Yes, There Is Legal Tokyo Olympics Betting In Virginia

Written By Derek Helling on July 22, 2021Last Updated on August 3, 2022
Bet on Tokyo Olympics in VA

After facing months of delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo games of 2020 will mark the first opportunity for Virginia Olympics betting. Initially, there was a temporary prohibition on placing wagers in Virginia. However, as the Olympics kick off on Friday, sports bettors from VA can finally participate in the excitement.

In Virginia, there is a wide range of sports markets available at various sportsbooks. Additionally, certain VA sports betting apps are providing exclusive promotions. If you can manage the time difference, the upcoming Summer Olympics in VA could be an exceptionally enjoyable experience.

Virginia Olympics betting is legal

Initially, when legal sports betting was introduced in Virginia, it seemed unlikely that wagering on the Olympics would be permitted. Regulators initially interpreted state law as prohibiting bets on the Olympics due to the participation of individuals under the age of 18.

However, the state government acted swiftly. Earlier this year, a modification in the state code permitted Olympic wagers. Presently, both the Summer and Winter games are included in the VA Lottery’s list of approved events.

Nevertheless, according to the regulations, it is not allowed to place bets on “the outcome of subjective trophy awards.” Various sports, such as gymnastics in the Olympics, determine medal recipients based on judges’ decisions rather than an objective score.

Because of this, futures markets for sports like that may not be available at VA sportsbooks. However, sports such as basketball, soccer, and softball are unaffected and offer a wide range of markets.

What kinds of markets are available at VA sportsbooks?

It is crucial to understand that the range and quantity of specific markets may vary among different operators. It should be acknowledged that the ability to accept bets in VA sportsbooks does not guarantee that they will actively do so.

Considering this, there are numerous markets that are widely accessible. These markets encompass:

  • Individual basketball and soccer games/matches offer outright markets.
  • Predictions for future gold medal winners in golf and tennis on an individual level.
  • Individual match scores in sports such as field hockey and volleyball
  • Prepare to take the field for both baseball and softball.

All the prop bets commonly found in other sports events are also available for these particular fixtures. For instance, Olympic soccer has Correct Score markets, and softball has wagers on whether a team will score a run in a specific half-inning.

One of the greatest aspects of these games is the chance to place bets on various sports that are not typically offered. In addition to the mentioned field hockey, the options available on the menu are extensive and include, but are not restricted to:

  • Cricket
  • Fencing
  • Handball
  • Martial arts
  • Surfing

As expected, VA sportsbooks are capitalizing on these events to attract customers and generate revenue. There are numerous promotions to explore while enjoying a wide range of games.

Promos at VA sportsbooks for the Olympics

DraftKings Sportsbook is targeting new customers and first-time depositors with an enticing promotion. By launching its “Bet $1 Get $100” offer for the Olympics, DraftKings aims to attract more users. To take advantage of this deal, simply deposit a minimum of $5 and place a wager of at least $1 on any Olympic event.

If you made your bet before the chosen event began, you will receive four complimentary $25 bets if the United States wins any medal in any sport. Even if you have used most of the VA apps, there are still special offers available for you.

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BetRivers Sportsbook is currently running a promotion during the Olympics that caters to all customers. This exclusive offer, known as “Free Bets for USA Medals,” allows participants to receive $1 in free wagers for every bronze medal won by the United States. To qualify for this enticing deal, simply place a minimum bet of $500 on any or all Olympic events during the games.

If your total Olympics wagers amount to a minimum of $1,000 but below $2,500, the sportsbook will grant you $2 worth of free bets for each silver medal, along with $1 for each bronze medal. For those who place at least $2,500 on the games, you will receive $3 in free bets for every gold medal, in addition to $2 for each silver medal and $1 for every bronze medal.

There are various VA books that offer promos with shorter durations, accessible to all customers. These promos can change frequently, even multiple times within a day in response to ongoing events. As an illustration, BetMGM Sportsbook has recently increased the odds of the United States’ men’s basketball team winning against France by a minimum of 26 points to +475.

Like any other bets, it’s exciting to witness the events firsthand and see if your predictions come true. However, in this case, it necessitates additional preparation.

How to watch the Olympics, and when

NBC Universal offers extensive coverage of the games through a variety of its networks, such as the local NBC channel, NBC Sports, Olympic Channel, Peacock, and USA.

When planning your viewing, it is important to consider the time difference between Tokyo and Virginia. Tokyo is approximately 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States. For instance, if it is 8 a.m. in Virginia, it will be 10 p.m. in Tokyo on the same day.

Consequently, Virginians should anticipate numerous events commencing at considerably early hours in the morning. For instance, the USWNT’s (soccer) initial match against Sweden kicked off at 4:30 a.m. in Virginia.

To plan your viewing effectively, it is recommended to directly consult NBC for event schedules and available viewing platforms. However, when engaging in Virginia Olympics betting, it is vital to prioritize responsible participation rather than focusing on promotions or live broadcasts.

Photo by AP
Derek Helling Avatar
Written by

Derek Helling

Derek Helling, a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa, holds the positions of lead writer for PlayUSA and manager of BetHer. His expertise lies in covering the converging realms of sports, business, and the law.

View all posts by Derek Helling