Huddle Up: How To Watch March Madness Games At Virginia Casinos

Written By Adam Hensley on March 14, 2025Last Updated on March 22, 2025
virginia cavaliers men's basketball ncaa tournament 2025 march madness virginia casinos

March Madness is here, signaling the return of the NCAA Tournament. Bettors can now indulge in the thrilling atmosphere provided by Virginia’s casino sportsbooks to place their wagers during this exciting event.

As the tournament commences, with the No. 4-seeded Virginia Cavaliers and No. 8 VCU Rams set to compete, it’s an opportune moment for you to start organizing your watch gatherings. Thankfully, Virginia casinos have made arrangements for this purpose. However, it’s important to note that placing bets on in-state teams is strictly prohibited.

Both Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock and Rivers Casino Portsmouth have advanced sportsbooks that cater to your March Madness betting desires. In addition, you can enjoy various dining options and entertainment at both venues, ensuring a fulfilling day of basketball indulgence.

Place your NCAA Tournament bets at Bristol Casino — Future Home of Hard Rock

Although technically temporary, the Bristol location still provides a physical sportsbook for bettors.

Ever since its grand launch on July 8, 2022, The Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock has established itself as a thriving establishment at the Bristol Mall site. As Virginia’s inaugural operational casino, it has enjoyed remarkable triumph and popularity.

There are five betting windows available for placing sports bets in the sportsbook. Moreover, there are a total of 19 sports betting kiosks on the premises, with 15 located within the sportsbook and the remaining four situated on the casino floor.

To place a wager at Bristol Casino, ensure that you have a minimum of $5 ready as it is the lowest bet accepted at the sportsbook and kiosks.

Currently, it seems that the expected date for the opening of the casino’s permanent location is set for spring 2025. The permanent site, covering an area of 300,000 square feet, will include a newly added sportsbook, 1,300 slot machines, 50 table games, and various dining choices. Additionally, live entertainment will also be offered.

Currently, Bristol Casino operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays, the casino extends its hours from 9 a.m. to midnight. Sundays see the casino open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth features 27 sports betting kiosks, massive TV screens

In addition to being the first full-service casino in the state, this establishment also features its own sportsbook.

The BetRivers Sportsbook is a prominent feature at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, showcasing numerous colossal TV screens and ample seating arrangements. Additionally, visitors can indulge in delectable food options such as wings, burgers, and more at the sportsbook’s bar. Furthermore, you can quench your thirst with a wide selection of beverages.

If you’re looking for a break from the sportsbook and craving a quick meal, the Portsmouth casino offers an array of food options. The lineup at Rivers Casino Portsmouth includes:

  • Admiral’s Steak & Seafood offers an upscale dining experience.
  • Relaxed cuisine served at Crossings Café.
  • Mian is a convenient choice for those seeking fast Asian cuisine.
  • Slice Pizzeria
  • Starbucks

The BetRivers Sportsbook welcomes customers to place their bets at any of the 27 self-service kiosks available, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Operating round the clock, seven days a week, customers can enjoy the flexibility of placing bets at any time that suits them.

If you’re seeking an alternative activity to add some variety to your basketball experience, the Portsmouth casino offers an impressive array of entertainment options. With over 1,400 slot machines, more than 50 table games, and 24 poker tables, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Virginians can wager on the NCAA Tournament from their phones, too

With the beginning of March Madness, Virginia sports betting users now have access to a total of 15 operators. Among them is Betr, the newest addition to the group, which obtained its Virginia license earlier this month. Although it hasn’t officially launched yet, Betr assured Virginia bettors that it will be available to them “soon” when the announcement was made.

Virginia residents have a variety of sportsbooks to choose from.

DraftKings Virginia PointsBet Sportsbook WynnBet Sportsbook
Caesars Virginia Sports Illustrated Virginia Unibet Sportsbook
BetMGM Virginia Bet365 Virginia Hard Rock Sportsbook
BetRivers Virginia Bally Bet Sportsbook Betway Sportsbook
FanDuel Virginia Barstool Sportsbook Betfred Sportsbook

Remember, you can’t bet on Virginia basketball

In accordance with state regulations, individuals residing in Virginia are prohibited from placing bets on college teams located within the state. As a result, Virginians are unable to wager on their local team, the Cavaliers, or any match they participate in during this year’s tournament. The same restriction applies to the VCU Rams.

However, college basketball teams (or any sport, for that matter) from out of state are allowed to participate. It is important to place your bets before the start of the games in the upcoming weeks, as live betting on college events is not allowed. In Virginia, the law prohibits bettors from placing prop bets on college sports, which includes live betting.

Photo by Phil Sears / AP Photo
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Adam Hensley

Adam Hensley, a journalist hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, has made a name for himself in the industry. His contributions have been featured in esteemed publications such as the Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, and various websites affiliated with the USA Today Network. Hensley’s educational background includes graduating from the University of Iowa in 2019. During his time there, he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience by actively participating in the sports department of the Daily Iowan, serving as both an editor and a reporter.

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