Can You Play Online Poker in Vermont? 

No, you cannot play online poker for real money in Vermont. In fact, the state does not allow live poker or even social poker games. The only legal way to play poker in Vermont is by participating in charity poker events. These events are few and far between, leaving poker enthusiasts within the state with very limited options as far as state-sanctioned Vermont online poker is concerned. 

Why Not? What Are the Online Poker Laws in Vermont?

Vermont has one of the strictest online gambling laws in the United States. A gambling prohibition act has been in effect in the state since the 18th century. The only forms of gambling that are exempted from this act include betting on horse races and participating in the state lottery. 

The state’s law prohibits any form of cards, dice, tables, or other games played for money or other types of gains. It is also illegal to own or bet on a gambling device or machine in Vermont, which effectively bans online gambling in the state. 

The laws prohibiting Vermont online poker seem to be outdated and do not seem to target players specifically because no one has been prosecuted for playing poker in the state. Since no legal sites are in operation within the state, poker enthusiasts who want to play online poker often turn to offshore sites as an alternative. However, doing so carries less obvious but significant risks.

While these sites provide an opportunity to enjoy a hand of poker, MyPokerCoaching does not recommend playing online poker on offshore sites. 

Offshore gambling sites are not licensed or regulated by US authorities. This makes depositing money on these sites risky because there are no legal measures to protect players. There are no guarantees of fair gameplay on offshore sites, and players may have a hard time withdrawing their money if these sites get shut down unexpectedly. 

Potential Vermont Poker Sites to Launch in the Future

Poker has been popular in Vermont for many years, but the state is still to regulate online poker sites. There have been several attempts at it over the years, but so far, none have come to fruition.

It is a pretty safe bet that online poker in VT will be regulated at some point in the future, so the only real question is when. While it’s hard to give any definitive answer at this point in time, we continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated with any important developments.

When online poker is finally legal in VT, there are a few sites that we can expect to go live. These are all operators with a major presence in the regulated US market, and they’ll likely jump at the opportunity to expand their presence.

BetMGM Poker Vermont

BetMGM has established itself as a household name in the regulated US online poker space, and the operator will likely be among the first to stake a claim in such an attractive new market.

We expect BetMGM Poker will bring out a platform similar to that in other states like PA, MI, and NJ. A poker client powered by the PartyPoker technology offers a modern and very reliable solution for all online poker fans, even if it is not as rich in functionalities as some other platforms.

In terms of game variety, players can look forward to a nice mix of online tournaments, a wide range of cash game stakes, and, in all likelihood, BetMGM Poker’s staple SPINS – a hugely popular sit & go variation featuring a random jackpot.

It is also likely that BetMGM Poker VT will come out of the gate swinging, offering a generous welcome bonus. With what’s likely to be heavy competition in the state, all sites will look for ways to stand out, and this is generally a good thing for the players.

PokerStars Vermont

Although the company couldn’t enter the US before 2016, PokerStars has established itself as a staple name of online poker in the country, just like they have done in the global market.

Once the regulation is finally passed, the launch of PokerStars is pretty much a guarantee. This is especially true if the state passes a law with the expectation of joining the MSIGA, as the operator seems eager to take advantage of opportunities provided by interstate poker.

But even without that particular element, VT is a big enough market on its own.

What PokerStars brings to the table is the operator’s experience in organizing major online series, first and foremost. US versions of ‘COOP events have been hugely successful in all states where the site currently has a presence, and there is no reason to think Vermont would be an exception.

PokerStars also offers one of the best software solutions for desktop computers and mobile devices alike. This enhances the player experience and certainly helps push the site towards the top of the list when deciding where to play.

WSOP Vermont

The third VT poker site likely to go live as soon as legal requirements are met is WSOP.com. Right now, WSOP is the only operator present in all regulated US markets with active poker sites, and the company is on the constant lookout for expansion opportunities.

WSOP.com has one trump card that no other operators can match, which is its ability to host bracelet-awarding events and exclusive satellites to live World Series of Poker tournaments. This has helped the operator remain competitive across the country.

A launch in a new state would likely mean an exclusive bracelet series, giving players in the state great opportunities to win some WSOP silverware from the comfort of their home, and if past experience is any indicator, this is an opportunity that players jump on.

WSOP should have no problem claiming its fair share of the new market despite competitors, with the operators’ numbers surging during major live and online events.