The history of betting in Virginia has been characterized by a cautious and measured approach to gambling. For much of the state’s history, all forms of gambling were illegal, and it wasn’t until 1973 that the state authorized the creation of a lottery. Despite this, attempts to legalize other forms of gambling, such as casino gaming and sports betting, have been met with resistance in the state legislature. However, in 2020, Virginia became one of the latest states to legalize sports betting following a US Supreme Court decision overturning a federal ban on the activity. Under the law, the Virginia Lottery will oversee the regulation of sports betting, and residents and visitors are now able to place bets on a variety of professional and collegiate sports. Online and mobile sports betting is also permitted in the state. Overall, while the history of betting in Virginia has been relatively limited, the recent legalization of sports betting suggests that the industry may continue to grow and evolve in the state in the coming years.