The bidding process for online sportsbook operators is over in Vermont, at least for now. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics won three of the five available licenses, according to the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. These mobile betting apps may start accepting registrations immediately. Sportsbooks officially open on January 11, 2024.
BetMGM and ESPN Bet also applied to offer sports wagering services in Vermont. However, neither made the cut. These companies could enter the space at a later date.
“I first proposed Vermont legalize sports wagering several years ago, and it’s good to see it come to fruition,” said Governor Scott. “Vermonters and visitors alike will soon be able to access a regulated sports wagering marketplace, which will come with important consumer protections and generate revenue for the State.”
Governor Scott signed Vermont sports betting legislation into law in June. Licensing costs $550,000 per operator. The tax rate on gross gaming revenues is 20 percent.
Vermont sportsbooks will only be available online. Retail sportsbooks are not approved at the state’s off-track betting parlors. Vermont does not have retail or online casinos.
Vermont sportsbook bonuses
The three online sportsbooks in Vermont offer incentives to new players during the pre-registration period. DraftKings offers new Vermont players $200 in bonus bets at launch. FanDuel gives Vermont players $100 at launch and an additional $200 in bonus bets after wagering $5. The Fanatics offer is to bet $10 and receive $200 in bonus bets.
The bonus bets must be wagered quickly. Always read the terms and conditions before accepting an online sportsbook bonus offer.
Fanatics is also entering the Connecticut online sportsbook market
On the same day Vermont announced its sportsbook partners, Fanatics had another announcement related to its operations. The company is officially live in Connecticut, replacing BetRivers as the state’s lottery sportsbook partner.
Fanatics is in the soft launch phase of its online operations. It will accept up to 2000 new players during its first week. The app opens to all players on December 18, 2023.
DraftKings and FanDuel offer online casino games in Connecticut. Fanatics does not have these products. Casino games are only permitted to operate through partnerships with the state’s two tribal casinos. The lottery partner does not have that market access.
Retail sportsbooks are part of the agreement. These operate at:
- Bobby V’s in Stamford and Windsor Locks
- Sports Haven in New Haven
- Winners in Hartford, Manchester, Milford, New Britain and Waterbury
- The XL Center in Hartford
- Aroogas in Shelton
Five other retail sportsbook operations will transfer to Fanatics branding and odds in the coming weeks.
Fanatics Connecticut bonus
Fanatics has a bonus offer for new players. Bettors who make a wager of at least $10 for five straight days receive up to $200 in bonus bets. If the bet wins, no bonus is offered. Losing bets receive $40 in bonuses that may be used to place more wagers or to spend in the Fanatics store on merchandise.
