The Vermont Senate approved bill H 127 which is a positive development for sports betting in Vermont, as it brings the state one step closer to legalization. The bill, which passed by a voice vote, will now need to be sent back to the House for concurrence before it can be forwarded to Governor Phil Scott for approval.
The bill allows for digital betting only with a maximum of six platforms in the state. It would provide Vermonters access to two to six sports betting apps. Because the state lacks the physical infrastructure to host physical sportsbooks, in-person sports betting would remain illegal.
The total number of apps will be determined by the number of contracts secured by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. Lawmakers have stated that they anticipate two or three.
Vermont is expected to legalize online sports betting by January 2024.
Vermont Governor Expected to Sign Sports Betting Bill
Governor Scott is expected to sign the bill, which has undergone significant amendments from its original proposal. Once the bill is sent to the governor, he will have five days to sign or veto it, (excluding Sundays). If he does not do either, the bill will become law without his signature. Vermont’s legislative session is set to adjourn on May 12.
If (or when) he signs the bill, Vermont will become the second state in 2023 to legalize sports betting.
Consumer Protection Is Top of Mind
Since it was introduced by Rep. Matthew Birong on January 31st, H 127 has gone through six committees. Each committee amended the bill to ensure it had solid and specific guidelines to prevent problem gambling.
Massachusetts has some of the strictest consumer protections for its legal sports betting market and Vermont lawmakers are following this trend by creating strict advertising and marketing rules.
The lawmakers in Vermont have made it clear that they want to keep the literal and cultural landscape of the state intact by only allowing digital wagering. They have also been working to find ways to limit advertising throughout the bill’s journey in both the House and Senate.
Lawmakers Protecting Minors From Sports Betting Advertising
To do this, lawmakers are including strict rules about how gambling operators can advertise. They want to ensure that operators won’t advertise to those under 21 and that any advertising plans are clear and detailed.
These strict rules will be enforced by the Department of Liquor and Lottery. It may take a few days for H 127 to move between chambers and become a law. It is expected to be back on the House agenda for consideration next week.
Vermont Slow to Legalize Sports Betting
Vermont will be the last New England state to legalize sports betting and the only one to do it in an all-digital format since all five other states in the region offer retail and digital wagering, any Vermonter wanting to watch a game in a sportsbook and bet will still have to drive across the border to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or New York.
The next closest state without a sports betting law would be South Carolina. Vermont’s legislative session concludes on May 9.
*Bookmakers Review will continue to follow the developments.
Calculators
