Virginia’s sports betting market experienced a remarkable upswing in September, with players wagering $737.2 million — an 18.4% increase compared with September 2024 and a 44.5% rise over August this year, the Virginia Lottery reported. This marks the second-largest monthly total in the state’s regulated market history, surpassed only by November 2024, when $761 million was wagered.
Online betting continues to dominate the market. Of the total handle, $731.5 million was placed via mobile sportsbooks, while retail outlets accounted for just $5.6 million. The numbers highlight the strong preference for digital platforms among Virginia players, reflecting broader trends in the U.S. sports betting industry where convenience and accessibility increasingly drive wagering behavior.
Revenue Performance and Tax Contributions
Despite the increase in wagers, adjusted gross revenue (AGR) showed a slight year-on-year decline. Players received $667.4 million back in winnings, with the Virginia Lottery accounting for $5.3 million in other undisclosed dedications. The result was $64.5 million in AGR — marginally below September 2024’s $65.9 million, yet 10.6% higher than August’s $58.3 million.
Online platforms contributed $63.6 million to AGR, while retail sportsbooks accounted for $891,650. Combined, sportsbooks’ monthly hold was 8.75%, lower than August’s 11.43% and September 2024’s 11.5%.
Tax revenue from sports betting totaled $9.7 million in September. Of this, $9.4 million went to the General Fund Allocation, while $241,716 was directed to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. The Virginia Lottery does not provide operator-specific breakdowns, but September activity included 14 mobile operators and three casinos, demonstrating a broad and competitive betting ecosystem.
Mobile Platforms Continue to Lead
The dominance of mobile sportsbooks has been evident for several months. June 2025 figures underscored this trend, with a total of $477.8 million wagered across the state — a 15% increase from June 2024. Of this total, $472.8 million came through mobile platforms, while retail sportsbooks collected just over $5 million.
The preference for mobile platforms has reshaped the structure of Virginia’s sports betting industry. September’s near-record handle illustrates not only the scale of participation but also the maturity of online betting infrastructure.
Market Outlook and Emerging Trends
Virginia’s sports betting sector demonstrates both resilience and upward momentum. Despite slight fluctuations in AGR and monthly hold percentages, the overall trajectory points to continued growth. Players’ overwhelming use of mobile platforms suggests that online innovation will remain central to market expansion. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks, although contributing a smaller share, maintain a visible presence that supports the local gambling economy and offers in-person engagement for a segment of bettors.
As the industry evolves, the blend of digital dominance and regulated retail participation provides a balanced framework for long-term growth. Tax contributions, particularly toward the General Fund and Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, underscore the broader societal and economic benefits of a well-regulated betting environment. With nearly $737.2 million wagered in September alone, Virginia’s sports betting market is clearly on a trajectory of sustained expansion and increasing sophistication.
Source:
“Virginia Lottery reports 18.5 percent increase in September”, timesnews.net. November 1, 2025
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