Virginia sports betting operators and tax collectors were happy to see football return in September.

Like many U.S. states where sports betting is legal, the start of the NFL regular season and a full month of college football has led to big action in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Lottery reported that 12 online sportsbooks and three retail operators combined to produce $71.5 million in gross revenue, up 32.3% year over year. Adjusted revenue of $65.9 million increased further to 44.4% from September 2023.

Behind an 11.5% rise on September’s figure of $622.1 million, up 20% year-on-year, the monthly revenue ranked second all-time. The amount wagered was the fifth best since sports betting launched in Old Dominion more than two years ago.

Virginia Lottery reported that 10 operators achieved positive adjusted revenue, generating $9.9 million in tax revenue for the state at a rate of 15 percent.

Pigskin effects

The full effects of football were felt with online sports betting generating $618.3 million, up from $414.8 million generated in August. The 11.4% level recorded in September represents an increase of almost three points from the previous month, while gross revenues jumped 84% month over month.

Retail sportsbooks also felt a significant shock, as their price increased 94% from the previous month for Sports betting in Virginia. Gross revenues increased from $415,000 in August to more than $572,000 in the first month of fall.

Casino revenues decline

Virginia Lottery recently reported that the three land-based casinos generated $56.6 million in adjusted gaming revenue, down 10.3% month over month.

Gambling profits still generated $11.4 million in taxes for Virginia. Rivers Casino Portsmouth generated the bulk of the revenue, with the casino earning $24.2 million from table games and slots.

Caesars Virginia brought in $18.3 million, while HR Bristol earned $14.1 million, down from August’s figure of $15.9 million.

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