Is Sports Betting Legal in New Hampshire? Everything You Need to Know

How New Hampshire Legalized Sports Betting

New Hampshire’s journey to legal sports betting began with a rich gambling history, including its pioneering state lottery in 1964 and parimutuel betting on horse and greyhound racing since 1933.

The salient moment came with the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA, which overturned the 1992 PASPA law, empowering states to regulate sports betting.

On July 12, 2019, Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 480, legalizing online and retail sports betting under the New Hampshire Lottery Commission’s oversight. DraftKings was selected as the sole operator in November 2019 from 13 proposals, offering a 51% revenue share for online bets and 50% for retail, outpacing competitors.

The first legal bet was placed on December 30, 2019, with retail sportsbooks launching in August 2020 at The Brook. In 2021, HB 330 expanded in-game betting. A January 2025 proposal to raise the betting age to 21 was rejected, maintaining the 18-year-old minimum.

New Hampshire’s model, leveraging existing Lottery authority, contrasts with multi-operator states like New Jersey, prioritizing revenue over competition.

New Hampshire Sports Betting Regulations

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission tightly regulates sports betting, ensuring a secure environment. Bettors must be 18 or older and located within state lines, verified by GeoComply for online wagers and ID checks at retail sites.

Using VPNs to bypass geofencing risks fines up to $1,200 or 30 days in jail. DraftKings shares 51% of online revenue and 50% of retail revenue with the state, funding education, while winnings over $600 face a 24% federal tax and a 5% state interest and dividends tax above $2,400.

Betting is allowed on professional and college sports, but in-state college teams like UNH Wildcats and Dartmouth Big Green, games played in New Hampshire, and college player prop bets are prohibited to protect athletes. High school sports, politics, and entertainment awards are also banned, and esports betting is limited.

Federal laws target illegal operators, with state penalties including up to 7 years in prison and $100,000 fines for unlicensed gambling.

DraftKings uses encryption and multi-factor authentication, while retail sites maintain audited odds, offering a safer alternative to offshore platforms.

Where to Bet in New Hampshire: Top Sportsbooks

New Hampshire offers a focused yet vibrant betting experience through DraftKings’ online and retail platforms:

DraftKings Sportsbook (Online): Launched in December 2019, DraftKings is the sole online provider, accessible on iOS, Android, and web. It features live betting, same-game parlays, and tools like Sportsbook Pools and Teasers+, with promotions like “No Sweat Bet Up to $100” and Dynasty Rewards. Geofencing ensures bets are placed within state lines.

Retail Sportsbooks:

• The Brook (Seabrook): Opened August 2020, it offers a lively betting lounge with large screens, kiosks, and dining.
• Filotimo Casino & Restaurant (Manchester and Dover): Features betting windows, kiosks, and a social atmosphere.
• Gate City Casino (Nashua): A modern venue with HD TVs and self-service kiosks.
• The Casino at Hampton Beach: Provides a coastal betting experience with DraftKings’ amenities.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy operate legally, offering skill-based contests regulated by the Lottery Commission.

The single-operator model limits variety but ensures a seamless experience, with retail venues enhancing social engagement for bettors.

Recent Developments in New Hampshire Sports Betting

[February 18, 2025]: New Hampshire Bettors Cash In as Eagles Win Super Bowl Rematch 

[January 28, 2025]: New Hampshire Keeps Sports Betting Age at 18, Considers Online Casino Bill 

[January 23, 2025]: New Hampshire Sports Betting Handle Reaches $80.8 Million in December 

What Can You Bet On in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s betting options cater to diverse interests, shaped by its sports culture and regulations:

Bet Types: Moneyline bets predict winners, spreads focus on victory margins, totals wager on combined scores, parlays combine multiple bets, same-game parlays target single events, futures cover long-term outcomes, and live betting adjusts odds during games.

Professional Sports: Boston teams dominate, with the Patriots (NFL), Celtics (NBA), Red Sox (MLB), and Bruins (NHL) driving bets. The New England Revolution (MLS) and UFC/MMA are also popular, supported by DraftKings’ partnerships.

College Sports: Betting on college teams is allowed, but in-state teams like UNH Wildcats and Dartmouth Big Green, or games in New Hampshire, are restricted, except in multi-state tournaments. College player prop bets are banned.

