Vermont sports betting is now legal! Governor Phil Scott has signed HB 127 into law in June 2023 and the state Department of Liquor and Lottery can now set up sports betting in Vermont to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. Sports Betting Study Committee (SBSC) recommended that lawmakers authorize up to six operators.
Vermont is the last New England state to legalize sports betting.
The SBSC’s recommendation also included a tax rate of 20%, which would reportedly create $6.5 million in state revenue over the first five years of legal operation.
Now that Vermont sports betting has been signed into law, let’s break down all you need to know about when residents will be able to bet and when the best sports betting apps can be expected to launch.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Vermont?
Yes, sports betting became legal in Vermont in June 2023 when Gov. Phil Scott signs the bill into law.
“I first proposed Vermont legalize sports betting several years ago and I’m happy the Legislature has come to an agreement, as well,” Gov. Scott said after signing the bill. “We know many Vermonters already participate in the marketplace and bringing it above board provides important resources and consumer protections. Vermont now joins many other states who have made this move, and I want to thank Commissioner Knight and her team, as well as members of the Legislature for their collaborative approach on this issue.”
Scott’s office received the legislation (H.127) from the Vermont House of Representatives following final passage of the bill on May 9. The bill authorizes the state’s Department of Liquor and Lottery to operate sports wagering through contracts, set minimum standards for regulations, establish a revenue sharing agreement with operators and create a Responsible Gaming Special Fund to provide services related to problem gambling.
When Will Vermont Sports Betting Apps Launch?
Vermont intends to launch its sports betting program no later than Jan. 1, 2024, DLL Commissioner Wendy Knight told Gaming Today. That puts Vermont on track to launch about a month after neighboring Maine, which announced that it plans to launch sports betting in November. Maine legalized sports betting in August of 2022.
Vermont Sports Betting: Quick Facts
| 💰 Is Vermont Sports Betting Legal? | ✅ Yes sports betting is legal in Vermont as of June 2023 |
| 🚀 Potential Vermont Sports Betting Launch Date | 🗓 January 2024 |
| 📱Potential Number of Apps | 2 to 6 |
| 📜 Latest Sports Betting Bill | 📝 HB 127 was signed into law by Gov. Phill Scott |
| 🏫 Will I be able to Bet on College Sports? | ✅ Yes, except for in-state colleges. |
| 🏫 In Person Wagering? | ❌ No. Vermont sports betting is online only. |
| 🏇 Can You Bet on Horse Racing | ✅ Betting on horse racing is legal in Vermont |
| ⚖️ Legal Age for Sports Betting | 2️⃣1️⃣ |
| 🤑 Is DFS available in Vermont? | ✅ Yes |
| 💵 Online casinos? | ❌ No |
Vermont Sports Betting Updates
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November 8, 2023:
The Vermont Board of Liquor Lottery during a scheduled meeting reviewed and voted on proposed updated to Sports Wagering Program Criminal Background Check Procedures, which were initially approved on July 12, 2023.
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September 13, 2023:
Five major sportsbooks submitted bids to the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery to obtain online sports betting licenses in the state. BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn’s forthcoming ESPN BET all filed bids with the state for a sports betting license. Caesars Sportsbook did not submit a bid in the state.
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August 3, 2023:
In a release announcing its its second quarter 2023 financial results, DraftKings confirms plans to launch in Vermont once sports betting goes live in the state. “DraftKings expects to launch its Sportsbook product in Kentucky….as well as in North Carolina, Vermont, and Puerto Rico, in each case pending licensure and regulatory approvals as well as securing market access in North Carolina and Vermont,” the release said.
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July 20, 2023:
Vermont has started the bid process for the selection of two to six mobile sports betting operators authorized by a sports betting law signed in June. The 125-page request for proposal (RFP) for sports betting operators was issued by the state’s purchasing agency on behalf of regulators at the state Department of Liquor and Lottery.
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June 14, 2023:
Sports betting is now legal in Vermont. Gov. Phil Scott has signed HB 127 into law, allowing the state Department of Liquor and Lottery to set up sports gambling.
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May 9, 2023:
The Vermont sports betting bill is on its way to Gov. Phil Scott after receiving final passage by a House voice vote. Only a handful of nay votes sounded through the lower chamber today as lawmakers voted to agree with Senate changes to H.127, sponsored by Rep. Matt Birong, D-Vergennes.
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May 4, 2023:
The Senate approved amended HB 127. The bill will get sent back to the chamber for concurrence and then on to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk.
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March 24, 2023:
House Bill 127 was cleared in the House, backed by the governor, the bill will be read in the Senate.
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February 1, 2023:
House Bill 127 is proposed by Rep. Matthew Birong.
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June 8, 2021:
Vermont passses HB 313 that made amendments to alcoholic beverage laws that requires a study on the sports betting industry to be conducted.
