TITLE: Virginia Lottery Updates Approved Sports Wagering Leagues and Events List
BODY:
On June 24, 2026, the Virginia Lottery published an updated list of approved leagues and events for sports wagering in Virginia. The document, Version 2026-02, provides comprehensive guidance on which sporting events Virginia residents and operators may accept wagers on, establishing the regulatory framework for legal sports betting in the jurisdiction.
The approved leagues and events span numerous sports categories, including major professional leagues such as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS). The list also encompasses international competitions, collegiate sports, and emerging sports categories. Notably, the Virginia Lottery authorizes wagering on exhibition, pre-season, and all-star contests for approved leagues unless otherwise specified or prohibited by regulations.
The approved sports include traditional offerings such as American football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and golf, alongside niche sports such as cornhole, disc golf, pickleball, and jai alai. The list includes specific restrictions on certain events; for example, wagers on disc golf, motocross, and supercross are restricted for participants under 18 years of age. Additionally, prop wagers are not permitted for players under 18 in certain soccer competitions.
The Virginia Lottery Gaming Compliance division maintains this list to ensure operators and bettors understand which sporting events qualify for legal wagering. Sports betting operators in Virginia must reference this approved list to ensure compliance with state regulations. The list is subject to periodic updates as new leagues gain approval or regulatory requirements change. Operators and interested parties should monitor the Virginia Lottery website for future revisions to the approved leagues and events list.