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Bill

S 318

An act relating to casino gaming

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Mattos

Authorizes up to two Vermont casinos overseen by the Board of Liquor and Lottery, with 5-year licenses, $5M fees, 10% gross receipts tax to fund Education Fund.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
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Bill Summary · S 318

Overview

  • Bill: S.318 (Introduced in 2026)
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Mattos
  • Committee: Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
  • Status: Introduced and referred to committee (earliest action: 1/27/2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to authorize casino gaming in Vermont by authorizing up to two casino gaming licenses.
  • It would place regulatory authority over casino gaming under the Vermont Board of Liquor and Lottery, expanding its remit beyond alcohol, tobacco, and the state lottery to include casino operations.

Key Provisions

Authorization and Regulation

  • Casino gaming is authorized to the extent conducted under the new subchapter (Subchapter 3 of Chapter 14, 31 V.S.A.).
  • The Board of Liquor and Lottery may adopt rules to implement the subchapter.
  • The Board (through the Commissioner) would supervise all casino gambling operations, conduct investigations, inspections, and enforcement, and have authority to suspend, revoke, or restrict licenses for violations.

Definitions (gambling framework)

  • Establishes standard terms: casino, casino enterprise, gambling game, gambling operation, gross receipts, winnings, wagerer, etc.
  • Gross receipts are defined with a deduction cap for uncollectible gaming receivables (not to exceed either the uncollectable amount or 4% of total gross receipts, whichever is less), with conditions for evidence and credit rules.

Casino Gaming License Process

  • Applications: Individuals may apply for a casino gaming license on sworn forms with Board-prescribed information.
  • Licenses: Up to two casino gaming licenses may be issued to qualified applicants.
  • Term and Renewal: Each license term is five years, renewable for an additional five years.
  • License Fee: $5,000,000 per license, payable in full upon issuance or in five annual installments of $1,000,000.
  • Application Fee: Nonrefundable $100,000 at the time of filing.

Taxation and Revenue

  • Wagering Tax: 10% of annual adjusted gross receipts from casino gaming.
  • Tax Administration: Collected by the Commissioner of Taxes under 32 V.S.A. chapter 103; deposits to the Education Fund (16 V.S.A. § 4025).
  • Tax timelines: Tax returns and due amounts due by January 15 each year.

Departmental Structure and Local Government

  • The Department of Liquor and Lottery would administer laws relating to alcoholic beverages, tobacco, the state lottery, and casino gaming.
  • The Division of Lottery would administer both the state lottery and casino gaming.

Local Option Taxes (Potential Optional Revenue)

  • Local governments could impose a casino gaming tax of 1% as part of local option taxes (subject to municipal approval by majority vote).

Fiscal and Economic Impacts

  • Up to two casinos could operate in Vermont, contingent on license grants.
  • Significant upfront licensing fee ($5 million per license) and ongoing annual tax revenues (10% of adjusted gross receipts).
  • Education Fund would receive wagering tax revenue, aligning with state education funding mechanisms.
  • Local options taxes could provide additional municipal revenue if adopted.

Affected Parties

  • Licensees: Prospective casino operators (up to two).
  • State Government: Board of Liquor and Lottery, Commissioner of Taxes, Department of Liquor and Lottery administration framework.
  • Municipalities: Potential local revenue via permissive casino gaming taxes (if enacted locally).
  • Wagerers/Players: Subjects of casino compliance, taxation, and consumer protections (to be established via Board rules).

Effective Date

  • The act would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Notes and Context

  • The bill codifies a new regulatory framework within Vermont’s existing liquor and lottery structure.
  • It sets explicit licensing terms, financial obligations, and a dedicated tax stream to the Education Fund.
  • As introduced, it creates a potential two-license market with a five-year term (renewable), and a separate mechanism for local option taxes.

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

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