Vermont Sports Betting 2026: Apps, Bonuses & Tax Guide

Vermont Sports Betting 2026: Legal Sportsbooks, Apps & Bonuses

Picture this: you're sitting on the porch of a ski lodge in Stowe, the slopes are closed for the day, and the Celtics tip off in 20 minutes. You pull out your phone, open DraftKings, and drop $25 on the over. That's been a reality in Vermont since January 11, 2024 — when the Green Mountain State officially joined the legal sports betting club.

Vermont's market is unique: only 3 licensed sportsbooks, mobile-only (no retail betting windows), and a minimum age of 18 — not 21 like most other states. It's a small but growing market, and understanding how it works can save you money and headaches.

This is the most comprehensive Vermont sports betting guide for 2026. We cover every operator, bonus offer, tax rule, and regulatory detail — plus a free interactive sportsbook checker and revenue chart you won't find anywhere else. Bookmark this page — we update it regularly as Vermont sports betting news breaks.

TL;DR — Vermont Sports Betting Quick Reference

Key Numbers Every Vermont Bettor Needs

Now that you have the big picture, let's dig into everything — starting with the legal framework, then each sportsbook, bonuses, taxes, and the gaps no other guide covers.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Vermont?

Yes — and it's been legal since January 2024. But the road to legalization was anything but simple. Here's how Vermont got here.

How Vermont Legalized Sports Betting (Act 10 / H.127)

Vermont's sports betting law started as House Bill 127 during the 2023 legislative session. The bill passed both chambers of the Vermont General Assembly with bipartisan support. Governor Phil Scott signed it into law on June 14, 2023, and it became known as Act 10.

Unlike states that went through ballot initiatives or multi-year legislative battles, Vermont's process was relatively smooth. The key factors:

• No existing casino industry to fight over control (Vermont has zero casinos)
• Revenue pressure from neighboring states (New Hampshire launched in 2019, New York in 2022)
• Small market size reduced political stakes — fewer lobbyists, less opposition
• Mobile-only model avoided land-use and casino-expansion debates entirely

The law authorized the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery to conduct a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Out of multiple applicants, only three operators received licenses. The first legal bets were placed on January 11, 2024.

For comparison, see how Missouri took years of legislative battles before voters forced the issue through a ballot measure — Vermont's legislative route was far cleaner.

Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery

The Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) is Vermont's sole regulator for sports betting. Unlike states with established gaming commissions, Vermont assigned oversight to an existing agency — a pragmatic choice for a state with no casino infrastructure.

The DLL handles:

• Licensing and compliance for all three sportsbook operators
• Consumer complaints and dispute resolution
• Responsible gambling program administration
• Quarterly revenue reporting and auditing
• Enforcement of geolocation and age verification requirements

Key Regulatory Rules

Vermont's regulatory framework under Act 10 includes several distinctive provisions:

• 18+ minimum age — one of the lowest in the U.S. (most states require 21+)
• Mobile-only — no physical retail sportsbooks anywhere in the state
• No casino-tethering requirement — operators don't need a casino partner (unlike Missouri's model where every online book must be tied to a licensed casino)
• College player prop ban — you can bet on game outcomes for Vermont colleges, but not on individual player performances
• No political or entertainment betting — only sporting events qualify
• Mandatory responsible gambling features — all apps must offer deposit limits, session time alerts, and self-exclusion enrollment

Best Vermont Sportsbooks (2026)

Vermont has exactly three licensed sportsbooks. No more, no fewer. Here's the full breakdown of each operator — or use our interactive checker below to compare them side by side.

1. DraftKings Vermont

DraftKings was one of the three operators selected through Vermont's RFP process, launching on day one — January 11, 2024.

What makes DraftKings stand out in Vermont:

• Largest market share — DraftKings consistently handles the highest percentage of Vermont's total betting volume
• DK Horse integration — bet on horse racing directly within the same app
• Same-game parlays (SGPs) — build multi-leg bets within a single game
• Live betting and cash out — real-time odds with the option to settle bets early
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings' app rates 4.8 on iOS and 4.5 on Android — the highest ratings among Vermont's three operators. The interface is clean, the bet slip is intuitive, and live odds update without noticeable lag. If you're wondering how DraftKings sets its lines, our guide on who sets the odds for sports betting explains the process behind the numbers.

