Gambling in Vermont is strictly limited to pari-mutuel wagering, the state lottery, charitable gaming and fantasy sports contests. Neighboring New York does have land-based commercial and tribal casinos which offer poker. However, it’s hardly a practical solution for most Vermont poker players, choosing to play at offshore poker sites instead.

Our article will bring you up to speed on playing poker in Vermont. It covers how and where to play legally and the top sites for the best new player sign-up bonuses.

The prospect of an amendment to the Vermont Constitution to allow poker sites within its borders anytime soon is bleak. However, offshore Vermont poker sites do accept players from this state, offering an engaging poker-playing environment with bonuses, tournaments and other incentives.

Below is a synopsis of our top five Vermont offshore poker sites from the list above. Our experts cover what makes them stand out and make a case for why you’d want to play there.

BetOnline represents our flagship offshore Vermont poker site, established in 1991, refining its product over several decades. BetOnline serves up a sleek website optimized for mobile and desktop platforms on an instant play browser or using its downloadable poker client app.

Experience a fabulous range of pot limit/limit/no limit Hold’em, Omaha, 6+ Omaha, and Omaha H/L against a deep pool of players on the venerable Chico Poker Network (CPN). Stakes start from as little as $0.05/$0.10, enjoyed on cash games and juicy Multi-Table, Windfall, and Sit N Go tournaments with qualifiers. Redeem BetOnline bonus codes to claim special promotions, including freerolls.

Spun out from the operator Bodog, Bovada is a Curaçao eGaming-licensed crypto casino founded in 2011, with a full lineup of poker variants, including Omaha, Omaha H/L, and Hold’em. It’s part of Bovada’s proprietary PaiWangLuo Network, with a sizable pool of players. Card game features include anonymous tables, quick seats, and a social chat function.

Although freerolls are rare, the crypto casino does have a few promotions you can claim using Bovada bonus codes. Players can enjoy cash games and tournaments, including high roller, Jackpot Sit and Go, Knockout, and Monthly Milly, with a $1 million prize pool. We suggest using a crypto deposit method to avoid fees on credit cards and courier checks.

SportsBetting.ag is another established brand that dates back to 1991. The professional-looking website is accessible through instant play browsers or the SportsBetting.ag poker client app. It’s part of the massive Chico Poker Network (CPN), allowing players to enjoy variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. The license status of SportsBetting.ag is unclear, although the suggestion online is it holds a Panama license.

This Vermont poker site offers fast cashouts with pending times of under 24 hours. It’s handy considering the cash games and tournaments, including a $1 Million Sit & Go, Jackpot, and signature Championship Series tournament ($2.3 million prize pool). Although SportsBetting.ag does not offer anonymous tables, it does offer freerolls and lower rakes.

Holding a Curaçao license, Ignition Casino is one of the younger offshore Vermont poker sites, established in 2016. Like Bovada, it operates on the player-rich PaiWangLuo poker network. Players can find fixed limit/pot limit/no limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Texas Hold’em poker variants. The poker site is an excellent source of video guides, FAQs, and articles on how to play and excel at poker variants.

Players can participate in cash games and tournaments with limits as low as $0.05/$0.10, sit at anonymous tables, and collect weekly freerolls. Get access to many promotions using Ignition promo codes, including weekly & monthly tournaments (some with $1 million prize pools), Knockout Tournaments, and others.

Founded in 1996 as Intertops, everygame rebranded in 2021 to become an exceptional Vermont online poker site at number five on our list. Although claiming to be Curaçao licensed, it doesn’t provide a link to its certificate as proof. Arguably, the poker site’s brightest feature is its 36% max daily rakeback credited directly into players’ poker accounts.

everygame offers poker variants, including limit/no limit Omaha and Texas Hold’em, as well as anonymous tables, frequent poker points, and freerolls. Prize pool tournaments are also available (using everygame promo codes), including weekly, some of which have low buy-ins. The Vermont poker site also offers poker games streamed on Twitch.tv and free tournament tickets.

