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As sports betting continues to gain popularity across the U.S., Vermont has quickly joined the regulated gambling landscape, joining the list of U.S. jurisdictions with legal online sports wagering and giving residents access to secure mobile betting platforms from licensed operators.
Vermont provides sports fans with a legal way to wager on professional sports, approved college sports and major sporting competitions. However, unlike many states, Vermont operates as an online-only sports betting market that partners with three licensed sportsbook operators, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Bettors in Vermont can place wagers through mobile apps as long as they are located inside of the state. While the state has no professional teams, bettors still have a wide range of options, including professional sports and college sports with no shortage of selections to choose from.
The Sporting News breaks down everything you need to know about betting in Vermont, including the best sportsbooks, top promos and welcome bonuses.
MORE: What are the best sports betting apps?
Sports betting quick facts
- Is sports betting legal?: Yes, sports betting is legal in Vermont. The state legalized online sports betting in 2023.
- Online launch date: January 11, 2024
- Regulator: Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
- Number of licensed online sportsbooks: Legal at six licensed online sportsbooks across the state, offering retail sportsbook locations as well.
- Legal betting age: 21+ or older
- Online Casinos: No, online casino gambling is not legal in Vermont
- College betting restrictions: Betting on college teams in Vermont is prohibited
- Taxes on winnings: Sports betting winnings are subject to federal tax but no state income tax. However gambling winnings are still subject to taxes depending on the amount.
MORE: Best sportsbook promos and betting app bonuses
Is sports betting legal in Vermont?
Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Vermont for anyone who is 21 or older.
Vermont legalized online sports wagering in 2023 and the market, regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, officially launched on January 11, 2024. Vermont is an online-only sports betting state, meaning there are no retail sportsbooks and every legal wager must be placed through a licensed mobile app or website
Today, eligible bettors can place wagers in person at licensed retail sportsbooks or online through approved Vermont sportsbook apps. The number of legal betting apps can change over time as sportsbooks enter the market, leave the state or rebrand, so bettors should always check the current list of licensed and operating online sports wagering operators.
To place legal sports bets in Vermont, you must generally:
- Be at least 21 years or older: Vermont sports betting is limited to users who are 18 or older.
- Be physically located in Vermont.: You do not have to be a Vermont resident, but you must be inside state lines when placing an online bet. Sportsbook apps use geolocation technology to confirm your location before accepting a wager.
MORE: Everything to know about moneyline betting
Best Vermont sportsbooks
Before we break down the best sportsbook options in the state, here is a list of all of the available legal sportsbooks in Vermont
DraftKings Vermont
- Best known for: Huge variety of player props and alternate lines, quick live bet options and updates.
- State-specific angle:
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly
- App rating: iOS 4.8/5 (996K+ ratings) | Android 4.7/5 (228K+ reviews)
- Final take: DraftKings is another trusted sportsbook with deep markets that sets it apart from competitors. DraftKings is a leader in live-betting with a great rewards program.
MORE: Full guide to the DraftKings promo code
FanDuel Vermont
- Best known for: Ease of use with same-game parlay builder, fast betslip creation and powerful live market availability
- State-specific angle:
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $50 in bet reset tokens for 7 days
- App rating: iOS rating 4.8/5 (2.1M+ ratings); Android 4.5/5 (385K+ reviews)
- Final take: FanDuel has a vast variety of parlay and same game parlay options, has a trusted brand and professional and easy-to-use interface.
MORE: How to take advantage of the FanDuel welcome bonus
Fanatics Vermont
- Best known for: Has an excellent rewards system called FanCash that convert to Fanatics merchandise or bonus bets; features a clean user interface.
- State specific angle:
- Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in FanCash
- App rating: iOS 4.8/5 (232K+ ratings) | Android 4.7/5 (49K+ reviews)
- Final take: While Fanatics may not have as strong a reputation as some competitors, its FanCash rewards program could be a major differentiator, especially with casual bettors.
MORE: Everything to know about the Fanatics promo code
How to sign up and place a bet in Vermont
Step 1: Choose a licensed sportsbook in Vermont
Select one of the Vermont legal online sportsbooks or visit a retail sportsbook at a licensed casino.
