Virtual sports betting in the US – What you can and can’t bet on

Virtual sports betting in the US – What you can and can’t bet on

Virtual sports were all the rage during pandemic lockdowns, but even now they have a loyal bettor fanbase

Virtual sports betting is one of the newest innovations in the expanding sports gambling market in the United States.

Placing virtual bets via computer software is creating a whole new range of virtual sports betting markets for bettors worldwide. Players can now participate in virtual betting at one of several New Jersey online casinos, with more options for betting on virtual sports likely to be available soon. Bettors can bet on virtual events with numerous possibilities for both virtual horse racing and virtual soccer betting. Additionally, online sportsbooks now offer multiple virtual games for customers to enjoy, providing new betting opportunities.

Betting on a virtual sport contest may seem bizarre or strange to some people, but there is no doubt it is growing popularity. There are now numerous virtual sports legal options, with virtual sports gaming becoming a big part of the overall online sports betting space.

In addition to New Jersey, Pennsylvania offers virtual sports betting through its lottery, allowing players to bet virtually on sporting events.

This page covers all of the critical details involving virtual gambling. We discuss the differences between virtual sports games and real-life sporting events, virtual sports betting tips, which sites offer virtual sports betting, how to play a virtual betting game, and more.

Gamble USA strives to improve your online gambling experience. We aim to help you play safely, make informed decisions when gambling, and increase your betting knowledge through our guides.

We adhere to strict editorial integrity; our content may contain links to products from our licensed & legal US partners.

Best Virtual Betting Apps

2005 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets
  • Accepts deposits as low as $5
  • Hefty welcome and referral bonuses
  • Available in 22 US States
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369)(NY). Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Offer for new customers 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY), present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.
Promocode: GAMBLEUSA
1445 ratings
Review
Up To $1,500 First Bet Offer
  • Superb range of sports
  • Enticing rewards program
  • Extensive catalogs of betting markets
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 981-0023 (PR). First bet offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for terms. US $1500 promotional offer not available in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
333 ratings
Review
Bet $20 & Get $100 In Bets
  • Simple & Easy to Use
  • Sports Betting & Casino
  • MGM Rewards
Visit BorgataOnline.com for Terms and Conditions. Must be 21+. NJ only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable free bets or site credit. Free bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Top Virtual Betting Sites Reviewed

#1. 🥇 DraftKings Sportsbook

The DraftKings sportsbook app is one of the most prominent sports betting apps in terms of revenue in the US. Although the interface is detailed, navigation on the app is straightforward, and there is a wide range of real-world sports betting options, as you would expect with a top-quality betting site. DraftKings also excels as a virtual sports betting app, with users able to bet on virtual greyhound racing and virtual motor racing on the go.

DraftKings is one of the most reputable and trustworthy brands out there, which is reflected in the excellent virtual sports section of the app.

I have used DraftKings for several years so know its a quality sportsbook. The virtual sports betting section is one of the most comprehensive around.
🥇 DraftKings Sportsbook
2005 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets
  • Accepts deposits as low as $5
  • Hefty welcome and referral bonuses
  • Available in 22 US States

#2. 🥈 BetMGM Sportsbook

The BetMGM sports betting app delivers on all of the pillars you look for in a successful online sportsbook – simplicity, user-friendliness, and range of markets on real-world sporting events. It is one of the top sportsbooks in the US for sports bettors, given the breadth of the product.

MGM is one of the most trusted brands in the US, given its land-based casinos across the country, which has translated to its online BetMGM sportsbook. With regular odds boosts, continuous betting perks, an extensive virtual wagering library and more.

BetMGM provides an impressive virtual betting library, which is another string to its bow. Join BetMGM for the regular odds boosts and other perks, stay for the virtual wagering options.
🥈 BetMGM Sportsbook
Promocode: GAMBLEUSA
1445 ratings
Review
Up To $1,500 First Bet Offer
  • Superb range of sports
  • Enticing rewards program
  • Extensive catalogs of betting markets

#3. 🥉 Borgata Sportsbook

Although it may have made its name in the casino industry offering classic casino games, the Borgata brand has moved into the sports betting market. BorgataOnline.com is the product of MGM Resorts International, which runs numerous online gambling brands under the BetMGM Inc. banner. With the power of one of the world’s most successful casino operators, the Borgata sports betting app delivers an excellent gaming experience for customers.

Players can bet on virtual sports when they have registered at the Borgata sportsbook.

Perhaps a surprise name on this list, as Borgata is more known for its casino action. However, when I signed up I was instantly drawn to the fact they have a virtual sports betting section, providing odds for a range of different sports.
🥉 Borgata Sportsbook
333 ratings
Review
Bet $20 & Get $100 In Bets
  • Simple & Easy to Use
  • Sports Betting & Casino
  • MGM Rewards

Virtual sports are video games where computer software is used to play out sporting events or races. Advanced technology and algorithms determine the outcome; these algorithms account for the players’ skill and luck elements that can occur in real-world sporting events.

The computer-generated virtual sports graphics are very impressive and similar to the graphics you see on current-generating gaming consoles. Although they aren’t the same quality as a typical television broadcast, they are still high-quality.

Virtual sports have become a way for sportsbooks to offer action without needing a real-world event to happen to take wagers. Consequently, betting sites can increase the velocity of bets they can accept.

Is it legal to bet on Virtual Sports?

If a licensed and regulated sportsbook offers virtual sports betting, players can assume that it is legal. Those bookmakers or the virtual sports provider would have received regulatory approval to provide the games in the state in which the product is offered.

There are lots of unlicensed, offshore sports betting sites that do not undergo such vigorous regulatory processes, so we do not recommend using these platforms. Your personal information will not be protected, and you will be at risk. Always use trusted and reputable sites such as the ones we have listed above.

Virtual Sports Betting Options

There is a virtual sports betting market for most of the most popular sports globally, but some of the most common options are:

  • Horse racing
  • Greyhound racing
  • Basketball (Virtual NBA)
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Motor Sports

There is no virtual football available yet. If virtual football betting becomes available, we will update this page. If you are betting on virtual basketball, you can experience watching the virtual game with amazing graphics thanks to advanced computer software. This also applies to the other sports listed above.

How do you bet on Virtual Sports?

Betting on virtual sports isn’t complicated, and if you have experience of betting on traditional sporting events, there is little difference. The only differences are the operators determine when the virtual events occur, typically regularly, and who is competing.

Aside from that, the fundamentals are the same as standard sports wagering. The most common type of wager would be to bet on the winner of an event, like an NFL match or a horse race, based on a money line or the odds.

Additionally, a wide range of proposition bets are often available for each individual virtual sports event. For example, trifectas or exactas in horse racing or the number of touchdowns scored in a football match.

When you see anything with a virtual tag, you may think it is complicated, but placing a virtual sports bet is simple. There is no bid difference here between placing bets on a virtual sports game or traditional sports betting contests. The virtual sports betting rules that apply are the same, in terms of you are paid if you select a winner just like in real life sport wagers.

FAQs

Is Virtual Sports Betting legal in the US?

Yes, betting on virtual sports is legal in the US, you must however use a licensed sportsbook or casino to place your wagers.

Are Virtual Sports rigged?

No, virtual sports are not fixed or rigged. They are 100% legit and run by trusted, reputable operators so you can bet safely on virtual sports.