Playing real money poker at online sites within Vermont is not authorized by the State’s Constitution and, therefore, illegal. However, as a workaround, poker enthusiasts from the State visit offshore Vermont poker sites due to a perceived legal loophole.

Playing at an online poker site owned in the State of Vermont is unlawful. In fact, all forms of gambling online in Vermont are prohibited except for state-licensed and regulated fantasy sports contests.

Our experts agree that the most legit real money poker site in Vermont is BetOnline, ranking number one on our top five list. Its track record speaks for itself, dating back to 1991.

The best online poker site in Vermont is Ignition Casino, offering ‘How to’ guides, articles, and FAQs that teach players card games. It also provides similar content to intermediate and advanced players.

Vermont remains a comparatively conservative gambling state where only pari-mutuel wagering, charitable gaming, the state lottery, and fantasy sports contests are permitted. This also means no online, tribal, or commercial casinos are permitted. Registered philanthropic organizations can offer card games, subject to strict requirements.

Offshore poker sites are a legal grey area because they aren’t located within State lines. The loophole allows real money poker in Vermont at offshore sites, provided players are 18 or over.

There are no current proposals to revise the State Constitution to bring poker to Vermont. In fact, the last House Bill 293 relating to casino gaming was referred to the General, Housing, and Military Affairs Committee in February 2019.

According to the Office of the Vermont Attorney General (OAG), professional gambling is illegal in the state, including offline and online. However, gambling laws are somewhat lenient for nonprofit and fraternal organizations where the proceeds benefit religious, charitable, civic, or educational undertakings. A nonprofit organization can organize specific events with prizes not exceeding $400/game ($1,000 prize permitted once a day):

Players in Vermont can exploit a legal loophole that doesn’t explicitly make playing at offshore poker sites illegal. Card game enthusiasts from the Green Mountain State can play real money poker at offshore sites that work in Vermont, like our recommended top five brands. Due to geolocation tracking, you must be within state lines when using a mobile to visit a Vermont online poker site.

Three questions concerning legality, regulations, and safety are relevant when choosing an offshore VT poker site.

In US states which authorize online gambling, a government agency is set up to license and supervise the industry. As the state has not yet legalized poker sites in Vermont, Vermonters have turned to real money poker at offshore sites. This reaction can be risky but manageable by sticking to operators with offshore licenses.

It’s not enough for an offshore site to claim to hold a license without backing it up. For example, a Curaçao-licensed operator should display a Curaçao seal/logo in the website’s footer. Clicking on the link will produce a certificate generated by the regulator, verifying the status of a license.

Since not all offshore casinos are licensed, it’s essential to be cautious.  Having a license does not guarantee that an operator has ethical practices. However, not having one increases the chances of a bad experience, such as unhonored withdrawal requests or ambiguous terms.

Unlike Vermont charitable gaming, regulated by OAG, or pari-mutuel wagering regulated by the Vermont Racing Commission, online poker does not have a regulator. Therefore, playing at an offshore Vermont poker site with a valid license offers better protection.

A quality regulator takes its supervisory responsibility seriously, ensuring safety and transparency. It can suspend or cancel a license and issue warnings or fines when an operator fails to live up to its obligations, including enforcing responsible gambling.

Offshore VT poker sites are generally safe, provided Vermonters take reasonable precautions. We found no record of incidents where players from Vermont were penalized for playing at offshore poker sites. Select a licensed operator that demonstrates the best security practices to protect your personal information and balance:

Set daily, weekly, or monthly financial limits to protect yourself from the psychological harm of problem gambling. Financial limitations can apply to deposits, losses, and bets. Some casinos will offer tools that allow you to set these limits. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of monitoring the amount of time you play. Some operators will allow you to set reminders. Above all, be prepared to walk away from losses.

