Real Money Online Poker in Vermont - legal and trusted sites in 2023!
Can I play online poker in Vermont? The answer is yes!
Is it legal to play online poker in Vermont? The answer to this is also yes!
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1.1. Ignition 1.2. SB Poker 1.3. BetOnline 1.4. Bovada 1.5. Americas Cardroom 1.6. CoinPoker 1.7. Everygame 1.8. SwCPoker 1.9. Nitrobetting 1.10. Alternate Sites
3.1. Online Poker Legality 3.2. Live Gambling 3.3. State Regulation 3.4. History 3.5. Famous Players
Can Vermont residents participate in real money online poker games? Of course, certainly. Is your money safe at offshore online poker rooms? Yes, it is as long as you deposit at one of our recommended card rooms. Is internet poker legal for people in the State of Vermont? Well, the issue of internet gambling and online poker in Vermont isn’t one that’s specifically dealt with by the law, so it’s a bit of a gray area. Suffice it to say that no legal action has ever been taken against an individual for playing cards over the internet while located in the state. This is actually true of the entire United States as a whole too.
There’s a distinct lack of live gambling destinations in Vermont. There are no casinos or racetrack betting facilities. Apart from sporadic charity events, the only wagering options explicitly permitted by law are the VT Lottery and daily fantasy sports. Poker lovers must head online to play unless they wish to drive hours to Foxwoods Casino or Mohegan Sun in Connecticut or Turning Stone Casino in New York.
You’ll probably be relieved to find out that enjoying internet-based poker isn’t criminalized at the federal level. The infamous Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 doesn’t target players directly; instead, it penalizes financial institutions for processing illicit online gambling transactions. In any event, the act doesn’t clarify what forms of gambling are permitted or restricted. Much debate has surrounded this and other related pieces of legislation, and most pundits believe that there’s nothing in the language of these bills to prohibit poker.
What Online Poker Sites Can I Play in Vermont?
All sites aren’t the same, so you should do your homework before putting your hard-earned money onto any of them. Fortunately, we here at Professional Rakeback have chosen to partner with only honest and trustworthy online poker operators. Whichever of our highly rated choices you wind up playing at, you’ll be treated to fair gameplay, competent customer service, and reliable payout processing.
IGNITION
- BONUS:
- 150% up to $1,500
- ★★★★★
- 4.5 / 5
Boasting the largest traffic numbers of any real money online poker site open to Vermonters, Ignition Poker cannot be ignored. Ignition offers a varied selection of cash game formats, including NLH, PLO, and PLO/8 featuring blinds up to $10/$20. Other popular offerings include fast-fold Zone Poker, sit-and-gos, lotto-style Jackpot SNGs, and multi-table tournaments. Ignition boasts a weekly event featuring a prize pool of at least $150k. All play at Ignition is anonymous in an effort to protect recreational players.
Ignition Poker is available for download on any Windows or Mac device. Users who prefer to utilize other hardware can access the instant-play version that works with any computer, tablet, or mobile device. You can receive a poker bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $1,000 and that bonus increases to 150% up to $1,500 if you deposit with crypto. Visit the attached casino to receive an additional matching bonus to wager in the casino.
SB POKER
- BONUS:
- 100% up to $1,000
- ★★★★★
- 4.4 / 5
BEST VT ONLINE POKER SITE FOR BAD BEAT JACKPOT
- NETWORK:
- CHICO
- EXTRAS
- CASINO, SPORTSBOOK
- MORE INFO
- READ REVIEW
SB Poker is the third-largest site available by traffic, offering plenty of cash games like NLH, LHE, PLO, and PLO/8. SB Poker is recognized for offering the largest Bad Beat Jackpot of its kind, occasionally reaching seven figures! Fast-fold Boost Poker, sit-and-gos, lottery-inspired Windfall Poker, and multi-table tournaments are also present at SB Poker. Check out the weekly cash game and sit-and-go leaderboards to earn additional promotional value.
SB Poker is available for download on any Windows or Mac desktop. You can also utilize an excellent mobile application that is compatible with any iOS or Android device. Sign up today to receive a poker bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $1,000. Be sure to check out the attached casino and sportsbook to receive additional promotions.
