Virginia Online Poker:Legal Status, iGaming Legislation & What’s Next

Virginia does not currently have regulated real-money online poker, but the Commonwealth has moved closer to considering a legal market as part of its broader push toward online casino gaming.

Virginia already has regulated online sports betting and a growing land-based casino industry. During the 2026 General Assembly session, lawmakers also considered major legislation that would have authorized internet casino gaming, including online poker.

Senate Bill 118 was particularly significant. The proposal expressly included poker among the casino-style games that could be offered online, and the bill passed the Virginia Senate by a 34-6 vote in February 2026.

However, SB 118 did not become law. The House General Laws Committee continued the proposal to 2027. A separate House proposal, HB 161, was also continued to 2027.

As a result, Virginia players still cannot access regulated US poker platforms such as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, or BetRivers Poker for real-money play.

Some sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept eligible Virginia players, but these sites are not licensed or regulated as real-money poker rooms by Virginia. Genuine free-play poker is also available.

This guide explains the current status of Virginia online poker, what happened to the state’s 2026 iGaming legislation, sweepstakes poker options currently available, live poker in Virginia, and what could happen when lawmakers revisit internet gaming.

Is Online Poker Legal in Virginia?

Virginia does not currently authorize or regulate conventional real-money online poker.

There are no Virginia-licensed online poker rooms offering real-money cash games or tournaments.

Regulated US poker platforms unavailable in Virginia include:

• PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel
• WSOP Online
• BetMGM Poker
• BetRivers Poker

Virginia has authorized several other forms of gambling, including online sports betting and land-based casino gaming, but conventional online casino gaming and real-money online poker have not yet been legalized.

That distinction is important because some companies operating regulated gaming products in Virginia also offer poker or online casino products in other states.

A Virginia sports betting or casino license does not currently authorize an operator to offer online poker.

What Online Gambling Is Legal in Virginia?

Virginia has expanded its regulated gambling market considerably in recent years.

Legal gambling includes:

• Online and retail sports betting
• Virginia Lottery products
• Land-based casino gaming
• Fantasy sports
• Historical horse racing

Virginia launched regulated online sports betting in January 2021.

The state has also authorized commercial casino gaming, creating a land-based gaming industry that did not exist a decade ago.

However, Virginia has not yet authorized conventional online casino gaming or real-money online poker.

The 2026 General Assembly considered legislation that could have changed that, but the major proposals were continued to 2027 rather than enacted.

Could Virginia Legalize Online Poker?

Virginia lawmakers made a significant push toward legalizing internet casino gaming during the 2026 General Assembly session.

Two proposals were particularly important:

• Senate Bill 118
• House Bill 161

The legislation proposed establishing a regulated internet gaming market under the Virginia Lottery.

Most importantly for poker players, the Senate proposal expressly contemplated online poker rather than leaving its status entirely to future regulatory interpretation.

Neither proposal became law in 2026.

Instead, lawmakers continued both measures to 2027.

SB 118 Passed the Virginia Senate

SB 118 was introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke during the 2026 General Assembly session.

The legislation proposed legalizing internet casino gaming in Virginia under the oversight of the Virginia Lottery.

Its definition of an internet casino gaming platform expressly contemplated games including:

• Poker
• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• Craps
• Other casino-style games

That makes SB 118 particularly significant for online poker.

Rather than merely assuming poker could eventually be included under a general iGaming framework, the legislation specifically identified poker as a game that an internet casino gaming platform could offer.

SB 118 made substantial progress during the legislative session.

The Virginia Senate passed the bill by a 34-6 vote on February 9, 2026.

It then moved to the House of Delegates.

However, the House General Laws Committee ultimately continued SB 118 to 2027 on February 26.

The bill therefore did not become law during the 2026 session.

HB 161 Was Also Continued to 2027

Virginia lawmakers also considered House Bill 161, introduced by Del. Marcus Simon.

Like SB 118, the proposal addressed regulated internet casino gaming.

HB 161 did not advance as far as the Senate legislation.

The House General Laws Committee voted on February 5, 2026 to continue the proposal to 2027.

As a result, neither of Virginia’s major 2026 internet gaming proposals established a regulated market.

What Happens in 2027?

The decision to continue SB 118 and HB 161 to 2027 means Virginia’s internet gaming debate can return.

It does not mean either proposal is guaranteed to pass.

Lawmakers could reconsider the existing proposals, modify them, pursue alternative legislation, or take no further action.

Even if Virginia eventually passes an internet gaming bill that includes poker, regulated poker sites would not necessarily launch immediately.

