Vermont Sports Betting: Best VT Sportsbooks in April 2024

Vermont sports betting summary

Is sports betting legal in Vermont?

Yes, sports betting in Vermont is legal. Following the House's decision to vote in favor of a Senate-amended version of HB 127 on May 9, 2023, Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law on June 14, 2023, setting the stage for the launch of legal sports betting on Jan. 11, 2024.

Under the new VT legal sports betting law, the Department of Liquor and Lottery acts as the regulatory authority, licensing up to six online sportsbooks.

Five operators submitted bids to obtain a sports betting license: BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel. However, only three — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics — launched on Day One of legal sports betting in Vermont.

Retail sportsbooks are not included in HB 127’s language, meaning Vermont is now just the third state to legalize online-only wagering, joining Tennessee and Wyoming. 

Vermont sports betting key developments and updates

April 2024: Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings all make changes to their welcome promotions in mid-April, offering a mix of bonus bets and no-deposit bonuses.

Jan. 25, 2024: DraftKings adds an additional No Brainer Bet to celebrate the launch in Vermont: Double your money if there's a point scored in Chiefs vs. Ravens on Jan. 28, 2024.

Jan 18, 2024: After launching in Vermont one week earlier, DraftKings has seen its stock price jump up more than 10%, as the future continues to look bright for online sportsbooks. 

Jan. 11, 2024: Legal sports betting officially arrives in Vermont! Three of the best sportsbooks go live at 12:01 a.m. EST.

Jan. 10, 2024: It's officially Legal Sports Betting Eve in Vermont, as multiple sports betting platforms as soon as the clock hits midnight and the date flips over to Jan. 11.

Jan. 4, 2024: One week ahead of legalized sports betting in Vermont, the state remains steadfast in going to market with just three online operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. No word on when (or if) BetMGM or ESPN BET will join the fray. 

Dec. 19, 2023: Vermont releases its legal sports betting catalog, detailing which betting markets will be allowed.

Dec. 12, 2023: FanDuel and DraftKings announce their Vermont pre-launch offers, giving bettors a chance to snag an early bonus. 

Dec. 11, 2023: Gov. Phil Scott releases a statement that Vermont legal sports betting is on track to launch in January 2024. 

Nov. 8, 2023: The Vermont Board of Liquor and Lottery tweaks its background check rules for those aiming to involve themselves with sportsbook operators.

Sept. 13, 2023: Five operators submit bids to garner a sports betting license in Vermont: BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel.  

July 25, 2023: All operators interested in obtaining a sports betting license in Vermont must submit their request for proposals by the end of the month, and their bids by Aug. 23, 2023.

July 17, 2023: The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery approves amended rules for sports betting and event wagering. 

July 14, 2023: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars submit written comments questioning the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery's proposed sports betting rules. Concerns involve responsible gambling tools, sign-up forms, and more.

June 14, 2023: Gov. Scott signs HB 127 into law, making Vermont the third state — Kentucky, North Carolina — to legalize sports betting in 2023.

Best Vermont sports betting sites

Now that Gov. Scott has signed HB 127 into law, only a few unknowns remain concerning the future of legal sports betting in Vermont. We already know that online sportsbooks launched on Jan. 11, 2024, and that Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings are the three options available on Day One.

We also know that BetMGM and ESPN BET have applied for betting licenses, but they were not ready to go on launch day. With Vermont legislation allowing up to six betting licenses, it remains to be seen who might try to claim the final slot. Our money is on Caesars Sportsbook, but it could be a surprise entrant like bet365 or someone else. 

Though it’s impossible to know for certain which other betting sites will eventually get the nod, we can use recent state launches to help predict which options Green Mountain State bettors will eventually have. Here’s what we foresee landing in Vermont:

* Have launched in Vermont
** Potential future VT sportsbook

DraftKings Vermont 👑

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

+ No Sweat SGP Every Day of NBA Playoffs 🏀

Claim $200

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Vermont sports enthusiasts may already be well-acquainted with DraftKings, as it has offered DFS contests in the state for some time. Now boasting one of the industry’s premier sportsbooks and best sports betting apps, DraftKings’ newbie-friendly welcome bonus — which leads the best sportsbook promos lists in most states — second-to-none customer service, and expansive betting markets will make it a top choice in the Green Mountain State.

No DraftKings promo code will be necessary to get started.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Vermont welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Interested in discovering more about the sportsbook? Read our complete DraftKings review.

FanDuel Vermont 🔵

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of $5+ and get $150 in Bonus Bets win or lose (within 72 hours).

Claim $150

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel is already heavily invested in the Vermont sports betting space due to its prevalence as a daily fantasy sports outlet. Now that the iconic operator has launched its sportsbook in VT, bettors can access a first-class user experience, an in-game wagering section worthy of one of the top live betting sites, and an abundance of quality bonuses redeemable sans a FanDuel promo code.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Vermont welcome bonuses: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Wondering what else FanDuel’s sports betting platform has to offer? Check out our full FanDuel review to find out.

