Regulated Sports Betting Now Legal In New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — Bipartisan legislation creating a division at the state lottery to regulate sports betting has been signed into law by the governor. Gov. Chris Sununu, R-NH, signed HB 480 into law on Friday, creating the Division of Sports Wagering inside the New Hampshire Lottery in an effort to provide regulation, transparency, and protection to Granite State gamblers who participate in the growing sports betting industry. Sununu called the bill "the right bet" for New Hampshire.

"With the exciting new addition of sports betting, the New Hampshire Lottery will continue to drive critical revenue, putting even more money into our educational system," he said. "Today’s action will provide financial support and important resources to help our public education system, which will benefit every child in every school across the state – a win for New Hampshire."

Charlie McIntyre, the executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery, called the creation of the division "an exciting new chapter" for the commission and the state and added the org was "well-positioned to strategically administer sports betting to maximize revenue and to protect our consumers."

According to the legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Timothy Lang, R-Sanbornton, the division will oversee all sports betting in the state and allow for mobile wagering. Bettors must be at least 18. It also prohibits bets on state college teams or any college games in the state.

"This bill brings sports betting – once treated as an illicit activity – into the light," Lang stated, "and in doing so, increases the freedoms and protections of New Hampshire citizens."

State Sen. Lou D'Allensandro, D-Manchester, agreed, saying that the framework established consumer protections and an open bidding process for vending to maximize revenue.

"In order to remain competitive in the state-controlled gaming arena, there is a need for this legislation," he said. "The Supreme Court decision made all of this possible, and as a state, we need to take advantage of this new opportunity."

The American Gaming Association also applauded the bill signing. In a statement, Bill Miller, the president and CEO of the org said Granite Staters "will now have a convenient, secure alternative to the dangerous illegal market that has operated in the state and across the country for decades. I’m encouraged that New Hampshire lawmakers joined their colleagues across the country in rejecting harmful integrity fees and official data mandates that interfere with the legal market’s ability to compete with illegal operators."

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