2. FanDuel Vermont

FanDuel launched alongside DraftKings on January 11, 2024, and is the second-most popular sportsbook in Vermont by handle.

What makes FanDuel stand out in Vermont:

• FanDuel TV — live streaming of select sporting events directly in the app
• Same-game parlays with a wider range of prop combinations than most competitors
• Cash out options — both full and partial cash out available on eligible bets
• Competitive odds — FanDuel often leads on NFL moneylines and NBA spreads
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

FanDuel rates 4.7 on iOS and 4.4 on Android. The app's biggest strength is its user interface — clean design, fast loading times, and the best live-betting experience among Vermont's three options. For bettors who like to shop lines across multiple books, FanDuel frequently offers the best price on NFL and NBA markets.

3. Fanatics Sportsbook Vermont

Fanatics Sportsbook was the third operator selected, also launching on January 11, 2024. It's the newest major sportsbook brand in the U.S. market.

What makes Fanatics stand out in Vermont:

• FanCash rewards — earn cashback on every bet, win or lose, redeemable on the Fanatics merchandise platform
• Growing feature set — Fanatics continues to add new bet types and sports coverage
• Same-game parlays available with an expanding prop market
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 FanCash

Fanatics rates 4.6 on iOS and 4.3 on Android. The app is newer and still catching up to DraftKings and FanDuel on features, but the FanCash loyalty program is genuinely unique — no other sportsbook offers cashback that converts directly into sports merchandise.

Why Only 3 Sportsbooks?

Vermont's RFP process intentionally limited the number of licenses. The state's reasoning:

1. Small market — Vermont's population is roughly 650,000, the second-smallest in the U.S. More operators would mean thinner margins for everyone
2. Quality over quantity — the DLL wanted to ensure each operator had sufficient resources to serve the market well
3. Regulatory capacity — with no prior gaming oversight infrastructure, the DLL wanted a manageable number of licensees to monitor
4. Revenue concentration — fewer operators means higher per-operator handle, which generates more predictable tax revenue

The 3-license cap could change through future legislation, but no expansion bill has been introduced as of 2026.

Vermont Sportsbook Bonuses Compared

All three Vermont sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses for new users. Here's how they compare:

Types of Welcome Bonuses

Vermont sportsbooks use two main bonus types:

Bonus Bets (DraftKings, FanDuel): You receive bet credits after placing a qualifying wager. Bonus bets typically expire within 7 days and cannot be withdrawn as cash — only the net winnings from a bonus bet are withdrawable.

FanCash (Fanatics): FanCash works differently. It's earned on every bet you place and can be redeemed for Fanatics merchandise or converted to bonus bets. The $200 sign-up offer doesn't require a winning bet — place the qualifying $5 wager and the FanCash is credited regardless of outcome.

For a deeper breakdown of how sportsbook bonuses actually work and the math behind them, check our guide to online casino sign-up bonuses.

Bonus Terms You Should Know

Before claiming any Vermont sportsbook bonus:

• Geographic restriction — you must be physically in Vermont and 18+ to claim
• One per person — each operator allows one sign-up bonus per individual (verified by SSN)
• Expiration — most bonus bets expire within 7 days if not used
• Minimum odds — some promotions require bets at odds of -300 or longer to qualify
• Not stackable — you can't combine multiple promotions on a single bet
• All three — since Vermont has only 3 operators, you can (and should) claim all three sign-up bonuses for a total of $600 in bonus value from a $15 total investment

How to Sign Up for Vermont Sports Betting

Step-by-Step Registration

Getting started takes about 5 minutes per app. Here's the process:

1. Download any licensed sportsbook app — DraftKings, FanDuel, or Fanatics — from the iOS App Store or Google Play
2. Create an account with your name, email address, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
3. Verify your identity — the app runs an automated background check using your personal info (no document upload needed for most users)
4. Enable location services — your phone's GPS must confirm you're physically in Vermont
5. Deposit funds — choose from debit card, PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, or Apple Pay
6. Claim your bonus — place the qualifying bet to activate the sign-up offer
7. Place your bet — browse sports, select your market, enter your stake, and confirm

Identity Verification (KYC)

All three Vermont sportsbooks use Know Your Customer (KYC) verification during registration. The process is instant for most users — the app cross-references your name, date of birth, and SSN against public databases.