A shared player pool or ring-fencing is a scenario where a poker site segregates a group of players from the broader player network. Its function is to comply with federal or state laws & regulatory requirements and enforce player protection. Although ring-fencing typically applies at the state level, some states have collaborated to offer an interstate poker network: New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and Michigan.

Even though it can feel that a ring fence is isolating, it does have benefits. It offers a workaround for state players who might not otherwise be able to mingle with out-of-state players. At the same time, it enhances player protection since the rules and regulations governing their play are specific to their state.

Interstate pools can create a more extensive network of players, leading to more poker rooms and potentially more significant prizes & promotions. Of course, that’s just the beginning.  Lastly, pooled players by region will benefit from targeted offers.

An obvious drawback of a ring fence is the potentially adverse impact on the size of a pool of players. The downstream effect could be fewer cash games & tournaments and smaller prizes.

The top offshore VT poker sites make it easy to get started. Case in point, the Vermont online poker operator BetOnline has simplified the process in three easy steps. In about 10 minutes, a player can register, deposit and get their client poker app up and running.

To jumpstart the registration process, click on the green button labeled ‘JOIN‘ in the sticky menu at BetOnline.ag. On the first sign-up screen, input your first & last name, email, chosen password, ZIP Code, contact no., and birthday. Click on the red ‘Create Account’ button at the bottom to complete this step.

Once you’ve created your account, the poker site will automatically redirect you to the deposit section. You’ll have the option of depositing US dollars using a credit card, Bitcoin, or one of 15+ altcoins. Enter the deposit amount, and don’t forget to claim your welcome offer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction, remembering to verify the transaction when done.

Although you can log in from your desktop and get started by clicking on the ‘PLAY ONLINE’ button, we recommend downloading the BetOnline client poker app. To do this, select the adjacent ‘Download & Play’ button and choose the platform (Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows).

A client app file, ‘bol_setup.exe,’ will download to your device, which you can then install by clicking on a red installation button. Once completed, log in as you would from an instant play browser and choose a poker screen name. You’re now ready to enjoy real money poker in Vermont.

Regrettably, casino banking is sometimes an overlooked part of the overall experience. VT poker site deposit and withdrawal options can be broad with a top-notch provider like BetOnline. Its flagship poker site accepts over 15 altcoins plus Bitcoin. In contrast, limitations on alternative payment methods for USD payments can sometimes be a source of headaches.

The preferred payment method for online sites is cryptocurrencies, often evidenced by better promotions and more favorable withdrawal terms than US dollar deposits. Crypto deposits and withdrawals are fast, safe, cheaper, and more discrete.

BetOnline is a Bitcoin gambling site, accepting many top cryptocurrencies: USDT, XLM, SOL, SHIB, DOGE, LINK, ADA, BNB, AVAX, APE, MATIC, LTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, and BTC.

eWallets, short for electronic wallets, like PayPal, are far less accepted at Vermont poker sites than cryptocurrencies. It’s a shame, given their inherent features, which are similar to crypto:

Until the last few years, traditional payment methods included bank and credit cards: Discover, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. Although transactions are just as fast and safe as the previous methods, some players have had issues making credit card deposits because of their banks. Transactions appear on bank statements since they are linked to a bank or credit card account, making them less discreet.

Because of this direct bank link, players must exercise more financial control. Also, using a credit card to withdraw money from a casino player account is often not possible. A player will generally have to use an alternative method, such as a bank wire transfer or a physical check that incurs fees.

Vermonters can qualify for many of the same bonuses and promotions while enjoying real money poker in Vermont as players from other states. Although there are several possibilities, we’ll introduce you to three of the most common VT poker bonuses: match deposit, no deposit, and freerolls.

A good bonus is as good as the fine print. There’s no use in getting gobs of bonus money if the bonus T&Cs & wagering requirements are unfair. Unfair bonuses make it nearly impossible to transform bonus money into real money, either because the bonus wagering is very high or the T&Cs are too demanding. A rakeback, sometimes accompanying bonuses, can be a great way of returning money to players.

