Is Online Gambling Legal in Vermont?

What Gambling Is Legal in Vermont

Sports Betting in Vermont

Vermont permits sports betting, but only online. The state’s sportsbooks launched on January 11, 2024, under H.127, which became Act 63 when Gov. Phil Scott signed it on June 14, 2023. 

It allows two to six operators, and three were picked through a competitive bidding process for its online gambling. Vermont offers a few restrictions on betting. The state bans betting on local college teams, unless they're in a tournament such as March Madness. Individual player props are banned on all college events. Vermont high school games are banned for betting as well. Another restriction is that you can't fund sportsbook accounts with credit cards.

Fantasy Contests in Vermont

Vermont permits and regulates fantasy contests. The state approved fantasy contests in 2017, way ahead of online sports betting. Act 63 repealed the old fantasy chapter at 9 V.S.A. chapter 116, and included both products into 31 V.S.A. chapter 25.

Licensed operators must register with the state’s Department of Liquor and Lottery each year and pay the $5,000 fee. These platforms must undergo annual independent audits and keep players’ funds segregated.

Vermont Online Casinos

No, Vermont doesn’t allow online casinos. In 2017, the state voted to allow fantasy contests, but not online slots and table games. There are no physical or online casinos to visit, no tribal gaming, and no licensed online casino platforms. The same rule applies to the popular sweepstakes casino games: they’re not allowed, and no bill has been filed.

Online Poker in Vermont

Online poker isn’t allowed in Vermont. Like slots and table games, it has never been authorized, and no current bills have been filed.

Gambling Age in Vermont

The gambling age in Vermont is 21 for sports betting. Fantasy contests list a different requirement: the statute requires bettors to be at least 18 years old, and operators can set a higher age requirement.

Who Regulates Gambling in Vermont

The Department of Liquor and Lottery

The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery licenses online sportsbooks and hosts competitive bidding among interested operators. The department also publishes monthly sports wagering reports and runs the state’s voluntary self-exclusion list.

Who Oversees Fantasy Contests

The department registers DFS operators and collects the fee, but has no statutory regulatory authority over them. Instead, the Office of the Attorney General serves as the lead enforcement agency and can investigate violations and bring civil actions.

Vermont's online gambling landscape offers bettors a different approach to responsible gambling. The department handles self-exclusion, and players can opt for 1, 3, or 5 years, or a lifetime of self-exclusion.

Where to Get Help

Vermont doesn’t host a separate state-branded helpline. For 24/7 confidential assistance, you can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, or you can check out vtgamblinghelp.org, managed by the Department of Mental Health.

You can get more information on how to play within limits on our responsible gambling page.

Where to Bet in Vermont

Sportsbooks in Vermont

You can legally wager in three licensed online sportsbooks: DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. State laws permit up to six operators, and no further licenses have been issued. To compare their sports lineup, markets, and bonuses, see our updated coverage, or go directly to their individual pages:

• DraftKings in Vermont
• Fanatics in Vermont
• FanDuel in Vermont

Fantasy Contests in Vermont

Operators offering fantasy contests must register with the Department before they can accept entries. You can find the complete list of fantasy contest operators here.

What Is Not Available Here

Vermont doesn’t offer retail sportsbooks, online casinos, or physical casinos, and it has no tribal gaming. If you want to bet, your legal options are fantasy contests and online sports betting. Registered operators in the state offer self-exclusion tools.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Vermont

Vermont State Tax on Winnings

Winnings from fantasy and online gambling are taxed as ordinary income in Vermont. The top marginal rate is 8.75% as of 2026, and the lower brackets run 3.35%, 6.60%, and 7.60%. Vermont has no local income tax.

What Still Applies Federally

Federal reporting remains, and W-2G thresholds still apply.  Starting in 2026, players can deduct only 90% of their losses, and never more than their winnings. Winnings from fantasy contests are taxable and can be reported the same way as sports betting winnings.

General information only; not tax advice.

Pending Vermont Gambling Legislation

No Online Casino Bill

No active online casino bill has been filed in the state, and no plans are currently in the pipeline. Sports betting was launched in early 2024, and the debates haven’t returned yet.

The Unused Licenses

Vermont allows up to six sportsbook operators, and three currently hold their licenses. In short, the department is looking at three more license holders without new legislation.

What Has Not Changed

No online casino has been permitted to operate in the state, and a 2013 attempt fizzled out. Rules on fantasy contests remain the same since Act 63 of 2023. For the latest on Vermont’s regulated gambling scene, follow our state news.