Fanatics Vermont 🧢

Get $50 in Bonus Bets (No Deposit Required)

Terms and conditions apply

Claim $50

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Originally an Australia-based sportsbook operator, PointsBet grew within the U.S. and eventually saw its North American business acquired by Fanatics in 2023. Now Fanatics has stepped into the Green Mountain State, going live on the very first day of legal sports betting in Vermont.

Fanatics brings a strong sportsbook and some bona fide sports expertise after decades in the merchandise and fan apparel retail business. Their FanCash Reward program is one-of-a-kind, letting customers earn cashback to be used on jerseys, caps, mugs, or just extra bonus bets. 

• App store ratings: 4.7 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Vermont welcome bonus: Get $50 in bonus bets (no deposit required)
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

For more actionable intel, scour our detailed Fanatics review.

Potential Vermont sportsbooks

With only three of the six sports betting licenses claimed on Day One, the door is open for other contenders to enter the Vermont scene in the future. Here are some of the potential front-runners to claim those three remaining slots.

BetMGM Vermont 🦁

Crowning itself the “King of Parlays,” BetMGM purports to offer a sports betting product that delivers the best parlay experience possible, from building to submitting. Not only will Vermonters get to put that claim to the test should BetMGM come to the Green Mountain State, but they’ll also gain access to the platform’s valuable sign-up bonus — a BetMGM promo code SBRBONUS will be necessary — reduced juice, boosted odds, loyalty rewards, and more.

BetMGM was not ready to launch on Jan. 11, 2024, for the start of live betting. However, it has applied for license. We'll update this page as soon as more details about BetMGM's presence in Vermont becomes available. 

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Expected VT welcome bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

For more expert insight on the sportsbook, read our thorough BetMGM review.

Caesars Vermont 🏛

Caesars is known for its glitz and glamor, and with legal Vermont sports betting coming to pass, the Green Mountain State may get to enjoy its own little slice of Las Vegas. Offering what would be one of the most lucrative Vermont sports betting promos — a Caesars Sportsbook promo code of SBRBONUS will be required — an unmatched loyalty rewards program, and a high-quality banking system, Caesars is considered by some to be the top sportsbook in the industry.

Caesars hasn't applied for a VT license yet and was not one of the three sportsbooks to launch on Jan. 11, 2024. Stay tuned for more information about when (or if) Caesars plans to open up shop in Vermont.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Expected VT welcome bonus: Up to $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Dive into our Caesars review for more information on the iconic sportsbook.

ESPN BET Vermont 🏈

ESPN BET burst onto the scene in November 2023 when it launched in 17 states simultaneously. The Worldwide Leader in Sports is poised to become a major player in the legal sports betting industry, and its ESPN BET mobile app is a strong start.

ESPN BET did apply for a Vermont betting license but was not among the initial group of online sportsbooks to launch in the state in January 2024. We fully expect them to join the party in the near future. When they do, we predict they will bring their $100 in bonus bets welcome offer to Vermont. 

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Expected VT welcome bonus: Up to $600 in bonuses
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

To learn more about this promising new sportsbook, read our full ESPN BET review.

Vermont sports betting quick facts

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

How to start betting in Vermont

Vermont legalizing sports wagering in 2023 made for a sound revenue strategy. With so many sports betting dollars crossing the border to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, VT lawmakers recognized the value of keeping that money in-house. It expedited the timeframe for a legal sports betting bill to reach Gov. Scott’s desk. Now, some of the country’s top sportsbooks and apps have arrived in Vermont. 

Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to start betting now that online sportsbooks have officially launched in VT:

1. Select a licensed Vermont sportsbook

Choosing a betting site is a delicate process. You should never blindly sign-up at an online sportsbook or download just any sports betting app. Ensure you do your homework and scour each option for what best suits your needs. The top Vermont sportsbooks all offer quality promotions, best-in-class security, numerous banking methods, an intuitive user experience, and responsive customer service.

Download your preferred Vermont sports betting apps to your iOS or Android device for the best experience.

2. Register online

The next step is to create a new sportsbook account, which you can do via desktop or mobile app. Operators require you to provide basic personal information when registering, such as your full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. Your SSN helps to verify your identity and eliminate any potential bonus abuse.

You’ll then want to create a unique username and password. The strongest passwords mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Try to make your password at least eight characters long.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

After completing the sign-up process, it’s time to visit the sportsbook’s cashier. Here, you’ll sync your account with your preferred banking methods. Keep in mind that while most states with legal sports betting accept credit cards, HB 127 stipulates that they cannot be used to make deposits or bets in Vermont. So, you’re looking at debit cards, ACH bank wire transfers, PayPal, and other third-party wallets and banking services.

If your chosen sportsbook’s welcome bonus requires a promo code to unlock, it’s at this stage that you’ll need to punch it in. Ensure you have the code handy throughout registration.

4. Select and finalize your bet

With funds in your account, you can safely begin sifting through the sportsbook’s available betting markets. Vermont’s best betting sites all offer odds on the four major North American sports leagues — the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB — and the most popular bet types — moneylines, point spreads, and point totals.

Once you’ve garnered some experience and are looking for something a little riskier, you’ll also find the best VT sportsbooks provide live in-game betting, same-game parlays, player props, and teasers.