A match deposit bonus is a promotion that matches a real money deposit with a percentage in bonus money up to a maximum. For example, a $500 deposit using an offer of a match deposit of 100% (up to $500) will generate $500 (100/100 x $500) in bonus money. It’s important to understand that bonus money is not real money until satisfying all the bonus T&Cs and the wagering (playthrough) requirement.

Before bonus money from a match deposit becomes real money, a player must complete the bonus wagering requirement, expressed as a multiple like 40x. In our previous example, a playthrough requirement of 40x implies that the player must make $20,000 (40 x $500). Only then will the bonus money become real money.

No deposit bonuses are similar to deposit bonuses, with some noteworthy exceptions. As the name suggests, no deposit is required to claim a no deposit bonus. It’s usually gifted to a new player who registers a new account or as an incentive for regular players to continue playing.

No deposit bonuses have standard bonus T&Cs in the fine print. First, to make a withdrawal, a player must complete a minimum deposit. Second, a player won’t be able to cash out all their winnings. Let’s say you win $1,000 after satisfying all the bonus T&Cs and the wagering requirement. You’ll still only be able to withdraw in the neighborhood of $20-$100.

A free roll ticket is a method that players use to avoid paying an entrance fee (buy-in) to a tournament. It does not impact the payout potential or the ability to collect points. This promotion is particularly popular with new players eager to get into competitions without an upfront cash payment.

It’s a good way of sizing up other players and getting a feel for a poker site. However, remember that as most players are relatively new, the quality of the opposition may not be the highest.

Because the world keeps getting busier, players from Vermont are increasingly more mobile, no longer spending hours at any single location. Players can sneak in some playing time at their favorite haunts, like a coffee shop, or while commuting. Mobile poker sites, accessed from an instant play browser or poker app, are the ideal solution as they fit in a player’s pocket while on the move.

The best online poker sites make downloading a poker client app simple and fast. Although we’ve taken the example of our top casino BetOnline, the procedure is similar across all our top casinos.

Comparing in-person live poker to online poker is like comparing night and day. Don’t get us wrong, each has its advantages and delivers a style of gameplay that will appeal to a particular class of players.

Online poker at an offshore Vermont online poker site is more tailored for players who desire maximum flexibility, a slower pace, and comfort. For example, online poker variants are available 24/7 and eliminate the need to visit a land-based casino or poker room. There’s no need to dress up, and you can play from the convenience of your home.

Shopping online for desired poker variants, lower rakes, bigger & better tournaments, freerolls, lower buy-ins, and bonuses is not always easy or possible at a land-based poker site. Furthermore, poker online offers additional benefits like anonymous tables, a function for keeping track of hands, quick seats, etc.

Finally, the slower pace of online poker gives players more time to study their next move, including using a cheat sheet, which is challenging in a live poker setting.

Despite Vermont’s relatively small population and restrictive gambling laws, it has seen one or two famous poker players in its time:

Coming in at number one on our list, BetOnline is the top offshore site for pot limit/no limit/limit Omaha, Omaha H/L, and 6+ Hold’em poker. This Vermont poker operator delivers exciting tournaments and cash games, with low table limits, freerolls, daily qualifiers and more. Its championship poker series alone offers a whopping $1+ million in prize pools. However, there are other equally exciting tournaments (Windfall, Sit N Go, etc.).

A decades-long track record has seen BetOnline optimize its platform for a downloadable poker client app and instant play browser. As part of the Chico Poker Network (CPN), it promises a rich pool of competitors. Take your first step and sign up to enjoy real money poker in Vermont.

I'm a Canadian freelance writer with a BSc in Applied Accounting, living in Southern Europe. I may be spotted cycling or swimming when I'm not busy writing iGaming content (the past 6+ years) or consuming copious amounts of coffee.

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