BETONLINE
- BONUS:
- 100% up to $1,000
- ★★★★★
- 4.4 / 5
BetOnline and SB Poker are partner sites as both are a part of the Chico Poker Network, which is the third-largest U.S.-facing poker network. The poker roster at BetOnline is basically the same as you will find at SB Poker, and the promotions tend to be quite similar as well. Although both SB and BOL offer great mobile poker applications, BOL is especially highly regarded for its excellent mobile software. The mobile apps boast all of the same offerings as the full desktop client, and you can multi-table with ease.
The mobile versions of the software are available for download on Android and iOS systems. The desktop client can be installed on any PC or Mac. You can take advantage of a poker bonus equal to 100% of your initial deposit amount up to $1,000. Explore the casino and sportsbook to receive further, valuable bonuses.
BOVADA
- BONUS:
- 100% up to $500
- ★★★★★
- 4.2 / 5
BEST VT ONLINE POKER SITE FOR SPORTS AND CASINO GAMING
- NETWORK:
- PAIWANGLUO
- EXTRAS
- CASINO, SPORTSBOOK
- MORE INFO
- READ REVIEW
Bovada is a partner and sister site of Ignition Poker, as both make use of the Pai Wang Luo network, so the poker selection is essentially identical across the two sites. Although the poker bonus is larger at Ignition, Bovada has one significant advantage: a complete sportsbook. You can wager on all of the major sports like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and more. Bovada also boasts a full plethora of casino gaming, so you can enjoy poker, sports betting, and casino gaming all at one reputable site.
The Bovada poker client is available to install on any Mac or PC device. There is also a web-based cardroom that allows you to play through any modern browser. Sign up at Bovada today and you can get a poker bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $500. You may also want to visit the casino and sportsbook to take full advantage of additional bonus offers.
AMERICAS CARDROOM
- BONUS:
- 100% up to $2,000
- ★★★★★
- 4.1 / 5
Americas Cardroom is the premier site on the Winning Poker Network, which represents the second-largest online poker site available to U.S.-facing players. ACR is well recognized for offering the largest selection of multi-table tournaments across all buy-in levels. Of course, ACR also offers plenty of cash games, fast-fold cash games, sit-and-gos, and lottery-inspired Jackpot Poker.
Americas Cardroom is available for download on any Windows or Mac system. There is also a limited mobile application, but many popular games and formats are missing. Use our exclusive bonus code PRB10FREE to receive a $10 no deposit bonus. You can also receive a bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $2,000.
COIN POKER
- BONUS:
- 100% up to $700
- ★★★★★
- 4.0 / 5
CoinPoker is a crypto poker site that makes use of the stablecoin Tether, or USDT, for all of its poker tables and gameplay. Although there are many crypto-only poker sites, this one features the highest traffic figures and the most consistent action. In addition to the profit you can earn at the tables, you can also earn extra crypto through tournament and cash game leaderboards. 5 Card Omaha and Open Face Chinese are available at CoinPoker: two variants that can be tough to locate elsewhere.
You can play at CoinPoker using any Mac, PC, Android, or iOS device. CoinPoker offers new users three 100% deposit bonuses worth up to $100, $300, and $700 on three separate deposits. You will also be able to claim 30% rakeback weekly if you choose to invest a little into the proprietary CHP crypto token.
EVERYGAME
- BONUS:
- 200% up to $1,000
- ★★★★★
- 3.9 / 5
Everygame has a much smaller number of players than the other options we’ve discussed so far, but they make up for this with a robust promotional framework. 36% rakeback is offered to all players and payments are issued daily. Other valuable promos include weekly rake races, frequent reload bonuses, numerous overlay tournaments, and a high-quality VIP rewards program.
Everygame Poker is only available to download on Windows devices. Fortunately, an instant-play version of the software allows users to play on virtually any modern computer, tablet, or mobile device. Deposit today to receive a 200% bonus of up to $1,000 and 25 free slot spins. Check out the attached sportsbook and casinos to receive additional bonuses of similar value.
