Bingo in Virginia: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia allows charitable gaming by qualified organizations under Article 1.1:1 of Chapter 8, Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia (sections 18.2-340.15 and following). That covers bingo, instant bingo, pull-tabs, seal cards and raffles.

The regulator is the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs (OCRP) at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A Charitable Gaming Board writes the regulations, and OCRP registers organizations, audits them and enforces the rules.

Commercial bingo halls don’t exist in Virginia in the Texas or Washington sense. The game must be run by a qualified nonprofit, and the proceeds must go to its charitable purpose.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Virginia?

It depends on the game:

• Regular bingo: players under 18 may play when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, under the state’s charitable gaming regulations. Organizations can be stricter in their house rules.
• Instant bingo, pull-tabs and seal cards: section 18.2-340.28 bars selling them to anyone under 18, and minors can’t play or redeem them.
• Working a game: nobody under 18 may manage or operate bingo, though 14- to 17-year-olds can help with written parental consent on file.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Virginia?

No. Virginia has legal online sports betting and land-based casinos, but it hasn’t authorized online casino games or online bingo. Charitable bingo is an in-person game at the organization’s registered location.

Free bingo apps with no cash payouts are fine to play. Our online bingo guide explains what to look for.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Virginia?

As of October 2026, no Virginia law specifically bans sweepstakes casinos or sweepstakes bingo, and the major dual-currency brands accept Virginia players.

That came close to changing. In the 2026 session, Senate Bill 118 and House Bill 161 would have legalized real-money online casinos and shut down sweepstakes casinos at the same time. The two chambers couldn’t agree, and the conference committee didn’t report a bill before adjournment in March 2026. A standalone ban, SB 579, is expected to come back in 2027. Read our sweepstakes bingo explainer before you spend money on these sites.

Don’t confuse these sites with Virginia’s long fight over “skill games” in convenience stores, which is a separate issue.

Where can you play bingo in Virginia?

Virginia bingo is run by community groups. Common hosts include:

• Volunteer fire and rescue squads, which have long relied on bingo to fund equipment
• VFW and American Legion posts, Moose and Elks lodges
• Churches, schools and athletic boosters

Virginia’s commercial casinos, which voters approved city by city starting in 2020, aren’t charity bingo venues, and we found no tribal bingo hall in the state. We haven’t listed specific halls because we couldn’t confirm current session schedules; local community calendars are the best place to look.

How to run a charity bingo game in Virginia

1. Check whether you qualify. The law limits charitable gaming to qualified organizations, such as volunteer fire departments, veterans’ groups, religious, fraternal and other nonprofits that have been operating in Virginia for a set period.
2. Register with OCRP. Organizations that expect gross receipts above the state’s exemption threshold need a permit. Smaller groups may qualify for an exemption but still have to follow the rules.
3. Name your staff. Paid callers and bingo managers need a certificate of registration from the state.
4. Buy supplies from registered suppliers and keep records of every session.
5. Report and spend proceeds correctly. Organizations file financial reports and must use a minimum share of receipts for their charitable mission.

Our bingo fundraiser guide has tips on prizes and volunteers. For how pull-tabs work, see our pull-tabs guide.

Any game played for money carries risk. If it stops being fun, read our responsible gaming page or call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.