Step 2: Create your account
Register for an account with your name, address, date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number to verify your age and identity (must be at least 21 years old).
Step 3: Make a deposit
Add funs to your account using the various deposit methods at the sportsbook. Options could include debit card, online bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo, prepaid card or cash at a partnered casino, depending on your sportsbook.
Step 4: Place your bet
Choose the sport and wager type you like, enter your stake, review the bet slip and confirm the wager while physically located within state lines.
MORE: What is a vig in sports betting?
Vermont sportsbook promos and welcome offers
DraftKings Vermont welcome bonus
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly
- Promo code: None required
- Bonus type: Bet and get
- Claim offer: Click here to claim!
FanDuel Vermont welcome bonus
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $50 in bet reset tokens for 7 days
- Promo code: None required
- Bonus type: Bet and get
- Claim offer: Click here to claim!
Fanatics Vermont welcome bonus
- Welcome offer: Bet and get up to $1,000 in FanCash
- Promo code: None required
- Bonus type: Bet and get
- Claim offer: Click here to claim!
What you can (and can’t) bet on in Vermont
While Vermont offers a vast array of betting options, there are some key restrictions that bettors need to know. Most importantly, betting on Vermont college teams is strictly prohibited. This also includes in-game player props involving college athletes. You can still bet on college teams not located in Vermont with standard bets like spreads, totals and futures.
Bettors are also not allow to bet on high school sports like other U.S. markets around the country. Also wagering on political or entertainment events is not allowed under the state’s regulations.
What’s legal to bet on?
In Vermont, you can legally bet on most major professional and college sports through licensed online sportsbooks regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery.
Legal betting markets in Vermont include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC/MMA, golf, tennis, soccer, NASCAR and other professional sports.
College sports involving non-Vermont teams and played outside of the state are also legal to bet on.
Restrictions: What you cannot bet on in Vermont
Vermont offers a wide range of legal sports betting options but state law prohibits wagering on high school sports, Vermont college teams as well as college player props and youth sports.
MORE: Beginner’s guide to futures betting
Retail sportsbooks in Vermont
There are currently no retail sportsbooks in Vermont so all legal sports betting is conducted online through regulated operators.
MORE: What is a push in sports betting?
Taxes on sports betting winnings in Vermont
- Federal: Winnings are taxed based on your standard federal tax bracket. If you win $5,000 or more on a single wager, sportsbooks will automatically withhold 24% for federal taxes.
- State-level taxes: Vermont does not impose a separate state witholding tax on invdividual sports betting winnings at the sportsbook level. However, gambling winnings are generally considered taxable income for Vermont residents and should be reported on your Vermont state income tax return.
- Operator taxes: Rather than taxing bettors through different sportsbook license classes, Vermont taxes licensed sportsbook operators: The state’s three licensed online sportsbooks operate under contracts with the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lotter and pay a 20% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering revenue, helping fund state programs and regulatory oversight.
Editor’s note: Consult a tax professional for guidance on your situation.
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Vermont sports betting market stats
- Total lifetime handle since launch: $433.8 million
- Total revenue generated by operators: $54 million
- Total tax revenue to the state: $17.2 million
- Number of active licensed operators: Three active sportsbooks
MORE: Guide to how over/under totals betting works
Popular teams to bet on in Vermont
Vermont doesn’t have any major professional sports teams, but its location in New England means many residents are loyal to Boston teams. As a result, the most popular teams to bet on in Vermont are typically the region’s professional franchises, along with a few nearby college programs.
New England Patriots (NFL): The New England Patriots are the most popular NFL team among Vermont bettors. Fans frequently wager on moneyline, point spreads, player props, same-game parlays, season win totals, AFC East and Super Bowl futures.
Boston Celtics (NBA): The Boston Celtics have a large following in Vermont, making them one of the state’s most-bet teams. Popular wagers include: point spreads, moneyline bets, player props, live betting, NBA Finals futures.
