In this paper, quasi-variational principles for non-conservative damped systems are studied. A Hamiltontype quasi-variational principle for non-conservative systems in analytical mechanics and a quasi-variational principle of potential energy in non-conservative elastodynamics systems are proposed in simplified forms respectively, by using the direct variational integral method. On the basis of the standard linear solid model for viscoelastic materials, the dynamic equations of exponentially damped systems are established through the proposed quasi-variational principles. A distinction between the internal damping described by exponential damping and the external damping described by viscous one in a vibrating structure is according to different physical mechanisms, which gives some indication of the correct mechanism of damping.