SWCPOKER
- BONUS:
- NONE
- ★★★★★
- 3.6 / 5
SwCPoker operates all of its cashier functions and poker play using Bitcoin (BTC). The poker here is impressively varied with usual formats, such as NL Hold'em and PL Omaha, but also a few notably rarer kinds of poker, like Open Face Chinese, 2 – 7 Triple Draw Lowball, Razz, and Open Face Chinese. One major benefit to playing here is that micro-stakes tables won't have to pay any rake. In addition, a wide variety of freerolls exist to add some extra crypto back into your bankroll.
SwCPoker runs well on any Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS device. Although SwC lacks an initial deposit bonus, it does award users with up to 50% rakeback based on their total volume of play.
NITROBETTING
- BONUS:
- 100% up to 25 mBTC
- ★★★★★
- 3.3 / 5
BEST VT ONLINE POKER SITE FOR BITCOIN USERS
- NETWORK:
- STANDALONE
- EXTRAS
- CASINO, SPORTSBOOK
- MORE INFO
- READ REVIEW
Unlike most other crypto poker sites, Nitrobetting has decided to only use Bitcoin for its cashier functions and tables. No alternate cryptos are used here, which helps create a simple and solid user experience. There are multiple poker formats available here including NL Hold'em, 6+ Hold'em, Crazy Hold'em, and Omaha. Freerolls are also available to reward dedicated grinders on a daily and weekly basis.
Nitrobetting runs directly in any web browser, so there is no need to download any software, and you can play across a multitude of devices including desktops, laptops, and smartphones. You can get a poker bonus worth 100% of your first deposit up to a maximum of 25mBTC. Be sure to check out the sportsbook and casino as well for additional bonuses and promos.
ALTERNATE POKER SITES
- BlackChip Poker – 100% up to $2,000 bonus – 27% Rakeback
- Juicy Stakes Poker – 200% up to $1,000 bonus – 36% Rakeback
- True Poker – 100% up to $2,000 bonus – 27% Rakeback
How to Choose the Best Poker Site For Your Style of Play
All of the options for online poker in Vermont have their own particular selling points and weakness, and therefore, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Depending on your own priorities and playing habits, one or another of them might be right for you. There may not be a clear-cut answer, so you’ll have to think hard about what’s most important to you. You can always check out multiple sites and see what they’re like before deciding on one or more to stick with. Consider the following points when contemplating your decision:
Limit Hold’em and Limit Omaha hi/lo fans will probably only find enough games at Ignition, Bovada or Americas Cardroom.
Anyone interested in anonymous gameplay and fast-fold poker will want to check out Ignition and Bovada.
Devotees of fast-paced lottery-style sit-and-gos can choose from Americas Cardroom, Ignition, Bovada, SB Poker, or BetOnline.
Bonus hunters eager to claim the largest bonuses can check out Americas Cardroom's 100% bonus with a $2,000 maximum.
People for whom overall rate of return from rewards is more important than total bonus size are probably best off at Everygame.
Tournament players attracted by large guarantees can sample Americas Cardroom, which often hosts $1-million tourneys.
Players who prefer straight rakeback paid directly into their balances will like Americas Cardroom and Everygame.
Anyone who wants to be able to choose from the largest number of active games can go to Ignition, Bovada, or Americas Cardroom.
Those who seek long-term remuneration for significant volumes of play will probably be interested in Americas Cardroom's Elite Benefits plan.
How Do I Receive Withdrawals and Payments?
When it’s time to put money into your balance at an internet-based card room, the most convenient way to do so is with the digital cryptocurrency Bitcoin. All the companies that we’ve outlined above accept BTC. While they do all permit you to deposit with a credit card instead, Bitcoin is the better option because transactions are never blocked, as credit cards can sometimes be, and the e-currency can also be used to receive your winnings in a timely fashion. Other payout methods are typically slower, and some of them come with hefty fees, but the fees for using Bitcoin are extremely small.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bitcoin, then we suggest that you read this guide to using Bitcoin for online gambling. There may be other ways of depositing and requesting withdrawals that vary from site to site. If you inquire to support personnel at any online poker firm, they’ll be able to give you all the details of the supported deposit and withdrawal methods. For the latest news about payment processing speeds and reliability, take a look at our U.S.A. poker sites payout report.
