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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont authorizes up to two commercial casinos and establishes a 10 percent wagering tax for education funding
Last action · January 27, 2026: Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General AffairsSponsor: Christopher Mattos
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What This Bill Would Do
The Vermont General Assembly introduces a bill requiring the Board of Liquor and Lottery to issue up to two casino gaming licenses, set a 10 percent tax on for education funding, and authorize municipalities to levy a local option casino gaming tax.
License applicants must pay a $5,000,000 fee and a $100,000 nonrefundable application fee, with annual revenues directed entirely to the state Education Fund starting July 1, 2026.
- The General Assembly is the legislative body of the State of Vermont responsible for enacting state laws. context
- The Board of Liquor and Lottery oversees alcohol, tobacco, and lottery administration within the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Board of Liquor and Lottery
The Board is granted jurisdiction and powers to supervise casino operations, investigate applicants, inspect premises, and issue up to two casino licenses.
Casino license applicants
Applicants must pay application and license fees, submit to background investigations, and comply with state rules and wagering taxes.
Commissioner of Taxes
The Commissioner is authorized to collect and administer the new 10 percent wagering tax and deposit revenues into the Education Fund.
Key Facts
- The Board of Liquor and Lottery is authorized to issue up to two casino gaming licenses to qualified applicants.
- Each casino gaming license has a term of five years and may be renewed for an additional five years.
- The license fee is $5,000,000.00, payable in full or in five annual installments of $1,000,000.00, alongside a nonrefundable application fee of $100,000.00.
- A 10 percent wagering tax is imposed on the adjusted gross receipts received annually by a licensee.
Show all 8 facts
- Licensees must remit the wagering tax and return to the Commissioner of Taxes on or before January 15 of each year.
- All revenues from the wagering tax are deposited into the State Education Fund.
- Municipalities are authorized to assess a one percent local option casino gaming tax if approved by the municipal legislative body and voters.
- The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many casino licenses can be issued under this bill?
Where do the revenues from the casino wagering tax go?
How much does a casino gaming license cost?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 27, 2026SenateIntroducedRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Introduction of Commercial Casino Gambling
The bill marks a significant policy change by establishing a legal framework for commercial casino operations in Vermont under state supervision.
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment30Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz65Current news / social attention level
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