TITLE: Virginia Lottery Publishes Approved Sports Betting Leagues and Events List
BODY:
On August 17, 2026, the Virginia Lottery published an updated list of approved leagues and events for sports wagering in Virginia. The list, version 2026-03, establishes the comprehensive range of sporting competitions on which residents and visitors may legally place wagers within the state.
The approved sports include major professional leagues across multiple disciplines: 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 collegiate athletics, including NCAA football, basketball, baseball, and other sanctioned tournaments such as March Madness. International sporting events are permitted, including FIFA World Cup competitions, rugby tournaments, cricket leagues, and tennis grand slams.
Beyond traditional team sports, the Virginia Lottery approves wagering on individual and alternative sports, including golf, boxing, mixed martial arts, motorsports, curling, darts, pickleball, and esports. The list specifies that wagering on exhibition, pre-season, and all-star contests is authorized for approved leagues unless otherwise prohibited by regulations. Certain restrictions apply: wagers on participants under 18 years old are prohibited for disc golf, motocross events, and under-20 soccer prop wagers.
The Virginia Lottery Gaming Compliance division maintains this approved list to ensure operators and bettors understand which sporting events qualify for legal wagering. The list reflects Virginia's expansive approach to sports betting regulation, permitting wagers across domestic and international sporting competitions while implementing age-based protections for youth athletes. Operators and bettors should reference this official list when determining wagering eligibility.