Virginia Sports Betting Revenue Passes $55 Million in July
Virginia’s regulated sports betting market delivered one of its strongest monthly performances of the year in July 2026, generating $55.39 million in gross gaming revenue from a total handle of $609.16 million, according to the Virginia Lottery’s monthly sports wagering activity report. The results underscore sustained year-over-year growth in one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most active markets.
Market Performance and Year-over-Year Growth
Total wagering across the Commonwealth increased 41.9% compared with July 2025, when monthly handle stood at approximately $429 million. July’s $609.16 million handle also marked the market’s highest monthly total since April, suggesting the seasonal slowdown typically associated with mid-summer was less pronounced than in prior years.
The implied operator win rate, commonly referred to as hold, came in at approximately 9.1% for the month, based on the relationship between gross revenue and total wagers. This placed July’s hold above the 10.17% players’ win rate reported in June, when bettors collected $529.29 million in winnings on the month’s handle.
Tax Contributions to the State
Under Virginia law, sports betting activity is taxed at a rate of 15% on each permit holder’s adjusted gross revenue, which is calculated after deducting winnings and authorized promotional deductions. July’s revenue figures translated into $8.31 million in sports betting tax collections for the state.
These revenues flow through the Lottery Proceeds Fund and support designated state programs, providing a recurring fiscal contribution that has grown alongside the market since online sports wagering launched in January 2021.
Regulatory and Industry Context
The Virginia Lottery, which regulates and licenses the state’s mobile and retail sportsbooks, publishes monthly activity reports detailing handle, revenue, and tax obligations for each permitted operator. July’s figures reflect the performance of the state’s licensed mobile sportsbooks, which account for the substantial majority of wagering activity in Virginia.
The market has shown consistent expansion through 2026, with monthly reports indicating steady year-over-year handle growth. July’s 41.9% increase represents an acceleration from the 6.4% year-over-year growth recorded in June, a figure that industry observers will monitor as football season approaches – a period that historically drives the market’s highest volumes.
Virginia’s performance also arrives amid broader policy activity in the state’s gaming sector. Lawmakers have debated proposals concerning iGaming expansion during recent legislative sessions, and the state’s casino industry continues to develop in parallel with the sports betting market.