Restricted Markets: High school sports, politics, entertainment awards, and most esports are prohibited, pushing some bettors to offshore sites.

Cultural Influence: Proximity to Boston fuels betting on its teams, while NASCAR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway adds variety.

DraftKings’ monopoly limits market diversity, but its platform ensures broad appeal.

Economic Impact of Sports Betting in New Hampshire

Sports betting significantly boosts New Hampshire’s economy, driven by DraftKings’ high revenue share. In September 2024, the betting handle reached $75 million, generating $9.28 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR).

The 2024 fiscal year saw a $796.38 million handle and $79.07 million GGR, compared to $822.1 million and $80 million in 2023. Since December 2019, the market has surpassed $2.97 billion in handle and $241 million in GGR, with the state’s 51% online revenue share yielding $35.5 million in taxes in 2023, funding education.

Retail sportsbooks at The Brook and Filotimo Casino create jobs in hospitality and gaming, supporting local economies in Seabrook and Nashua. Compared to New Jersey’s $12.8 billion or New York’s $25.1 billion handles in 2024, New Hampshire’s market is smaller but efficient due to its high revenue share.

Retail venues drive tourism, particularly near Massachusetts, enhancing local businesses with dining and entertainment options.

Risks of Offshore Betting: Why Stick to Legal Options?

Some New Hampshire bettors use offshore sites for broader markets, including college prop bets, esports, politics, and entertainment awards, often lured by better odds and cryptocurrency payments.

However, these platforms are illegal under New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 287-I, risking fines up to $1,200 or 30 days in jail. Federal laws like the Wire Act and UIGEA may lead to account seizures.

Financially, offshore sites can delay or withhold payouts, close accounts arbitrarily, or disappear, leaving bettors vulnerable. Data security is a concern, as unregulated platforms lack U.S. protections, increasing risks of fraud and identity theft.

Unlike DraftKings, which offers audited odds, encryption, and responsible gambling tools, offshore sites provide no consumer safeguards, heightening addiction risks. Legal platforms ensure fair odds, secure transactions, and reliable payouts, making them the safer choice.

Keeping Betting Safe in New Hampshire

New Hampshire prioritizes responsible gambling to ensure betting remains enjoyable. DraftKings offers tools like deposit limits, bet caps, session timers, and self-exclusion options from six months to five years.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) provides 24/7 support, while the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling offers local assistance at (603) 724-1605. In 2020, 2.2% of New Hampshire adults faced gambling issues, with the state allocating $500,000 in 2024 from Lottery revenue for treatment programs.

By February 2024, sports betting taxes had contributed $100 million to education. Bettors should set budgets at 1–5% of disposable income, take 30–60-minute breaks, avoid chasing losses, and balance betting with activities like hiking the White Mountains or attending NASCAR events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. These practices keep betting fun and safe.

Future Trends in New Hampshire Sports Betting

New Hampshire’s sports betting market is stable but poised for potential growth as DraftKings’ exclusive contract nears its 2025 expiration. No major legislative changes are confirmed as of July 2025, but a shift to a multi-operator model could boost competition, offering better odds and promotions.

The 2025 HB 2 bill, expanding video lottery terminals, signals openness to gambling growth. Retail sportsbooks may expand to new venues, enhancing tourism in areas like Seabrook.

Restrictions on in-state college teams and player prop bets will likely persist to protect athletes. With a $2.97 billion handle since 2019, New Hampshire’s market supports local economies and education, with future growth hinging on competition and innovation.

Is sports betting legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, legal online via DraftKings and at retail sportsbooks since July 2019.

Where can I bet in New Hampshire?

Online through DraftKings or at The Brook, Filotimo Casino (Manchester/Dover), Gate City Casino, and The Casino at Hampton Beach.

Can I bet on UNH Wildcats or Dartmouth Big Green?

No, in-state college teams or games in New Hampshire are restricted, except in multi-state tournaments.

What’s the minimum betting age?

18, verified by geolocation and ID checks.

What bets are available?

Moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, futures, live betting; no high school, politics, or entertainment bets.

What are offshore betting risks?

Legal penalties, payment delays, data breaches, and no responsible gambling tools.

Where can I get help for gambling issues?

Call 1-800-GAMBLER or (603) 724-1605 for local support.