Virginia’s market has expanded rapidly since launch, with multiple mobile operators and retail sportsbooks. The Virginia Lottery publishes monthly reports, and operators are taxed at 15% of gross gaming revenue. This page compiles those verified numbers to track Virginia’s growth and contribution to state taxes.
VA Revenue Insights
$510M Handle
4th in GGR Nationwide
$8.7M in Taxes
12 Licensed Sportsbooks
Sports Betting in Virginia
Virginia entered the sports betting market in January 2021 and quickly became one of the nation’s top states. Regulated by the Virginia Lottery, the market handled over $5.5B in 2023, generating more than $72M in tax revenue. Operators pay a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue, with 2.5% earmarked for the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
The state allows up to 12 online sportsbooks and also permits commercial casinos. Betting rules include:
- No wagering on youth sports.
- No prop bets on college sports and no bets on Virginia college teams (except in multi-game events where the bet doesn’t directly involve them).
- 21+ age requirement.
Interested in operator comparisons? See our in-depth reviews of Virginia Sportsbook.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Virginia
Data is pulled directly from the Virginia Lottery Annual Reports
Source:
RG
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Virginia
Data is pulled directly from the Virginia Lottery Monthly Reports
Source:
RG
Virginia Sports Betting Revenue
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Hold % | State Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,221,791,416 | 135,600,220 | 4.22% | 20,340,033 |
| 2022 | 4,914,954,449 | 345,104,567 | 7.00% | 51,765,685 |
| 2023 | 5,590,022,862 | 481,978,027 | 8.69% | 72,296,704 |
| 2024 | 6,925,832,328 | 615,044,067 | 9.01% | 92,256,610 |
2025 Year-to-Date
| Month | Handle (USD) | GGR (USD) | Hold % | Tax Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | 736,667,692 | 80,916,172 | 10.98% | 12,137,426 |
| Feb 2025 | 556,836,877 | 61,911,473 | 11.12% | 9,303,968 |
| Mar 2025 | 689,665,044 | 45,085,192 | 6.54% | 6,754,928 |
| Apr 2025 | 236,432,523 | 11,380,137 | 4.81% | 1,652,147 |
| May 2025 | 595,041,428 | 67,912,656 | 11.41% | 10,159,914 |
| Jun 2025 | 477,848,533 | 57,106,754 | 11.95% | 8,674,412 |
| Jul 2025 | 429,272,340 | 45,589,775 | 10.62% | 6,781,017 |
| Aug 2025 | 510,179,552 | 58,281,044 | 11.42% | 8,678,229 |
Latest Updates in Virginia Sports Wagering
- August, 2025 - Virginia lawmakers consider legalizing online casino games amid regulatory concerns.
(6 News Richmond) - Apr 15, 2025 – Virginia Sportsbooks Pressured for Relaxed Protections
A report by the Campaign for Accountability revealed that major sportsbooks, including Caesars and DraftKings, lobbied to remove proposed consumer protection rules in 2021, such as mandatory breaks and play limits. These measures were ultimately dropped from Virginia’s finalized regulations. (theguardian.com) - Feb 18, 2025 – Legal Challenges and Recovery Efforts Rise
With the expansion of Virginia’s gambling market, demand for addiction support services has grown. One recovery counselor, who lost $500,000 to gambling, now assists over 100 people struggling with gambling issues in the state. Tax revenue is being redirected to bolster treatment programs. (wsj.com) - Mar 26, 2025 – Governor Proposes Unified Gaming Commission
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a record number of vetoes in 2025 and introduced a budget proposal to create a consolidated Virginia Gaming Commission overseeing casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. (washingtonpost.com) - November 5, 2024: Voters in Richmond, Virginia, voted against a ballot measure for a proposed casino in the city by a margin of over 60% (Virginia Business, 2024)
- October 27, 2024: The Virginia Lottery's October reports show an all-time high for monthly betting handle in the state ($691.1 million). (Virginia Lottery, 2024)
- October 10, 2024: Betfred Sportsbook announced it will exit the Virginia market. (SBC Americas, 2024)
- September 9, 2024: Spottrade gets a license to begin operations in Virginia. (Sporttrade, 2024)
Virginia Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 8.75 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024) |
| Political Affiliation | Virginia had a divided government with a Democratic governor but a Republican House and Senate. It has voted Democrat in every presidential election since 2008. (270towin.com) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Sports betting was legalized in 2020, but online and mobile sports betting operations began for the first time in January 2021. (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 2024) |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | There are 12 online sportsbooks: BetMGM, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, Sporttrade, ESPN Bet, Bally Bet, and Betr Sportsbook. |
| Professional Sports Teams | Virginia has local NCAA teams but isn't represented professionally. Many fans support Washington D.C. teams. |
FAQs
General Information
When was sports betting permitted in Virginia?
Online sports betting was legalized in 2020, but online sportsbooks didn't accept wagers until January 21, 2021. (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 2024)
How many sportsbooks operate in Virginia?
There are 12 online sportsbooks in the state: BetMGM, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, Sporttrade, ESPN Bet, BallyBet, and Betr Sportsbook.
Trends and Insights
What are the most popular sports for wagering?
Football is the most bet-on sport driven by interest in the NFL.
What is covered on this page?
This page provides a breakdown of the Virginia sports betting market that includes handle, revenues, and operator updates, all backed by official reports. (Virginia Lottery, 2024)