Alternatives to Registering Your Poker Account in Vermont
Perhaps you are lucky enough to have another address in a nearby state, be it your business address, summer home, second apartment, family home, etc. If this applies to you, then you may have other online poker options available. Here is a list of the states that border Vermont and Professional Rakeback's review on each of them: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey.
Facts About the Vermont Poker Industry
The sections below will aim to provide detailed information regarding the legality of playing poker online, the history involving live gambling, and potential state regulation in the state of Vermont
The Legality of Playing Online Poker in Vermont
The word “poker” can only be found once in the laws on the books in Vermont, and that instance deals with a type of lottery game containing the word in its name. We don’t see any specific rules about online card games, so we must delve into the legislation that relates to gambling in general. 13 V.S.A § 2134 informs us that:
A person who has or keeps on premises owned or occupied by him or her implements or other things used in gambling and permits persons resorting to such premises to use such implements or things for the purpose of gambling shall be imprisoned not more than six months nor less than 10 days or fined not more than $500.00 nor less than $10.00, or both.
This seems to target those who operate illicit casinos where members of the public can come to gamble. It doesn’t indicate what happens to individuals who choose to frequent these establishments. For guidance on that matter, we must turn to 13 V.S.A § 2133, which says:
A person who plays at cards, dice, tables or other game for money or other valuable in a common gaming or gambling house that is maintained for lucre and gain, shall be fined not more than $200.00 or imprisoned not more than 60 days, or both.
The only exception to this policy prohibiting organized gambling activities is for nonprofit organizations as outlined in 13 V.S.A. § 2143. They’re allowed to hold casino nights, poker tournaments, raffles, and an assortment of gambling events that would otherwise be illegal without this special dispensation. Even they’re restricted as to how often they can run such events, and any group intending to do so must file accurate financial information with the authorities about the prizes offered and funds raised.
All of these provisions taken together only address large-scale gambling at physical locations dedicated to the pursuit. What about those who choose to gamble in their homes privately, like internet poker players do? The closest we’ll get to illumination on this topic is 13 V.S.A. § 2141:
A person who wins or loses money or other valuable thing by play or hazard at any game, or by betting on such play or hazard, or sharing in a stake wagered by others on such play or hazard, shall be fined not more than $200.00 nor less than $10.00.
This is very broad wording that seems to apply not only to playing poker oneself but also to staking others to play. Even such innocuous activities as contract bridge tournaments for money and office Super Bowl betting pools could be covered by this expansive phrasing. Fortunately, the penalty prescribed, a $10 - $200 fine, isn’t very weighty at all, and this provision has never been used with regard to online poker.
The only times in recent memory that anyone in Vermont has been brought up on gambling charges relate to illegal games being held at places of business. You, as an individual playing on a computer in a private home, appear to be safe. The authorities’ stance on gambling today is perhaps illustrated by the fact that in 2016, the head of the criminal division of the Vermont Attorney General’s office said that gambling was not “an enforcement priority” for the state government.
Live Gambling
Most forms of brick-and-mortar wagering are banned within the State of Vermont. There used to be onsite pari-mutuel racetrack betting starting from, but the closure of Green Mountain Race Track in 1992 left no remaining facilities to either conduct races or bet on them within the state.
Apart from the Vermont Lottery, the sole other notable form of offline gambling expressly permitted by law is charitable gambling. That is, nonprofit groups can host occasions where gambling is allowed subject to limitations on the prizes awarded, the compensation paid to anyone employed to run the games, the number of times a single body can hold these events within stated timeframes, et cetera. Thus, live poker tournaments can be found throughout Vermont with the proceeds going to charitable causes.
There are no casinos in Vermont. There have been multiple bills from 2011 onward that would establish a single licensed casino in the state. Each time, the bill was sent to committee and did not progress any further.
State Regulation
Given the slowness with which the Vermont legislative bodies have moved in accepting even limited forms of gambling, the prospects of a licensed, regulated market for online poker are slim to none. At the same time, worldwide gambling enterprises aren’t exactly lobbying hard to gain access to the state’s tiny player pools.
