Sports betting in Virginia generated $79.3 million in revenue during December, marking an 80.6% increase compared with the same month in 2024, even as total wagers declined. The figures demonstrate strong growth in revenue despite a minor dip in consumer activity.
The Virginia Lottery reported that online betting accounted for nearly all revenue, totaling $79.2 million, while retail sportsbook contributions remained minimal at $115,064. Overall wagers in the state reached $710.9 million, a 2.6% drop from December 2024 and 10.4% below November 2025. Virginia’s all-time monthly handle record stands at $831.6 million, set in October 2025.
Online Betting Dominates The Market
Of the total wagers, $705.3 million were placed online, leaving only $5.7 million wagered at physical sportsbook locations. The data highlights the continued preference of Virginians for mobile and digital betting platforms, with retail sportsbooks representing less than 1% of the monthly handle.
Players received $627.5 million in winnings during December. The lottery also reported $4.1 million in other deductions, though there were no reported bonuses or promotions applied during the month. This payout level demonstrates that while players wagered slightly less, the amount returned to them remained substantial, reflecting the underlying engagement and interest in sports betting in the state.
Tax Revenue And State Allocations
Operators contributed $11.9 million in taxes for December, an 81% increase from the same month in 2024. Of this total, $11.6 million was allocated to the state’s General Fund, while $298,338 went to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. These contributions underscore the state’s continued ability to generate meaningful revenue from legal sports wagering, while simultaneously funding initiatives aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm.
Virginia currently licenses 14 mobile operators and three casinos to offer sports betting, though the lottery does not disclose detailed operator-specific revenue or handle data. The overall statistics demonstrate that while wagers were slightly lower, the sector continues to perform strongly, benefiting both the state’s finances and regulated operators. This performance highlights the efficiency of Virginia’s regulated market in maintaining consistent revenue streams, even when monthly handles fluctuate.
Broader Market Trends And Implications
December’s results reflect a broader trend in Virginia’s sports betting market: sustained growth in revenue and tax contributions, driven primarily by online betting, even when total wagers fluctuate from month to month. The increasing reliance on mobile platforms shows a clear shift in consumer behavior toward convenience and accessibility, which has become a defining feature of the state’s betting ecosystem.
The state’s regulated approach ensures both consumer protection and steady revenue streams, with funds supporting problem gambling initiatives alongside general fiscal needs. The strong December results indicate that the Virginia sports betting market remains resilient, balancing operator profitability, tax generation, and player engagement, while maintaining responsible oversight in a growing digital-first landscape.
Source:
“Virgina sports betting revenue up in December despite handle dip”, igamingbusiness.com. February 2, 2026
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