New Hampshire Legal Sports Betting

New Hampshire is a forgotten state in the Northeast, but it really shouldn’t be. Not when it’s such a scenically beautiful state in the region, and also beat out its neighbors to offer legal sports betting. However, in true Nee Hampshire fashion, it chose to do things differently with a single-operator model — not a free market.

Stick with us for an in-depth breakdown of everything you need to know about betting in New Hampshire. In the next five to seven minutes, we’ll cover the state's unique approach to sports betting. This is must-read info you live or find yourself within the Granite State.

Is Sports Betting Legal In New Hampshire?

Yes, sports betting became legal in New Hampshire in December 2019. That was years ahead of nearby states like Massachusetts or New York so credit to New Hampshire for being ahead of the curve.

But the state chose to give its full sports betting license to DraftKings. The platform struck an exclusive deal with the New Hampshire Lottery in November 2019. Part of the deal was DraftKings succumbing to the state’s hefty 51-percent tax which is tied for the most in the country (New York ended up copying New Hampshire),

The DraftKings app works statewide under the agreement. Moreover, there are a few retail sportsbooks that are branded DraftKings. But even then, bets can only be made on the app or nearby kiosks — there are no actual workers there to accept and payout bets.

International Online Sportsbooks Available In New Hampshire

New Hampshire has made strides in legal sports betting, allowing residents to enjoy various wagering options. However, bettors should be aware of certain restrictions that apply to state-regulated sportsbooks. In New Hampshire, while you can place bets on most major sports, state law prohibits wagers on political events and entertainment props. Additionally, there are limitations on betting involving in-state college teams, such as the University of New Hampshire. These restrictions can limit your options, especially if you're looking to bet on local college games or unique events.

This is where international sportsbooks offer a valuable alternative. Offshore platforms allow bettors to engage in wagering on political outcomes, explore a full range of college sports without restrictions, and access various specialty markets that New Hampshire’s legal sportsbooks don’t provide. If you’re interested in betting on local college teams or significant political events, international sportsbooks can greatly enhance your betting experience.

Safety and reliability are common concerns with offshore betting, but the international sportsbooks we recommend have been thoroughly vetted for security and trustworthiness. Our team has used these platforms for years, ensuring they provide fast payouts, fair odds, and excellent customer service. By choosing these trusted offshore operators, you can confidently expand your betting options while enjoying peace of mind about the safety of your funds and personal information.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In New Hampshire

There's only one show in town, and that’s DraftKings. No need to say anything else besides the obvious!

New Hampshire Online Sportsbook Comparison

Normally, we’d break down several sportsbooks for you but since DraftKings has exclusive rights in the state, let’s focus entirely on its app.

First off, you can expect a slick, user-friendly experience. There’s a reason DraftKings is a go-to for so many bettors nationwide. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned bettor, the app makes it easy to navigate, place bets, and track your activity. It’s fast, intuitive, and hassle-free. No complaints from us here.

But where DraftKings truly stands out is its live betting. Thanks to its AI-driven technology, odds are updated in almost real-time, which is vital when you’re betting on fast-paced sports like basketball or football. If you love in-play action, DraftKings delivers a wide variety of live options across both major and minor sports. The industry is headed toward this direction so it’s good that DraftKings is already on the bleeding edge.

If there’s a knock on DraftKings, it’s the bonuses. New users get a $250 free bet with just a $5 qualifying wager. While that’s a decent offer, especially for casual bettors, it’s not as jaw-dropping as other apps. But when you’ve got a monopoly like DraftKings does in New Hampshire, you don’t need to offer free play on a silver platter like you would elsewhere with competition.

All in all, while it might be a one-horse race in New Hampshire, bettors lucked out with DraftKings running the show. Its strong platform and exceptional live betting make it a killer option.

New Hampshire Quick Facts

What You Can’t Bet On In New Hampshire?

There are some betting markets completely blocked off to New Hampshire bettors. Here’s  what you need to know:

College sports: Bettors are not allowed to wager on in-state college teams. This means you can’t throw money on schools like Dartmouth or the University of New Hampshire. However, betting on out-of-state college teams is fully permitted.

Casino: The state has no casinos — and that goes for in-person or online too.

Non-sporting events: You won’t be able to place bets on things like political elections, award shows, or entertainment outcomes (e.g., WWE or movie plots) in New Hampshire. Sports betting remains focused strictly on athletic competitions.

For those seeking to bet on these markets, offshore sportsbooks might be the perfect alternative. These platforms often operate outside U.S. regulations and can provide more betting options than DraftKings could ever dream of.

