Virginia Sports Betting Declines to Start New Year

The Virginia Lottery announced Friday official sports wagering figures for the first month of 2026.

Virginia bettors generated a handle of more than $687.94 million on 13 mobile apps and at three casinos for a $23 million decrease from December 2025 ($710.94). Winnings totaled more than $608.4 million for a combined 11.56% hold (0.17% dip from Dec. 2025), a $19.13 million decrease from Dec. 2025 ($627.53 million).

January's handle ranks No. 7 by state for the month, just behind No. 6 Pennsylvania ($782.4 million) and ahead of No. 8 North Carolina($686.9 million). New York topped all states with $2.45 billion, while New Jersey was second ($1.03 billion), the only two states to eclipse the $1 billion mark.

State law places a 15% tax on sports betting activity based on each permit holder’s adjusted gross revenue (AGR), which is defined as total wagers minus total winnings and other authorized deductions.

State tax revenue from sports betting is allocated to the following: the state's General Fund (97.5%) and the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (2.5%).

The Old Dominion State collected $11.2 million in taxes from sports betting to start the new year.

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