Bet365 remains illegal in Vermont as of 2026, and the platform is still barred from offering its full‑service online sportsbook and casino to state residents. Despite nationwide growth—online gambling revenues jumped 27 percent in 2023—Vermont’s tight‑knit licensing scheme has kept Bet365 out of the market, forcing the company to rely on offshore traffic that violates state law.
Current Legal Status
Vermont’s gambling framework is governed by Title 9 of the Vermont Statutes, which authorizes only state‑run lotteries, the “Vermont Sports Betting” program, and a limited number of licensed charitable gaming operators. Bet365 has not secured a license under the 2022 “Vermont Sports Betting Act,” and the Attorney General’s office has repeatedly warned that unlicensed offshore operators violate both the state’s Interactive Gaming Act and federal Wire Act provisions. Consequently, any Vermont resident who accesses Bet365 risks civil penalties and potential criminal charges for illegal gambling.
Why Bet365 Is Banned
- Licensing Requirements – To operate legally, a provider must obtain a conditional license from the Vermont Department of Banking, which demands proof of financial stability, responsible‑gaming protocols, and a physical presence in the state. Bet365 has not demonstrated a Vermont‑based office or compliance infrastructure.
- Consumer Protection Laws – Vermont statutes require operators to contribute to the state’s Problem Gambling Fund. Bet365’s offshore structure prevents any such contributions, violating the public‑policy rationale behind the law.
- Federal Enforcement – The Department of Justice’s 2024 “Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act” amendment expands liability for platforms that accept wagers from jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited. Bet365’s continued service to Vermont users places it squarely within that enforcement net.
Practical Implications for Vermont Players
- Account Closure – In early 2025, the Vermont Gaming Commission issued takedown notices to Bet365’s domain servers, resulting in automatic account suspension for Vermont IP addresses.
- Financial Risk – Funds deposited into Bet365 accounts are not protected by Vermont’s gambling consumer‑protection statutes, leaving players vulnerable to loss without recourse.
- Legal Exposure – While criminal prosecution of individual players is rare, the state can pursue civil forfeiture of winnings and impose fines up to $5,000 per violation under the Interactive Gaming Act.
Outlook for 2027 and Beyond
Legislative proposals introduced in the 2026 session aim to broaden licensing to include “internationally recognized operators” that meet stringent safeguards. If passed, Bet365 could reapply, but the bill faces opposition from the Vermont Lottery Commission, which argues that expanding the market could dilute state revenue. Until such reforms become law, Bet365 will remain outside the legal gambling ecosystem in Vermont.
FAQ
Is it illegal for me to place a bet on Bet365 while in Vermont?
Yes. Engaging with an unlicensed offshore sportsbook violates Vermont’s Interactive Gaming Act and can result in civil penalties.
Can I withdraw winnings earned before the ban?
Withdrawal requests are typically denied once the state’s takedown order is enforced, and any funds are likely to be frozen pending legal resolution.
Does the ban apply to Bet365’s poker rooms?
All Bet365 services—including poker, casino, and sportsbook—are covered by the prohibition because the licensing framework does not differentiate by game type.
What penalties could the state impose on Bet365?
The Attorney General can seek injunctions, impose fines up to $100,000 per day of non‑compliance, and request the seizure of assets linked to illegal gambling operations.
Will other offshore operators face the same restrictions?
Any operator that does not secure a Vermont license is subject to the same legal barriers; the state’s approach is consistent across all unlicensed online gambling platforms.