If automatic verification fails (common reasons: recent address change, credit freeze, or name mismatch), you may need to upload a photo ID. Accepted documents include:

• Driver's license (any state)
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Location not verified" — make sure GPS is enabled and you're genuinely within Vermont borders. If you're near the New Hampshire or New York border, move a few hundred feet inland. Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with geolocation accuracy — try switching to cellular data.

"Identity verification failed" — if you have a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, you may need to temporarily lift it. Alternatively, contact the sportsbook's support team to complete manual verification with a photo ID.

"Account already exists" — each SSN can only be associated with one account per sportsbook. If you previously created an account (even in another state), you'll need to use that existing account rather than creating a new one.

Vermont Sports Betting Apps

Mobile-Only Market (No Retail)

Vermont is one of a handful of states with no retail sportsbooks at all. There are no betting windows, no kiosks, no casino sportsbook lounges. Every legal sports bet in Vermont must be placed through a mobile app.

This is a direct consequence of Vermont having zero casinos. States like Missouri and Maryland require online sportsbooks to partner with licensed casinos — but Vermont has no casinos to partner with. The mobile-only model was the only viable option.

For bettors, this means:

• You need a smartphone (iOS or Android) to place a legal bet
• No web-based betting — desktop browser betting is not available (you must use the app)
• No in-person deposits — all funding happens digitally (debit card, PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer)
• Geolocation is always active — your phone's GPS must confirm your Vermont location for every session

App Features Comparison

Line Shopping Across All 3 Apps

Here's the single best piece of advice for Vermont sports bettors: download all three apps. With only 3 operators in the market, line shopping takes less than a minute — and the odds differences can be significant.

Example: for an NFL spread on the Patriots at -3.5, DraftKings might offer -110, FanDuel -108, and Fanatics -112. That 4-cent difference on FanDuel saves you $2 per $100 wagered. Over a full NFL season of weekly bets, that adds up to hundreds of dollars in saved juice.

Our odds converter and parlay calculator make it easy to compare prices and calculate the true value of each line.

Vermont Sports Betting Handle and Revenue

Monthly Handle Breakdown (2024-2025)

Vermont's sports betting market launched strong and has been growing steadily. Here's the monthly handle data since launch:

Key takeaways: The seasonal pattern is clear — handle dips during the spring and summer (April-August) when the NFL is off, then surges in the fall and winter. February 2025 was the record month at $70M, driven by Super Bowl LIX and the start of March Madness bracket mania. First-year total handle (2024): approximately $520M.

How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States

Vermont's handle is modest by national standards — but that's expected given its population of 650,000. Here's how it stacks up against its New England neighbors:

Vermont's per-capita handle is actually competitive — roughly $74/month per resident, which is in line with larger markets when adjusted for population. The 20% operator tax is moderate: higher than Connecticut (13.75%) but far below New Hampshire and New York's 51% rates.

For more on how different states structure their gambling taxes, see our guides to Kentucky sports betting tax, New Jersey gambling tax, and Illinois sports betting tax.

Vermont Sports Betting Taxes

This is the section most guides skip or bury — and it's arguably the most important. If you're winning, you need to understand exactly how much you owe.

State Income Tax on Winnings (Up to 8.75%)

Vermont taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income. The state uses graduated income tax brackets:

Your gambling winnings are added to your total taxable income for the year. If you earn $60,000 from your job and win $5,000 from sports betting, your total income is $65,000 — and the $5,000 falls into whatever bracket $65,000 puts you in.

For most recreational bettors, this means a state tax rate of 3.35% to 6.60% on winnings. Only high-income earners or very large winners hit the 8.75% top rate.