5. Withdraw your winnings

After you string together a few wins, you might be eager to request a withdrawal. To do this, return to the online sportsbook’s cashier page and click the withdraw button. You’ll have a handful of options to transfer funds from your sportsbook wallet to your preferred bank account, including ACH wire transfers, PayPal, and physical checks. Just remember that even the best sportsbook for payouts typically takes up to five business days to deliver your money.

Vermont sports betting neighbors

New England’s sports betting landscape is now complete, with Vermont being the last state in the region to legalize the practice. With healthy markets percolating in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, Green Mountain State bettors no longer need to drive to neighboring states to make bets since Vermont online sports betting launched on Jan. 11, 2024. 

Massachusetts 

New Hampshire

New York

What’s missing from Vermont sports betting?

Vermont sports betting may be officially live, but not every betting market was given the green light. While most sports leagues from around the world are covered, there are some extra betting options missing from the Vermont lineup.

Here's a quick look at what you can (and can't) bet on in Vermont.

Politics ❌

As in every state where sports betting is legal, you will not be permitted to wager on political events in Vermont. For example, you won’t be able to put money on who will win the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Horse racing ✅

While no physical horse tracks are licensed to offer racing in Vermont, betting on the ponies online is legal. So, you can download horse racing betting apps like FanDuel TV to place your wagers.

Entertainment award ceremonies ❌

House Bill 127 does not contain language concerning wagering on entertainment award ceremonies like the Oscars or Emmys. You may be able to wager on such markets in the future.

Esports ❓

There is no mention of esports betting in HB 127. Some sportsbooks might test their luck and offer esports betting markets in Vermont since it's a bit of a legal grey area for now. We'll update this section if the rules get refined more clearly in the future.

What about daily fantasy sports? 🏈

Daily fantasy sports are legal in Vermont — and have been since 2017 — via operators like DraftKings and FanDuel. You must be at least 21 years old to participate.

Vermont college sports betting 🎓

Since Vermont isn’t home to any professional sports franchises, Green Mountain State bettors will likely be eager to wager on collegiate programs. While HB 127 dictates that betting on out-of-state college sports is permitted, it also notes that wagering on in-state college teams is not. The only exception to the rule is when VT-based teams are involved in big events, such as March Madness.

Vermont sports leagues and teams to bet on

Although Vermont doesn’t host any professional sports teams, Green Mountain State bettors still have plenty of franchises to root for in the region. The New England Patriots, Buffalo Sabres, New York Knicks, and New York Mets can all be considered hometown favorites, and while the pull to wager on those teams can be potent, it’s vital to wager with your head rather than your heart. Doing the latter can swiftly drain your bankroll. 

If you aim to place a wager on your favorite team, ensure you first learn how to manage your bankroll and keep tabs on injury reports, depth chart changes, weather, and matchup information. 

Aside from the four major pro sports leagues, Vermont sports betting sites will also offer markets for European soccer, international tennis tournaments, PGA tour events, MMA fight cards, and major boxing matches.

Vermont sports betting taxes

Vermont sports betting includes a unique approach to taxes and fees for operators interested in entering the state. Rather than provide a flat tax rate for revenue, the new law implements a competitive bidding process. The maximum tax rate for operators is 20%, and those that earn a license need to pay a $550,000 fee, payable over a minimum of three years.

Individual bettors pay either a 6% tax — for Vermont residents — or a 7.25% tax — for those who live out of state — in addition to the 24% federal tax on gambling winnings. Remember, taxes are collected only on profits — you can potentially write off your gambling losses to reduce your tax burden, so keep accurate and clean accounting records of your online sportsbook activity.

Responsible Vermont sports betting

Now that Gov. Scott has signed HB 127 into law, the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) is responsible for overseeing all sports betting-related activity. As the regulatory body, the DLL reviews online sportsbook applications, issues licenses, performs audits, maintains security, enforces laws, and imposes fines. Additionally, it leads responsible gambling initiatives, such as providing resources for gambling addiction, offering prevention and treatment programs, and promoting communication about the importance of safe gaming. 

To further mitigate the risks of problem gambling, the DLL works closely with online operators to allow individuals to add themselves to self-exclusion lists, set budgets, and put time limits on their sportsbook sessions. 

Various resources for responsible gambling already exist on the Vermont government website:

• The Howard Center at 802-488-7777
• National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Vermont Counselor Network
• National Council on Problem Gambling

List of Vermont betting resources

Department of Liquor and Lottery - Expected state regulator for sports betting.

Vermont Legislature Online - Website for the state legislature.

Vermont Problem Gambling Resource Center - Top resource for responsible gambling in the state.

Sportsbooks to avoid in Vermont

While legal Vermont sports betting is now a reality, there are only three sportsbooks available. Some bettors may want something a bit different and venture into the world of offshore sportsbooks.

However, these illegal sites are not regulated nor licensed, giving them leeway to engage in shady business practices, such as withholding winnings from players. Stick with the sites licensed and regulated by Vermont state officials. 

Below are just a few examples of online sportsbooks you should avoid at all costs:

Sports betting by state

Each state has its own sports betting development and updates. Stay informed about the latest news in your state: