Virginia Sports Betting Grows in January While iGaming Bill Faces Delay

Virginia’s sports betting market saw a 13% increase in total wagers during January 2025, with bettors placing nearly $736.7 million in bets, according to the Virginia Lottery. The rise in activity led to an adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of just under $81 million, marking a 20% increase from the same period last year.

Mobile sports betting dominated the market once again. Bettors placed $730.5 million in wagers through mobile platforms, accounting for nearly all activity in the state. The AGR from mobile betting reached $80.1 million, showing a 20.3% year-over-year increase.

Retail sports wagering did not experience the same growth. In-person betting made up only $6.2 million of the total handle, reflecting a 6.9% decline compared to January 2024. The AGR for retail sportsbooks stood at $830,100, falling by 6%. The contrast between mobile and retail betting highlights the continued shift toward online platforms.

Virginia’s tax structure places a 15% levy on sports betting revenue. In January 2025, operators contributed $12.1 million in taxes. Of that amount, $11.8 million was allocated to the state’s General Fund, while $303,400 went to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.

Although sports betting continues to expand, lawmakers recently postponed discussions on a bill that would have introduced legal online casino gaming in Virginia. Senate Bill 827, proposed by Senator Mamie Locke, aimed to grant iGaming licenses to casino operators under the oversight of the Virginia Lottery Board.

Locke requested the Senate Subcommittee to delay reviewing the bill, citing a “need for additional study.” She expects the proposal to be reconsidered in 2026.