Federal Tax (24% Withholding)

On top of Vermont state tax, you owe federal income tax on all gambling winnings. The rules:

• All winnings are taxable regardless of amount — even a $50 parlay win
• 24% automatic withholding kicks in on net winnings over $5,000
• W-2G form issued for sports betting wins of $600+ at odds of 300:1 or greater
• You must report all winnings on Form 1040 (Schedule 1, Line 8b)

The key mistake: assuming no W-2G means no tax obligation. Wrong. The W-2G threshold triggers a reporting form, not a tax-free limit. A $500 parlay win is just as taxable as a $5,000 win — you just don't receive a form for it.

W-2G Reporting Thresholds

Sportsbooks automatically withhold 24% federal tax and issue W-2G forms when you hit the threshold. Download your annual tax summary from each sportsbook app in January — DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics all generate year-end reports.

For bettors wondering whether you can actually make a living from sports betting, understanding the true tax bite is essential. A 6% edge before taxes becomes a 3-4% edge after state and federal tax — significantly harder to sustain.

Can You Deduct Losses?

Yes — but with strict conditions:

• You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings
• You must itemize deductions on your federal return (standard deduction doesn't work)
• You cannot deduct losses beyond your total winnings (no net gambling loss deduction)
• You must keep contemporaneous records: bet slips, app screenshots, bank statements

Example: if you won $8,000 and lost $6,000 across all three Vermont sportsbooks in 2025, you can deduct $6,000 in losses, paying tax only on $2,000 in net winnings. But if you took the standard deduction instead of itemizing, you'd owe tax on the full $8,000.

Pro tip: download your complete betting history from each app before tax season. All three Vermont operators provide exportable transaction logs. For more on gambling tax strategies across different states, see our Oklahoma gambling tax guide and Colorado sports betting tax breakdown.

What You Can't Bet On in Vermont

College Player Props Ban

Under Act 10, Vermont allows betting on college sports — but with one critical restriction: no player prop bets on athletes from Vermont colleges.

This means:

• Allowed: UVM Catamounts moneyline, spread, totals, team totals
• Allowed: Player props on out-of-state college athletes (Purdue, Duke, etc.)
• Banned: Individual player props on UVM, Middlebury, St. Michael's, or other Vermont college athletes (points, rebounds, yards, etc.)

The restriction exists to protect student-athletes from gambling-related pressure and harassment. It's a common provision — most states with legal college betting include similar player prop restrictions.

No Political or Entertainment Betting

Vermont's law is clear: you can only bet on sporting events. Not allowed:

• Political elections or outcomes (who wins the presidency, etc.)
• Entertainment events (Academy Awards, reality TV shows)
• Esports (not specifically authorized under Act 10)
• Weather, stock market, or other novelty bets

This matches the majority of U.S. states. Only a handful of jurisdictions have explored non-sports wagering categories. For context on what other states restrict, our guide on is sports betting rigged covers how regulations are designed to protect bettors.

Cross-Border Betting: NH, NY, MA

This section matters because Vermont is a small state surrounded by other states with legal sports betting — and the border crossings are frequent.

What Happens When You Leave Vermont

Every Vermont sportsbook uses GeoComply geolocation technology that checks your position continuously. The moment you cross a state border:

• Active bets remain valid — a bet placed while in Vermont will settle normally even if you later leave the state
• New bets are blocked — you cannot place new wagers from outside Vermont
• Cash out may be blocked — some operators prevent cash-out actions when you're out of state
• Live bets auto-pause — if you're in the middle of placing a live bet and your GPS drifts across the border, the bet will fail

If you're near the border (especially the New Hampshire line along I-89 or I-91), geolocation can be tricky. GPS accuracy is typically within 100 meters, but border areas occasionally trigger false readings. If your bet gets blocked, move a few hundred feet toward the center of Vermont and restart the app.

VPNs don't work. GeoComply's system detects VPNs, GPS spoofing, and location-masking software. Attempting to circumvent geofencing violates the operator's terms of service and can result in account suspension, funds forfeiture, and potential legal consequences.

Nearby States with Legal Sports Betting

If you travel frequently between Vermont and its neighbors, here's what you need to know:

Key implication: if you already have DraftKings and FanDuel accounts from Vermont, those same accounts work when you travel to New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, or Connecticut. The app automatically switches to that state's regulations, odds, and available bet types when your GPS registers the new location. You don't need separate accounts — just enable location services and bet normally.

