Vermont

One of the latest states in the U.S. to legalize sports betting is Vermont. The often-forgotten state in the Northeast of the country went live with only three sports betting options. We think that’s a little low if we’re being honest.

In this guide, we make our case for other sports betting options in Vermont — better options, in fact. They work perfectly fine in the state but with a lot fewer restrictions which we think bettors will like.

Quick Vermont Facts

StateVermont
⚖️ Sports Betting Laws✅ Available
👫 Population650'000
👶 Minimum Gambling Age18 Years Old
🏙️ Retail Sports Betting❌Not Available
🌐 Online Sports Betting✅ Available
📱 Mobile Sports Betting✅ Available
🐎 Online Horse Betting❌Not Available
🏆 DFS✅ Available
Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In Vermont?

It is 100-percent legal. Vermont’s sports betting scene launched in January of 2024. However, it went live with only three sports betting licenses — DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. If we’re being honest, that’s too little for us.

That’s why we suggest Vermont bettors consider using offshore betting sites to do their wagering. We’d actually argue these sites are better options — they have more bonuses, betting markets, and support crypto, among other features. Keep on reading and we’ll make the case for going offshore, which by the way, works perfectly fine in the state.

Nov 21, 2024 13:25 PM

DraftKings announced plans to implement a "gaming tax surcharge" on users in Vermont and three other states starting on January 1, applying the fee in states with tax rates above 20%.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Vermont Sports Betting

It took a lot of back and forth to get Vermont to legalize sports betting. Here's a quick snapshot of what transpired over the years:

2024

January 11, 2024 - Vermont's trio of sportsbooks witnessed the initiation of legal action with the first legal VT sports wagers placed on this day. Notable bets included a $10 parlay on the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, a $12.50 wager on Houston to win the AFC, and a prediction of Max Strus making over 2.5 three-pointers.

January 11, 2024 - Commemorate the launch of legal Vermont sports betting by exploring the odds for the NCAAB matchup tonight between the Vermont Catamounts and UMBC Retrievers.

January 11, 2024 - Legal Vermont sports betting officially started at 12 a.m., ET, on January 11, 2024. Eligible VT bettors now have access to three online sportsbooks - FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

January 10, 2024 - Brad Senkiw, representing Covers, offers a detailed overview of everything you need to know ahead of Vermont's legal sports betting launch scheduled for tomorrow.

2023

December 19, 2023 - Geoff Zochodne, a member of the Covers team, explains the rationale behind Vermont's selection of specific online sports betting sites, despite being approved to issue legal operating licenses to two additional operators.

December 18, 2023 - Vermont's Board of Liquor and Lottery unveils the state's sports betting catalog in anticipation of the January 11, 2024 launch, featuring a diverse selection of more than 70 sports.

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in Vermont

Best overallBetUS
Best bonusesBetUS
Most unique bonusesBetNow
Top VIP programMyBookie
Best reputationBovada
Best sportsbookBetOnline
Best casinoEverygame
Best mobile appXBet
Best for live bettingEverygame
Best for new playersBovada
Best up-and-coming sportsbookXBet
Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Top 7 Vermont  Sports Betting Sites

Only three sports betting platforms allowed in Vermont just doesn’t sit right with us. Bettors should want more options so they really end up using the sportsbook that’s best for them. That’s why we wanted to recommend seven offshore betting sites. We’ll explain our reasoning soon but here’s a quick list of the best ones for Vermont folks:

  1. BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
  2. XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
  3. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
  4. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
  5. BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
  6. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
  7. MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.

#1 BetUS

BetUs-sportsbook-betting-app

BetUS Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Tons of lucrative bonuses
  • Huge betting menu
  • 7-day expiration period on free play
  • High rollover requirement

Remember when we said offshore sportsbooks offer more bonuses than licensed counterparts? We weren’t kidding. All you need to do is head to BetUS to see what we’re talking about. One quick glance and it’s evident BetUS does promotions way better than anyone else in the industry. Anyone!

Forget the modest welcome offers you’ll find elsewhere — BetUS is serving up a whopping $3,125 in free play from the get-go. But that’s not all. Use crypto for your deposit and that bonus shoots up to an eye-popping $5,000. Good luck getting offers like this at DraftKings!

