Vermont is strident on their stance towards games of chance, which results in a blanket outlawing of all casino games unless they are being used for charitable reasons. For this reason, you will note that each type of live gambling offered in the state will either involve a degree of skill to it or is in place to raise funds for good works but not for commercial gain. For all legalised gambling in Vermont, players need only be 18 years or older, but it is worthwhile remembering that gambling winnings may be subject to taxation on wins of $5,000 or more in a tax year.

For a closer investigation of the laws around gambling, we will need to take a short look at each type of betting legalised in the state.

• Horseracing: Horseracing is the only legalised form of online gambling in the state. Because all the tracks are closed, players can bet at off-track sites, via mobile apps, or via phone with advance deposits. Horserace betting is not allowed before 1 pm on a Sunday.

• Lottery: Lottery games are promoted by the state. General dealers are licensed to sell draw tickets and scratch tickets to the public for both the state lottery and interstate lotteries affiliated. Some retailers offer instant play machines, known as Touch Play for advanced entertainment.

• Charitable Gaming: To offer charitable gambling, an organisation must have non-profit status and be registered on a state level. Such entities may include fraternal organisations, religious organisations, educational institutions, civic groups, and retirement homes. Games such as Bingo, raffles, and social card games may be offered to raise funds for their works. There are some restrictions. “As a general rule, prizes are limited to $400 per game. A $1,000 prize may be offered at one game each day. A $5,000 prize may be offered once a month. A motor vehicle, boat, or firearm worth up to $50,000 may be offered as a prize once a year. Exception: A non-profit organization may exceed the prize limitations four days per year, so long as the days are at least 20 days apart. The total prize money offered for all games on that day must not be more than $50,000.”

• Casino Gaming: Casino gambling is considered as ‘chance gaming’ under Vermont law and is therefore outlawed. There are no tribal casinos either. This law includes the outlawing of online gambling.

• Sports betting: While sports betting is currently not allowed in Vermont, the Vermont Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs approved a bill that calls for the creation of a committee to study the potential of sports betting in the state. This is a motion that could see the activity approved in the future. Sports betting has been legalised on a federal level.

• Daily Fantasy Sports: Daily Fantasy Sports were only properly legalised in 2017 under the premise that they constitute as games of skill. Players can enjoy in-app entertainment from both FanDuel and DraftKings, two of the leaders in this industry.

• Poker at Home: While technically illegal, the state permits social poker games, as long as all players are verifiably friends and that there is no rake (profit for hosting the game) made on each session.

It is worth remembering that illegal gambling can carry a heavy penalty in Vermont, with fines of up to $100,000 and three years in prison, depending on the offence. Bars could lose their liquor licenses in the process if found guilty of hosting illegal gambling activities.

There is no single independent authority that regulates and oversees all forms of gambling in Vermont, so finding information on licensing can be a tricky affair. Gambling is overseen by the State’s Attorney. The various laws on gambling activities may be viewed on their website. https://ago.vermont.gov/about-the-attorney-generals-office/divisions/criminal-justice/gambling/

No license is needed for charitable establishments to run games, but they are required to educate themselves on the stringent protocols and rules that must be put in place to host bingo, raffles, or casino nights. The only licensing that may need to be sought out, would be a liquor license from the Department of Liquor control, before producing or distributing break-open tickets. If an individual who already owns a liquor license wants to conduct games of chance, they must obtain a permit from the Department of Liquor Control and will be subject to financial disclosure requirements. All the protocols are in place to protect vulnerable parties and ensure that a safe and fair gambling environment is provided to all those involved.

Horserace betting is regulated by the Vermont racing Commission which is directly answerable to the Governor’s office. This commission operates under the taxation and policing power of the state and provides for the establishment, regulation, and control of pari-mutuel systems of wagering on horse races. It is in place for the protection of public welfare and the support of agricultural welfare in the horse breeding industry.

The Lottery is regulated and overseen by the Lottery Commission, which is made up of a 5-person board. These individuals are in charge of determining the types of lotteries that may be conducted in the state, the specifics around prizes offered by the lottery, the selection of winners, and the manner of sales and compensation of tickets. All vendors throughout the country are strictly regulated by the commission to ensure that they practice the sale and redemption of lotto tickets in and safe and ethical manner.

The state of Vermont has a tight grip on gambling and has imposed intricate laws to govern the high-risk industry. All licensing in the state for gambling purposes go through a rigorous vetting process to ensure that all individuals involved in the industry are ethical and law-abiding citizens so that the public is safeguarded.