Who Can Legally Bet In New Hampshire?

New Hampshire may have its quirks when it comes to sports betting, but there’s plenty to be excited about. Here’s what is in the table:

Legal age: To legally place sports bets in New Hampshire, you must be 18 years old. This is younger than most states, which typically set the minimum age at 21.

Mobile betting: Yes, New Hampshire allows mobile betting through DraftKings, which means you can place bets from anywhere in the state. Whether you're at home, at the bar, or out and about, the app has you covered.

Remote registration: New Hampshire offers easy online registration. You don’t need to go anywhere in person to get started — just download the DraftKings app and complete the registration process there. Takes a few minutes!

Taxable winnings: Good news: there is no state income tax in the state. Bad news: the federal government still does and expects any winnings to be reported as income.

Latest New Hampshire Betting News

Nov 2, 2024 01:51 PM

New Hampshire Sports Betting Revenue Enjoys Substantial Year-Over-Year Increase

Aug 15, 2024 12:08 PM

Will New Hampshire Sports Betting Ever Branch Out Beyond Draft Kings?

Aug 31, 2023 06:19 AM

New Hampshire Sports Betting Feeling Effects of Widespread Legal Gambling

Dec 12, 2024 05:33 AM

Details of 2025 Missouri Sports Betting Launch are Starting to Trickle Out

New Hampshire Sportsbooks & Casinos

New Hampshire has no tribal casinos in the state, nor commercial properties. The state only has charitable casinos. There's five by our count, but these three, in particular, stir interest among locals:

• The River Casino and Sports Bar is a charitable casino in New Hampshire, they have 6 tables that offer New Hampshire Hold’em, Flop 22 and a huge poker room with 12 tables. They have plenty of other games like Blackjack and Roulette as well as a variety of slot machines. Their sports bar will draw all of the sports bettors and fans, as it has a wall of televisions to watch the big game.
• The Lakes Region Casino, formerly the Lodge at Belmont has table games, poker and pull tabs. They have set open times, but no closing times - if there are patrons in the casino, they stay open. Their sports bar is a big draw, with pool tables, live music, and always has sports on.
• The Brook (Seabrook Park) is perhaps the largest charitable gaming venue in the state. It offers poker, table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as simulcast racing (greyhound and horse racing). The Brook also has a sports bar and dining options, making it a full entertainment destination.

DraftKings has a retail sportsbook at the Brook. However, bets can only made at kiosks there. It's a great hangout spot though!

New Hampshire Sports Betting Legalization Timeline

Here's how the state ended up where it did with legal sports betting:

2018-2019: NH Gets Out Of The Gate Early

New Hampshire wasted almost no time in getting their sports betting legalized. They had sports betting bills being considered as soon as Delaware and New Jersey had set their precedent.

In June 2019, House Bill 480 had almost no problem as it sailed through the House. After a few amendments in the Senate, Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill on July 16, 2019, legalizing sports betting in New Hampshire.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of New Hampshire Sports Betting

2024

• 2024 – The Concord Casino’s gaming license is suspended for six months due to the owner’s misuse of over $840,000 from an economic injury disaster loan.

2023

• 2023 – In January, New Hampshire records its third-largest sports betting handle at $97.1 million, following January 2022 and October 2021. Legal Massachusetts online sports betting in March leads to a $24 million (32%) year-over-year decline in New Hampshire’s sports betting handle in May.

2022

• 2022 – New Hampshire achieves a total sports betting handle of $891.7 million in 2022. October, November, and December mark the fourth, fifth, and sixth largest months for sports betting handle since legalization in 2019. The state nets approximately $66.4 million in revenue from sports betting for the year.

2021

• 2021 – HB 330 and HB 354 are passed to refine New Hampshire’s sports betting law.

2019

• 2019 – The state legislature considers legal sports betting during the 2019 session. Governor Chris Sununu includes sports betting revenue in the budget, but the passage of enabling legislation is uncertain.

How To Bet On Sports In New Hampshire?

DraftKings has one of the deepest sportsbook menus around. That means bettors will have their pick of what to bet on. Still, these markets are the most popular:

How To Bet On Football In New Hampshire?

Even without a pro football team, football reigns supreme in the New Hampshire sports betting scene. DraftKings will make a killing from September to February when NFL and college football is in full swing. It cumulates with the Super Bowl, which is the most bet-on event of all. Look out for DraftKings’ Super Bowl props during this big game — there will be plenty.

How To Bet On Basketball In New Hampshire?

