Sports Betting in Vermont 2026
The Green Mountain State completed New England's sports betting sweep when it launched on January 11, 2024 — the last of six New England states to go live. Vermont's market is online-only with six licensed operators, a 20% tax rate, and regulation through the Department of Liquor and Lottery. It's one of the smallest markets in America (647,000 residents), but Vermont's passionate Boston sports fandom, ski tourism, and tech-savvy population make it a compact, well-functioning market.
Completing the New England Sweep
Vermont's launch on January 11, 2024, marked a milestone: every New England state now has legal sports betting. Rhode Island led the way in November 2018, followed by New Hampshire (December 2019), Connecticut (October 2021), Massachusetts (March 2023), Maine (November 2023), and finally Vermont.
For Vermont residents, the practical impact was significant. Before legalization, Vermonters had to cross into New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or New York to bet legally on their phones. Given Vermont's small size and the proximity of state borders (Burlington is 45 minutes from the New York line, and southern Vermont is a short drive from Massachusetts), many residents were already betting in neighboring states — Vermont was just losing the tax revenue.
The 20% tax rate is notably higher than neighboring New Hampshire (51% for a single lottery operator, but effectively lower for bettors through the DraftKings partnership) and Massachusetts (15% online / 20% retail). Vermont's rate reflects the state's progressive tax philosophy and its insistence on funding public education and problem gambling programs through gaming revenue.
Best Vermont Sportsbooks — Ranked for 2026
Our rankings are based on Vermont-specific factors: coverage of Boston-area teams, welcome bonuses, payout speed, app experience, and performance in rural/low-signal areas.
DraftKings Sportsbook
PlatinumBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Available in: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV.
- One of the most popular and trusted US sportsbooks with the best mobile app
- Largest selection of betting markets including props, parlays, and live betting
- Industry-leading same-game parlay builder with the most options
FanDuel Sportsbook
PlatinumBet $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus
Bet $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus Bets. Available in: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, Mohegan Tr. Ct, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY.
- Consistently offers the best odds in the US market on key matchups
- Cleanest and most user-friendly app design among US sportsbooks
- Same-game parlays available across all major sports
Fanatics Sportsbook
Silver$1,000 in No Sweat Bets
$1,000 in No Sweat Bets. Available in: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY.
- Built by Fanatics, the largest sports merchandise company — deep integration with team gear, collectibles, and fan experiences
- FanCash loyalty program earns rewards on every bet that can be spent on merchandise at Fanatics.com
- Available in 20+ US states with rapid expansion into new markets
Caesars Sportsbook
GoldPlace your first bet of $1 or more and instantly get 20 100% Profit Boosts
Place your first bet of $1 or more and instantly get 20 100% Profit Boosts, Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost. Available in: IL, MA, PA, MI, NJ, NC, AZ, CO, VA, OH, IA, KS, WV, KY, MD, ON, DC, LA, NY, TN, WY, MI, MO, NJ, WV, IN.
- Caesars Rewards loyalty integration for earning hotel stays and dining
- Strong first-bet insurance up to $1,000 for new customers
- Available in 20+ states with rapid expansion
bet365
GoldBet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets
Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets. Available in: CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, MO, NJ, OH, VA, AZ, NC, NJ, IN.
- World's largest online sportsbook with unmatched market depth
- Best live betting platform in the industry with thousands of in-play markets
- Extensive live streaming covering 100,000+ events annually
Side-by-Side VT Sportsbook Comparison
| # | Operator | Bonus | Min Deposit | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DraftKings Sportsbook Sportsbook | Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets | $5 | 4.9/5 | Play Now |
| 2 | FanDuel Sportsbook Sportsbook | Bet $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus | $10 | 4.8/5 | Play Now |
| 3 | Fanatics Sportsbook Sportsbook | $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | - | 4.7/5 | Play Now |
| 4 | bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets | $10 | 4.6/5 | Play Now |
| 5 | Caesars Sportsbook Sportsbook | Place your first bet of $1 or more and instantly get 20 100% Profit Boosts | $20 | 4.5/5 | Play Now |
How to Start Betting in Vermont
Choose a Licensed VT Sportsbook
Pick from six licensed operators — DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars, bet365, or BetMGM. All are regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. Everything is online — no retail locations.
Download the App & Register
Download the sportsbook app from the App Store or Google Play. Register with your name, date of birth, email, and last four SSN digits for identity verification. You must be 21+ and physically located in Vermont.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus
Every VT sportsbook offers a sign-up bonus — typically $200+ in bonus bets. Opt in during registration. Sign up for 2-3 books to maximize welcome offers across multiple operators.
Deposit Funds
Fund your account via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, or other supported methods. All deposits and withdrawals are digital — no retail deposit locations exist in Vermont.
Place Your First Bet
Start with teams you know — Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins. Explore same-game parlays and live betting as you get comfortable. Set deposit limits from day one.
Vermont Market Performance
Vermont is one of the newest and smallest legal markets. Early results have been encouraging — per-capita engagement is strong despite the small population.
| Period | Handle (est.) | Revenue | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 (launch) | $28M | $3M | NFL playoffs + launch excitement |
| Feb 2024 (Super Bowl) | $35M | $3.5M | Super Bowl LVIII spike |
| March 2024 (Madness) | $32M | $3M | March Madness drives handle |
| Full Year 2024 | $225M | $22M | First full year, all 6 operators active |
| 2025 (est.) | $260M | $26M | Steady growth, market maturation |
Source: Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery reports. Figures are estimates based on publicly reported data. Handle = total amount wagered. Revenue = operator gross gaming revenue.
Vermont Sports Landscape
Vermont has no major professional sports franchises — the state is firmly part of Boston's sports orbit, with college sports providing the local flavor.
