A group of Vermont lawmakers has introduced a bill to repeal online sports betting, just over a year after it was legalized in the state.
House Bill 133, introduced by Rep. Thomas Stevens and co-sponsored by Reps. Troy Headrick and Michael Mrowicki, aims to repeal statutes authorizing not only online sports betting but also the state lottery. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs for consideration.
Vermont was the last New England state to legalize online sports betting, with the market officially launching in January 2024. The state partnered with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics to operate within its borders, although the law permits up to six platforms. BetMGM and ESPN Bet also applied but were not approved. Operators currently pay 20% of their adjusted gross receipts to the state as tax.
Rep. Headrick expressed his support for the bill last week, stating that he believes gambling is “predatory” and disproportionately affects lower-income individuals, compromising their financial security and health.
No state has reversed its decision to legalize sports betting or its lottery since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. The chances of the bill passing are slim, as it would need approval from both the House and Senate and be signed by Gov. Phil Scott.
First Year of Sports Betting in Vermont
In its first year, Vermont saw $198.7 million in sports wagers, with operators earning a combined gross revenue of $21.9 million, according to the state Department of Liquor and Lottery. This activity generated over $6 million in state revenue, slightly below the initial projection of $7 million.
The state also noted that nearly 30% of Vermont’s sports betting handle in 2024 came from out-of-state bettors, highlighting one of the motivations for legalizing sports betting—preventing residents from crossing into other New England states to place bets via mobile apps.
In January 2025, Vermont’s sports wagering handle increased by 19.8% year-over-year. However, this comparison is not entirely accurate, as the market only launched 11 days into January 2024.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Midway through 2024, the Vermont Department of Mental Health launched a responsible gambling website to provide resources for preventing and treating sports betting and other gambling addictions. The government estimated that more than 11,000 Vermonters suffer from a gambling disorder.
“We obviously had lottery and scratch-offs, which also lead to addiction for some individuals,” said Dr. Kelley Klein, the department’s Medical Director. “But we knew that when online sports betting went live, we would see a rise in individuals at risk for problem gambling or gambling addiction.”
As the debate over the future of online sports betting in Vermont continues, lawmakers and residents alike will be closely watching the outcomes and implications of this proposed bill.