Boston Bruins (NHL): Hockey is an extremely popular sport throughout New England and the Bruins attract significant betting interest from Vermont residents. Bettors commonly back puck line bets, moneyline, totals, goal-scorer props
Boston Red Sox (MLB): The Boston Red Sox remain one of Vermont’s favorite baseball teams. Common wagers include, moneyline, run-line, totals, home run props, division and World Series futures.
Vermont bettors also place signification action on major sporting events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, College Football Playoff, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Final, World Series, The Masters, The Open Championship, UFC events, FIFA World Cup and NASCAR Cup Series races.
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Responsible gambling resources in Vermont
Sports betting should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. If betting starts to feel stressful, hard to control or connected to financial problems, Vermont has several responsible gambling resources available for help.
Responsible gambling resources in Vermont include:
- Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery: This department regulates online sports betting in the state and oversees gaming requirements for licensed sportsbooks including player protection measures, self-exclusion options and responsible gambling information
- Vermont Department of Mental Health: — Problem Gambling Program: This program supports public education and awareness, prevention initiatives, treatment and recovery services, referrals to qualified gambling counselors and support for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
- Vermont Problem Gambling Hotline: Trained specialists offer crisis support, information about gambling addiction, referrals to treatment providers, live chat and phone assistance.
- Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous offers free peer-support meetings for people experiencing gambling-related problems. Meetings are available in many communities and online providing a confidential enviornment to support recovery.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential support. You can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. Online chat is also available through the national helpline.
Most legal Vermont sportsbook apps also include responsible gambling tools in the account settings, such as deposit limits, spending limits, time limits, cool-off periods and self-exclusion options. Bettors who feel like gambling is becoming difficult to control should stop betting and contact a support resource right away.
MORE: Responsible gambling best practices
Vermont sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Vermont?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Vermont for anyone 21 years of age or older. The state legalized online sports wagering in 2023, and the regulated market officially launched on January 11, 2024. Vermont is an online-only sports betting state, meaning their are no retail sportsbooks.
What is the legal sports betting age in Vermont?
The legal age to bet on sports in Vermont is 21 years old. You must be at least 21 to open an online sportsbook account, deposit funds, place sports wagers and collect winnings from a licensed sportsbook. Vermont law also requires sportsbooks to verify both your age and identity before allowing you to wager. In addition, you must be physically located within Vermont when placing an online bet, thanks to geolocation technology used by licensed operators.
MORE: Everything to know about over/unders and totals betting
Can I bet on local college teams?
No, Vermont does not allow betting on in-state college teams including the University of Vermont, Vermont State University, Middlebury College, Norwich University, Saint Michael’s College, Bennington College and Castleton University. This restriction applies to all NCAA sports involving Vermont schools.
However, you can still place pre-game bets on college teams located outside of Vermont including moneylines, point spreads, totals and future markets.
Are there retail/in-person sportsbooks in Vermont?
No, there are no retail sportsbooks in Vermont, only three online sportsbook operators (DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics).
Is online casino gambling legal in Vermont?
No, online casino gambling is not currently legal in Vermont. While the state allows online sports betting, it has not passed legislation authorizing real-money online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat or online poker.
MORE: What is a unit in sports betting?
What is the best sportsbook in Vermont?
FanDuel Sportsbook is the top choice for most bettors in Vermont. Since becoming a state-wide sportsbook in 2024, FanDuel has earned high marks for its user-friendly app, competitive odds, fast payouts, extensive betting markets and industry-leading Same Game Parlay features.
How do I claim a sportsbook promo in Vermont?
Claiming a sportsbook promo is Vermont is a straightforward process but the steps you must take depend on the operator. Here is how it typically works
- Choose a licensed sportsbook: You can use a regulated operator approved by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery.
- Sign up and verify your account: Download the app, create an account with your personal info, complete identity verification, enable location services.
- Enter or activate the promo: Promos can be a sign up code, auto-applied offer or an opt in bonus.
- Meet the wagering requirements: Most bonuses require you to meet minimum conditions like depositing a minimum amount, placing a first bet of a certain size, or a playthrough requirement before withdrawal.
- Use the bonus in your account: Once activated, bonus bets usually automatically appear in your wallet although some promos require you to place a qualifying wager first before receiving bonus funds.
