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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.

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

DraftKings Vermont

DraftKings Vermont

Arguably the most visible and popular sports betting company in the U.S., DraftKings is headquartered nearby in Boston. A longtime Vermont daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator, DraftKings was one of the first sports betting platforms to go live in the U.S. in August 2018.

DraftKings Vermont is one of the first providers in the state. With lightning-fast load times, robust same game parlay betting, and a plethora of payment options available, DraftKings is a leading provider in the space and should continue to be so for years to come.

FanDuel Vermont

FanDuel Vermont

Following in the footsteps of DraftKings in terms of going from DFS to sports betting, FanDuel Vermont will almost certainly be one of the top two operators in the market now that it has launched in the state. With high-profile celebrities such as Charles Barkley endorsing the brand, FanDuel joins DraftKings in a rarefied stratosphere that stands alone above the pack.

With as many leagues and bet types as anyone, FanDuel Sportsbook continues to improve its lighting fast load times and its payout processing to cement its status as an industry leader.

BetMGM Vermont

BetMGM Vermont

The self-proclaimed and advertised “King of sports betting sites” is an operator potentially coming to the online sports betting space in Vermont. Known for one of the best loyalty programs in the industry which keeps its customers coming back, BetMGM has some of the best odds for players in the space.

BetMGM Vermont will also be an immediate player when it comes to live betting in the state, as their mobile app is superb. Lastly, they also have a high-quality loyalty program for existing customers, giving out rewards such as tickets to events and hotel credits. Unfortunately, BetMGM ran into some issues during the application process and was not part of the January 11 launch.

Caesars Vermont

Caesars Vermont

Caesars Sportsbook is another premier player in the U.S. sports betting market that could be coming to Vermont, though the company has yet to apply for a VT license. Formerly Harrahs, the company rebranded in 2010 and was positioned well for the legalization of sports betting outside of Nevada that occurred in 2018.

Known for its top-notch reputation in the retail sports betting industry, Caesars expanded online a couple of years ago bringing the same high-quality product to millions of more sports bettors. Their 2021 acquisition of English sports betting behemoth William Hill has made them a major player in the space.

BetRivers Logo

BetRivers Vermont

BetRivers first went live with a brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook in Pittsburgh before expanding their offerings to online betting as well in the summer of 2019. Now up and running in 12 different states, BetRivers Vermont could be part of the next wave of online locations to go live.

Owned by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers is known for both its online sports betting presence, as well as an expanding portfolio of retail sportsbooks in partnership with casinos. While BetRivers Vermont would be an online-only endeavor, its impressive loyalty program would remain in place.

ESPN Bet Vermont

ESPN Bet Vermont

PENN Entertainment swung for the fences in the summer of 2023 by signing an exclusive deal with ESPN to become their sole partner in the sports betting space. With the deal, PENN ended its partnership with Barstool, with the license now re-branded as ESPN Bet.

The new platform went live in November 2023. While ESPN Bet wasn't able to launch in Vermont on January 11, PENN applied for a license and could be approved in the coming weeks.

How to sign up at VT betting apps and claim their promos

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.

  1. Sign up for an account: Located in the upper right-hand corner of the main page, select the button that says something to the effect of “Join Now” or “Register.”
  2. Enter the requested information: Tthe first step is entering your desired username (or email address) and password, followed by basic information such as first name, last name, date of birth, home address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You might also be required to set up security questions to further protect your account.
  3. Agree to their terms and policies: Once your information is entered, there are check boxes asking you to agree to the site’s terms and conditions, privacy policy, and potentially (optional) marketing material.
  4. Deposit funds and claim promo: With your account now registered and verified, you’ll be asked to choose a payment method to deposit funds. This is also the time that they offer Vermont sportsbook promos such as a welcome bonus or sign-up offer. Be sure to check back to this site for the best promo offers currently available.
  5. Place your bet: With your account confirmed, money deposited, and promo accepted, the time has come to place your bet. Navigate back to the main page of the sports betting site, and choose the sport and type of bet that you would like to make. Enter the amount you want to risk, view the potential winnings, and place your bet.

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.

  • National Football League (NFL): Vermont launched sports betting just before the start of the 2023-24 NFL playoffs, meaning there were ample opportunities for VT bettors to bet on the NFL from Day One. The New England Patriots are the closest professional team that Vermont residents have, but their home in Foxborough, MA is at least a two-hour drive away for most Vermont residents.
  • National Basketball Association (NBA): NBA betting is a strong option for Vermont bettors as the second-most wagered-on league throughout much of the U.S. Though the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets are all relatively close, Vermont has no NBA team, and the state has yet to have one of its own play in the league.
  • College sports: College sports betting is a somewhat controversial topic. Vermont law allows for betting on college sports, but only on teams/games that don't feature Vermont schools (with an exception for end-of-season tournament play such as March Madness).

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.

