Virginia Saw a Boost in Sports Betting Handle in December
With many states seeing slight decreases for December, Virginia sports gambling saw a boost in handle.
The state recorded a sports betting handle of $426.6 million for the month, up 6% from November’s $402.6 million.
Despite the higher handle, December’s sports betting adjusted gross revenue was only $10.1 million, a decrease of 66.2% from November’s $29.9 million.
The state’s sports betting taxes came in at $1.7 million for December, down 59.2% from November’s $4.2 million.
Virginia Sports Betting Handle & Revenue, December vs. November
| Total Handle | Revenue | Taxes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | $426.597M | $10.123M | $1.729M |
| November | $402.621M | $29.927M | $4.233M |
| Change | Up 6.0% | Down 66.2% | Down 59.2% |
2021 Totals
Virginia’s online sports betting market debuted on Jan. 21. Since then, the state took in $3.2 billion in wagers for 2021. Sports betting adjusted gross revenue for the year was $130.9 million, while sports betting taxes were $20.3 million.
Through one year, 10 online sportsbooks have launched in Virginia. Residents can play at FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, Unibet, PointsBet Sportsbook, Golden Nugget, Barstool Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.
Retail Sportsbook Opens at Nationals Park
Virginia residents traveling to a Washington Nationals game will now be able to place a bet at the stadium. BetMGM and the Nationals announced on Monday that they would be opening the first retail sportsbook connected to an MLB stadium and will stay open throughout the year.
"We're constantly pushing the boundaries to deliver sports fans unique experiences, and that's just what we've done with the new BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park," Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, said in a media release. "Whether fans are attending baseball games or looking for a place to watch any sporting event, the BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park is bound to be one of the most engaging sports viewing environments in the District."
The sportsbook is publicly accessible from N Street SE and spans 4,000-square feet. Inside there are 40 big-screen televisions with live odds boards, in addition to full-service dining and beverage options.
To place bets, players can go to a cashier at any of the six betting windows or utilize one of the mobile betting kiosks placed throughout the facility.
"The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park represents the newest way in which we are providing our fans with the best experiences in sports and entertainment,” Alan Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer of Lerner Sports, said in the release. “Upon its opening, the sportsbook immediately becomes one of the neighborhood's premier venues for both the savvy bettor and casual fan to watch the top events in an upscale and electric atmosphere."
