Virginia halts sports betting handle decline in August as spending hits $284.7m

Consumers in Virginia wagered $284.7m (£254.2m/€291.2m) on sports during August, preventing a fifth straight month of handle decline in the US state.

The monthly total was 55.8% higher than $182.7m in August 2021 and also 7.0% up from $266.0m in July of this year, which was the fourth consecutive month in which consumer spending had fallen.

Adjusted gross gaming revenue, which is defined as total bets minus winnings, bonuses and promotions and other authorised deductions, was also up by 260.9% from $8.7m in August 2021 to $31.4m this year.

This figure, the Virginia Lottery said, was also 46.7% more than $21.4m in July this year.

Consumers in Virginia won $247.7m from sports betting during the month, while $1.1m in bonuses and promotions were issued to players. In addition, the Virginia Lottery accounted for a further $4.24m in other deductions.

Total tax collected from sports betting activity in August was $4.5m, with $4.4m allocated to the General Fund Allocation and $111,853 the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund Allocation.

Original Article