HomeNewsUncategorizedVermont Lawmakers Push to Repeal Sports Betting Despite Strong First-Year Performance

Vermont Lawmakers Push to Repeal Sports Betting Despite Strong First-Year Performance

Just over a year after launching legal sports betting, a group of Vermont lawmakers is making an aggressive push to repeal the industry. Rep. Thomas Stevens introduced H 133, a bill that would not only end sports wagering but also abolish the state lottery.

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Co-sponsored by Reps. Troy Headrick and Michael Mrowicki, the bill argues that gambling acts as a

“camouflaged form of regressive taxation”

that disproportionately harms lower-income residents. Headrick has been vocal about his concerns, stating,

“It disproportionately harms low-income and working families who are forced into desperate financial decisions.”

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, though its chances of passage appear slim. Governor Phil Scott, who signed the original sports betting bill into law, would have to approve any repeal, making the proposal more of a statement than a likely policy shift.

No state has ever repealed its own sports betting or lottery laws since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, though responsible gambling measures have been under increased scrutiny nationwide. Some states, like Minnesota, have hesitated to expand sports betting due to concerns about problem gambling. Vermont, however, already launched a responsible gambling website last year to provide support for individuals struggling with addiction.

Strong Revenue Numbers Tell a Different Story

Despite the repeal effort, Vermont sportsbooks has shown strong early performance. In its first year, bettors placed nearly $200 million in wagers, with sportsbooks generating $21.9 million in gross revenue. The state collected more than $6.3 million in taxes, slightly below initial projections of $7 million but still a notable financial gain.

Basketball emerged as the most popular sport among Vermont bettors, generating a handle of $54.5 million. This surge was likely fueled by the Boston Celtics’ dominant NBA season and UConn’s NCAA championship run. Football followed closely with $39.7 million in wagers, reflecting the popularity of both the NFL and college football. Interestingly, tennis saw a significant share of bets, ranking fourth with $17.1 million in handle, surpassing soccer.

Vermont’s market also benefits from out-of-state bettors, who contributed nearly 30% of the total handle. With neighboring states like New Hampshire and Massachusetts offering online sportsbooks, Vermont’s ability to retain betting dollars within state lines was a key factor in its legalization push. Early comparisons to Rhode Island’s mature market suggest that Vermont’s per capita betting figures are competitive and could continue to grow.

Given these numbers, the push for repeal faces an uphill battle. Lawmakers backing H 133 argue that gambling addiction and financial instability outweigh economic benefits, but industry advocates point to the tax revenue and regulatory safeguards in place.

For now, Vermont’s sports betting industry remains on solid ground. The first-year results suggest the state has successfully tapped into a sustainable market, and with early 2025 figures showing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in handle, the industry’s trajectory remains upward. While the debate over gambling’s societal impact will persist, Vermont’s betting market appears here to stay — at least for the foreseeable future.