The Best Live Sports Betting Sites in Vermont for 2026

Vermont legalized sports betting relatively late, in May 2023, when the House and Senate approved HB 127. Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law on June 15, 2023. Vermont became the third state to authorize online-only sports betting (after Tennessee and Wyoming), with no retail sportsbooks allowed.

The state selected three operators through a competitive bidding process: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. Online betting launched on January 11, 2024. Vermont maintains a strict regulatory framework with a minimum 20% tax rate on operator revenue and up to six total licenses available.

Is Live Betting Legal in Vermont?

Yes. 100% legal. Governor Phil Scott signed HB 127 into law on June 15, 2023. Online betting launched January 11, 2024.

Vermont's regulatory framework is strict but consumer-focused. The Department prioritizes responsible gambling and player protections over market expansion. Here's everything you need to know:

• Legalization Signed: June 15, 2023 (Governor Phil Scott signed HB 127)
• Online Launch: January 11, 2024
• Retail Sportsbooks: NONE (online-only state)
• Regulatory Body: Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
• Minimum Age: 21 years old
• Number of Licensed Online Operators: 3 (DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics)
• Maximum Licenses Possible: 6 total
• Minimum Tax Rate: 20% on operator revenue
• License Fee: $550,000 for three years
• Geolocation: Required. You must be physically inside Vermont state lines.
• College Betting: YES—but NO prop bets on college athletes (as of March 2024 update).
• College Player Props: PROHIBITED since March 2024.
• Credit Card Deposits: NO—not allowed.
• Esports Betting: YES—legal (sanctioned events only).

Shurzy Tip: Vermont has only three sportsbooks, so competition is limited. Line shop between FanDuel and DraftKings before placing large bets.

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

Vermont's Top Live Betting Sites Ranked

Vermont has three licensed sportsbooks competing for market share. Here's who wins and why:

FanDuel Sportsbook: Market Leader

FanDuel is one of Vermont's three licensed operators and typically leads in market share. The app is polished with 500+ live betting markets, smooth navigation, and extensive same-game parlay options.

Best For: Bettors who want the largest platform with best liquidity and odds.

Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Revenue Share to Vermont: 33% (highest commitment of the three operators)

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

DraftKings Sportsbook: Close Second

DraftKings is one of Vermont's three licensed operators and offers competitive odds and fast app performance. The app is lightning-fast with competitive odds and strong same-game parlay depth.

Best For: Bettors who want the second-largest platform with fast app performance.

Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Revenue Share to Vermont: 31%

Fanatics Sportsbook: Third Licensed Operator

Fanatics is Vermont's third and final licensed operator at launch. They bring their FanCash rewards program where you earn rewards convertible to merchandise.

Best For: Sports fans who want rewards convertible to merchandise.

Welcome Bonus: Varies

Revenue Share to Vermont: 31%

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

Why Only Three Operators? (Not Six)

Vermont authorized up to six licenses, but only three operators were initially approved. Here's why:

• Five operators applied: DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, and ESPN Bet
• Three were approved: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics
• BetMGM was rejected for proposing a variable revenue share based on the number of selected operators—deemed unacceptable by the state. The state wanted fixed, predictable revenue commitments.
• ESPN Bet was disqualified as "materially non-compliant" due to missing required documentation.
• Future licenses possible: Vermont may issue additional licenses (up to six total) in future rounds.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Vermont for Football

Live Betting Features in Vermont

All three operators offer comprehensive live betting:

• 300-500+ markets on major games
• Live moneylines, spreads, totals
• In-play betting with real-time odds updates
• Same-game parlays
• Player prop betting (professional sports only)
• Odds boosts and daily promotions
• Esports betting (sanctioned events)

Best Live Betting Bonuses in Vermont

Vermont's limited market with 3 sportsbooks means focused competition. Here's where you can get extra value:

• FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Frequent live profit boosts.
• DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Frequent live profit boosts.
• Fanatics: Varies. FanCash on every bet.

Shurzy Tip: Sign up for all three to compare bonuses.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Vermont

Live Bet Types You'll Actually Use

Live betting offers way more than just picking a winner mid-game. Here's the full menu of what you'll find in Vermont:

• Live Moneyline: Who wins from this point forward?
• Adjusted Spreads: Spread shifts based on current score.
• Live Totals: Over/under adjusted for current pace.
• Quarter Betting: Bet on individual quarters instead of the full game.
• Player Props Mid-Game: Will a player hit a performance target? (Professional only; NO college athlete props)
• Same-Game Parlays: Combine multiple live bets for bigger payouts.
• Cash-Out Options: Lock in profits or minimize losses.
• Micro-Betting: Next-play betting on major sports.