The only realistic scenario in which a state-supervised market for online poker might materialize is if one of the neighboring states, like New York, first sets up a licensing regime and then Vermont joins in through an interstate agreement. Until this or another longshot possibility plays out in poker’s favor, offshore sites are as good as it gets for Vermont residents. The fact that daily fantasy sports was legalized in 2017 does provide some assurance that state leaders are open to the idea of gaming over the internet.
Gambling History of Vermont
The origins of Vermont as a political unit were mired in disputes and conflicts with rival settlers from New York and New Hampshire claiming the area for their own states even after a group of locals declared Vermont to be independent in 1777. All this confusion didn't stop Vermonters from participating in lotteries from an early year.
Indeed in 1779, the legislature approved of a lottery to raise $30,000 for a militia to defend against the British. However, the rules stipulated that winners would not be paid for two years and that the winnings would be paid in paper money rather than in hard money. Many would-be participants were dissuaded from playing, and this first Vermont lottery was a dismal failure. Ironically, 1779 was the same year that gambling on horse races was outlawed.
Nevertheless, between 1779 and 1804, no fewer than 42 lotteries were authorized in Vermont. Public opinion soon turned against such gambling schemes, however, and no new lottery grants were dispensed after 1804. Meanwhile, Vermont had been admitted to the Union as the 14th state in 1791, ending the fights about its political status.
Early 1800s Vermont Lottery TicketIn 1825, several entrepreneurs realized that they could reactivate old lotteries that had been granted permission to operate but had not, for whatever reason, been able to raise the full amount of money that they were authorized for. All that these businessmen needed to do was get themselves appointed the new lottery managers through whatever means was prescribed in the original legislation (usually being selected by judges). Then they could resurrect these archaic lotteries and start making a profit.
To combat such shenanigans, in 1826, a license fee of $500 for selling lottery tickets was established along with a penalty of $1,000 for selling without a valid license. The next year, the cost for a license was increased to $1,000 and the penalty climbed to $2,000. This effectively killed off the lottery industry in Vermont although drawings continued to be held as late as 1829 or possibly 1831. In 1839, the Vermont legislature finally took the step of formally making lotteries illegal.
From there, the record of gambling in Vermont is basically blank for around a century without any major new forms of gaming being legalized. In contrast with many states that banned gambling, though, we were unable to turn up much evidence of illicit betting parlors popping up in Vermont.
In 1960 voters approved of parimutuel racetrack wagering. The Green Mountain Race Track in Pownal started offering horse racing in 1965.
Now-Defunct Green Mountain Race Track in PownalThe next expansion of gambling in the state came in 1973 and 1974 when a series of laws related to charitable gaming were passed. They allow nonprofit organizations to host certain forms of gaming, like bingo, raffles, lotteries, and “casino nights” although there are strict limits on the amount of prizes that can be offered and the frequency with which events can be held. Poker is one of the games allowed for charitable gaming as long as all the rules and regulations are complied with.
In 1976, a ballot measure to establish a state lottery passed by a huge margin. The Vermont Lottery started selling tickets in 1978.
Meanwhile, Green Mountain Race Track switched from horse racing to greyhound racing in 1977, and thus punters could now bet on the dogs at least until 1992 when the racetrack closed for good. In 1995, greyhound racing was made illegal, but parimutuel wagering on horse races is still legally on the books. There are, however, no longer any facilities that offer such racing within the state.
In 2015, the state lottery was permitted a small expansion through the installation of video lottery terminals in 25 retailers across the state. However, legislators changed their mind the following year and banned such machines.
To the surprise of many observers, Vermont legalized Daily Fantasy Sports in 2017 with the governor's signature on S 136.
Check out the timeline below for a graphical representation of the important events in Vermont gambling history.
Famous Vermont Poker Players
With fewer than one million residents and no live poker scene to speak of, Vermont hasn't really produced many professional pokerists of note. Yet, despite this fact, there was one Vermonter who succeeded in the biggest annual poker competition, the World Series of Poker Main Event. The name of this individual is Hal Fowler.
Hal Fowler, 1979 WSOP ME ChampBorn in 1927 in Rutland, Fowler enlisted in the armed services when he was 18. Upon his return, he moved to California. Eventually, Hal turned up at Binion's Horseshoe for the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1979.
