Vermont Gambling Laws 2026: Legal Options and Restrictions Guide
Vermont maintains a limited and tightly regulated gambling landscape, with online sports betting as the primary recent addition. Real-money online casinos, poker, and most other forms remain prohibited under state statutes (13 V.S.A. Chapter 51), though no prosecutions of individual offshore players have been documented. Legal activities focus on the state lottery, charitable gaming, pari-mutuel horse betting via ADW platforms, DFS, and licensed mobile sports wagering launched in January 2024. Residents often travel to neighboring states like New York, Massachusetts, or Connecticut for broader casino experiences.
Overview of Gambling in Vermont
State law prohibits most gambling, with fines up to $200 for participation in unauthorized activities. No land-based commercial or tribal casinos exist, and statutes do not explicitly address internet play beyond general prohibitions. Offshore real-money sites operate in a gray area, but authorities emphasize risks including lack of protections. Charitable gaming provides limited exceptions, regulated by the Attorney General’s Office to ensure proceeds support nonprofit causes.
Land-Based Casinos in Vermont
No casinos operate in Vermont. Players seeking slots, table games, or poker must visit nearby venues such as:
- Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods in Connecticut.
- Resorts World Catskills or Empire City Casino in New York.
- Plainridge Park Casino or Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.
These destinations offer full-scale gaming absent in the Green Mountain State.
Online Gambling and Offshore Sites
Real-money online casinos and poker are not authorized or regulated in Vermont. Offshore platforms accept Vermont players, but participation risks fines and lacks consumer safeguards. Social and sweepstakes casinos provide legal alternatives with virtual play and prize redemptions. No plans exist for iCasino legalization, as confirmed by recent analyses showing no legislative momentum.
Poker in Vermont
Commercial poker rooms are illegal, with no in-state options. Home games qualify for exceptions only if no rake is taken and participants share social ties. Nearby legal poker thrives at Foxwoods (147 tables), Encore Boston Harbor (88 tables), or Playground Poker Club in Montreal. Offshore online poker violates statutes, though enforcement against individuals remains minimal.
Sports Betting in Vermont
Online sports betting is legal and operational since January 11, 2024, following HB 127 signed by Governor Phil Scott. Up to six mobile-only operators are permitted; currently active are DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Retail sportsbooks are prohibited. Bettors must be 21+, with prohibitions on wagers involving Vermont collegiate teams or in-state college events. Revenue supports state funds, including problem gambling programs.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Paid DFS contests are legal since 2017 legislation, overriding prior Attorney General concerns. Major platforms including DraftKings, FanDuel, and others remain accessible to Vermont residents without restrictions.
Vermont Lottery and Bingo
The Vermont Lottery offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions), Lucky for Life, and instant tickets exclusively through retail locations—no online sales permitted. Charitable bingo and other games of chance are allowed for qualified nonprofits, with strict limits: events must benefit charitable, religious, educational, or civic causes; proceeds after reasonable expenses go to those purposes. Commercial bingo is banned, and online versions for real money are illegal.
Vermont Gambling FAQ
What gambling options exist in Vermont?
Legal choices include the state lottery, charitable bingo/raffles, ADW horse betting (TwinSpires, etc.), regulated DFS, and licensed mobile sports betting via DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. No casinos or online real-money gaming beyond sports.
Is online gambling legal in Vermont?
Online sports betting is legal and regulated. Real-money online casinos and poker are not; offshore access carries risks without state protections.
Do offshore sites accept Vermont players?
Yes, most major offshore platforms do, commonly supporting Visa/Mastercard deposits and wire/check withdrawals. Users should note the absence of regulation and potential for disputes.
Will Vermont expand to online casinos or poker?
Unlikely in the near term. Focus remains on sports betting revenue; no active proposals address broader iGaming, and statutes prioritize limited charitable and lottery options.