Virginia Sports Wagering Posts $79.3m December Revenue Despite Handle Dip

The total represents an 80.6% year-on-year increase, despite a slight decline in overall betting activity.

Total handle for the month fell 3.2% compared to the previous year, coming in at just over $710.9m. However, improved operator margins helped offset the reduced wagering volume, resulting in a strong revenue performance across the market.

Online sports betting once again dominated the landscape. Digital platforms generated nearly $79.2m in AGR, reflecting an 80.3% annual increase, and accounted for approximately $705.3m of the total handle, even though online wagering volume declined 3.3% year-over-year. The data underscores the continued reliance on mobile and online betting as the primary revenue driver in the state.

Retail sports betting contributed a comparatively small portion of total revenue, producing $115,064 in AGR during December. While modest, this marked a notable improvement from the prior year, when retail sportsbooks posted a loss of nearly $13,000 over the same period.

According to the Virginia Lottery, bettors in the state received just over $627.5m in winnings throughout the month. This resulted in a combined hold rate of 11.7% across both online and retail operators, highlighting improved efficiency for sportsbooks despite the lower handle.

Tax contributions also saw a significant boost. Sports wagering operators paid a total of $11.9m in taxes for December 2025, including $11.6m allocated to Virginia’s General Fund and an additional $298,338 directed to the state’s Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.

Beyond financial results, legislative momentum continues to build around online casino gaming. On January 29, the Virginia General Laws Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 118, following amendments introduced by Senator Mamie Locke. The bill proposes the legalization of iGaming in Virginia and includes new requirements for operators to implement responsible gambling programs that leverage player data and technology. SB 118 will now move forward to the Finance and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.