Vermont’s governor plans to sign a bill that will authorize online sports betting sites in the Green Mountain State — whenever the legislation arrives.
A spokesperson for Vermont Gov. Phil Scott told Covers on Tuesday that they have yet to receive H.127, legislation that will bring legal sports betting to the New England state via mobile apps and sites.
“It will likely come to us this week or next, at which point the Gov. will sign approximately five days later,” Press Secretary Jason Maulucci said in an email.
A friend indeed
H.127 was approved by the Vermont legislature earlier this month. Once it’s signed, Vermont will become the 38th state to legalize sports betting (and one of the smallest in terms of population).
The bill will authorize Vermont sports betting under the supervision of the Department of Liquor and Lottery. According to H.127, the department would conduct a competitive bidding process to select two to six operators of mobile sportsbooks to take wagers in the state, although the regulator could choose one or none if the proposals are lacking.
At any rate, the bill has a friend in the governor’s office. Scott has been supportive of sports betting in the past, and apparently will be supportive in the future as well.
“The Governor continues to believe that Vermont should join the vast majority of states and legalize sports betting,” Maulucci said. “We know that Vermonters are already participating in the market, and without bringing it above board, there is very little consumer protection in place. The Governor has proposed legalization for more than three years, and is grateful the Legislature has finally acted.”
