Press Releases
PlayVirginia.com: Sports betting falls to less than $240 million in April, the first month of expected seasonal decline

Virginia sports betting declined month-over-month for the first time since launching in January, continuing a nationwide trend of falling betting volume. The drop in wagering to less than $240 million in April was expected, a product of a slower spring and summer sports schedule, according to PlayVirginia, which tracks the state’s gaming industry.
“April is a reminder of the seasonality of sports betting, and Virginia is not immune,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayVirginia.com. “In the U.S., there really isn’t any way to replace the popularity of the NFL or the NCAA Tournament with bettors. The seasonal slowdown should last until football season, which will almost certainly return the market to significant growth.”
Virginia sportsbooks attracted $236.4 million in bets in April, according to data released Friday by The Virginia Lottery. That is down 22.2% from $304.1 million in March and the lowest monthly handle of any of Virginia’s first full three months of sports betting. With no major sports holiday to spur interest, sportsbooks took in $7.9 million per day over the 30 days in April, down from $9.8 million in March.
Sportsbooks still won $19.4 million on April’s bets, down from $26.6 million in March. April’s win led to $11.4 million in adjusted gross revenue, down from $13.8 million but still a higher share of gross revenue than in March. That yielded $1.7 million in state taxes, including $41,304 for problem gambling support.
Every state with legal sports betting has reported a month-over-month decline in April wagering. Of the largest sports betting markets in the U.S. that have already reported April data, Indiana (-25.4%), Iowa (-26.7%), and Michigan (-30.5%) all experienced a more dramatic month-over-month decline than Virginia. New Jersey (-13%), Tennessee (-13.6%), Pennsylvania (-14.4%), and Colorado (-18.8%) were better.
“The lighter sports schedule came at a time when the initial enthusiasm from the launch of sports betting naturally began to wane in Virginia, which steepened the monthly decline,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayVirginia.com and the PlayUSA.com Network. “Still revenue held relatively strong, producing the most tax revenue to date for the commonwealth. That is a good sign heading into summer.”
Now with $865.2 million in wagering since launching in late January, Virginia is still on the precipice of becoming the quickest state to reach the $1 billion milestone. That distinction is currently held by Tennessee, which reached the mark six months after launch. Assuming Virginia can top $135 million in bets in May, it will have hit $1 billion in the market’s fifth month of existence.
Even more, Virginia could see a modest boost in the coming months from the NBA playoffs lasting deeper into summer than normal and the Olympics. And more operators are still expected to launch before the beginning of football season, including the expected addition of Penn National’s highly popular Barstool-branded app.
“Virginia’s market remains in an excellent position,” Welman said. “In fact, Virginia stands should be able to avoid the worst of the typical summer swoon, which will really set the market up for a huge fall.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Virginia, visit PlayVirginia.com/revenue.
Latest News
Evolution Enters Rhode Island Through Extended Partnership with Bally’s Corporation

Evolution announced a new partnership agreement with Bally’s Corporation. The agreement strengthens Bally Casino’s offering in Rhode Island, with a wide-ranging portfolio of Evolution’s slot titles, and establishes Evolution’s footprint in Rhode Island, a key milestone in its US growth strategy.
In a historic first, Evolution is now live in Rhode Island with its online slot games from its renowned slot brands NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. This milestone marks Evolution’s entry into the state and establishes a presence in all seven US states which currently offer online casino gaming.
Also, under the terms of the agreement, Evolution has also introduced exclusive Bally’s branded live dealer Blackjack tables in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These dedicated tables offer a seamless user interface integration with the Bally Bet Casino app, and will provide a premium, personalised player experience which showcases the distinctive Bally brand. In addition to these live dealer games, Bally players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will enjoy an expanded collection of the newest and most exciting cutting-edge slot titles.
Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer Evolution North America, commented: “This agreement represents a significant step forward for both Evolution and Bally’s Corporation. We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Bally’s by delivering world-class gaming experiences and extend our reach into Rhode Island, a first for Evolution. This partnership showcases our shared commitment to driving innovation and providing exceptional entertainment for players.”
Compliance Updates
HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.
The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.
No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.
Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.
Key Features:
- Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
- Instant results with tailored guidance
- Available in 5 languages
- Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
- Fully GDPR compliant
Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.
“While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.
Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.
Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:
By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.
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Evoplay enters Peru’s lottery vertical through a partnership with Loterías Torito

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Loterías Torito, one of the authorised operators of lottery games in Peru, to supply a tailored portfolio of instant win games.
The collaboration will see five of Evoplay’s most popular instant games, including Adrenaline Rush, Adrenaline Rush: Scratch, Penalty Shoot–out: Street, B–Ball Blitz, and Hockey Shootout, launch on Loterías Torito’s platform. Each title has been localised and tailored to meet the lottery’s regulatory standards and responsible gaming objectives.
Operating both online and across retail locations, Loterías Torito is a trusted name in the Peruvian lottery sector. Its blend of traditional lottery products and digital offerings makes it an ideal partner for Evoplay’s instant game portfolio, which is designed to attract a broader, mobile-first audience.
Breaking into the lottery space marks a significant achievement for Evoplay, following their strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets across Latin America, delivering localised content and tailored solutions to forward-thinking lottery operators.
Frank Cecchini, Head of Lottery at Evoplay, said: “We are immensely proud to be working with Loterías Torito. “I firmly believe our content can bridge the gap between lottery players and online gamers, helping drive revenue in a safe, responsible, and engaging way.”
José Ludeña Díaz, Director of Operations at Loterías Torito, added: “Evoplay’s games are one of a kind. They’re innovative, high-quality, and exactly what we need to appeal to new generations of players while staying true to our mission and values.”
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