Virginia sees nearly twenty percent increase in sports betting for October compared to last year

Richmond, Virginia – The Virginia Lottery has released its latest report on sports wagering activity, showing a significant increase in betting volume during October 2025. Between October 1 and October 31, Virginians wagered a total of $831,567,565, marking a 19.5% rise compared to the same month in 2024.

The October handle includes wagers placed through fourteen mobile operators and three retail casinos licensed to accept bets across the Commonwealth. A complete list of approved operators is available on the Virginia Lottery’s website under the “approvals” tab.

Players across the state collectively won $751,002,912, yielding a 9.69% operator hold—the percentage retained by sportsbooks after winnings are paid out.

Under state law, Virginia imposes a 15% tax on sports betting activity, calculated based on each operator’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). AGR is determined by subtracting total player winnings and allowable deductions from the total handle. In October, there were no bonuses or promotions reported that qualified as allowable deductions.

Breakdown of Sports Betting Activity in October 2025:

• Mobile operators’ gross wagers: $824,006,856

• Casino retail wagers: $7,560,709

• Total AGR: $75,309,942

• Total taxes paid: $11,311,702.19

Of the taxes collected, 97.5% ($11,028,909.64) went into the Virginia General Fund, which supports public programs and services across the state. The remaining 2.5% ($282,792.55) was directed to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. This fund helps provide resources and treatment for individuals affected by gambling-related issues.

In total, ten operators reported net positive AGR in October, which contributed to the more than $11.3 million in state tax revenue.

As sports wagering continues to grow across Virginia, these monthly reports provide insight into the financial impact and oversight of legal betting operations.