Record November Handle in Ohio

Sports betting handle and revenue reached record levels in Ohio in November, according to the latest Ohio Casino Control Commission report released Dec. 30. For the second consecutive month, bettors placed more than $1.1 billion in wagers. The $1.153 billion in handle (online and retail) marked the sixth time Ohio handle surpassed $1 billion since launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

In October, operators took $1.134 billion in bets. In both months, retail betting accounted for about $17 million in handle.

Digital Revenue and Tax Impact

Digital operators reported $131.5 million in taxable revenue, a high mark for 2025, and more than $35 million above October’s taxable revenue. Operators paid the state $26.7 million on a 20% tax rate. The roughly 11.5% hold was the highest of the year.

FanDuel, DraftKings Lead Competitive Market

FanDuel and DraftKings continued to run neck-and-neck in terms of market share in Ohio in November, with FanDuel reporting $378.1 million in handle and DraftKings showing $377.1 million. The next closest platform for digital handle was bet365, which took $90.8 million in bets. BetMGM ($80.4 million) and Fanatics ($66.2 million) also broke the $50 million barrier for handle while Bally’s Interactive ($3.5 million) and Miami Valley Gaming and Racing ($721,158) were at the back of the pack.

There was a large discrepancy in promotional spend during the month — FanDuel spent $15.7 million vs. $5.7 million by DraftKings and $4.3 million by bet365. Every other operator spent $2 million or less. Promotional expenditures are not tax-deductible for operators in Ohio.

Busy Sports Calendar Drives Action

The commission does not break down wagering by sport, but November is among the busiest sports months of the year — the World Series ended Nov. 1, and the college football, NFL, college basketball, NBA, and NHL seasons were all in action. Operators likely saw heavy action on No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, which advanced to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, but was upset and eliminated by Miami on Jan. 1.

Record-Setting Month in Virginia as Well

Per a Dec. 31 Virginia Lottery report, Virginia operators took $798.9 million in bets in November, a 5% increase against November 2024. The handle was the largest since the lottery oversaw the launch of regulated sportsbooks in January 2021. The 12.4% hold was the fourth highest in state history behind 13.1% in September 2022, 13% in August 2022, and 12.7% in June 2025.

Operators took in a record $95.3 million in adjusted gross revenue, and paid $14.3 million to the state on a 15% tax rate.

The lottery does not break down sports betting revenue by operator or sport.