Colonial Downs has been granted approval by the Virginia Lottery to begin offering mobile sports betting in the state through its partnership with Australian-based PointsBet.
The launch date of the PointsBet sportsbook in Virginia is to be determined, a PointsBet media representative told Sports Handle.
With the move, mobile sports wagering will soon become part of Colonial Downs’ offerings. Colonial Downs currently operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums in a few locations in Virginia, including Richmond and Hampton. Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums offer historic horseracing gaming technology as well as full card simulcasting. A Rosie’s Game Room was also opened in Collinsville, Va., with some HHR options.
“We are pleased to help bring this gaming option, with an excellent reputation and track record in customer service and unique points of difference such as their ‘PointsBetting’ platform, to our loyal customers and other gamers in Virginia,” Colonial Downs Group Chief Operating Officer Aaron Gomes said in a press release.
Virginia will be PointsBet’s eighth state
With the news, PointsBet became the 11th sportsbook operator in Virginia to be granted at least a temporary license. Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Unibet, and WynnBET are the other 10.
Mobile sports betting launched in Virginia in January of 2021.
PointsBet awarded Sports Betting Supplier License in Virginia👏 pic.twitter.com/hOJMaprCJ6
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) November 23, 2021
“Being awarded the opportunity to offer PointsBet’s market-leading speed and ease of use, unrivaled slate of betting options, and overall in-play excellence to the people of Virginia is a great achievement and responsibility,” Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO, said in the press release. “Alongside Colonial Downs, PointsBet is proud to partner with the Lottery in Virginia for our first lottery-regulated market license award.”
PointsBet is currently available in Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
The official sports betting partner of NBC Sports, PointsBet plans to take advantage of the media and marketing opportunities within Virginia. NBC Sports Washington provides regional coverage of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to further expand our exclusive relationship with NBC Sports – a staple to sports lovers in Virginia – and ultimately provide the great people in the state with the sportsbook they’ve been waiting for,” Aitken said.
