Starting on Thursday, April 27 and lasting until Saturday, April 29, the NFL Draft commences. This event offers football enthusiasts a delightful preview of the forthcoming season. Promising talents are eagerly acquired by renowned teams, offering us a sneak peek into their tactics for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
Regrettably, individuals who are passionate about football betting in numerous states cannot capitalize on the betting prospects presented by the NFL Draft, as Virginia sports betting excludes wagers on this event.
Why is NFL Draft betting prohibited in Virginia?
Virginia is one of the few states that have legalized sports betting but have chosen to prohibit betting on the NFL Draft.
- Connecticut
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
The legislation of every state specifies the types of competitions that can be bet on, and unfortunately, the NFL Draft is excluded from these definitions. Therefore, individuals residing in those states are unable to place bets on this particular event. To put it simply, the regulations of each state determine whether betting on specific events is allowed. Consequently, for residents of Virginia, the NFL Draft falls within the category of events that cannot be wagered on.
Is it possible for this to change in the future? It is possible, but it is unlikely to happen in the near future. The process of changing regulations is time-consuming as it involves reaching an agreement among stakeholders from different levels of government and regulatory bodies, establishing a framework, and implementing the changes. If Virginia decides to reevaluate the eligibility of betting competitions, it will take a considerable amount of time.
There remains a legal avenue for certain Virginians to place bets on the NFL Draft.
Neighboring states that allow bets on the NFL Draft
In the realm of legal sports betting, Virginia finds itself situated in a region brimming with opportunities. All the states neighboring Virginia, along with Washington D.C., have embraced legal sports betting to varying extents. Nevertheless, only a limited number of these states permit betting on the NFL Draft. These exclusive states include:
- Maryland
- Tennessee
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
If you’re from Virginia and want to bet on the Draft in states where it is allowed, there is a simple solution. You can simply travel across the border into a legal state, whether by driving, taking a train, or even walking. Once there, you can sign up for a sportsbook and place your bet. This method is completely legal, as long as you are physically present in a state that permits NFL Draft bets at the time of placing your wager. While it may not be convenient for those located in the heart of Virginia, individuals residing near the state’s outer borders can take advantage of their proximity to neighbors who allow NFL Draft betting.
Where to watch the NFL Draft
The NFL Draft will be televised on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and NFL Network. Here is the schedule:
- Round 1 is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. EST.
- The second and third rounds will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. EST.
- Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST, will consist of rounds four through seven.
Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders 2025 draft picks
In the first round, the Washington Commanders hold the 16th pick, while the Baltimore Ravens possess the 22nd pick.
The selections from both teams are expected to occur late in the first round, making it challenging to predict. There has been speculation about the Commanders potentially trading up, but it is uncertain if this will occur. Washington, who did not make the playoffs last year, needs to address several gaps in their roster.
On the other hand, the Ravens are currently in search of candidates to fill several defensive roles. A vacancy has been created in the Ravens’ commendable Offensive Line as Ben Powers, an offensive lineman, joined the Broncos as a free agent. Moreover, there is also a notable controversy surrounding Lamar Jackson, the quarterback. He has expressed his desire for a trade, and the most recent speculations suggest a potential transfer to the 49ers.
To discover the numerous surprises and unpredictable moments leading up to Picks 16 and 22 in the first round, we must remain tuned in on draft day.
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