According to the Virginia Lottery, adjusted gross revenue (AGR) skyrocketed to $80.6 million, a 121.4% increase from November 2023 and a 64.5% jump from October 2024. This impressive surge shattered the previous monthly record of $67.5 million, set in January 2024, highlighting Virginia’s rapid growth in the gaming sector.
Record-Breaking November for Sports Betting
Online sports betting in VA continued to dominate, contributing $79.9 million of the total revenue, while retail sportsbooks added $666,689. The state also saw its total betting handle climb to $761 million, marking the first time Virginia surpassed $700 million in wagers. This figure represented a 19.1% year-over-year increase and a 9.3% rise from the previous record of $696.1 million set in October 2024.
Virginia’s tax revenue from sports betting also reached historic levels. The state collected $12.1 million in taxes, a 120.8% increase from November 2023 and the highest ever recorded.
Of this amount, $11.8 million went to the General Fund Allocation, while **$302,529** was directed to the **Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund**. The growth in tax collections suggests that the industry’s expansion is translating into substantial financial benefits for the state.
Virginia Moves Toward Legal Online Casinos
With the success of sports betting, Virginia lawmakers are now considering an expansion into online casino gaming. Senator Mamie Locke pre-filed Senate Bill 827, which would legalize online casinos in VA, including live-dealer games.
If passed, the bill would allow the state’s four retail casino operators to apply for digital gaming licenses, with each casino permitted to host up to three online platforms.
The licensing process would mirror Virginia’s sports betting framework. Operators would pay a $1 million application fee, and online casinos would be taxed at 15% of adjusted gross revenue. The proposal includes responsible gambling measures, requiring that “1-800-GAMBLER” and the phrase “gambling problem” be prominently displayed on platforms. The legal gambling age would be 21.
Virginia is not alone in pursuing online casino legislation. Maryland is also preparing to debate online casino legalization, with Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary reintroducing House Bill 17. The bill, which previously passed Maryland’s House but stalled in the Senate, would allow the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to regulate online casinos.
Like Virginia’s proposal, Maryland’s bill sets a $1 million licensing fee and earmarks gaming tax revenue for education and responsible gambling initiatives.
The push for online casino legalization reflects a broader national trend. Illinois is advancing legislation to reclassify gambling disorder as a serious public health problem, and Minnesota lawmakers are set to discuss the economic and social effects of online sports betting.
With multiple states considering digital gambling expansion, Virginia could be at the forefront of the next wave of gaming legislation.
Virginia’s record-setting sports betting performance in November underscores the industry’s strong momentum. The combination of growing online sportsbook activity and expanding retail betting options has positioned the state as a rising force in the gaming market.
If online casino legislation moves forward, Virginia could further solidify its status as a major player in the digital gambling space.
