Welcome to your ultimate guide for Vermont sports betting! The wait is finally over, and bettors in the Green Mountain State now have a way to get in on the action. In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about sports betting in Vermont, including the legal landscape, best sportsbooks, latest news, and much more. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to join in on the excitement and place your bets with confidence. So, let’s dive right in and explore the thrilling world of Vermont sports betting!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Vermont?
On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting in the U.S. and giving states full autonomy to legalize and regulate the activity within their borders.
Vermont sat on the sidelines for years and watched as many other states, including the rest of New England, launched online and retail sportsbooks, giving their residents an opportunity to place bets on all their favorite sports and leagues.
However, the Green Mountain State finally said enough and officially joined the long list of legal sports betting states on June 14, 2023. Vermont Governor Phill Scott signed H. 127 into law, authorizing the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) to award licenses to as many as six online sportsbooks or mobile betting apps.
Vermont law will allow anyone who is 21 years or older to place bets on both professional and college sporting events. The only exception will be games or matchups involving in-state colleges, unless they are being played as a part of a postseason tournament. For example, wagers cannot be placed on the University of Vermont men’s basketball team during the regular season, but they can be made on the Catamounts’ games in the NCAA Tournament.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Vermont?
The state of Vermont plans for sports betting to launch in January 2024, just in time for the NFL playoffs. Sportsbooks are expected to submit applications to the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery in August 2023, in which they will propose an online sports betting tax rate (of at least 20%) that they would be willing to pay to operate in the state.
The Vermont DLL will then evaluate the applications and award between two and six licenses to mobile betting operators in the last couple of months of the year. Retail sports betting, however, will remain unavailable in the Green Mountain State for the foreseeable future, which is not surprising given the state’s lack of commercial casinos, tribal casinos, or live horse racing tracks.
What Are the Best Vermont Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
With online sports betting set to arrive in early 2024, Vermont will soon begin awarding contracts to interested mobile betting operators. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook have all launched in other New England states over the past few years and are a few of the top candidates for a spot in the Vermont online betting market.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: Variety of Betting Markets Offered
- Full Review: DraftKings Sportsbook Review
One of the most popular U.S. betting sites is DraftKings Sportsbook, a platform well known for its wide range of alternative lines and unmatched number of prop bet markets. This means that they offer a variety of unique betting options beyond traditional point spreads and totals. Additionally, DraftKings often provides a generous welcome offer to new users, which typically includes bonus bets or deposit bonuses. They also tend to accept many different payment options, making it very convenient and easy for users to fund their accounts.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: User-Friendly Mobile App
- Full Review: FanDuel Sportsbook Review
Another major player in the U.S. sports betting industry Is FanDuel Sportsbook, which provides a top-tier mobile app that offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. The app is well known for its reliability and intuitive interface, allowing users to quickly navigate through the platform and place bets with ease.
FanDuel also prioritizes customer service and provides excellent support to users, ensuring their questions and concerns are addressed promptly. Additionally, you will find that FanDuel frequently runs promotions and offers attractive bonuses to enhance your overall betting experience.
BetRivers Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, & WV.
- Best Feature: Fantastic Live Betting Experience
- Full Review: BetRivers Sportsbook Review
BetRivers is recognized for its first-rate live betting experience, offering users the opportunity to place bets in real time as games are happening. This feature allows for dynamic and interactive betting, with odds and markets continuously updated to reflect the current state of the game. BetRivers Sportsbook also emphasizes speedy payouts, ensuring that users receive their winnings quickly and efficiently.
Caesars Sportsbook
- Available States: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY.
- Best Feature: Excellent Customer Rewards Program
- Full Review: Caesars Sportsbook Review
Caesars Sportsbook stands out for its fantastic customer loyalty program, which offers incredible rewards and benefits to customers, encourages continued engagement, and provides additional value. The platform also aims to provide competitive odds, meaning that their betting lines are generally in line with or better than other sportsbooks. Moreover, Caesars is widely available, making it accessible to users in states all over the country.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Vermont?
Are you ready to join the exciting world of Vermont sports betting? A few of the different ways for residents of the state to get in on the action are described below!
Online Sportsbooks
Online sports betting is expected to launch in Vermont in January 2024. Once licenses are awarded to U.S. betting operators and their platforms go live, you will have the option to place bets online using your mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer. Vermont will be a remote registration state, meaning bettors can sign up, make their first deposit, and start placing bets from the comfort of their homes or any convenient locations across the state.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Although daily fantasy sports (DFS) is widely available across the United States, it largely exists in a legal gray area, as most states do not have laws allowing or prohibiting these types of platforms. However, Vermont is one of the few states to actually legalize DFS. Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed S. 136 into law in June 2017, making daily fantasy sports exempt from the state’s gambling laws and regulating the operation of paid-entry fantasy sports contests in the state.
As a result, residents of the Green Mountain State can enter a wide range of daily and weekly fantasy sports contests with DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and plenty of other popular sites. By participating in DFS contests, players can experience the thrill of managing their own fantasy teams, competing against other fans, and potentially winning huge cash prizes.
Horse Racing
Vermont also allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing within state lines. Since there are no active racetracks or simulcast betting facilities available, all betting on horse racing must be done online or via a mobile app. TwinSpires, AmWager, and plenty of other popular horse racing betting sites are accessible in Vermont and give fans a way to bet on races taking place all over the United States.
Offshore Sportsbooks
While offshore sportsbooks may seem enticing as an alternative for Vermont sports bettors, it’s crucial to approach them with caution. These platforms operate outside the jurisdiction of the United States, which raises concerns about legal implications, consumer protections, and the overall safety of the betting experience.