Ingesting liberally from bottles of amphetamines and Valium that he kept next to his chip stack, Hal made bizarre, hopelessly optimistic plays that nevertheless succeeded when he kept catching the cards he needed. Some of his opponents felt that he was totally high out of his mind throughout the tournament and had no idea of what he was doing.
Fowler eventually found himself at the final table where he had to contend with the likes of Johnny Moss, Bobby Baldwin, and David “Chip” Reese. Eventually, Hal found himself heads-up against Bobby Hoff.
In the final hand, Hoff raised big preflop and Hal called. Seeing a flop of J 3 5, Bobby Hoff bet, and Hal Fowler called. The rest of the money went in on the 4 turn, and Fowler revealed a 76 for a completed gutshot straight, which had cracked Hoff's pocket aces.
Hal Fowler received prize money of $270,000 for winning the 1979 WSOP Main Event, becoming the first amateur player to accomplish this feat. He then largely disappeared from the world of poker apart from a few minor cashes in Vegas poker tournaments in the early '80s. Hal died in a nursing home in 2000 with a grand total of $383,500 in live tournament earnings to his credit.
Other Types of Online Gambling
Our main topic of discussion thus far has been poker, but there are plenty of other online gambling options available to players in Vermont. Slots, table games, video poker, and sports betting are widely available at numerous sites. It can be somewhat difficult to know which site to choose, which is why our experts have examined the options in great detail. We will provide our top recommendations for online casinos and sportsbooks below.
Online Casinos
Vermont, despite being a fairly liberal state, does not count any brick-and-mortar casinos among its attractions. If you like blackjack, slot machines, roulette, and other similar games, then you will have to proceed online to an internet casino for these kinds of entertainment.
Plenty of online venues for casino gaming extend their services to Vermonters, and we have identified three of the best ones.
There are many other upstanding casino websites to choose from, and you can consult this page that will help you select a trustworthy casino online.
Online Sportsbooks
Many of Vermont's neighbors have implemented sports betting legislation, but in the Green Mountain State, the legislature is still studying the issue, and no solid bill has emerged that would legalize sports betting within its borders. However, you have recourse to international online bookies that are more than happy to accept your wagers on sporting events.
We've checked out all the major options for sports betting in Vermont and are pleased to present you with three solid organizations below.
There are other sportsbooks that serve Vermont and the rest of the United States. You can learn more about this with this page describing the leading online sportsbooks for Americans.
Summary of Online Poker in Vermont
In terms of enjoying online poker, Vermont’s citizens aren’t handicapped relative to their peers in more populous parts of the country. Online poker law in Vermont doesn’t precisely make Texas Hold’em poker legal, but the penalties attached to playing are minor and unenforced. If the VT Lottery isn’t exciting enough for you, then head on over to one of our approved online poker sites, and start playing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions relating to online poker in Vermont, then our FAQ section may be able to help you out. We've answered some of the most frequent queries that the state's residents have about internet poker below.
No, there's no framework in place in Vermont for licensed online poker. Unlike some states that have toyed with the idea but have failed to pass the necessary laws, there has never really been a serious push toward regulating internet poker within Vermont. This means that your only option if you wish to play online poker in Vermont is to head over to an offshore poker room.
Yes, it's legal to play online poker in Vermont. The few state laws that could theoretically be used to go after poker players are, in practice, never enforced against people playing poker on their computers or mobile devices. And all the federal laws that deal with this subject criminalize the companies and executives who actually provide online gaming services, not ordinary players. Therefore, you can enjoy online poker to your heart's content without any fear of legal repercussions.
Yes, PokerStars is not doing anything illegal by transacting in Vermont. However, the only games it offers to Vermonters are those that use play money chips exclusively.
The reason for this is that PokerStars was strongarmed into agreeing to only deal out real money hands in states where it is explicitly licensed to do so, and Vermont is not on this rather short list. PokerStars had to agree to this restriction in order to settle the Black Friday charges brought against it in 2011, and the company has faithfully abided by this condition ever since.