Think those deals are good? Get a load of this one: BetUS’s refer-a-friend offer, when maxed out, is worth up to $6,000 in free play — lightyears ahead of the paltry $200 you’ll see on other sites. Plus, every time you bring a friend on board, you’re entered into a raffle for prizes like Super Bowl tickets or the latest tech gear (e.g. an Apple Vision Pro). Pretty neat, huh?

This is just the tip of the iceberg too. BetUS is constantly rolling out fresh promotions, whether you’re into the adrenaline rush of casino games, the ease of crypto, or special event deals. And let’s be clear — these aren’t just flashy gimmicks. This free play is a smart way to hedge your bets and stretch every betting dollar further. It’s a smart idea to jump on these deals and take every free dollar you can.

BetUS is truly in a league of its own when it comes to bonuses. Vermonters wanting as much free betting as possible HAVE to start here — no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#2 XBet

Xbet-sportsbook-betting-app

XBet Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Elite mobile app
  • Great live betting system
  • Contests and bonuses could be better

When Vermont went live with betting, thankfully they did so with mobile gambling allowed — not just in-person. That’s because mobile betting has completely reshaped the industry, opening up new possibilities for how — and where — we place our bets. With that in mind, we had to strongly recommend a platform that excels in mobile betting. Enter XBet, the standout choice for bettors on the move.

The first thing that hits you about XBet is the sleek, modern vibe of its mobile site. While other platforms seem stuck in the past, with designs that haven’t evolved in years, XBet keeps things fresh. They’ve been consistently updating their interface (we’ve seen it with our own two eyes), resulting in a clean, forward-thinking design that’s a pleasure to use for hours at a time.

But XBet isn’t just about looking good. It’s got the performance to back it up too. The mobile site is fast and responsive — and that’s whether you’re betting games live or exploring the platform’s extensive casino offerings. We were gliding around the site like nothing. No laggyness. No bugs. Just a smooth experience that makes mobile betting a treat, not a pain.

And here’s the best part: when we talk about an “app,” we’re not even talking about something you need to download to your phone. No, you can access all of XBet’s features directly from your phone’s web browser. A few thumbs of the phone and you’re on the mobile site without having to download anything and taking up storage on your device.

We’d seriously put XBet’s mobile experience against anyone else in the industry. It’s that good! For Vermont bettors who are all about betting on the go, XBet is the must-try platform.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#3 BetOnline

Betonline-sportsbook-betting-app

BetOnline Vermont Pros & Cons

  • All-in-one betting destination
  • Posts betting odds fast
  • Sportsbook deals aren't rich at all

When it comes to choosing a betting site, let’s be real: nothing should matter more than the actual wagers you’re betting. This is why you’re here in the first place. Thus, why settle for a platform that limits your options? Meet BetOnline, the ultimate destination for those who want it all — and we mean all!

BetOnline isn’t just another sportsbook — it’s the total package. Whether you’re betting on sports, throwing money on thoroughbreds, spinning the reels in the casino, or playing a hand of poker, BetOnline brings everything under one roof. It’s the kind of platform that makes you feel like you’ve got the whole world of betting at your fingertips cause you actually do on this platform.

Let’s focus on the sportsbook though since that’s the main draw. The lion’s share of the betting menu is, of course, dedicated to the biggest sports and leagues — NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, international soccer, you know the usual deal here. But what impressed us about BetOnline is their offerings for more niche things like cricket or rugby or even kickboxing. It’s a betting paradise where there’s truly something for everyone, no matter what sport you’re into.

But it’s not just about having options (though that’s a biggie) — it’s also about getting the best value for your bets. BetOnline consistently offers competitive odds that either match or beat the competition. You’ll rarely feel shortchanged here, and that’s an underrated key to keeping your bankroll healthy in the long run.

And here’s a final goodie: BetOnline is lightning-fast when it comes to posting odds. As soon as one game wraps up, the lines for the next are up within minutes. Many bettors believe this is the opportune time to place bets since the market has yet to mature. Maybe it is, maybe it’s not, but the point is: BetOnline brings the heat when it domestically to betting optionality. Big time!