Vermont residents should be aware that using offshore sportsbooks may expose them to risks such as potential scams, lack of regulatory oversight, and potential difficulties in seeking legal recourse. It is advisable for sports bettors in Vermont to prioritize legal and regulated options that offer a higher level of security, adhere to local laws, and provide consumer protections for a more reliable and trustworthy betting environment.
Visit Neighboring States
Unfortunately, there are no retail sportsbooks in Vermont, and this is not expected to change anytime soon. However, Vermont residents are surrounded by states that offer in-person wagering opportunities at casinos, racetracks, and many other popular venues. As a result, if you’re looking for a brick-and-mortar sports betting experience, you have the option to visit nearby states, such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or New York.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Vermont
Time needed: 4 minutes.
Are you ready to get started? Here are the steps you can take to sign up and start placing bets:
- Choose Your Sportsbook
Research and select a reputable sportsbook that suits your preferences and needs. Consider factors such as available sports markets, odds, user interface, promotions, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.
- Register for an Account
Visit your chosen sportsbook’s website or download their mobile app to begin the registration process. Provide the required information, create a secure password, and agree to the Terms & Conditions to finish signing up for an account.
- Verify Your Information
To ensure the security and integrity of the platform, sportsbooks often require users to verify their identity. This may involve submitting personal identification documents, such as a driver’s license or passport, and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Follow the verification process as instructed by the sportsbook.
- Make Your First Deposit
Once your account is verified, it’s time to fund it. Choose from the available payment options provided by the sportsbook, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets. Select your preferred method, enter the necessary details, and specify the deposit amount. Be mindful of any minimum deposit requirements or potential fees associated with the payment method.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer
Many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses or promotions to new users. Check the promotions section or terms and conditions of the sportsbook to see if you are eligible for any offers. This could include free bets, deposit matches, or other incentives. Follow the instructions to claim and activate the welcome offer, if applicable.
- Start Placing Bets
With your account funded and welcome offer claimed, you are ready to start placing bets. Explore the available sports markets, browse through the odds, and select the events or matches you want to bet on. Choose your desired bet types, enter the stake amount, and confirm the bet. Good luck!
What Teams Can I Bet on in Vermont?
In Vermont, sports bring people together, igniting a shared sense of excitement and fostering tight-knit communities. Residents passionately support their teams and athletes, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie that extends beyond the boundaries of the playing field. A few of the most popular teams among Vermont sports fans are discussed below.
Vermont Catamounts
The Vermont Catamounts are a popular collegiate sports team representing the University of Vermont in Burlington. With a strong following in the state, the Catamounts compete in various sports, including basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. They have garnered a loyal fan base through their competitive performances and their ability to showcase the talent and spirit of Vermont’s student-athletes.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), enjoy a significant fan following in Vermont. Known for their rich history and success, the Celtics have won 17 NBA championships and boast a legacy of legendary players, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and countless others.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots may be based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but they have an immense fan base that extends to Vermont. With a string of Super Bowl victories and a reputation for excellence, the Patriots have captured the hearts of football enthusiasts across the region. Vermont fans proudly display their loyalty, donning the team’s red, white, and blue colors and gathering to watch games during the NFL season.
Boston Bruins
The NHL’s Boston Bruins enjoy strong support from Vermont’s passionate hockey fanbase. Known for their physical style of play and intense rivalries, the Bruins have a rich history and have captured the Stanley Cup six times. Vermont fans rally behind the team, embracing the black and gold colors and eagerly following the Bruins’ journey on the ice.
Strategies & Tips for Vermont Sports Bettors
While there is no foolproof way to guarantee success in the world of sports betting, there are plenty of guidelines to follow and strategies to implement to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips and tricks for Vermont sports bettors:
- Track Your Bets: Maintain a record of your bets, including the event, type of bet, odds, stake, and outcome. This will help you analyze your performance over time and identify any patterns or areas for improvement. By tracking your bets, you can gain valuable insights into your betting strategies and make adjustments accordingly.
- Practice Discipline & Emotional Control: Avoid impulsive betting decisions based on emotions or personal biases. It’s crucial to approach sports betting with a disciplined mindset and make rational decisions based on analysis and research. Avoid placing bets out of frustration or excitement. Stick to your strategies and remain consistent in your approach.
- Focus on Value Betting: Look for opportunities where the odds offered by the sportsbook seem to underestimate the true probability of an outcome occurring. This is known as value betting. By identifying value bets, you can increase your chances of making profitable wagers in the long run. However, keep in mind that value betting requires thorough analysis and understanding of the sport and the market.
- Consider Line Movement: Pay attention to line movements and betting trends. Line movements can indicate where the majority of bets are being placed and may provide insights into public sentiment or sharp bettor action. However, it’s important to analyze line movements in conjunction with other factors and not solely rely on them for decision-making.
- Shop for the Best Odds: Don’t settle for the first sportsbook you come across. Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds for the same event. Take the time to compare odds across multiple platforms and choose the one that provides the most favorable terms. This small difference in odds can have a significant impact on your long-term profitability.
Vermont Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, Vermont became the 38th U.S. state to legalize sports betting in June 2023. Online and mobile sportsbooks are expected to go live in early 2024.
Online sportsbooks are expected to launch in Vermont in early 2024. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook stand out as a few of the top U.S. betting sites that may apply for licensing in the Green Mountain State.
You must be at least 21 years or older to bet on sports in the state of Vermont.
Yes! You can bet on both college and professional sporting events in Vermont. However, you cannot place wagers on matchups involving in-state college teams, with the only exception being games played as a part of a national postseason tournament (e.g., NCAA Tournament).
Yes, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal in the state of Vermont. Residents can sign up and enter a wide range of contests on DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and many other popular DFS sites.