  • Money line: As easy as it gets, betting on the money line is simply choosing which team will win outright. Teams with a negative (-) next to their side are the expected winners (favorites), while the positive (+) indicates the expected loser (underdog).
  • Totals: Otherwise known as over/under betting, a total wager is a bet on the total combined points scored in a game. The “over” is a wager on the combined score being over the set number, while the converse is true for the “under.”
  • Prop bets: A prop bet is a bet within a game or event, broken out into team props and player props. An example of a prop bet would be betting Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Kenny Picket to throw “under” a set amount of 230.5 yards. If he throws for 230 or less, those who bet the under would win their wagers.

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.

  • March 2019: It all began with House Bill 474, which was focused on sports betting, before ultimately dying in the Vermont House of Representatives.
  • September 2021: The Vermont Senate introduced Senate Bill 77, sparking a sports betting study to determine the financials and tax implications of legalized wagering in the state.
  • February 2023: House Bill 127 (HB127) was first introduced, passing its first round of committee voting before being sent to the full House
  • March 2023: HB127 passed the Vermont House, gaining public support from the governor for the first time.
  • May 2023: HB127 passed the Vermont Senate, signaling significant steps in legalized online sports betting in the state.
  • June 2023: Vermont Governor Phill Scott officially signs HB127 into law, paving the way for an action plan to be formed.
  • July 2023: An August 28, 2023 deadline was set by the state for online sports betting operators to submit their form requests for proposals to set up shop in the state. (It was later extended to September 6.)
  • September 2023: Applications from five betting sites were accepted, with DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, ESPN Bet (PENN), and FanDuel formally requesting approval for licenses in the state.
  • December 2023: Governor Phil Scott's office has declared that sports betting in Vermont is set to officially commence on January 11, 2024.
  • January 11, 2024: Vermont launches sports betting, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics as the first three operators to go live in the state.

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.

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.

  • English Premier League (EPL): Running congruent with American football here in the U.S., Europe's biggest soccer league has become a popular betting option for U.S. bettors.
  • Spanish La Liga: Spain’s professional soccer league has also become a popular betting option for American bettors, a 2021 TV deal with ESPN has made the league a hit here stateside.
  • College Football: American football certainly isn't left off of Vermont sports betting menus, as college football is a bettor favorite throughout the fall.

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.

  • Bettors are not permitted to place wagers on games that involve Vermont-based college programs, following many other states with this stipulation.
  • Despite there being zero horse tracks in Vermont, horse race betting in VT has been legal in the state for more than six decades and appears on sports betting sites that have launched.
  • The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery run the show in terms of regulating online sports betting in the state, also having the final say in which operators gain licensure.
  • House Bill 127, which made sports betting legal in the state, only allows for online betting sites, with no brick-and-mortar locations permitted.
  • Despite online sports betting being legalized, online casino games remain illegal in the state.

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.

  • Manage your bankroll: One of the most important aspects of any sports bettor's routine should be managing their money. Before starting, set a weekly/monthly budget of how much you want to spend, and don’t exceed that amount no matter the outcome of your bets.
  • Don’t bet with emotion: While it might be tempting to only bet on your favorite team(s), try and remove any bias you might have when making a bet.
  • Bet early: By the day of the game you’re betting on, the odds you are betting into have already been bet on from both sides. If you can bet on a number when it first comes out, oftentimes, you’ll receive the most favorable odds, increasing your payout if your bet is a winner.
  • Track your bets: Though it might be cumbersome, keeping track of your bets and their outcome can allow you to see patterns in your tendencies. For instance, if you’re always betting the over, take note of that and look for some games that figure to be low-scoring affairs.

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.

  • User interface: Starting with the betting site’s main page, we gauge how easy it is to navigate and find your bets. Part of this will also be looking into the load time of the pages to ensure you can place your bet in a timely manner.
  • Payment methods: Depositing and withdrawing funds is a critical component of any online sports betting experience, and you’ll want to be aware of the options available for both. Beyond that, the minimum deposit and time to process withdrawals are also critical to any VT betting site experience.
  • Customer service: Though you may rarely interact with them, we’ll dive into the options available to you when it comes to customer support. Whether it be a robust FAQ, 24/7 live chat, or phone support, knowing how to get help is important to many new and experienced sports bettors.

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.


FAQ

What is the legal age for sports betting in VT?

The legal age for sports betting in VT is21 years of age. This requirement falls in line with age requirements for most states that allow sports gambling.

How can I check if an online betting site in Vermont is legit?

One way to check if an online sports betting site in Vermont is legit is to scroll to the bottom of the page and look for a “Licensed & Regulated” icon.

How do I pick the best Vermont gambling site?

Now that Vermont betting has gone live, check back to this page to find the best Vermont gambling sites. We've written detailed reviews of each operator to help determine which sites are the right fit for you.

Is horse race betting legal online in VT?

Yes, horse racing betting is legal online in VT. There have been online horse race betting platforms like TwinSpires available in the state for years.

Are daily fantasy sports legal in Vermont?

Yes, daily fantasy sports are legal in Vermont, where players can enter fantasy contests daily. Two of the biggest operators, DraftKings and FanDuel, are also in the mix of legal betting sites in the state.

Can I bet on college teams that are located in Vermont?

No, you can not bet on college teams that are based in Vermont, with the exception being neutral site tournaments such as March Madness. You will be able to bet on college teams in both football and basketball that are located outside of Vermont.