Responsible Gambling in Vermont

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Problem gambling rarely starts as a crisis. The signs that warrant attention include:

• Betting more than you intended to, repeatedly
• Trying to win back losses with larger or more frequent bets ("chasing")
• Hiding the amount or frequency of your wagering from family or friends
• Borrowing money to gamble, or using bill or rent money
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not betting
• Lying to others about your gambling activity
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences at work, in relationships, or to your health

If any of these resonate, the resources above are confidential and free.

Tools Built Into Every Vermont Operator

Vermont's three licensed sportsbooks; DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics; are required by the Department of Liquor and Lottery to provide a standard set of in-app responsible gambling tools:

• Deposit limits: Cap how much you can deposit per day, week, or month
• Wager limits: Cap how much you can bet per day, week, or month
• Loss limits: Stop wagering if your net losses hit a threshold you set
• Time limits: Cap how long you can stay in the app per session or per day
• Cool-off: Voluntarily lock yourself out of the operator for a defined period (24 hours, 1 week, 30 days, etc.) without permanent self-exclusion
• Self-exclusion: Permanent or long-term block from the operator

These tools are individually configurable per operator. You can be on DraftKings without limits and on FanDuel with strict limits, for example.

Vermont Statewide Self-Exclusion

Operator-level self-exclusion only blocks you from one app. The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery maintains a state-wide self-exclusion list that prevents an individual from registering or wagering with any licensed Vermont sportsbook. This is the strongest tool available and is appropriate for bettors who want a clean break from the activity entirely. Once on the list, the operators are legally required to refuse your account and refund any pending deposits.

The DLL self-exclusion process typically requires identity verification and a chosen exclusion period (one year, five years, or lifetime). Removal before the period ends is generally not permitted. For current process details, visit liquorcontrol.vermont.gov.

How Vermont Funds Treatment

A portion of the state's share of sports wagering revenue; the same $591,430 that the DLL collected in March 2026 alone; is earmarked for problem gambling treatment programs administered by the Vermont Department of Mental Health. That funding supports counseling, telephone-based crisis support through Vermont 211, and treatment referrals statewide.

For Family and Friends

If someone close to you is showing signs of problem gambling, the same resources are available to you. Vermont 211 (dial 211) and 1-800-GAMBLER both serve family and friends, not just the affected individual. Counselors can help you understand what behaviors to watch for, how to set boundaries, and what concrete options exist (including the DLL self-exclusion process if your loved one wants to use it).

Bet Within Your Limits

Even for bettors without a gambling problem, sports betting carries real financial risk. The math of the house edge means that, on average over time, bettors lose money to operators. Bet only what you can comfortably afford to lose, treat any wager as entertainment spend rather than investment, and use the in-app limits to keep yourself honest.