Read more: NBA Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Vermont for Basketball

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When Live Betting Gets Absolutely Chaotic

Live betting isn't always smooth sailing. Sometimes the tech breaks, odds freeze, or you're watching pure chaos. Here's when things get wild:

• Algorithm Glitches: Sportsbooks use algorithms during chaotic finishes and sometimes lag.
• Line Shopping Volatility: With only 3 sportsbooks, lines can vary significantly.
• Suspended Betting: Big plays suspend markets while sportsbooks recalibrate.
• Peak Traffic Slowdowns: During major sporting events, expect occasional app congestion.
• College Betting Restrictions: NO props on college athletes. NO betting on Vermont college games.

Shurzy Tip: Monitor for future competition. Additional operators (up to three more) may be licensed in future years.

Live Betting Strategies That Actually Work

Live betting moves fast, but that doesn't mean you should bet fast. Here are strategies that separate smart bettors from impulsive ones:

1. Watch Before You Bet: Don't chase opening lines. Observe 5-10 minutes first.
2. Line Shop Between FanDuel and DraftKings: These two operators offer different odds. Check both before placing large bets.
3. Understand College Betting Restrictions: NO props on college athletes. NO betting on Vermont college games.
4. Quarter/Period Betting: Reduces variance and creates more betting windows.
5. Strategic Cash-Out Timing: Don't panic-cash out. Wait for momentum swings in your favor.
6. Use Debit Cards Only: No credit card deposits allowed in Vermont.
7. Monitor for Future Competition: Additional operators (up to three more) may be licensed in future years.

Live Betting Mistakes That Kill Bankrolls

Even experienced bettors mess up when live betting. Speed creates bad habits. Here's what to avoid:

• Using Credit Cards: Vermont does NOT allow credit card deposits. Use debit cards or digital payment methods only.
• Ignoring College Restrictions: NO props on college athletes. NO betting on Vermont college games.
• Not Line Shopping: Vermont has 3 sportsbooks. Use all three to find the best odds.
• Trusting Gut Feelings: Recency bias kills bankrolls. Stick to analysis.
• Chasing Bad Beats: Lost on a backdoor cover? Walk away. Don't rage-bet the next game.

How to Start Live Betting in Vermont

Ready to jump in? Getting started with live betting in Vermont is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step:

Step 1: Verify Your Location and Age. You must be 21+ and physically in Vermont.

Step 2: Pick a Licensed Sportsbook. FanDuel, DraftKings, or Fanatics.

Step 3: Register. Provide your name, email, address, DOB, and last four SSN digits.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity. Upload a photo ID (geolocation confirms you're in VT).

Step 5: Deposit Funds. Debit cards, bank transfers, or digital wallets ONLY (NO CREDIT CARDS).

Step 6: Claim Your Bonus. Use the latest promo codes.

Step 7: Find Live Markets. Look for "Live" or "In-Play" tabs.

Step 8: Place Your Bet. Select market, enter stake, confirm.

Step 9: Withdraw Winnings. 1-5 business days depending on method.

Important Betting Restrictions: You CANNOT bet on Vermont college teams. You CANNOT bet on any college games taking place in Vermont. You CANNOT place prop bets on college athletes. However, you CAN bet on national college matchups (moneylines only) and tournament games.

Responsible Gaming Framework

Vermont emphasizes responsible gambling:

• Age verification measures required
• Identity verification required
• Deposit limits, loss limits, and time limits available
• Statewide voluntary self-exclusion program
• Joint account protections
• All owners of joint accounts can exclude those accounts from all sportsbooks

Live betting is fun until it isn't. Set limits before you start. Vermont Problem Gambling Resources: National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Use deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options available on all Vermont sportsbooks. If betting stops being fun, stop betting. Seriously.

Final Word

Vermont is a newly regulated online-only sports betting market with three licensed operators as of January 2024. The state prioritizes player protection and responsible gambling over market expansion.

FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the market, while Fanatics offers the unique FanCash rewards program. The three-operator market is limited but well-regulated.

Start with FanDuel or DraftKings. Test their live betting during any major sports event. Then compare with Fanatics for rewards options. Vermont sports betting is new but mature.

Your bookie avoided Vermont's strict regulations. You shouldn't.

Shurzy is your smarter betting buddy, not your boss. We're here to help you bet smarter, not harder. F*ck spreadsheets.