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#4 Bovada

Bovada-sportsbook-betting-app

Bovada Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Extremely trustworthy
  • Great user experience
  • Dated-looking platform
  • Sportsbook deals are cheap

You might be reading all this and thinking to yourself, “can I even trust these these offshore sites?” We get it, we really do. The word offshore just sounds worthy. But that’s how Bovada ended up on this list so high. This isn’t some shady operation. In fact, Bovada is the gold standard in online betting, backed by years of trust and reliability.

Bovada has been around longer than all three of Vernmont’s licensed apps. It serviced Vermont bettors long before sports betting was legalized in-state. And over the years, it’s built a massive and loyal customer base. Why? Because they’ve mastered the art of simplicity, delivering a straightforward, no-BS betting experience that keeps players coming back.

What sets Bovada apart is its user-friendly approach. You won’t find yourself lost in here. Bovada is all about getting you where you need to go quickly — whether that’s placing a bet on your favorite team or diving into the wide range of casino games they offer.

Speaking of the casino, Bovada’s virtual gaming floor is packed with all the classics you’d normally see in Vegas — slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. It’s the perfect place to unwind when there’s no big game on or when you just want to mix things up betting-wise. Bovada’s sportsbook and casino is a double-whammy as far as we see it.

What really makes Bovada stand out is how much they prioritize the bettor. From a seamless user experience to a wide array of betting options, it’s clear that Bovada operates from a players-first principle. Vermont bettors would be wise to check them out.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#5 BetNow

Betnow-sportsbook-betting-app

BetNow Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Only sportsbook rebate in the entire industry
  • Many promotional offerings
  • Casino section needs more games

When it comes to betting, convenience is king. We’re not interested in jumping from site to site just to place a few bets — we want it all in one place. BetNow can definitely get the job done because it's a one-stop shop for betting. That goes for sports, casino games, horse racing, and everything in between.

Just like there are options to bet on so to is there on bonuses to redeem at BetNow. While BetNow might not flaunt the most gigantic bonuses (we’re looking at you, BetUS), it more than makes up for it with a bonanza of deals. By our count, there are four different welcome bonuses, three reload offers, and three rebate programs — all designed to keep your bankroll thriving!

In an industry where most platforms lazily offer just one sign-up bonus and a single reload deal, BetNow sets itself apart by giving bettors choices. Let’s face it — every bettor has different needs, and trying to fit everyone into the same box is just lazy. BetNow gets this, hence why they’re so flexible with both bets and bonuses.

But there’s one deal that really deserves the spotlight: BetNow’s sportsbook rebate. This is a unique offer — no other bookmaker out there does this. Not BetMGM. Not FanDuel. No one! BetNow gives you a 2 percent refund on your net sportsbook losses. It might not sound like much, but in the world of sports betting, any rebate is a rare gem. By offering it, BetNow proves they know how to stand out in a crowded market.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#6 Everygame

everygame-betting-app

Everygame Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Excellent in-play feature
  • Long-standing reputation in the industry
  • Outdated-looking platform
  • Promotions lack richness

Formerly known as Intertops, Everygame has rebranded but hasn’t lost any of the decades of expertise that made it a household name in the betting world to begin with. This platform ticks all the right boxes: a deep betting menu, a variety of bonuses, and top-notch customer support. However, they really excel in one area — in-play betting.

Let’s get this straight: live betting is the hottest trend in the industry. Bettors want to bet in the middle of a game as they please. So naturally, betting sites have rushed out a live-bet experience, some to their detriment cause the feature is wonky. Not Everygame though.

What sets Everygame apart is the speed and accuracy of its live odds. Sure, no live betting system is perfect — broadcast or streaming delays are inevitable — but Everygame does an exceptional job of keeping up with the real-time action. This is especially important in fast-paced sports like basketball, where a delay of even a few seconds can make or break your in-play bet. With Everygame, the odds stay as close to the action as possible, ensuring bettors are making choices with the most up-to-date info.

