Virginia Sports Betting Numbers Climb in April

RICHMOND, Va. — June 4, 2025 — Sports betting in Virginia continued to show steady year-on-year growth in April, with consumers placing $609.7 million in total wagers, according to new data released by the Virginia Lottery. The figure marks an 8.2% increase over the $563.5 million recorded in April 2024, underscoring the state’s expanding market. However, it also reflects an 11.6% decline from the $689.7 million bet in March, suggesting seasonal fluctuations remain a key factor in monthly performance.

Most of the activity came from online sportsbooks, which accounted for $603.7 million of the total handle. Retail sportsbooks contributed just $6 million — less than 1% of total wagers — reinforcing Virginia’s identity as a digitally dominant betting market.

 

Revenue Rises Despite Lower Handle

Adjusted gross revenue (AGR) in April rose to $56.1 million, up 24.4% from March and 2.8% higher than the same month last year. The revenue increase came despite the overall dip in total wagers, suggesting that sportsbooks saw stronger margins in April. The statewide hold — the share of total bets retained by operators after payouts — reached 9.2%, a relatively high figure by industry standards.

Online sportsbooks were responsible for nearly all of the revenue, bringing in $56.6 million. Retail sportsbooks, on the other hand, reported a loss of $473,390. The retail segment’s payout to players totaled $6.4 million, exceeding its handle for the month. That imbalance resulted in negative revenue, a rare but not unheard-of occurrence in smaller, location-based betting markets.

Virginia bettors received $546.9 million back in winnings during April. This included both online and retail platforms, though the bulk came from online activity. The higher-than-handle payouts at retail locations likely reflect the impact of a few large wins or promotions that pushed returns above typical levels.

Other deductions totaled $6.6 million, but the Virginia Lottery did not disclose details. These deductions typically include voided bets, promotional credits, or operator-specific adjustments. The state also does not release operator-level data, leaving the market’s competitive dynamics largely opaque to the public.

Sports betting generated $8.5 million in tax revenue for the state in April. Of that amount, $8.3 million went to Virginia’s General Fund, which supports a range of state programs. The remaining $212,945 was allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, aimed at addressing the risks associated with gambling addiction.

Since legalizing sports betting in January 2021, Virginia has steadily grown its regulated market. The monthly reports consistently show that online betting is the primary driver of both handle and revenue, with retail locations playing a minimal role. With retail bets accounting for less than 1% of total wagers, Virginia’s sports betting landscape is firmly rooted in mobile and digital platforms.

 

Rising revenue alongside a lower handle points to stronger margins and a maturing market,” said a spokesperson familiar with Virginia’s betting landscape.

 

The Future

The drop in handle from March to April is consistent with national trends, as the conclusion of major sporting events like March Madness often leads to lower betting volumes. Still, the rise in revenue despite lower handle may signal improved margins for operators or more conservative betting behavior from consumers.

Going forward, the Virginia sports betting market is expected to remain stable with modest growth, barring regulatory changes or shifts in consumer preferences. Legislative efforts to expand retail access or introduce new betting products have yet to gain momentum, suggesting the digital-first model will continue to define the state’s approach.