Gambling in Vermont

Anyone interested in gambling in Vermont might find it difficult at the moment. Heavy restrictions mean that casinos and other forms of gambling are not permitted. However, with the introduction of daily fantasy sports and the possible legalization of mobile sports betting, these attitudes may soon be changing in the Green Mountain State.

Available in this state

Daily fantasy sports
Lottery

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Vermont?

Sports betting is currently not legal in Vermont, but change is on the horizon. Following the overthrowing of the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, many states began to legalize sports betting. This includes some of the states surrounding Vermont. The government is currently losing potential revenue from Vermonters crossing state borders to where they can legally place sports bets. By introducing regulations, they will gain some control over the revenue again.

Legislators are currently debating whether to make this form of gambling in VT legal with bill S213. If this is passed by lawmakers in Vermont, online sports betting will become regulated and available through licensed mobile operators. The gambling age in Vermont is currently 18 and this will probably also apply for those who wish to indulge in sports betting too.

This bill was introduced by state senators Dick Sears and Michael Sirotkin, and it is currently being scrutinized by the Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. You will be able to follow its progress further here on this page.

Does Vermont Have Casinos?

If you want to head to a casino in the Green Mountain State, then you will find yourself out of luck. There are no brick-and-mortar casinos and casino gambling in Vermont is not permitted. Most residents prefer to head across state borders into New York if they do wish to visit a casino.

Though the law is slightly murky in this area, it is possible to find a defined gambling restriction in Vermont law. State Statute 2133 explicitly criminalize playing “at cards, dice, tables, or other game for money or other valuable in a common gaming or gambling house that is maintained for lucre and gain”.

Unless a new law is introduced that removes or changes this restriction, it is unlikely that we will see casinos flourish in Vermont any time soon. A bill was introduced in 2013 that would create the state’s first brick-and-mortar casino, but it did not make it past legislators.

Should a new bill be introduced that would allow casino games in Vermont, you will be able to follow its progress here.

Can You Play Poker Online in Vermont?

As one might expect, State Statute 2133 stands strong for poker lovers as card games are banned in Vermont. Online poker sites do claim to offer options for American players, but these cannot always be trusted. They have not been regulated by the state government and you could run into issues trying to play at them.

Other states that have legalized this game have set up a system to allow players in those states to play together. For example, a player in Nevada can also sit in on a game with someone from Delaware while both being in their respective states. A similar system would be good in the Green Mountain State. Online poker enjoyed in this way would allow lots of people to participate in the game without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

If online poker is included in a new bill to legalize casino games, you will be able to find out more about it here.

Vermont Was the Second State to Legalize DFS

With neighboring New York passed daily fantasy regulations in 2016, it was not surprising to see legislators in the Green Mountain State introduce their own laws. The legislation was prepared in S136, a bill that covered several areas of consumer protection beyond fantasy sports. The bill was signed into law by Governor Phil Scott on June 8, 2017.

Many of the major operators offer their products in Vermont, including FanDuel and DraftKings. If sports betting becomes a legal form of gambling in Vermont, we will likely see daily fantasy operators like these also launch their sports betting products here.

What Lottery Games Can I Play in Vermont?

The Vermont state lottery was formed in 1977 following a referendum in the year before. The Lottery is part of the Tri-State Lottery along with Maine and New Hampshire. There are twice-daily draws throughout the week and a jackpot called Megabucks Plus. This comes with a minimum win of $1,000,000 and draws twice a week. Players can also take part in a multi-jurisdictional game such as Powerball, Lucky for Life, or Mega Millions.

You must be 18+ to buy tickets. They can be bought from retailers and terminals all over the state. You can also subscribe for repeated entry to Powerball, Mega Millions, and Megabucks Plus. Winning numbers can be checked at the official lottery website.

Interesting Facts About Gambling in Vermont

Should S213 become law, any sportsbook operators in Vermont will need to pay a monthly tax of 10% on gross revenue. Operators will have to pay $10,000 for their licenses. A daily fantasy sports license costs $5000 annually in Vermont. The operators pay no additional taxes beyond the usual rate of income tax other businesses in this state must pay.

All profits from the Vermont Lottery are given to the state’s Education Fund and have done so since 1998. In the fiscal year of 2019, this equaled approximately $29,179,325. This directly helps to fund many of the K-12 public schools in this State.

What Does the Future Hold for Gamblers in Vermont?

While it may seem like gambling in Vermont is heavily restricted, the potential for change is in the works. S213 is going to be key in this; should mobile sports betting become legal, it may open the conversation for legalizing other forms of gambling such as casinos. With the other states surrounding Vermont now legalizing gambling in all forms, the lawmakers in the Green Mountain State will no doubt feel some pressure to introduce regulations soon.

FAQS

Is online sports betting legal in Vermont?

Sports betting is not yet a legal form of gambling in Vermont. Legislators are currently considering bill S213. This would make online sports betting legal and regulated in the Green Mountain State.

Is online gambling legal in Vermont?

Online gambling is not legal in Vermont.

Where can I gamble in Vermont?

Vermont does not have any casinos. There are no racetracks, tribal or commercial casinos in this state.

Is the lottery available in Vermont?

The Vermont Lottery has several games drawing throughout the week. In addition to big games with multiple other states, they are also a member of the Tri-State Lottery alongside New Hampshire and Maine. You can buy tickets for the Lottery from approved retailers throughout the state.