Legal Sports Betting in Vermont Laws & Regulations

Vermont Moves Closer to Legalizing Sports Betting

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 01 April 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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Following the launch of retail and online sports betting in Massachusetts recently, Vermont has now become the only state in New England that does not offer some form of legalized sports betting. Officials are now hoping to change this, and last week the state came a step closer to being able to legalize sports betting and start reaping the rewards.

State Rep. Matthew Birong introduced House Bill 127 at the end of January this year. This bill would allow online sportsbook operators to legally offer access to sports betting in the state. Betting would be restricted to those physically located in Vermont and aged 21 and over.

Last week, there was support for the bill among most members of the House Ways and Means Committee. The statute was passed nearly unanimously, according to reports, and was then moved on to its next stage, which is an assessment by the House Appropriations Committee.

Highlighting Some of the Key Benefits

While there is no sports betting allowed in the state at present, there is funding included in Governor Phil Scott’s annual budget, according to reports.

A report in PlayUSA read that last month a committee-generated report was released:

…recommending a regulated system for betting on sporting events in the state. As a result, language in the bill would legalize up to six sports betting apps. Although no established tax rate exists, Gov. Phil Scott’s annual budget includes $2.6 million of sports betting tax revenue.

Lawmakers who are in support of the bill have highlighted some of the key benefits of legalizing sports betting in the state. One of the key benefits being highlighted is the extra revenue legalized sports betting would potentially bring in for the state.

Many states that have legalized sports betting in some form over the past couple of years have seen huge amounts of money coming into state accounts thanks to taxation.

With online sports betting proving so popular, this has become a key source of revenue in many places where betting has now been legalized. This is something that those in support of the bill want to see the state benefit from.

Another key benefit that was highlighted by supporters was the impact of legalizing sports betting on illegal betting activity. They pointed out that this move would help to stamp out black market betting, which means money would go to the state rather than the pockets of illegal operators. In addition, it meant greater protection for consumers and sports fans across the state.

Addressing Problem Gambling

One of the ways in which Birong hopes to achieve success with his sports betting bill is by addressing the issue relating to problem gambling as part of the bill. This issue has become a huge concern in states where betting has been legalized, and Birong has included some specifics in the bill in relation to tackling the problem.

Part of this would include the allocation of 2.5% or $250,000 from sports betting taxes toward creating a Responsible Gaming Special Fund.