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February 11, 2021:
Sen. Dick Spears introduces SB 77 that proposes legal sports betting under the authority of the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
How Many Sportsbooks Are Coming to Vermont?
Vermont is required to contract with a minimum of two, but not more than six mobile sports betting operators, according to the state’s sports betting law signed on June 14.
Vermont mobile sports betting will be operated by independent sportsbooks, with potential operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars. The state lottery will regulate sports betting, but there will be no lottery sportsbook app.
If the DLL is unable to find qualified applicants, or “if the competitive bidding process fails to produce a sufficient number of qualified applicants,” then the state can contract with one operator or none.
Is There Retail Sports Betting in Vermont?
No. Vermont sports betting will be online only so all legal sports bets must be placed through one of the states approved online betting apps. There will not be any apps tethered to casinos as Vermont doesn’t have casinos.
Vermont will join Tennessee and Wyoming in legalizing online-only wagering. Like Vermont, Tennessee has no casinos or active horse tracks to anchor sports betting under state law.
Vermont Sports Betting Apps Coming Soon
In September 2023, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn’s ESPN BET all filed bids with the state for a sports betting license. While the state could approve all five, it is only compelled to approve two. The next step for the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery is to evaluate these bids using a 1,000-point rubric evaluating each applicant.
BetMGM Vermont
“The King of Sportsbooks” would be another welcome addition to Vermont in the future. Known for offering highly competitive odds, BetMGM Vermont is sure to be a popular choice once Vermont sports betting apps launch. BetMGM’s sports betting app also ranks among the industry’s leaders as well as its sports betting bonuses. The speed and strength of BetMGM’s app allows for a superior live-betting experience.
- Availability: iOS, Android, and Desktop
- Key Features: Competitive odds, top customer loyalty program
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Online banking, Visa (credit and debit), PayNearMe, and more
- Gaming Today Rating: 4.9
DraftKings Vermont
DraftKings is one of the leading sports betting apps offering some of the best sportsbook promos across the US. In neighboring New Hampshire, DraftKings started operations in 2020 as the only online sports betting operator in the state. The Boston-based company still holds that status. DraftKings has confirmed plans to launch in Vermont once sports betting goes live in the state.
The DraftKings app owns a 4.8 rating (out of five stars) at the App Store, where more than 400,000 customer reviews have been submitted to date.
- Availability: iOS, Android, and Desktop
- Key Features: Speedy app, live betting
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Online banking, PayPal, ACH, and more
- Gaming Today Rating: 4.8
FanDuel Vermont
Like DraftKings, FanDuel made its mark by becoming a leader in the daily fantasy sports space before emerging as one of the premier sportsbooks in the US.
FanDuel’s sports betting app is known for performing equally well on iOS and Android devices.
- Availability: iOS, Android, and Desktop
- Key Features: Download ease, ongoing promotions
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Online banking, wire transfer, PayPal, and more
- Gaming Today Rating: 4.9
Does Vermont Have Daily Fantasy Sports?
Yes. In 2017, Gov. Phil Scott signed into a law a bill that legalizes and regulates the operation of paid-entry fantasy sports contests (DFS) within Vermont. The bill made “fantasy sports contests” exempt from the state’s gambling laws and allows Vermont residents to enter DFS contests with operators like DraftKings, FanDuel and PrizePicks.
Among numerous other consumer protection measures, the bill requires that all participants be at least 18 years old and restricts the use of computer scripts that provide players with an unfair advantage.
Can I Bet College Sports in Vermont?
Vermont’s sports betting bill does allow for wagering on college sports. However, similar to neighboring Massachusetts, the Vermont’s sports wagering legislation prohibits residents from placing bets on in-state colleges and universities unless they are playing in a tournament like the NCAA March Madness Tournament.
Vermont College Sports Teams
| University of Vermont Athletic Teams | |
|---|---|
| 🏀 Men's Basketball | ⚽️ Men's Soccer |
| 🏀 Women's Basketball | ⚽️ Women's Soccer |
| 🏒 Men's Hockey | ⛷ Skiing |
| 🥍 Men's Lacrosse | 🤸♀️ Men's Gymnastics |
| 🥍 Women's Lacrosse | 🤸♀️Women's Gymnastics |
| ⚾️ Baseball |
The University of Vermont Catamounts are the only show in town (and in the state). UVM is a Division 1 school that occasionally makes an appearance in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Vermont also has a fairly successful men’s hockey program.
The Vermont men’s basketball team will be competing in the 2023 Myrtle Beach Invitational at Coastal Carolina University in mid-November 2023. The 2023 Myrtle Beach Invitational will be played November 16, 17 and 19 at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.
The Catamounts are one of three teams from the 2023 NCAA Tournament set to compete in the 2023 Myrtle Beach Invitational. College of Charleston won a program-best 31 games in 2022-23, but fell to No. 5 San Diego State (L, 63-57) in the First Round. Furman pulled off a stunning 68-67 upset over No. 4 Virginia, before falling to San Diego State (L, 72-57) in the Second Round.
