NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Vermont for Hockey

Vermont is one of the newest sports betting states in the nation. Governor Phil Scott signed H.127 into law in June 2023, and online betting launched on January 11, 2024, timed to coincide with the NFL Playoffs. Vermont selected three licensed sportsbooks through a competitive bidding process: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. Vermont's market is online-only, there are no retail sportsbooks in the state.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Vermont?

Yes. Vermont legalized online sports betting when Governor Phil Scott signed H.127 into law in June 2023. Online betting launched on January 11, 2024.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older (Vermont law technically allows 18+ betting, but all three licensed sportsbooks have chosen to maintain 21+ requirements). The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery regulates all sports betting activity. Vermont has exactly three licensed online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. BetMGM and ESPN BET applied but were not selected. Vermont has NO retail sportsbooks, all betting is online-only. There are no casinos in Vermont. Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. Vermont prohibits betting on in-state college teams (University of Vermont Catamounts). Vermont law permits up to six online sportsbooks, three have launched, with room for three more.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Vermont

Revenue model: Vermont uses a revenue share model. DraftKings pays 31%, FanDuel pays 33%, and Fanatics pays 31% of revenue to the state.

Legal, online-only betting with three top-tier operators.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Vermont

Vermont has three licensed operators, all top-tier. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Vermont Status: Licensed operator since January 11, 2024

FanDuel is consistently rated the #1 sportsbook nationally for overall user experience. The platform excels at same-game parlays. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL SGPs. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins (exact terms vary seasonally).

Best for: All Vermont hockey bettors, FanDuel is the default choice for overall experience and SGPs.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch. Stack player props with game outcomes, anytime goal scorer + team moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet. Vermont only has three books, but FanDuel's the best all-around.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Vermont Status: Licensed operator since January 11, 2024

DraftKings excels at player props (drawing on DFS expertise). Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass (exact terms vary seasonally).

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' player props menu is stacked. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots, they lean on their DFS expertise to build deep menus. Use it for NHL prop betting since Vermont's market is limited to three books.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Vermont Status: Licensed operator since January 11, 2024

Fanatics offers the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet, redeemable for betting credits or Fanatics merchandise. Strong same-game parlay markets, daily odds boosts, and comprehensive NHL coverage.

Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash (get $200 back per day for 10 days if your bets lose).

Best for: High-volume bettors seeking rewards and Fanatics merchandise lovers.

Shurzy Tip: Fanatics' $2,000 FanCash offer is clutch for high-volume bettors. Lose a bet, get FanCash back, use it for more bets or gear. That's a safety net the other two books don't offer.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Vermont

All three Vermont sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for best pricing across Vermont's 3 books.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 3 sportsbooks in Vermont, puck line shopping matters. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at DraftKings. Over a season, those nickels add up. Don't be lazy, check all three.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (extensive ranges), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots. DraftKings offers the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all three Vermont books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard parlays and SGPs. FanDuel leads on NHL SGPs with extensive customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available on all three Vermont books.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Vermont

Vermont's three-operator market drives competitive promotions. Here's what to watch for.

• Welcome Bonuses: All three sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.
• Odds Boosts: All three operators offer periodic odds boosts on NHL markets.
• Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays regularly receive boosts across all three books.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Check all three sportsbook promotion tabs daily. Vermont's competitive market means rotating offers. With only three books, it's easy to monitor them all.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Vermont Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Vermont's three-operator market.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop, all three Vermont books update quickly.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams.
6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Shop Vermont's Market: With 3 competing operators, check all three books before betting. Odds can vary meaningfully even with a limited market.
8. Leverage Regional Knowledge: Vermont bettors near Boston can leverage knowledge of the Boston Bruins.
9. Use DraftKings for Props: DraftKings has the deepest prop markets. Use it for player prop betting.
10. Use FanDuel for SGPs: FanDuel has the best same-game parlay builder. Use it for creative NHL parlays.

Use Fanatics for Volume: Fanatics' FanCash program rewards high-volume betting. Use it if you bet frequently.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Vermont

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

• Pick a licensed sportsbook from DraftKings, FanDuel, or Fanatics. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+.
• Full remote registration, no physical location visit required (Vermont has no retail sportsbooks). Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Play+, or online banking.
• Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games. Compare odds across all three Vermont sportsbooks for best pricing. Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Vermont

The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery ensures all three licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All Vermont sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Vermont Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Vermont

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Vermont's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Vermont's Best for NHL Betting

Vermont is one of the newest sports betting states, with online betting launching on January 11, 2024. The state selected three top-tier operators through a competitive bidding process, creating a quality market despite limited operator count.

FanDuel stands as the top overall choice, best SGPs, sharpest odds, cleanest UI. DraftKings excels for deepest NHL player prop markets. Fanatics wins for the FanCash program on every bet.

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