New England Patriots (NFL)
The dominant NFL allegiance in Vermont. Patriots games are the highest-handle events on VT sportsbook apps, especially during the regular season and playoffs. The Tom Brady dynasty created a generation of diehard fans who remain loyal post-Brady.
Boston Celtics (NBA)
Vermont is Celtics country. With the franchise's 2024 championship run, NBA betting interest in Vermont surged. Celtics games are the second-most bet events in the state after the Patriots.
Boston Red Sox (MLB)
Red Sox Nation extends deep into Vermont. Summer baseball betting on VT apps picks up during the MLB season, with Red Sox games driving the majority of baseball handle.
Boston Bruins (NHL)
Hockey is huge in Vermont — the state has a strong hockey culture at the youth, high school, and college levels. Bruins games draw solid betting interest, particularly during the NHL playoffs.
UVM Catamounts
The University of Vermont is the state's highest-profile college program. UVM basketball has a passionate following and occasional March Madness appearances. Note: betting on Vermont-based college teams is prohibited under VT law.
Ski Racing & Outdoor Sports
Vermont's identity includes skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor sports. While ski racing isn't widely available on sportsbooks, the ski tourism season (Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen) brings visitors who use VT sportsbook apps during their trips.
Neighboring States Comparison
| State | Status | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Legal (Dec 2019) | Lottery-operated via DraftKings partnership, 51% tax on operator (single platform), launched 4+ years before VT |
| Massachusetts | Legal (March 2023) | 15% online / 20% retail, 21+ age, both online and retail — much larger market (7M population) |
| New York | Legal (Jan 2022) | 51% tax rate (highest in US), largest US market by handle, 21+ age — accessible from western VT |
| Connecticut | Legal (Oct 2021) | 13.75% tax, tribal-operated via Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, both online and retail |
All of Vermont's neighboring states have legal sports betting. Vermont was the last to launch, but residents now have full access without needing to cross state lines.
Vermont Sports Betting Timeline
The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA in Murphy v. NCAA. Vermont takes no immediate action, but legislators begin studying sports betting as neighboring states move toward legalization.
Several sports betting bills are introduced in the Vermont General Assembly. Progress is slow — Vermont's part-time legislature, small market size, and competing priorities (healthcare, climate) push sports betting down the agenda. Neighboring New Hampshire launches mobile sports betting in December 2019 through DraftKings, increasing pressure on Vermont.
The Vermont General Assembly passes H 127 — the sports betting legalization bill — and Governor Phil Scott signs it into law on June 14, 2023. The bill authorizes online-only sports betting with up to six operator licenses, regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. The 20% tax rate is higher than many states but reflects Vermont's progressive approach to sin tax policy. Vermont becomes the last New England state to legalize sports betting.
Vermont sports betting officially launches. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook are among the first operators to go live. The launch is timed to NFL playoff season, maximizing initial engagement. Vermont becomes one of the smallest states by population (647,000) to offer legal online sports betting.
Vermont's first months exceed modest expectations. NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl, and March Madness drive strong early handle. Additional operators launch, bringing the total to six licensed sportsbooks. Per-capita engagement rates are surprisingly high, boosted by Vermont's proximity to Boston sports fandom and a tech-savvy population.
Vermont completes its first year of sports betting. Annual handle reaches approximately $200–250 million — modest in absolute terms but strong per capita. Revenue from the 20% tax goes to the state's Education Fund and the Problem Gambling Program. The market is stable with all six licensed operators active.
Vermont's market enters its second full year with steady growth. The state remains online-only with no retail sportsbook locations — consistent with Vermont's lack of commercial casinos. Ski season and fall foliage tourism bring seasonal bumps in handle from visitors. The Green Mountain State has established itself as a small but well-regulated market.
Responsible Gambling in Vermont
Vermont allocates a portion of sports betting tax revenue directly to the Problem Gambling Program — reflecting the state's emphasis on harm prevention alongside legalization. All six licensed operators must provide self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, session time-outs, and responsible gambling disclosures.
Need Help?
Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-522-4700) — available 24/7, free and confidential. You can self-exclude through any licensed Vermont sportsbook app or by contacting the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery.
Vermont Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Vermont?
What sportsbooks are available in Vermont?
How old do you have to be to bet in Vermont?
What is Vermont's sports betting tax rate?
Can I bet on college sports in Vermont?
Why is Vermont online-only?
Can tourists bet in Vermont?
Which sportsbook has the best odds in Vermont?
What teams do Vermonters bet on?
Is DFS legal in Vermont?
Was Vermont the last New England state to legalize?
What responsible gambling resources are available in Vermont?
Vermont Sports Betting — The Complete Picture
Vermont's path to sports betting was unhurried and deliberate — fitting for a state that values careful governance over speed. While neighboring states raced to launch after PASPA was struck down, Vermont took five years to study the issue, draft legislation, and implement regulations. The result is a clean, well-designed market that prioritizes consumer protection and public benefit.
The 20% tax rate is higher than most states, but it reflects Vermont's values: gaming revenue should fund education and problem gambling prevention, not just fill a general fund. The prohibition on betting on in-state college teams (UVM, Middlebury, Norwich) is one of the strictest in the country and shows Vermont's concern about the integrity of amateur athletics in a small-state environment where athletes are easily identifiable members of the community.
For Vermont bettors, the market delivers what matters: six solid operators, competitive odds on the Boston sports teams that dominate the state's fandom, and the convenience of betting from anywhere in the state — whether you're in Burlington, Montpelier, or a ski lodge in Stowe. It's not the biggest market, and it's not the flashiest, but it's Vermont — thoughtful, functional, and built to last.