Self-exclusion by state · Virginia
How to self-exclude from sports betting in Virginia
The Virginia Lottery runs one list that covers sportsbooks, casinos, historical horse racing and online lottery accounts. Two- and five-year terms can be done online; lifetime is in person. Operators get your name within seven days.
The short answer
One list covers sportsbooks, casinos, historical horse racing and account-based lottery play. 2 or 5 years online; lifetime in person. It can't be undone early.
Program: Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP), run by the Virginia Lottery (Virginia Lottery Board). Official page →
Terms: 2 years · 5 years · Lifetime
Virginia help: Virginia Council on Problem Gambling 1-888-532-3500 (call/text/chat, 24/7)
What to do today, before the state list kicks in
Enroll online today for 2 or 5 years, and self-exclude inside each app to cover the up-to-7-day gap. Paper lottery tickets and convenience-store skill games aren't covered.
Then read how to block each app — excluding inside the app is usually faster than any state list, and it’s the first layer of the firewall.
What the Virginia list covers, and what it doesn’t
| Type of gambling | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Online sportsbooks | Covered | |
| Retail sportsbooks | Covered | |
| Casinos | Covered | |
| Online casino | N/A | Not legal in VA |
| Daily fantasy / pick'em | Unconfirmed | VEP covers gaming regulated by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs; whether fantasy contest operators are included is not stated |
| Lottery | Partly | Account-based (online) Virginia Lottery games only - retail tickets not blocked |
| Video gaming machines | Partly | Historical horse racing (Rosie's etc.) covered via Virginia Racing Commission; unregulated 'skill games' not covered |
| Tribal casinos | Unconfirmed | Pamunkey tribal casino not addressed |
| Prediction markets (Kalshi etc.) | Unconfirmed | Not mentioned; assume not covered |
The gaps people miss
- Lifetime exclusion cannot be done online - in person only
- Only account-based lottery play is covered; paper tickets/scratchers at stores are not
- Skill games in convenience stores are not covered (legalization bill vetoed by Gov. Spanberger, Apr 2026)
- Up to 7 days before operators have your name
- Tribal casino and prediction markets not confirmed covered
How to enroll in Virginia
| Way to enroll | Available? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Yes | For 2-year and 5-year terms (DocuSign form); lifetime must be in person |
| In person | Yes | |
| By mail | Unconfirmed | Not mentioned |
| By phone or video | Limited | Appointment only (VEP office 804-692-7185) for in-person lifetime enrollment |
- For 2 or 5 years: complete the online DocuSign self-exclusion form linked at valottery.com/playingmatters/voluntaryexclusionprogram
- For lifetime: call the VEP office at 804-692-7185 for an appointment at Lottery headquarters or an open Virginia casino
- Have ID with your photo and signature
- Withdraw any remaining sportsbook balance (it is returned; later winnings are seized)
- Self-exclude in each app meanwhile - distribution to operators takes up to 7 days
What you need
Valid identification containing the individual's signature and photograph (11VAC5-60-20).
How long it takes to take effect
Lottery distributes to operators within 7 days of receiving the request.
What happens to your balance and open bets
Do this first, whatever your state says: withdraw your balance and let open bets settle before you enroll. Getting money back afterward means dealing with an operator that is now required to refuse you.
Operator returns balance accrued before the exclusion request; any winnings after the request are seized and forfeited to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (contestable within 15 days).
Can you get off the list early?
No. Once submitted you cannot be removed until the period ends. At expiration the Lottery removes you (regulation says the department 'shall remove' the name); operators have 7 days to update.
Free blocking software in Virginia
We haven’t found a state-funded free blocker for Virginia. Gamban costs about $42 a year; the iPhone Screen Time lock is free.
The Betting Firewall
This is one wall. You need five.
The Virginia list makes licensed operators refuse you. It does nothing about offshore sites, prediction-market apps, a friend’s account, or the money in your checking account. That’s what the other four layers are for.
- The appsSelf-exclude and close every sportsbook, fantasy, and prediction-market account you have. Guide →
- Your phoneBlock the apps and sites at the device level so a deleted app can't come back. Guide →
- A blockerInstall Gamban or another blocker that can't be removed early. Guide →
- Your moneyCard controls, gambling blocks at your bank, and someone else on the account. Guide →
- The state list — this pageEnroll in your state's self-exclusion program so every licensed operator has to refuse you.
The 24-Hour Betting Shutdown Plan
Self-exclusion is one wall. The Shutdown Plan walks you through all five layers of the Betting Firewall in one day — apps, phone, money, people, and the state list. Free, first name and email only.
Sign-up opens shortly. In the meantime, every step is on the Shutdown Plan page.
No spam, no selling your data, unsubscribe anytime. If you want structure past day one, the 90-Day Stop Betting Program is the next step — we’ll mention it once in the emails.