Professional gambling is illegal in Vermont. The purpose of the gambling laws is to ensure that only nonprofit organizations operate games of chance and to ensure that the proceeds from the games go to charity. All funds raised by a nonprofit organization, except for the prizes and certain expenses specifically allowed by statute, must be used for charitable, educational, religious, or civic undertakings.
Special rules apply to the sale of break-open tickets.
All proceeds from the sale of break-open tickets on premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must be used for charitable purposes. Only bona fide nonprofit organizations that have engaged in charitable, educational, religious or civic activities in Vermont may operate games of chance. A nonprofit organization may exceed the prize limitations four days per year, so long as the days are at least 20 days apart. The entire proceeds from break-open ticket sales on premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must be used for charitable purposes. The law allows payments for equipment and for advertising, so long as these expenses are reasonable.