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Bill

S 319

An act relating to authorizing the issuance of limited wagering event permits for poker games and tournaments

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Mattos

Vermont would allow up to five short, 72-hour poker events annually, taxed at 35% of adjusted gross receipts to fund the Education Fund.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
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Bill Summary · S 319

Overview

S.319, introduced in the Vermont Senate by Sen. Christopher Mattos, would authorize the issuance of a limited number of wagering event permits to operate poker games and tournaments. The bill creates a framework for regulated, short-duration poker events, sets a tax on adjusted gross receipts, and directs the tax revenue to the Education Fund. It would take effect July 1, 2026.

Main purpose and intent

  • Authorize the Board of Liquor and Lottery to issue up to five limited wagering event permits annually.
  • Allow wagering event operators to host poker games or tournaments at approved locations for up to 72 hours.
  • Generate state revenue by applying a 35% tax on adjusted gross receipts from each permitted wagering event, with proceeds deposited into the Education Fund.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions:
    • Adjusted gross receipts: gross receipts minus winnings paid to wagerers.
    • Limited wagering event permit: permit authorizing a wagering event.
    • Wagering event: event not exceeding 72 hours for poker participation.
    • Wagering event operator: person responsible for operating and administering the event.
  • Permits:
    • Board of Liquor and Lottery can issue up to five permits per year.
    • No single operator may receive more than one permit in a calendar year.
    • Each event must be conducted at an approved location and last no more than 72 hours.
    • A $500 permit fee applies to the wagering event operator.
  • Application requirements:
    • Operators must provide: names of principals and key employees; hosting premises and security measures; jurisdictions where operators or parent companies are authorized to conduct similar wagering events or casino gaming; estimated number of players and age verification measures (must ensure players are over 18).
  • Background checks:
    • The Board must adopt procedures for criminal background checks of principals and controlling individuals.
    • The Department must obtain Vermont and out-of-state criminal history records and FBI checks.
    • Provisions allow accepting third-party background checks in lieu of direct state/FBI checks, provided the third party is qualified and provides multistate criminal record information.
  • Tax and collection:
    • Tax rate: 35% of adjusted gross receipts per wagering event.
    • Tax administration: Commissioner of Taxes will collect and administer the tax, with returns due within 15 days after the event.
    • Revenue use: All tax revenues deposited into the Education Fund (per 16 V.S.A. § 4025).

Who/what would be affected

  • Wagering event operators: subject to permit requirements, application data, background checks, and the 35% tax on adjusted gross receipts.
  • Individuals involved with operator entities (principals and key employees): disclosure requirements and background checks.
  • Location hosts and facilities approved for the events: must meet security and operational standards.
  • The Department of Liquor and Lottery and the Commissioner of Taxes: new regulatory and tax administration duties.
  • Education Fund: potential influx of revenue from the 35% tax.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Permit issuance: up to five permits per year; no more than one permit per operator per year.
  • Duration of events: each wagering event limited to 72 hours.
  • Tax filings: returns and payments due within 15 days after each wagering event.
  • Background check framework: to be established by the Board; may incorporate third-party background checks under specified conditions.

Additional notes

  • The bill frames wagering events as limited, short-duration poker activities rather than ongoing casino-style operations.
  • The revenue mechanism ties gambling regulation to education funding, similar to other tax-funded education programs.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing or a comparison with similar existing Vermont programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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