Virginia Sports Betting Handle Hits $737.2 Million in September

Virginia’s sports betting market surged in September, as players wagered $737.2 million, marking the state’s second-highest monthly handle since sports wagering became legal. The total was up 18.4% from September 2024 and 44.5% higher than August 2025, according to figures released by the Virginia Lottery. The sharp rise aligns with the start of the NFL and college football seasons, which traditionally drive higher betting activity. The strong rebound from August highlights how seasonal sports cycles continue to influence Virginia’s betting trends and overall market performance.

Only November 2024’s $761 million total surpassed September’s handle, showing that Virginia’s sports betting market remains on a strong upward trajectory. The month’s results underscore sustained consumer confidence in online wagering platforms and a growing comfort with legal sports betting. Since its launch, Virginia’s market has seen consistent year-over-year growth, with increasing engagement from both casual and regular bettors as major sporting events dominate the calendar.

Online betting continued to lead the way, accounting for $731.5 million of all wagers, while retail sportsbooks contributed $5.6 million. The dominance of online operators reflects a broader industry trend in which mobile platforms capture nearly all betting activity. With 14 licensed mobile sportsbooks active in Virginia, consumers have access to a highly competitive marketplace that continues to drive innovation, aggressive promotions, and user-friendly betting experiences. Retail betting, though smaller in share, remains an important piece of the ecosystem, especially in casino locations where on-site wagering enhances visitor engagement.

• Record-High Activity: Virginia bettors wagered $737.2 million in September 2025 — the second-highest monthly total since legalization, up 18.4% year-over-year and 44.5% month-over-month.

• Online Dominance: $731.5 million of all wagers were placed online, highlighting the ongoing shift toward mobile betting and the strength of Virginia’s 14 licensed digital operators.

• Strong Tax Revenue: The state collected $9.7 million in taxes from sports betting, with $9.4 million going to the General Fund and $241,716 directed to problem gambling support programs.

Revenue Up Month-on-Month, Down Year-on-Year

Despite the record handle, adjusted gross revenue (AGR) for September came in at $64.5 million — slightly below the $65.9 million reported in September 2024 but up 10.6% compared to August. This modest year-on-year decline suggests that while betting volume is increasing, sportsbooks’ profitability can fluctuate based on outcomes and payout ratios. Of the total AGR, online sportsbooks generated $63.6 million, while retail locations earned $891,650.

The sportsbooks’ collective hold — the percentage of wagers kept as profit — fell to 8.75%. That was below August’s 11.43% and the 11.5% recorded in September last year. A lower hold typically indicates favorable outcomes for bettors, particularly when underdogs win or heavily favored teams perform as expected. Players received $667.4 million in winnings, while the lottery reported $5.3 million in other unspecified deductions. The trend suggests that while operators handled more money, higher payout rates slightly dampened overall margins.

The state collected $9.7 million in taxes from sports betting operators during September. Of this, $9.4 million was allocated to Virginia’s General Fund, which supports a range of state programs, and $241,716 went to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. These figures demonstrate how the sports betting industry continues to serve as a meaningful revenue source for public funding. Consistent monthly tax collections around this level indicate stable long-term contributions from an industry that has rapidly become a key part of Virginia’s fiscal landscape.

The Virginia Lottery does not release operator-specific data, meaning the performance of individual sportsbooks remains undisclosed. However, 14 licensed mobile operators and three retail casinos were active in the market during the month, suggesting strong participation across the board. Industry analysts expect continued competition among top brands as operators seek to retain market share and attract new bettors through promotional offers and improved platform features.

 

September’s surge shows just how deeply sports betting has become part of Virginia’s entertainment landscape,” said a Virginia Lottery spokesperson. “With football season driving record engagement, we continue to see strong, responsible growth across both online and retail platforms.

Sustained Growth Amid Competitive Market

The figures reinforce Virginia’s position as one of the most robust sports betting markets in the U.S., even as year-on-year revenue slightly dipped. The combination of a strong fall sports calendar, steady expansion of licensed operators, and growing consumer engagement continues to support the market’s long-term stability.

With the NFL and college football seasons underway and basketball season approaching, Virginia’s wagering volume is expected to remain high through the end of the year. If trends continue, the state could approach or even surpass its all-time record handle before the close of 2025, further cementing its place as a key player in the national sports betting landscape.