The Vermont online sports betting market launched in January 2024, when three licensed sportsbook brands received the go-ahead to commence operations. The Department of Liquor and Lottery oversees the Vermont online sports betting market and ensures licensed operators comply with a multitude of consumer protection regulations. Licensed Vermont betting sites accept customers who are 21 or older and physically present within state lines. Other Vermont online betting options include daily fantasy sports and pari-mutuel horse racing wagering through licensed racebook apps.
State of Vermont Sports Betting Overview
Vermont sports betting laws allow bettors 21 and older to bet on sports online with sportsbooks selected by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
The Department selected three sportsbook brands to offer online sports betting in Vermont. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook are the state’s only licensed operators.
Key things to know about betting online in Vermont: Fans must be 21 or older to bet online in Vermont, Vermont betting sites may not accept credit card deposits, Professional and college betting is permitted, No wagers are allowed on local universities or college games held in VT, Bettors may voluntarily self-exclude from all online sports betting in VT
Vermont sports betting bonuses are fairly straightforward, thanks to mainstream operators leading the way in offering fair, easy-to-understand, and transparent promotions.
Additionally, Vermont online sportsbooks must ensure their promotional offers comply with Section 9.0 of VT’s sports betting regulations.
Most importantly, licensed sportsbooks may only issue bonuses or promotions with rules that are “full, accurate, concise, transparent.” Licensed sportsbooks must also ensure their bonus rules do not contain “misleading information.”
For example, Vermont betting sites may not describe bonuses as “free” if customers must risk money to claim them.
Operators must also provide “clear and conspicuous” methods for bettors to decline or cancel their participation in bonuses.
Licensed VT betting sites must also maintain detailed records of every promotion they issue so the Department of Liquor can monitor their promotional activities. Further, detailed records will assist the Department with resolving disputes between customers and sportsbooks.
Sports fans 21 and older can use licensed sportsbook apps and websites to bet on sports online from anywhere within Vermont state lines.
Almost anyone can participate, provided they don’t fit into any of the following categories of “ineligible persons” as defined by Vermont’s sports betting law: Under 21 years of age, On the voluntary or involuntary exclusion list, Not physically located in Vermont, Placing wagers in violation of any local, state, or federal laws, Wagering on behalf of someone else, Athletes, coaches, regulators, team owners, their family members, and anyone else with inside information or the ability to influence sporting events
That list might look lengthy, but it applies to a few people over the age of 21. The vast majority of Vermonters are eligible to bet on sports online.
Getting started is a three-step process involving choosing a licensed online sportsbook, signing up for an account, and depositing. If all goes smoothly, the average Vermont sports fan can have a funded, verified account ready to place wagers in under five minutes.
State of Vermont Sports Betting Timeline
In February 2023, a sports betting proposal began to move through the statehouse. The bill (H. 127), introduced by Rep. Matthew Birong, would authorize between two to six Vermont sports betting apps. HB 127 would also move the legal age for daily fantasy sports users from 18 to 21.
On February 17, 2023, Bill H127 cleared its first committee in a 9-3 vote by The House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, sending it to the next of at least four more committee stops before a House floor vote.
On March 24, 2023, a Vermont sports betting bill cleared a legislative chamber for the first time, passing in the House. Backed by the governor, the bill will now be read in the state Senate.
On May 2, 2023, Bill H127 was on the Senate agenda for a final vote after a favorable report from the Senate Committee on Appropriations and passed the House.
On May 4, 2023, Bill H127 passed in the Senate, meaning the state is on the precipice of legalizing online sports betting pending another approval of the amendments by the House and a signature from the governor.
On June 14, 2023, After the House approved amendments to Bill H127 by the Senate, Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill into law.
On June 27, 2023, Vermont regulators had already completed a draft of rules governing sports betting in the state and could launch online sportsbooks ahead of schedule.
Nov. 15, 2023 – The Vermont Board of Liquor and Lottery approved new background check rules for some people working in the sports betting industry in the state.
Sept. 15, 2023 – Five sportsbooks submitted applications for Vermont sports betting agreements. The list of potential operators includes BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Penn Sports Interactive (ESPN Bet).