Legal Betting in New Hampshire

Introduction

And now that it’s regulated, and fun for everyone, it’s generating new revenue to fund key state services, including education, and bringing illegal and offshore activity to the surface. The state has put in place a rigorous framework to regulate the industry and protect consumers. This post will cover whether you can bet in New Hampshire, who the major operator is, where you can place wagers, the types of bets you can place, as well as the rules and regulations for the industry. In-depth coverage of areas including economic contributions and responsible gambling ensure additional facets of the betting world are also well covered.

Legal Framework for Betting

Governor Chris Sununu signed the House Bill 480, which allows both online and retail sportsbooks in July 2019. The first bet was placed on December 30, 2019, when the market went live. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission regulates all sports betting, ensuring operations comply with the state standards. The threshold age to gamble is 21, in line with many other U.S. states. Bettors from both inside and outside of the state are allowed to wager, the latter as long as they are present in New Hampshire for online bets (through geolocation technology).

Under an exclusive contract, the only such exclusive deal among the 19 states with similar laws, DraftKings is the only online sports betting operator, limiting competition but also streamlining regulatory oversight. Retail sportsbooks are allowed at various venues, but without commercial casinos or racetracks, New Hampshire has limited in-person options. The other forms of legal gambling are the state lottery and parimutuel betting on horse racing, though the state has yet to allow any pari-mutuel betting. Online casino gambling as well as commercial casinos are still not allowed.

Service Provider and Retail Locations

DraftKings is the sole online operator in New Hampshire’s sports betting market. The app's mobile platform offers a full complement of betting options, and players must be located within state borders to place a wager. The company, with its monopoly position, provides uniform user experience and easier-to-regulate market, but restricts consumer’s options.

In-person betting is allowed at certain sites affiliated with DraftKings, including Filotimo Casino in Manchester and The Brook in Seabrook. These are places with retail sportsbooks, where you can bet in person in lively, sports-centric spaces. Other retail locations, which could include bars and restaurants in certain circumstances, could have betting through DraftKings kiosk terminals, setting up squares for wagering in cities such as Nashua and Concord. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission regulates these retailers and require them to comply with laws such as age verification, and responsible gaming measures.

Types of Bets Available

New Hampshire’s sports betting market supports a variety of wager types, catering to diverse preferences. Common options include:

  • Moneyline Bets: Wagering on the outright winner of a game or event.
  • Point Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory or defeat relative to a set point spread.
  • Over/Under Bets: Predicting whether a game’s total score will exceed or fall below a specified number.
  • Prop Bets: Wagering on specific in-game outcomes, such as individual player statistics.
  • Parlay Bets: Combining multiple bets for a higher payout, requiring all selections to win.
  • Live Betting: Placing wagers during a game, with odds updating in real-time.

These bets cover major sports like football, basketball, and hockey, as well as niche markets like golf and esports, reflecting the broad appeal of the state’s betting offerings.

Key Information About New Hampshire’s Betting Sphere

  • Licensed Online Operator: DraftKings
  • Minimum Betting Age: 21
  • Regulatory Body: New Hampshire Lottery Commission
  • Types of Legal Gambling: Sports betting, state lottery, parimutuel horse racing
  • Prohibited Activities: Online casino gambling, commercial casinos

Economic Impact of Sports Betting

New Hampshire’s economy has been strengthened by sports betting through the generated tax revenue and jobs it’s provided. Half its betting profits are funneled into the state’s general fund — much of that which goes to fund education. This has been especially crucial in a state without traditional gambling destinations like casinos. Retail sportsbooks and betting kiosks have also led to employment, especially in hospitality spots housing DraftKings partnerships. The economic benefit serves to underscore the economic importance of a regulated betting market that facilitates growth in public and private sector employment.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Responsible gambling is emphasized in New Hampshire to take care of any odd risk. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission requires that DraftKings and retailers offer problem gambling resources, such as self-exclusion programs and counseling service information. There is a need for recommendations for responsible gambling including the possibility to limit the spending and to be able to see warning signs for addiction both online and in real life venues. State-run campaigns serve to maintain awareness to keep gambling industry honest and in the best interest of consumers.

Regulatory Background and Recent Developments

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission has an open regulatory structure that includes audits to ensure DraftKings and retail outlets follow laws governing data privacy, fair odds and consumer protection. New developments have also seen an improvement to geo-location software that has stopped out-of-state gambling and tougher age verification mechanisms. Although the exclusivity of DraftKings has created concerns over the level of competition in the market, it has facilitated a more orderly and C-skilled open market, with the opportunity for growth as the betting market develops.

Detailed Betting Sphere Information

Aspect Details
Legalization Date July 12, 2019
First Legal Bet December 30, 2019
Tax Revenue Allocation 50% to general fund (primarily education)
Retail Locations Up to 10, subject to state discretion
Geolocation Requirement Mandatory for online betting

Conclusion

Legal sports betting in New Hampshire — which launched in 2019 — has created a regulated and stable market. Exclusivity online and retail partnerships with the likes of Filotimo Casino and The Brook would give DraftKings lovers in RI choices for making bets. A wide range of bet offerings, including moneyline and live betting, appeal to different interests, and the strong oversight of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission gives you peace of mind. It is this ability to contribute economically to the greater good, especially in terms of education, and to manage the issue of responsible gambling which is so important to the industry. With New Hampshire in the process of developing its betting model, it is an example for states without a traditional gambling system who implement regulated sports betting.