In general, Virginia has always had a negative attitude toward gambling<\/b>. At first, legalized gambling was limited to lottery and racetracks. Then, the Old Dominion (sort of) added charitable poker tournaments<\/b> to the mix and land-based casinos<\/b>, allowing players to participate in live Texas Hold\u2019em competitions for the first time.<\/p>\n
There have been several attempts to legalize online gambling but to no avail. Therefore, online poker tournaments are available to VA players only via sweepstakes sites<\/b> and international poker platforms.<\/b><\/p>\n The law stipulates that everyone who indulges in illegal gambling<\/b> is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, which involves up to $500 in fines<\/b> and no jail time. However, those that try running online facilities may face felony convictions<\/b> \u2014 fines up to $20,000 and 10-year imprisonment.<\/p>\n Interestingly, despite lacking a formal poker market, the Old Dominion has produced several professionals<\/b>. Here\u2019s a list of the most successful ones, as well as their total winnings:<\/p>\n However, when it comes to participating in online poker tournaments on offshore sites, the law remains surprisingly silent \u2014 it doesn\u2019t allow them, but it also doesn\u2019t ban them<\/b>. Thus, without explicit provision in the state code, online poker falls into an ambiguous realm<\/b>. Players often take advantage of this gray area<\/b> to play at international poker rooms.<\/p>\n Generally, such platforms cater to US players (including Virginians)<\/b> and offer a variety of cash games and tournaments. Thus, it isn\u2019t surprising that so many players from the Old Dominion have joined them.<\/p>\n As previously noted, online poker rooms are banned. Virginia statutes stipulate that all chance games are prohibited<\/b>, but this doesn\u2019t refer to skill games, which is evident from the following paragraph:<\/p>\n \u201cNothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n This provision has started many debates in the past, and there were multiple court cases in Virginia where players claimed that poker was a game of skill<\/b>, not chance, and should, therefore, be legal. Unfortunately, the courts rejected all such appeals.<\/p>\n So far, neither lawmakers nor other internet gambling regulators have shown interest in legalizing online poker.<\/p>\n However, one thing that might be the beacon of hope is the legalization of daily fantasy sports in 2016 and sports betting in 2021<\/b>, showing that state lawmakers are slowly opening up toward internet gambling. This sparks hope that online poker might be next in line.<\/p>\n Even so, VA poker fans aren\u2019t left out<\/b> when it comes to playing online poker. Virginia permits sweepstakes and social poker sites<\/b>, so this is option number one for those seeking poker action. The second option is to participate in offshore poker tourneys<\/b>.<\/p>\n Online poker players who are physically present in the state have never been prosecuted for playing online poker.<\/b> Thus, from a legal standpoint, you are free to join such platforms and compete in poker tournaments. Check out our list of recommended offshore poker rooms to get started.<\/p>\n Offshore poker platforms usually have packed tournament schedules. They host multiple daily and weekly events<\/b> with guarantees from thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. Freezeouts and SnGs<\/b> are the most common tournament formats, but you can also participate in:<\/p>\n On the other hand, multi-table tournaments (MMTs) and DeepStacks<\/b> guarantee massive prize pools that can sometimes reach seven figures.<\/p><\/div>\n Virginia came to the land-based casino party way too late. The first state-licensed gambling establishments<\/b> saw the light of day in 2022 and 2023, and some are still under construction.<\/p>\n There have been multiple attempts to legalize brick-and-mortar casinos over the years. The Virginia General Assembly finally approved legislation SB1126<\/a> and allowed voters to decide whether their city should receive a casino license. In November 2020, voters from four cities approved casinos in Norfolk, Danville, Bristol, and Portsmouth<\/b>, while those from Richmond rejected their casino plan.<\/p>\n The first three are owned by Native American tribes but are licensed as commercial gambling venues. This is because the Old Dominion has no federally-approved Indian casinos<\/b>. The fourth one, Rivers Casino Portsmouth<\/b>, is also commercial and the only one with live poker games.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that the state legalized charity Texas Hold\u2019em poker tournaments in 2019<\/b><\/a> in authorized bingo facilities. Still, the legislators couldn\u2019t decide whether to permit occasional tournaments or full-time poker halls<\/b>. Since final approval has not yet been granted, poker in such venues is technically still illegal<\/b>.<\/p>\n Soon after, charitable venues and bingo halls<\/b> started operating poker cash games and tournaments. Although none of them have permits, this didn\u2019t stop one of the chairmen of the Charitable Gaming Board, Chuck Lessin, from opening a poker room<\/a> \u2014 Pop\u2019s Poker<\/b><\/a>. Virginia players could enjoy cash games and live-action tournaments, but the room is currently closed. So, we\u2019ll have to wait and see how the Old Dominion will sort out this legal confusion.<\/p>\n Although Virginia has few opportunities for playing live poker, it is not surprising many VA players cross the border and go to neighboring West Virginia.<\/b> The Mountain State has five land-based casinos housing cash games and riveting tournaments.<\/p><\/div>\n The operator may require you to verify your account through the link you received via email. Once done, log in using your credentials.<\/p><\/div>\n Take advantage of the bonuses when you join. You can use them to increase your bankroll, play longer, and increase your chances of winning. <\/p>\n Search for tournaments that match your skill level and budget. Depending on the operator, you can choose from bounties, rebuys, freezeouts, and more. Good luck!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/i> Poker Tournaments in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
Online Poker Tournaments in Virginia<\/h3>
Common Poker Tournaments on Offshore Sites<\/h4>\n
\n
Land-Based Poker Tournaments in Virginia<\/h3>
<\/i> How to Register for an Online Poker Tournament in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\nOnline tournaments are common at offshore poker sites, and signing up for them is simple. Here\u2019s what you need to do if you decide to join an online poker room:\n
Pick the right online poker room<\/h3>Our list comprises only the best poker rooms<\/a>, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences.<\/div>\n
Signup<\/h3>Once you have decided, click the link to access the website. In addition, you can register with multiple poker rooms and compare their tournament offerings.\n
Deposit & Play<\/h3>Click the Payment tab to decide on a deposit method<\/a>. You can usually choose among cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and digital currencies. Next, you must fill in the details and the amount you wish to transfer. \n
<\/i> Virginia Land-Based Casinos With Poker Tournaments<\/span><\/h2>\nAlthough Virginia is not exactly a haven for poker enthusiasts, you can find live poker action there. There is only one state-licensed casino that offers poker:\n