Implementation could require:

• Virginia Lottery rulemaking
• Operator licensing
• Supplier approvals
• Technical certification
• Identity verification
• Geolocation controls
• Responsible gambling requirements
• Player fund protections
• Game approval
• Decisions concerning interstate poker liquidity

Virginia already has experience regulating online sports betting and casino gaming, providing some of the regulatory infrastructure that could be used for a future internet gaming market.

However, there is currently no confirmed launch date for Virginia online poker.

Sweepstakes Poker in Virginia

Several sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept eligible Virginia players.

These sites operate differently from conventional state-regulated online poker rooms.

A common sweepstakes model uses two virtual currencies:

• Gold Coins for social or free-play gaming
• Sweeps Coins or another promotional currency for qualifying games offering redeemable prizes

Not every sweepstakes poker platform uses the same model.

ClubWPT Gold, for example, changed its structure in late 2025 and now incorporates Hand Analysis Credits and gameplay Chips rather than relying on the traditional Gold Coin/Sweeps Coin model.

Are Sweepstakes Poker Sites Legal in Virginia?

Virginia does not license or regulate sweepstakes poker platforms as real-money online poker rooms.

Some sweepstakes operators currently accept eligible Virginia players under their promotional models.

However, operator availability should not be interpreted as affirmative state approval or licensing.

Sweepstakes operators structure their products differently from conventional real-money gambling, and individual platforms maintain their own state eligibility rules.

Those rules can change in response to legislation, regulatory developments, enforcement actions, or business decisions.

Players should therefore distinguish between:

• Virginia-regulated gambling
• Sweepstakes platforms that currently accept Virginia players
• Genuine free-play poker with no cash-redemption prizes

Only the first category would constitute state-regulated real-money online poker.

For a broader explanation of how the sweepstakes model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Virginia

Several major sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept eligible Virginia players.

The following profiles describe current operator availability rather than licensing or regulatory approval by Virginia.

Players should check current eligibility and terms before participating because state availability can change.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a poker-focused sweepstakes platform currently available to eligible Virginia players.

The site uses:

• Gold Coins for social play
• Sweeps Coins for qualifying promotional games offering redeemable prizes

Clubs Poker offers ring-game-style poker and tournaments.

Its game selection includes No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, mixed games, and other poker variants, making poker the central focus of the platform rather than an addition to a larger sweepstakes casino.

Clubs Poker is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Virginia.

Learn more about its games, currencies, and redemption process in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest-established sweepstakes poker platforms serving US players and currently accepts eligible players from Virginia.

Global Poker uses:

• Gold Coins for social poker
• Sweeps Coins for qualifying promotional games offering redeemable prizes

Its poker offering includes ring games, Sit & Go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments, with Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha forming the core of the platform.

Global Poker has withdrawn from several states as sweepstakes laws and enforcement policies have changed around the US.

Virginia remains among the states where its sweepstakes poker product is currently available.

That availability does not mean Global Poker is licensed or regulated by Virginia.

See our Global Poker review for more information.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes-based poker platform associated with the World Poker Tour.

The platform changed its operating model substantially in late 2025.

Instead of relying on the traditional Gold Coin/Sweeps Coin structure used by many sweepstakes platforms, ClubWPT Gold now incorporates Hand Analysis Credits and gameplay Chips.

Hand Analysis Credits provide access to poker-training features that analyze hands, while Chips are used for eligible poker gameplay.

ClubWPT Gold offers poker ring games and tournaments and currently permits eligible Virginia players to participate.

It is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Virginia.

Read our ClubWPT Gold review for a complete explanation of its current model.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us Poker operates within the larger Stake.us sweepstakes gaming platform.

Stake.us uses Gold Coins for social gaming and Stake Cash as its promotional sweepstakes currency.

Its poker platform offers peer-to-peer poker games alongside the company’s broader sweepstakes casino product.

Virginia is currently among the states where eligible players can access Stake.us under its current terms.

However, Stake.us is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Virginia.

Availability can change as state laws, enforcement policies, and operator eligibility rules evolve.

For more information, see our Stake.us Poker review.

Free-Play Poker in Virginia

Virginia players can also use genuine free-play poker platforms.

These games use virtual chips that have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for money or cash-equivalent prizes.

Free-play poker can help beginners learn:

• Poker hand rankings
• Betting rounds
• Table positions
• Tournament structures
• Basic poker terminology
• Online poker software

Free-play poker should be distinguished from sweepstakes poker.

Genuine free-play games do not use a redeemable promotional currency and do not award cash-redemption prizes.

Because players are not risking anything of financial value, gameplay can differ considerably from conventional real-money poker.

However, free-play platforms provide a straightforward option for learning and recreational play while regulated online poker remains unavailable in Virginia.