As a bettor, is there anything worse than finding the perfect live bet, only to have the platform glitch out and deny your wager? Besides losing a parlay on the last leg, this scenario is one of the worst. Thankfully, it’s a non-issue at Everygame. There’s virtually no lag or error when clicking around here. It’s this type of reliability that makes a huge difference when you’re betting live.

For bettors who love the thrill of in-play action, Everygame’s live betting feature is a must-try. This is a platform that’s not only good enough to meet the demands of today’s mobile-minded bettor but even exceed it.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#7 MyBookie

Mybookie-sportsbook-betting-app

MyBookie Vermont Pros & Cons

  • Awesome rewards program
  • Tons of betting options
  • Rewards program is by invitation only

One of the biggest perks of betting at a real casino in Las Vegas are the “comps” — the free rooms, buffet, show tickets, and so on. Casinos reward their most active bettors with these goodies for playing. Most online betting sites have tried and mostly failed to replicate this. Until now, that is.

MyBookie's VIP program isn’t just good — it’s a game-changer. Offering some of the highest payouts in the industry, MyBookie’s rewards system is designed to keep on giving. Unlike those one-and-done welcome bonuses, this rewards program keeps the free play coming. The more you bet, the more you earn, with no caps holding you back.

Here’s the twist: MyBookie’s rewards program is invite-only. But don’t let that deter you. This exclusivity is precisely what makes the program so valuable — fewer players, more rewards. To get in, you’ll need to prove your dedication by betting consistently — both in frequency and amount. But we’re telling you, the worth will be the wait cause the rewards are elite.

This rewards program underpins MyBookie’s entire platform, which is packed to the brim with betting options. Sports, casino, racebook — it’s all here for the taking! No need to jump around between sites. Vermont bettors could use MyBookie and MyBookie only, and not miss out on anything!

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?

First or all, Caesars doesn’t have a license to operate in Vermont so that’s why they’re not on our list. DraftKings and FanDuel do though. However, we still prefer offshore betting sites over them. simple as that.

Why? Because offshore betting sites are more “free.” Even though licensed apps are legalized, they can’t just do anything they want. Vermont limits them in the betting markets and payment methods allowed. This handcuffs the user experience too much for our liking hence why we suggest going offshore. Keep reading and we’ll further break this down.

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Vermont

Here’s what we mean when we say licensed apps have handcuffs on them. None of them are allowed to offer wagers on politics or entertainment shows. Regulators in Vermont — and other legalized states too — consider this as nonsports, which it is. But regulators strictly want sports betting, not these other things.

Only offshore betting sites take in bets on who will win the U.S. presidential nomination or the Grammy for Best Artist, as an example. Bettors increasingly want action on these outcomes and offshore sites aren’t holding them back from doing so.

Betting Apps In Vermont

It’s not enough to just have a killer betting site these days.  No, having a killer mobile app to go along with it is non-negotiable too. Bettors need both, no questions asked. This guide was dedicated mostly to betting sites, but we also have a guide to mobile betting apps. Give it a read cause it’s just as important!

Start Betting In Vermont Today — Our Guides

You’re not in this betting thing to lose, right? Of course, not. While betting should be a fun activity more than anything else, you should strive to make money at it. To do so, you need to really understand the ins and outs of betting. These five guides below will get you going in that exact direction:

Payment Methods Available For Vermont Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks support almost the same payment methods as licensed sites do. Same ones, minus one difference. We’ll get to that in a second, but here are the most common payment methods:

  • VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
  • Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
  • Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
  • Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.

The one difference between offshore and licensed sites when it comes to payment methods? Crypto. Here again, licensed apps aren’t allowed to accept it. Offshore sites not only accept it, they even incentivize its use. Most offshore bookies offer crypto-specific bonuses that outpay the regular offers just to entice bettors to play with crypto.

Vermont Casinos & Resorts

We'll keep this one short and sweet: Vermont does not have any commercial or tribal casinos. We don't anticipate that changing anytime soon either.

In case you need another reason to go offshore, you got one. Only offshore sites allow online bets on slots, table games, or poker — you won't find this on DraftKings, we'll tell you that for sure.

History Of Vermont's Legalization Efforts

It wasn't easy, but Vermont finally got sports betting across the finish line after multiple years of trying. Here's what transpired to get to here:

2018-2019

In 2018, the Supreme Court's PASPA decision made it possible for Vermont to legalize and tax sports betting in the state. That same year, there was no significant effort to legalize sports betting.