Yes, Ignition Casino acting legally by accepting Vermont residents as customers. It's bound by the laws of Hong Kong, where its parent firm is based, rather than the laws in place in the United States. According to well-understood international trade rules, it is instead the U.S. federal government that is breaking the rules by seeking to hamper Ignition's market access in the online gambling industry. Fortunately, there's little that the feds can do to interfere with Ignition's activities.
Yes, BetOnline is a legal poker site in Vermont. The authorities may have a different opinion about this matter, but the United States has already lost World Trade Organization decisions pertaining to this subject. The general consensus among international observers is that the U.S. is not living up to its trade treaty obligations by seeking to exclude BetOnline and other online gaming corporations from transacting with its citizens.
According to arguments put forth by Global, its unique sweepstakes poker operation is legal in 48 states, including Vermont. However, we feel that there are numerous holes in this reasoning. We can't really dive into all the details in the space allotted here, but you can peruse our Global review for additional insight into this topic.
One must have attained the age of at least 18 years in order to legally gamble in Vermont. This is true for charitable gaming, purchasing lottery tickets, participating in daily fantasy sports, and placing parimutuel wagers (though there are no racetracks operational in Vermont that offer such betting).
Online, 18 also happens to be the minimum age to open a betting or poker account and play for real money. Those who are younger cannot create an account at any reputable internet poker room, casino, or sportsbook.
If you are below the required age, you might be tempted to falsify your personal information and start playing online. This would not be a smart move, though, because in order to withdraw your winnings, you'll likely have to complete an identity verification process. At this point, your deception will probably be uncovered, and you'll be subject to account closure and the possible forfeiture of your balance.
There are quite a few ways of depositing and withdrawing money to and from offshore poker providers, including credit cards, bank wires, and money transfers. However, the best way to move cash around for most online poker players is Bitcoin.
There are certain fees associated with legacy payment channels, and such transactions are subject to annoyances, like declined credit cards and lengthy waiting times for paper checks to arrive. Bitcoin, as an innovative fintech solution, does not suffer from these drawbacks. Furthermore, it provides a relatively high level of anonymity and freedom from having to interface with the cumbersome banking sector.
All the Vermont online poker rooms that we recommend allow you to deposit and cash out through Bitcoin. Many of them also support various “altcoins,” like Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum as well.
Yes, poker wins are a type of personal income, and you are expected to pay taxes on it just like you would for any other source of income. Both the federal Internal Revenue Service and the Vermont Department of Taxes expect their cut.
None of the offshore poker rooms that we have listed on this page compile win/loss or net profit reports for tax purposes. This means that it's your own responsibility to honestly calculate how much money you made and what your tax obligations are. A failure to pay what you are legally required to could result in penalties and/or tax audits.
If you're uncertain as to how your poker winnings will affect your tax liabilities, we urge you to retain the services of a qualified accountant or tax lawyer.
Yes, mobile poker is definitely possible. While this was a niche segment of the industry a decade ago, more and more people today are playing poker on their smartphones and tablets.
Some poker sites have specific iOS and Android apps for you to install to your smart device. Others rely on web poker clients that work on a variety of different hardware and software platforms. In some cases, this mobile software is a watered-down version of the regular poker client, so we prefer to access the games through desktop software whenever possible for the best possible gameplay experience.
Yes, most internet poker entities provide a way to play on Macs. This sometimes takes the form of dedicated Mac software and at other times involves web-based software with cross-platform compatibility. Even at those sites that only provide a Windows download, you may have success running this software on a Windows emulation platform, like VirtualBox or Parallels.
No, there's no exemption in Vermont law for social poker games. Nevertheless, it's rare for state law enforcement to go after such games, and we have been unable to turn up evidence of a single VT home game that was raided by the police. As long as you don't make too big a commotion about your private game and do not break any other laws while playing, you should be fine.
Additional Resources
There are several pages about gambling in Vermont that you may wish to investigate at your leisure:
We strive to maintain this information and update it frequently with our research. However, we are not immune to making mistakes or omitting information that you, dear reader, may find of use. If you have any further questions not addressed in this guide or have noted any discrepancies or inaccuracies we urge you to contact us with your questions and concerns so that we may swiftly address them!