Live Poker in Virginia

Virginia’s expanding casino industry provides players with regulated live poker even though real-money online poker remains unavailable.

The state’s casino market has grown rapidly since lawmakers authorized commercial casinos.

Live poker availability depends on the individual property, and players should check current games, operating hours, and tournament schedules before visiting.

Virginia’s land-based casino industry is also relevant to the future of online poker because casino operators could play a role in any future internet gaming licensing framework.

However, the exact licensing structure for a future Virginia iGaming market has not been finalized.

Could Virginia Join MSIGA?

Virginia is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

MSIGA allows participating jurisdictions to authorize approved online poker operators to combine players across state lines.

The agreement currently includes:

• Delaware
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Shared liquidity is particularly important for online poker because the quality of a poker network depends heavily on the number of active players.

Larger player pools can support:

• More active cash-game tables
• More stakes
• Larger tournament fields
• Bigger tournament guarantees
• More poker variants
• Better game availability throughout the day

Virginia has not authorized online poker, so interstate poker liquidity is not yet an immediate regulatory issue.

If Virginia eventually legalizes online poker, lawmakers and regulators could separately consider whether to participate in MSIGA or another permitted interstate arrangement.

Virginia would need the appropriate legal and regulatory authority before players could be combined with poker pools in other states.

Virginia Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Virginia?

Virginia does not currently authorize or regulate conventional real-money online poker.

There are no Virginia-licensed online poker rooms offering real-money cash games or tournaments.

Can you play real-money online poker in Virginia?

There is currently no Virginia-regulated real-money online poker site.

Poker platforms licensed in other US states cannot offer their state-regulated real-money products to players physically located in Virginia.

Could Virginia legalize online poker?

Yes. Virginia lawmakers considered internet casino gaming legislation in 2026 that expressly contemplated online poker.

SB 118 passed the Virginia Senate by a 34-6 vote before being continued to 2027 by the House General Laws Committee.

HB 161 was also continued to 2027.

Neither proposal has become law.

What is Virginia SB 118?

SB 118 is internet gaming legislation introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke.

The proposal would establish regulated internet casino gaming in Virginia and expressly includes poker among the casino-style games contemplated by the legislation.

The Senate passed SB 118 by a 34-6 vote in February 2026, but the House General Laws Committee subsequently continued the proposal to 2027.

What is Virginia HB 161?

HB 161 is another internet casino gaming proposal introduced during the 2026 General Assembly session.

The House General Laws Committee continued the proposal to 2027 in February 2026.

As a result, HB 161 did not establish a regulated internet gaming market in 2026.

Can I play PokerStars in Virginia?

No.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel does not currently operate a regulated real-money online poker room in Virginia.

Can I play WSOP Online in Virginia?

No.

WSOP Online is not licensed to offer regulated real-money online poker in Virginia.

Can I play BetMGM Poker in Virginia?

No.

BetMGM offers regulated sports betting in Virginia, but BetMGM Poker is not authorized in the Commonwealth.

Sports betting authorization does not permit an operator to offer real-money online poker.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Virginia?

Virginia does not license or regulate sweepstakes poker platforms as real-money online poker rooms.

Some sweepstakes operators currently accept eligible Virginia players under their promotional models, but operator availability should not be confused with state licensing or affirmative regulatory approval.

Which sweepstakes poker sites are available in Virginia?

Major sweepstakes poker platforms currently accepting eligible Virginia players include Clubs Poker, Global Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Stake.us Poker.

Availability can change based on legislation, regulatory developments, and operator policies.

None is licensed as a real-money online poker room by Virginia.

Does Virginia have legal online gambling?

Yes.

Virginia has regulated online sports betting and other authorized forms of gambling.

However, conventional online casino gaming and real-money online poker have not yet been legalized.

Does Virginia have live poker?

Virginia has an expanding regulated land-based casino market, with poker availability determined by individual casino properties.

Players should check directly with a casino for current poker room hours, cash games, and tournament schedules.

Is Virginia part of MSIGA?

No.

Virginia is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement and does not have regulated online poker.

If Virginia eventually legalizes poker, lawmakers and regulators could consider whether to authorize interstate shared liquidity.

When could online poker launch in Virginia?

There is no confirmed launch date.

Virginia’s major 2026 internet gaming proposals were continued to 2027 rather than enacted.

Even if legislation eventually passes, Virginia would still need to complete rulemaking, licensing, technical approvals, and other regulatory steps before regulated online poker could launch.

Are offshore poker sites legal in Virginia?

Offshore poker sites are not licensed or regulated by Virginia.

Pokerfuse does not recommend offshore poker sites because players do not receive the consumer protections provided by a state-regulated US online poker market.