However, in 2019, we saw our first big push. Representative Thomas Burditt introduced HB 484. It would have opened up online and retail betting across the state, delegating regulatory authority to the Board of Liquor and Lottery. This bill was barely touched on during the session.

2020

Because the direct route to legalization proved so difficult, proponents have come up with a creative route. Perhaps those dragging their feet need to have some further evidence to convince them.

Senator Michael Sirotkin introduced S59. This bill was approved by the Senate and would create a commission to study the possibility of legalizing sports betting in the state. However, the bill eventually died out in the usual bureaucracy.

2023

A sports betting proposal begins to move through the statehouse. The bill H127, introduced by Rep. Matthew Birong, would authorize between two to six sports betting sites. HB 127 would also move the legal age for daily fantasy sports users from 18 to 21.

Stunningly, Bill H127 passes in the Senate and the House. Then in June of that same year, Gov. Phil Scott signs the bill into law. The state takes the rest of the year to build up its sports betting infrastructure.

2024

Legal, online sports betting officially launches in Vermont at midnight on Jan. 11, 2024. Three sports betting apps — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics — go live at 12 am sharp!

Betting On Vermont Sports Teams

Vermont does NOT have any professional teams. However, being located in the Northeast, there's no shortage of nearby teams.

Most Vermonters end up liking Boston- or New York-based teams. The good thing is both cities have a wealth of NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL teams — all of which is bet-able at Vermont sportsbooks.

The only real hometown team in Vermont is the collegiate program — the University of Vermont Catamounts. They aren't the best sports program around, but the state is unified in supporting them unlike the pro teams, where affiliation is more split.

Other Types Of Betting In Vermont

Vermont just came around to sports betting, but they’re still not the most bettor-friendly state around. As we said before, casino betting remains banned state-wide.

Bettors looking for other gambling options can start with the lottery. Residents can participate in the usual lottery-style games — scratch-off tickets and multi-state draws like Powerball and Mega Millions. The latter two are national contests that include other states too.

Daily fantasy sports are technically allowed. We say technically because there’s no exact language or regulation about DFS platforms. Still, we’ve tried them in-state and it works just fine. So this feels like a situation where Vermont lawmakers don’t care enough to make an official ruling on it. Whatever, doesn’t bother us as long as DFS works, which it does.

Horse-race betting is stuck in the same legal grey area as DFS. Vermont does not have any active horse racing tracks, which makes betting on it hard. But it’s definitely not illegal by any means, just less accessible.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

We have detailed guides on every single U.S. state beyond just Vermont, ya know? Here's quick links to our most popular guides:

Responsible Gaming In Vermont

One last but important thing before you run off to bet in Vermont: please, keep things responsible. What do we mean by that? Responsible betting is all about maintaining balance. It's easy for the excitement of a potential win to overshadow the reality that gambling is, at its core, a game of chance. To keep gambling enjoyable, it's important to bet only what you can afford to lose.

If you don't, you risk causing financial harm to yourself or your family (if you support one). With this also comes an emotional toll — anxiety, stress, or worse, depression.  Suddenly, betting is no longer as fun as intended.

So here's our word of advice so you never lose more than you can: set a betting budget and damn it, stick to it — no matter what. Before you start gambling, decide on a set amount of money you're comfortable losing. Moreover, when budgeting, make sure it's coming from your disposable income, not from money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or groceries.

Just know, if betting ever becomes a problem for you, there is help readily available. We've linked three critical resources that can be accessed easily online:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.

Vermont-specific resources:

Vermont Problem Gambling Helpline

A 24/7 confidential helpline (1-800-522-4700) providing support, information, and treatment referrals for individuals struggling with gambling addiction in Vermont.

Vermont Department of Health – Problem Gambling Services (https://www.healthvermont.gov)

Offers resources, counseling, and referrals to treatment programs for individuals and families impacted by problem gambling in Vermont.

VT Gambling Help (https://vtgamblinghelp.org/)
Offers support and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction in Vermont.