Vermont

Last updated: 3/13/2026

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Poker laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific legal questions about hosting poker games.

Home game poker is a gray area in Vermont. Vermont has no general social gambling exception, and 13 V.S.A. § 2141 reaches individual players who win or lose money at any game, though the penalty is a small fine and prosecutions of private games are not reported. There are no commercial casinos or card rooms in the state, and gaming by nonprofits is permitted only under the narrow charitable exemption.

Home Games

Gray Area

Vermont does not have a general social gambling exception. 13 V.S.A. § 2141 penalizes a person who wins or loses money 'by play or hazard at any game,' with a fine of $10 to $200, and § 2133 addresses gambling houses. Enforcement against modest private games appears rare, but home games are not affirmatively authorized.

Conditions

No rake, house cut, or other profit from hosting
Game should be in a private residence, not a place maintained for gambling
Keep stakes modest

Age: 18+

Charitable Gaming

Legal - Limited

Charitable gaming operates under the nonprofit exemption at 13 V.S.A. § 2143, which is the only carve-out from Vermont's gambling prohibitions. Qualifying organizations may hold games of chance events subject to detailed statutory conditions and limits.

License: Required

Commercial Poker

Not Permitted

Vermont does not have commercial casinos or card rooms.

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