Virginia sports betting handles $429 million in July, tax revenue reaches $6.8 million

Sports betting activity in Virginia rose sharply in July 2025, with bettors placing over $429 million in wagers during the month, according to data released by the Virginia Lottery.

Between July 1 and July 31, total wagers reached $429,272,340, marking a 13.7% increase compared to July 2024. The state authorized fourteen mobile sportsbooks and three brick-and-mortar casinos to operate during the month. Virginia bettors took home $379,847,066 in winnings, resulting in an overall win percentage of 11.51% for licensed operators.

Under Virginia law, sports betting operators are taxed at a rate of 15% on their adjusted gross revenue (AGR), calculated as total wagers minus payouts and other permitted deductions. For July, ten of the active operators reported positive AGR, generating $6.8 million in tax revenue for the state.

Of the collected taxes, 97.5% is allocated to Virginia’s General Fund, supporting a broad range of public services, while the remaining 2.5% is directed to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. This fund is managed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is designated for prevention and treatment programs related to gambling addiction.

Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers are weighing whether to legalize online gambling, with supporters pointing to as much as $5.3 billion in taxable revenue over five years,while opponents warn the state is unprepared to manage the risks.

Delegate Marcus Simon, a Fairfax Democrat, said his draft bill would require Virginia’s brick-and-mortar casinos to partner with online operators and pay licensing fees to help fund enforcement. He argued that legalization would give consumers a regulated alternative to offshore and illegal sites.