Most Popular Sports to Bet On In Vermont
There are no professional sports teams in the Green Mountain State. However, Vermont residents often follow teams from neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York.
Massachusetts has five professional sports franchises with New England Patriots (NFL), Boston Celtics (NBA), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Red Sox (MLB), and New England Revolution (MLS).
New York has several popular teams with the New York Yankees and New York Mets in the MLB, the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills in the NFL, the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Sabres in the NHL, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, and New York Liberty in the WNBA.
Can I Bet on Horse Racing in Vermont?
While there is no live horse racing in Vermont, you can wager on racing online using the best horse betting apps.
There are no off track betting locations or simulcast wagering facilities in Vermont.
Other Sports to Bet on In Vermont
Neighboring New Hampshire hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events each year. Vermont sports bettors can make wagers on these races by crossing the state line into New Hampshire.
How to Bet in Vermont
Learning how to bet in Vermont will likely be quick and easy, especially once legal sportsbooks launch. Players will need to:
Download a legal Vermont Sports Betting App
Most legal sportsbooks should be available for both iOS and Android devices.
iPhone users can simply download their sportsbook(s) of choice straight to their devices by searching for the sportsbook name in the App Store.
For Android users, the Google Play store has sportsbook apps available as well.
Register For a Vermont Sports Betting Account
This simply involves providing personal information including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and mailing address.
Fund Your Account
Make your initial deposit using online banking, wire transfer, PayPal, or other available services.
While Visa and MasterCard are usually options, these can come with cash advance fees. It’s best to deposit using online bank transfer or PayPal, which usually do not come with fees. Both are also available for funding your account as well as cashing out.
Place your First Bet
After funding their accounts, players will be able to place wagers using their downloaded sportsbooks right away. All Vermont sports betting apps will offer bets on major league sports and college events. Aside from those, the options can vary depending on the platform, so check to make sure it has what you’re looking for before joining.
Vermont Sports Betting Regulation and Oversight
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) will regulate sports betting in the state. Each year the department, in consultation with the Department of Mental Health, will provide a report to the Legislature on the impact of sports betting on problem gambling in Vermont.
The operators will also be required annually to provide the state with a responsible gaming plan that includes information about the posting of materials related to problem gambling; resources to be made available to bettors with concerns about problem gambling; house-imposed player limits; and self-exclusion programs.
The Path to Legal Sports Betting in Vermont
The Vermont Senate passed the bill on May 4 after approving several amendments, including the addition of a single $550,000 license fee per operator, instead of a graduated fee proposed by the House. The House agreed to the change when it gave final passage to the bill on Tuesday. It also agreed to penalties for violation, as well as a Senate proposal to base future problem gambling appropriations on recommendations made to the legislature early next year.
Specific appropriations in H.127 as amended and agreed to for FY 2024 include:
- $250,000 in new funding for the state’s Problem Gambling Fund
- $550,000 to the Department of Liquor and Lottery for sports wagering regulation
- $100,000 to the state’s IT agency to establish a sports wagering self-exclusion digital list
A request made by Knight to replace line-item appropriations for problem gambling in H.127 with funding based on five percent of state sports betting revenue was denied by the Senate Appropriations Committee in April. Instead, the committee decided to base funding in FY 2025 on a recommended specific appropriation and funding as of FY 2026 on a recommended percentage.
How Vermont Sports Betting Compares to Other States
Vermont is the last state in New England to legalize some form of sports betting.
New Hampshire sports betting has been steadily growing since launching in 2020. Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2018. Massachusetts legalized sports betting earlier this year. While not possessing any ties to New England, neighboring New York has become the country’s top sports betting state in terms of revenue after launching in early 2022.
Vermont Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, sports betting is now legal in Vermont. Governor Phil Scott has signed HB 127 into law on June 14, 2023, clearing the way for sports betting in Vermont to launch by 2024.
Yes. In states that have legalized sports betting, online sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by state gaming commissions. As long as you’re using a licensed sportsbook app, you can rest assured that your money and personal information will be safe.
No. You won’t need to be a resident of Vermont to register for a sportsbook account in the state now that legalization has occured. But you will need to be physically located in Vermont to make a mobile wager. For example, many Vermont residents can cross the state line into New Hampshire currently to make legal sports bets.
You’ll likely have to be 21 years or older. That is the age restriction in most states but not all of them. Rhode Island is among the states requiring bettors to only be 18 years or older.
There are no sportsbooks operating legally in Vermont at this time. But you can expect DraftKings to be among the legal sportsbooks available once online apps go live in the state.
Yes, Vermont’s sports betting bill does allow for wagering on college sports with some restrictions. The sports wagering legislation prohibits residents from placing bets on in-state colleges and universities unless they are playing in a tournament.
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