Sports Betting Bill Soars Through NH House

CONCORD – Legalized sports betting is likely coming to New Hampshire after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow up to 10 venues across the state, as well as online betting, on most major professional and college events.

The House passed the bill by a 269-82 margin. With Gov. Chris Sununu in favor of sports betting – having already included $10 million of expected revenue from it in the next budget – the Granite State is in line to become the second state in New England to legalize sports gambling.

Rhode Island is the only state in New England where sports betting is currently legal at two locations, but Massachusetts also has a bill under consideration to bring sports betting to its three casinos with Encore Harbor Boston in Everett scheduled to open this summer.

The state bill would not allow betting on high school sports and most college sports involving teams from New Hampshire. As is the case with Keno in the state, each city or town would have to authorize sports betting before a venue there could be considered.

One of the venues vying for a license figures to be Seabrook Greyhound Park, which is set to undergo a major renovation over the next six to nine months, and is the only location in the state that currently accepts wagering on live sporting events at its off-tracking horse and dog racing betting area.

Andre Carrier, Chief Operating Officer of Eureka Casino and Resort, which purchased Seabrook last month, told Patch on Monday that he supports physical locations for sports betting with experienced staff and oversight from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

"Being right here on the Massachusetts border it's a good idea to import some tax revenue and we're here to help," he said of Seabrook.

The bill now goes to the Senate where its passage is considered likely.