Bingo in Vermont: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Vermont?

Yes, for nonprofits. 13 V.S.A. § 2143 lets a nonprofit organization “organize and execute” games of chance, including bingo, as long as the money goes to charitable, religious, educational or civic purposes. Fraternal groups can also use proceeds to support affiliated charitable causes.

Vermont does things differently from most states: there’s no state bingo license or bingo commission. The statute itself is the rulebook, and the penalties for breaking it are real, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense under several subsections. The Department of Liquor and Lottery licenses the manufacturers and distributors of break-open tickets (Vermont’s name for pull-tabs) under 31 V.S.A. chapter 23.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Vermont?

Section 2143 doesn’t set a minimum age for players. It does say a nonprofit may not let anyone under the age of majority organize or run a game of chance, though younger volunteers can help with tasks unrelated to running it, like the kitchen.

Because state law is silent on player age, each organization sets its own policy. Many halls stick to adults. Ask before you bring kids.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Vermont?

No. Vermont legalized online sports betting in 2024, but it hasn’t authorized online casino games or online bingo. The bingo statute pushes in the other direction: it bans bingo where numbers are communicated electronically or by satellite to players at another location, which rules out linked or remote games.

Free bingo apps with no cash payouts are fine. Our online bingo guide covers the main types of bingo sites and apps.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Vermont?

As of October 2026, no state law specifically bans sweepstakes casinos or sweepstakes bingo in Vermont, and we found no enforcement action against them. Industry trackers updated in summer 2026 show most major dual-currency brands accepting Vermont players, though at least one brand excludes the state on its own.

That’s a gray area, not a seal of approval. Several states have banned these sites since 2025, including New York and New Jersey. Learn how they work in our sweepstakes bingo explainer.

Where can you play bingo in Vermont?

Vermont bingo is small-town and volunteer-run. You’ll usually find it at:

• Fraternal lodges and veterans’ posts, such as Elks, Eagles, VFW and American Legion halls
• Parish halls and churches
• Agricultural fairs, which the statute allows to run games of chance for up to 12 consecutive days once a year
• Fire departments and civic clubs running seasonal fundraisers

Vermont has no tribal or commercial casinos. We haven’t listed specific halls because we couldn’t confirm current schedules. Local papers and community calendars are the best way to find a weekly game.

How to run a charity bingo game in Vermont

There’s no application to file with the state, but your group must follow § 2143 closely:

1. Confirm you’re a nonprofit under the definition in 31 V.S.A. § 1201.
2. Limit your game days. Games of chance can’t run on more than two days in a calendar week, with exceptions such as three consecutive days up to twice a year.
3. Respect the prize caps. Most single games are capped at $400 in value, with larger allowances for one game a day ($1,000), one a month ($5,000) and four special days a year.
4. Watch pay limits. No person may receive more than $2,000 a year for organizing or working games, and total pay across all workers is capped at $15,000 a year. Meals for volunteers don’t count.
5. Keep workers off the cards. Anyone working the game can’t play in that organization’s games the same day.
6. Screen your organizers. People convicted of a felony-level crime in the past 10 years can’t run games.

Our bingo fundraiser guide covers pricing, prizes and volunteers. Check sales tax and reporting obligations with the Vermont Department of Taxes.

If bingo or any gambling stops being fun, see our responsible gaming page or call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.