New Hampshire basketball betting thrives on the NBA and March Madness. Though there’s no local NBA team, Boston Celtics’ games are naturally a big draw for the state's sports bettors. College basketball also gets a lot of attention, particularly when March Madness rolls around, making it one of the busiest betting periods of the year.

How To Bet On Baseball In New Hampshire?

If there’s one sport that bettors can make an absolute killing off of — if they know what they’re doing — it’s America’s pastime, baseball. MLB offers the most consistent betting opportunities with its 162-game regular season. That means baseball fans in New Hampshire can place bets almost every day for half the year. Theres just no other sport that can come close to rivaling that.

How To Bet On Fighting In New Hampshire?

Combat sports like UFC and boxing continue to grow in popularity in New Hampshire. Most fights cards take place on weekends, and DraftKings offers a wide array of betting options for every fight card — moneyline, over/unders, props, etc. From high-profile championship bouts to little-known prospects duking it out, there's something for every fight fan looking to place a wager.

Betting on New Hampshire Teams

New Hampshire doesn’t have any pro teams. That means the majority of locals latch on to the teams most closest to them, and that’s Boston. There’s a lot of local Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox fans. It’s perfect because DraftKings is also Boston-based so you know they offer a bevy of betting odds on those franchises.

Betting on New Hampshire NCAA Teams

When it comes to college sports, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats take center stage. The Wildcats compete in a number of sports, but their football and hockey teams are the most well-known. In particular, college hockey in New Hampshire is a big deal, and fans love placing bets on their local team during the NCAA tournament or regular season. The state also has Ivy League school in Dartmouth that has a decent basketball program.

New Hampshire Betting Revenue Statistics

Typically, we like to talk sports betting revenues here. However, we couldn’t help but be intrigued when we heard this come through the news cycle — the state of New Hampshire set all-time revenue records in its lottery. It’s true, during the past fiscal year (July 2023 - June 2024), lottery games brought in $631 million for the state. This was a record number and five percent more than the fiscal year before. Signs of the times? Bettors are increasingly trying to “hit it big” it seems like.

But at least,the money is going to a good cause. Over $200 million of that revenue has gotten kicked back to the state’s education fund. To put the number in perspective, the state has made $114.8 million in revenue from sports betting since it launched until the end of fiscal year 2023. All this is to say, the lottery is a good business!

Other Types Of Betting In Hampshire

Beyond traditional sports betting, New Hampshire offers several other ways to enjoy gambling legally. The state has charitable gaming casinos that allow for limited casino-style gaming such as poker, blackjack, and table games, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. While these aren’t full-fledged casinos like those in Las Vegas, they offer a good variety of games for local gamblers.

Horse race betting is also permitted in New Hampshire, both in-person and online. The state allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, which means you can place bets at local tracks or through certain online platforms.

Moreover, New Hampshire runs a state lottery that includes popular national games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as state-specific options like scratch-offs and the Tri-State Lotto. Tickets for these can be purchased at retail locations throughout the state, and the lottery continues to be a popular form of gambling for residents.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Interested in placing bets outside of the Granite State? We’ve got you covered! Choose a state below, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bet legally. Simply click one of the links to get all the details:

Responsible Gaming in New Hampshire

While betting in New Hampshire can be a thrilling and sometimes profitable hobby, it's crucial to remain mindful of the risks that come with gambling. Betting can start as a fun activity, but if not monitored, it has the potential to lead to financial difficulties, stress, or even addiction. Recognizing when things are getting out of hand is key to maintaining control.

Some warning signs might be subtle but they’re worth paying attention to. Here are a few red flags to watch for in yourself and friends too:

Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've already lost by placing even more bets.

Betting beyond your means: Using funds intended for essential needs like rent or groceries.

Constant preoccupation: Thinking about betting frequently, planning your next wager, or obsessing over past wins or losses.

Escalating risk: Increasing the amount you bet in an effort to keep up the same level of excitement.

If you notice any of these behaviors in yourself or someone close to you, it’s time to take a step back. Luckily, New Hampshire offers several resources to help maintain control over gambling habits:

New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling (https://www.nhproblemgambling.org/)

This non-profit organization provides support, education, and resources for individuals affected by problem gambling. They offer a 24/7 confidential helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Gamblers Anonymous New Hampshire (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)

A peer-led support group that holds meetings across New Hampshire to help individuals address their gambling challenges. Visit their website for meeting locations and times.

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/behavioral-health/problem-gambling)
Offers information on problem gambling services and treatment options within the state.

National resources are also out there:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.