For bettors who travel across state lines for work or leisure, line shopping across state borders can occasionally find better odds in a neighboring state's market.

Why BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and Others Aren't in Vermont

This is one of the most searched questions from Vermont sports bettors — and no other guide answers it properly.

The 3-License Cap and RFP Process

When Vermont's Department of Liquor and Lottery opened the RFP process in late 2023, multiple major operators submitted bids, including:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Fanatics
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• ESPN Bet (Penn Entertainment)

The DLL evaluated proposals based on revenue share, responsible gambling commitments, technology platform quality, financial stability, and marketing plans. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics scored highest across all criteria.

BetMGM reportedly submitted a competitive proposal but was edged out by Fanatics' innovative FanCash loyalty program and higher revenue-share offer. ESPN Bet was seen as too new (having just rebranded from Barstool) to demonstrate a proven track record. Caesars offered lower revenue share terms compared to the three winners.

Future Expansion Possibilities

Will Vermont add a 4th, 5th, or 6th sportsbook? It's possible, but not imminent:

• No expansion legislation has been introduced as of April 2026
• The DLL has stated it will evaluate market performance after the first two full years (2024-2025) before recommending any changes
• Vermont's small population may not support more than 3-4 operators profitably
• Political appetite for expansion is uncertain — the legislature is focused on other priorities

The most likely trigger for expansion: if neighboring New Hampshire adds a second operator (currently DraftKings exclusive), Vermont may feel competitive pressure to broaden its market. For a look at how handicappers evaluate these emerging markets, see our guide on what is a handicapper in sports betting.

Responsible Gaming in Vermont

Self-Exclusion Program

Vermont's self-exclusion program is administered by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. Here's how it works:

• Duration options: 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime
• Scope: Covers all three licensed sportsbooks simultaneously — you can't exclude from just one
• Enrollment: Contact the DLL directly or use the responsible gambling section within any sportsbook app
• Enforcement: Operators are required to block excluded individuals from placing bets. If you manage to bet while excluded, winnings may be confiscated
• Reversal: 1-year and 5-year exclusions expire automatically. Lifetime exclusion cannot be reversed

Problem Gambling Resources

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem:

• Vermont Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 211 or visit 211Vermont.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700 (call/text 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Gamblers Anonymous: Local Vermont chapters meet weekly in Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland
• Each sportsbook app offers in-app tools: deposit limits, session time alerts, cool-off periods (24 hours to 30 days), and direct links to support resources

Vermont dedicates a portion of its 20% operator tax revenue to fund problem gambling prevention and treatment programs. This is administered through the Vermont Department of Health.

Vermont Sports Betting Timeline

2023: Legalization

June 14, 2023 — Governor Scott Signs Act 10

Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill 127 into law, making Vermont the 35th state to legalize sports betting. The law authorized mobile-only sports wagering through a competitive licensing process managed by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.

Fall 2023 — RFP Process

The DLL issued a formal Request for Proposals, receiving bids from six major operators. After evaluation, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics were selected as Vermont's three licensed sportsbook operators.

2024: Launch and First Year

January 11, 2024 — First Legal Bets

All three operators went live simultaneously on January 11, 2024. Vermont became the first state to launch with a mobile-only, no-casino-tethered model from day one.

2024 Milestones

• March 2024: March Madness drives first handle spike ($52M monthly)
• September 2024: NFL season starts, handle jumps to $55M
• November 2024: Record month at $62M (NFL + college football overlap)
• Full Year 2024: ~$520M total handle, ~$8.3M in state tax revenue

2025-2026: Growth and Market Maturation

February 2025 — Record Handle

Super Bowl LIX and March Madness push February 2025 to $70M in total handle — Vermont's all-time monthly record.

2026 Outlook

The market continues steady growth. No expansion legislation has been introduced. The DLL is expected to publish a comprehensive two-year market review in Q3 2026, which may inform future regulatory decisions about additional licenses, new bet types, or expanded partnerships.

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