In 2023, Vermont became the third state to pass sports betting legislation. That brings the current count to 39 states, including Washington D.C., to formally make sports betting legal in some capacity.
Vermont sports betting launched on January 11, 2024, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics as the first in the state to accept wagers.
Is online sports betting legal in Vermont?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Vermont. It was approved by the House of Representatives in June and signed into law by Governor Phil Scott on June 14, 2023. Vermont regulators then approved rules for betting in the state in July, as well as started collecting proposals from regulated sportsbook operators.
Vermont launched sports betting on January 11, 2024. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics were the first three sports betting sites to launch; BetMGM and ESPN Bet also applied for licenses but there were issues with the applications that resulted in delays. It's unclear whether BetMGM and ESPN Bet will be approved at a future date and when approval could happen.
The Department of Liquor and Lottery is in charge of distributing sports betting licenses in Vermont and will ensure betting sites are operating within the established guidelines for fair play and consumer safety.
It’s also worth noting that the legislation passed in Vermont makes sports betting legal online only, with no retail locations approved.
Best Vermont sports betting sites
Vermont has only launched 3 sports betting sites thus far, but with at least five licenses available, it's likely we'll see expansion in the coming weeks and months.
Let's look at a few of the biggest names that have already launched and others that could join the fray as the best Vermont sports betting sites.
🏈 DraftKings Vermont | ⭐ Fast load times & robust parlay betting |
🏈 FanDuel Vermont | ⭐ Industry leader with wide range of bet types |
🏈 Fanatics Vermont | ⭐ Strong financial backing from sports merchandising operation |
🏈 BetMGM Vermont | ⭐ Superb mobile app & top loyalty program |
🏈 Caesars Vermont | ⭐ Elite betting site with top-notch reputation |
🏈 BetRivers Vermont | ⭐ Great welcome bonuses and impressive loyalty program |
🏈 ESPN Bet Vermont | ⭐ Exclusive partnership with ESPN |
Online sports betting has officially launched statewide, so you should be prepared on how to register for Vermont sports betting apps. Using current operators in neighboring states as an example, let’s look at the few basic steps likely required to sign up and place a bet with VT betting sites. Note that the process may vary slightly between operators but will largely follow these steps.
Sports you can bet on at Vermont betting sites
Now that online sports betting in Vermont has gone live, you can find all of the top sports available in wagering menus. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the top leagues you'll be able to bet on at VT betting sites.
Types of bets to place on Vermont sportsbooks
Vermont sports bettors who are new to wagering would be wise to brush up on the common types of bets to place. Let’s take a look at a few of the basic sports bets they will see on Vermont sportsbooks.
Vermont sports betting legalization timeline
Vermont legalizing sports betting didn’t happen overnight, and the road has been a long one which has recently culminated in the launch on January 11, 2024. Let’s take a look at the legalization timeline of Vermont sports betting.
Who regulates online sports betting in Vermont?
In December 2022, the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery was chosen to regulate the sports betting industry in the state. The department is tasked with issuing licenses to gambling operators, establishing and updating standards for player safety and fair play, and investigating sports wagering player complaints.
Expected revenue from Vermont sports betting
With Vermont online sports betting launching in January 2024, the state is already making projections on how much revenue they’re expecting to see. DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel are required to offer a revenue tax rate of 20% or higher.
According to the Vermont Joint Fiscal Office, the state is expected to earn approximately $2 million in VT gambling taxes in the first year alone. By 2026, that number is expected to grow to around $10 million.
As a point of reference, nearby New York earned $694 million in tax revenue from sports betting in 2022, generating more than $1.3 billion in total gross gaming revenue through that same year.
Popular sports leagues to bet on in Vermont
It isn't just the biggest domestic leagues here in the U.S. that Vermont sports betting sites offer, but also some of the most popular sports leagues around the world. Let’s take a look at a few more of the top sports leagues you can now bet on.
Interesting facts about VT sports betting
Because sports betting legislation is left up to the states, each state that goes live has its own set of rules and interesting facts. Let’s take a look at a few of the most interesting facts to consider now that VT sports betting has gone live.
Tips when betting on sports in Vermont
With sports betting launching in the Green Mountain State for the very first time, many will be venturing into it with limited knowledge because it will be a new experience. Here are a few tips for betting on sports in Vermont.
Criteria we use to compare and rank Vermont betting sites
VT Betting is constantly working to inform you of the latest gambling news, and to give you as many details as we can, we've written reviews comparing and ranking each operator so bettors to find the best options for them. Let’s look at some of the criteria we use when evaluating, comparing, and ranking Vermont betting sites.
Legal vs. offshore betting operators in Vermont
Before sports betting became legal outside of Nevada in the United States in 2019, offshore betting operators had been luring Vermont sports bettors for years. It’s important to understand that offshore betting operators have no physical presence or legal status here in the United States, and your entire experience is not protectable under U.S. law in any capacity.
Conversely, legal sports betting operators in Vermont are all regulated and required to pass strict measures to obtain and maintain licensure. Because of this, they offer popular payment services such as PayPal and Venmo, while offshore betting operators often make you rely on nebulous alternatives such as volatile cryptocurrency.
If you are looking for safety and security in your sports betting experience, legal betting operators in Vermont are the surefire way to go.