Gambling Age In Vermont

Minimum Age: 21

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Vermont, the minimum legal age is 21 for sports betting and 19 for the state lottery, as set by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery and Vermont Statutes § 31-4101. This reflects a limited, online-focused gambling framework in a rural state.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is limited to a state lottery and charitable bingo, generating a $100 million market. No casinos or retail sports betting exist, offering no slot catalogs compared to your 3,250+ slot interest. Cultural acceptance is low, driven by a $40 billion rural economy and progressive values. A 2023 sports betting bill (HB 127) enabled online-only betting.

Online Gambling: Online sports betting is legal since January 2024, with apps generating $50 million in 2024, making Vermont the second state with online-only betting. Online casinos and poker are illegal, with a $30 million unregulated offshore market driven by 80% smartphone penetration. Players face no prosecutions, and no website blocking is enforced. No online casino bills were proposed in 2024, and 2025 legalization is unlikely.

Regulation and Oversight: The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery regulates all gambling, with strict licensing. No casino or online casino framework exists, unlike Kahnawake’s model. Vermont’s $150 million gambling economy is small, with 2024 updates enhancing sports betting oversight. 2025 will focus on mobile betting optimization.

Enforcement and Penalties: Vermont enforces regulations moderately, with fines up to $200 or 60 days imprisonment for operators. Players face no penalties for offshore use. Rural enforcement is weak across the Green Mountains. The $30 million unregulated market is projected to grow 3% in 2025, driven by mobile access, but legalization faces market saturation.