The Vermont sports betting bill, H127, has been amended and passed through the State Senate in its third reading. It will now be sent back to the House of Representatives for approval.
In January, a bipartisan coalition of State House representatives presented the proposed law in the House. The sponsors of the bill include Democrat Rep. Matt Birong, and Republican Rep. William Canfield.
The Governor Phil Scott expressed in the past his support for an online-only law. It is therefore expected that it will pass when it reaches his desk.
Vermont consumers will be able access six sportsbooks online and on mobile devices if the bill is passed. This depends on how many contracts are negotiated by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
The Senate amended the House version of the proposed legislation to include an additional license tax on top of 20% gross gaming taxes.
According to the law, operators will be required to pay $500,000 in their first year and make additional contributions up to three more years depending on how many operators are active in the state.
A second amendment eliminated the elaborated advertising limit, allowing the regulator to determine each limit according to the operator.
A regulatory schedule outlined in the bill states that residents of the state will have access to online offerings as early as January 2024.
