Sports Betting Bill Passes in the Vermont House

It's starting to look like 2023 is going to be another big year for sports bettors across the U.S. That's a fair statement based on the fact that a half dozen states or so are seriously considering sports betting legislation. Here's a look at what's going on in Vermont.

Sports Betting Bill Passes in the Vermont House

From its position in the upper Northeast, Vermont finds itself surrounded by neighboring states that have already passed sports betting legislation. Sensing it might be time to bring sports betting to Vermont residents, the House recently passed bill H-127, sports betting legislation that will now move on to the Senate Chamber.

Initially, H-127 was being reviewed in three (3) different House committees with 24 of 151 Representatives getting a chance to weigh in on the legislation. From the group of 24, only four (4) members balked at the legislation as presented. That served as a clear indication that the bill would easily clear the House, which it did.

While it's not clear how the Senate will react to the bill, Vermont's Congress will have two months to iron out any issues and see if a consensus can be reached. To be clear, there are still issues that need to be addressed, issues such as the tax rate the state would charge on sports betting revenue. It's a process.

One issue that did get addressed was some provisions related to a Responsible Gambling Special Fund. There was language added to prior versions of the bill that effectively beefed up problem-gambling initiatives and rules related to sportsbook advertising. With the Dept of Liquor and Lottery set to oversee Vermont's sports betting regulations, officials are looking to see a substantially complete bill before there is a Senate vote.