Residents wagered nearly $200 million in 2024 alone, a clear sign that demand for digital wagering is strong in the Green Mountain State.
While VT sports betting is now a legal and thriving industry, online casino gaming remains off the table, sparking ongoing debate over the future direction of Vermont’s gambling landscape.
Sports Betting Surges Despite Revenue Fluctuations
Since launching its regulated market in January 2024, Vermont’s online sports betting industry has outperformed expectations. By March 2025, total handle reached $22.9 million, up 13% year-over-year and 6% from February.
That month alone featured 777,085 total bets placed, including 604,479 from within the state and 172,606 from out-of-state users, highlighting not just local enthusiasm but regional appeal.
Basketball was the dominant sport, attracting $10.8 million in bets in March, followed by soccer ($2M), tennis ($1.6M), hockey ($856K), and even eBasketball ($482K). Vermont’s mobile betting platforms — powered by FanDuel VT, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — have helped drive this activity, supported by Governor Phil Scott’s signing of HB 127 in June 2023.
Still, despite higher handles, adjusted gross revenue dropped to $1.2 million in March and was down 5.4% in February compared to prior months. Experts cite smarter betting behavior and tighter odds as reasons for the revenue dip.
These trends suggest a more mature, informed player base is emerging, a positive sign for long-term market sustainability.
Online Casino Debate Lingers While Alternatives Rise
While sports betting flourishes, online casino gambling in Vermont is still prohibited, a position that’s increasingly shown to be out of step with national trends.
Seven U.S. states currently offer legal online casinos, generating significant tax revenue for public programs. Supporters argue Vermont could enjoy similar benefits by implementing strong responsible gaming tools and regulatory frameworks.
However, concerns about problem gambling, regulation, and potential cannibalization of existing revenues have made lawmakers hesitant.
Instead, Vermont residents looking for digital gaming options have turned to daily fantasy sports (DFS), sweepstakes casinos, and even international platforms like Lucky Block Casino, which promote features such as
“thousands of games” and “lightning-fast withdrawals” using cryptocurrency like Litecoin (LTC).
According to a 2024 report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, the broader U.S. gambling industry grew 3.3% year-over-year, totaling $172 billion. Vermont contributed to that surge, generating $3.5 million in revenue from sports betting alone, largely driven by mobile usage and flexible payment options.
In parallel with gaming trends, even Vermont’s sports fandom is bucking expectations. A BetMGM study revealed the state favors the New York Giants over the New England Patriots — despite the Patriots being Vermont’s regional NFL team.
This loyalty may trace back to the Giants’ former training camps in Colchester during the late 1950s, reflecting how history and geography can shape fan allegiances.
For now, Vermont finds itself at a crossroads. With mobile sports betting established and growing, the conversation is shifting toward what’s next, whether that means embracing online casinos or staying the course. Either way, the foundation has been laid, and the state’s appetite for digital gaming is clear.
