have to make a deposit to play.
Note: For some casinos, you will need to verify your identity before you can withdraw real money from the site. Some casinos merge this process with the registration process.
Step 3: Begin to play
After registering and making a deposit, you can now play the games at your chosen casino. Most of our recommended casinos have wide and interesting collections of slots, table games, and specialty games. You can explore the site’s game selection and play your favorite games. It is that easy!
If you are just a fan of the thrills and don’t want to wager real money, you can play your favorite games on social casinos for free. However, you can play on real-money offshore casino sites if you want to win cash.
What to Look For at the Best Virginia Online Casinos
When you are on the lookout for the best casinos, there are unique characteristics that set top-rated casinos apart from the rest. We’ll go over them here.
Bonus and Promotions
A good online casino offers bonuses and promotions to new and existing players. Casinos that value their gamblers’ experience and want them to get the best out of it are the best. Some of these bonuses include:
- No-deposit bonus
- Deposit match
- Free spins
- Welcome package
Alongside the bonuses, some promotions and tournaments ensure players keep looking towards logging in. If you want more information on bonuses and promotions, check the reviews of the casinos on our site. Note: all bonuses and promotions come with wagering requirements. Some wagering requirements are arduous, while some are fair. It is best to know the wagering requirements before claiming a bonus.
Security and Fair Gaming
When a player decides to join an online casino, they need to offer lots of their personal information. Hence, the casino they choose must be secure. All casino sites can be subject to attack, but joining a casino with solid security measures is one way to protect yourself.
Since most casinos are not under state jurisdiction, security becomes a more important issue. Only pick offshore casinos with proper licenses from reputable places, such as Panama and Curaçao.
Some offshore casinos have rigged slots and other games, which makes it hard for players to score a win. Rigging ensures that you keep wagering and not winning. The best way to check that a site is fair is to check reviews of the casino online to confirm its credibility.
Game Selection
What kinds of games interest you? You may fancy table games or slots. Many casinos lean towards a particular game category. For instance, Global Poker has more poker games than others. As a result, you might not have luck looking for slots here. It will help if you familiarize yourself with the casino’s game selection before signing up and depositing.
You can also check the games the casino has and the software providers. A game’s software providers say a lot about the game. Here are some of the top game providers in the industry:
- Yggdrasil
- NetEnt
- 1×2 gaming
- PlayTech
- Real-time Gaming
- Betsoft Gaming
- Microgaming
- Pragmatic Play
- Quickspin
- Evolution Gaming
These software providers make most slots, table, and live dealer games for online casinos. Hence, a library with titles from these software providers is usually fun and interesting. Casinos with a rich collection of game providers are often better choices since it equates to an explorative and thrilling experience.
Payment Options
Not all social casinos offer the possibility of winning real money, but some of them do. Most offshore casinos require deposits to play their games and win. That said, casinos with many payment options are often ranked higher than those with only a few. When a casino presents lots of options, you can pick your preferred option.
Check the casino payment options and see if they are compatible with what you need.
Mobile Compatibility
No one wants to be tied to their computer all day to play slots. Players want to be able to play casino games on the go, and that’s why mobile-compatible casino sites are critical.
So when you want to register at a casino, you have to ask the important questions – does this site have a mobile app? Is the site mobile-friendly? Do I get quality gameplay with the mobile interface? These questions are vital when you are trying to pick an online casino.
Customer Support
Issues are inevitable when you are on a casino site. Reliable customer support is a priority. A casino with reliable customer service understands its players’ needs.
A casino that offers excellent customer support is available around the clock and has various ways to get in touch, including:
- Email support
- Phone support
- Live chat
There is also a need for a FAQ page. A FAQ page gives members immediate answers to common questions so players don’t always need to go to the effort of contacting the casino to find a solution to minor issues.
Payout Percentage
Besides bonuses and promotions, online slots are more enjoyable when they have high payout percentages. All our recommended casinos have high payouts. A high payout enables players to get more value from their wins. Casinos with low payout percentages aren’t profitable and often offer underwhelming wins.
What Bonuses Do Our Recommended Sites Offer?
Bonuses are tactics that casinos use to keep gamblers playing on their sites. For instance, free spins give players more chances at their favorite game and keep them longer on the site. Here are some of the bonuses you will find on our recommended social and offshore casinos:
No Deposit Bonus
As the name suggests, a no-deposit bonus is a little sum of money that the casino gives new players to give them a head start. This form of bonus is often in with other bonus types and is common with social casinos.
Free Spins
A free spin is a slot-specific bonus. This bonus gives players who love slots more wagering chances on their favorite slot games. They are often part of a welcome package. You also stand a chance to win more bonuses from the free spins.
Free Poker Chips
Slot games are quite different from table games. You need to purchase spins to wager in slot games. Table games, on the other hand, require chips. In some casinos, especially those with numerous poker games, you are given free poker chips for more wagering chances.
Deposit Bonus
If you want to play more online slots, deposit bonuses give you more wagering chances by offering a deposit match. Making a deposit triggers the bonus; sometimes, you can get up to a 100% deposit match.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is what a casino gives you as a new member. It is a bonus package to ease your entry into the casino. Most times, the bonus involves the other bonuses on the list – free spins, deposit bonus, and no deposit bonus. Many casinos offer impressive welcome bonuses, so look out for this when you decide to join a casino.
Free Tournament Entry
Most casinos that offer Virginia online slots offer tournaments to their players. These tournaments are exciting as you compete against other slot players on the site.
Responsible Gambling in Virginia
Although gambling is a source of entertainment and fortune for many, some gamblers struggle. Some gamblers are at risk of addiction, which can lead to dire outcomes. It’s important to practice responsible gambling to stay safe.
Most casino operators take responsible gambling seriously. Our recommended sites make arrangements for their players to gamble responsibly. This often includes external help:
- Virginia Lottery
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous
Overall, we advise players to depend on gambling solely as a source of entertainment and not as a means to earn an income.
Frequently Asked Questions on Virginia Online Slots
Can you play online slots in Virginia?
Yes, but only at offshore and social casinos. Online gambling isn’t legal in Virginia yet.
What is the legal gambling age?
The legal gambling age in Virginia is 18 years old for land-based casinos. The age limit for social and offshore casinos is also 18 years.
Who regulates online gambling in Virginia?
Online casinos aren’t legal yet, so they aren’t under the state’s jurisdiction. Other forms of gambling are regulated by the Virginia lottery, and the Virginia Racing Commission regulates horse racing.
Is gambling at offshore casinos safe in Virginia?
It depends. Typically, offshore casinos aren’t under the state’s jurisdiction, so you are on your own. However, there are reliable operators that you can trust. All you need to know is to ensure the site is licensed and regulated by a dependable regulatory body. This way, you won’t lose personal information and winnings.
