Vermont sports betting bill passes senate

A bipartisan coalition of 10 state house representatives introduced the proposed law to the house in January. Its sponsors include Democrat representative Matt Birong and Republican representative William Canfield.

Governor Phil Scott has in the past expressed his support for the online-only bill and so it is expected to pass if it ends up on his desk.

If passed, Vermont consumers can expect to be able to access up to six online and mobile sportsbooks, depending on the number of contracts negotiated by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.

The senate made a number of amendments to the house-passed version of the proposed law, including adding in an additional licence fee on top of the 20% gross gaming tax.

Under the law, operators would be required to pay a $500,000 fee in their first year, as well as make additional contributions for up to three years, depending on the number of operators active in the state.

Another amendment removed the elaborated limit on advertising spend, with the regulator to decide each limit based on the operator.

According to a regulatory schedule laid out in the bill, residents of the state will be able to access online offerings by January 2024.