Sports betting in Vermont launched at midnight Thursday with three operators that were selected through a public bidding process.
Vermont sports betting is projected to bring $7 million in tax revenue to the state in 2024.
“I first proposed Vermont legalize sports wagering several years ago, and it’s good to see it come to fruition,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a December press release.
How to sign up for a Vermont sports betting app
The legal sports betting market in Vermont will include some of the most recognizable brands in the United States market. Unlike neighboring Maine, Vermont selected a model for its market that allows bettors to have choices.
Those three options include the two largest US sportsbooks, as well as a newcomer:
What can you bet on in Vermont?
While there are only three sportsbooks to choose from, Vermont sports betting regulators approved an plenty of leagues and sports to get down on.
All of the expected sports and leagues are represented, which means Vermont bettors are in for a busy three months with NFL betting on the playoffs, Super Bowl betting and March Madness all around the corner.
Vermont bettors can also bet on some lesser known sports:
- Bandy, similar to hockey
- Competitive tag
- Drone racing
- Futsal, similar to soccer
- Netball, similar to basketball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Windsurfing
Why only three sportsbooks in Vermont?
Vermont received a total of five bids in early September.
BetMGM and Penn Entertainment‘s newest brand, ESPN Bet, were the two operators who did not win licenses.
The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery had the choice to partner with up to six sportsbooks.
How were winning Vermont sportsbooks picked?
The department had nine areas where sportsbooks would earn points for their bids:
- Company experience, resources, financial stability: up to 100 points
- Company integrity and ethics: up to 80 points
- General design and implementation of sports betting product: up to 120 points
- Strength of the sports betting hardware and software: up to 140 points
- Strength of the bidder’s sports betting services: up to 140 points
- Bidder’s compliance program: up to 60 points
- Responsible Gambling: up to 140 points
- Accounting and audit program: up to 20 points
- Revenue criteria: up to 200 points
The department did not release the results of the 1,000-point scoring process for any of the bidders.
