Legal sports betting has been operational in New Hampshire since December 30, 2019 when Governor Chris Sununu placed the state’s ceremonial first wager from his phone at Shoppers Pub + Eatery at Indian Head in Manchester. DraftKings made a deal with New Hampshire to be the state’s only regulated sportsbook in exchange for tax revenue and thus bettors in the Granite State have no other regulated options. DraftKings has opened up in-person sportsbooks at casinos in Dover (The Brook), Manchester (Filotimo), and Dover (Filotimo).
You’ve likely seen advertisements for DraftKings, New Hampshire’s only option for legal sports betting. In this article, I share with you details on DraftKings and explain how to get started betting on sports. I also provide information on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which New England teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.
is sports betting legal in new hampshire
Sports betting became legal in New Hampshire on July 16, 2019 when Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 480 (HB 480) into law. That bill didn’t include provisions to allow for live betting (known by lawmakers as “Tier II betting”) but the passage of House Bill 330 in 2021 did, so it’s now legal to bet on Red Sox games during the 7th inning stretch. It’s worth mentioning that the Granite State is one of the few states that allows 18, 19, and 20-year olds to place sports bets. Betting on the next New England Patriots player selected in the NFL Draft is permitted, but wagering on in-state college teams isn’t.
New hampshire quick facts
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Timeline of betting legislation & latest news
New Hampshire’s state motto is, “Life Free or Die” so it makes sense that their residents have the right to bet on sports. At first, live betting was off the table for New Hampshire bettors, but that was quickly corrected with the passage of new legislation in 2021.
May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for each state to legalize sports betting.
january 10, 2019
House Bill 480 (HB 480) introduced in the N.H. house, the bill seeks to legalize sports betting in the state.
march 19, 2019
HB 480 passes in the house by a vote of 269-82.
June 13, 2019
HB 480 passes, with amendments, in the senate by a vote of 16-8 and the house agreed to the amendments on the same day via a voice vote.
July 16, 2019
Governor Chris Sununu signs HB 480 into law, officially legalizing sports betting in the state, but live betting wasn’t legalized in the bill.
December 30, 2019
New Hampshire launches mobile and retail betting in the state with Gov. Sununu placing the state’s ceremonial first bet on his phone from a sports bar in Manchester.
Janruary 9, 2021
House Bill 330 (HB 330) introduced in the house. The bill aims to allow for live betting and remove the restriction on the number of retail locations in the state.
july 9, 2021
Gov. Sununu signs HB 330, officially removing the state’s restriction on live betting.
november 2, 2021
Nashua voters approve the building of a retail sports betting location in their city even though they voted against the same measure two years prior.
july 8, 2024
New details revealed by ECL Entertainment about a new 2-story gaming facility in Nashua expected to be complete by the end of the year.
august 19, 2024
There are no indications New Hampshire plans to expand its sports betting options beyond DraftKings. New Hampshire can currently tax DraftKings at a rate of 51%, but if it were to allow other operators, then DraftKings would only need to pay the state 21%. Both sides seem happy with this arrangement so far.
how to start betting in new hampshire
Sports betting in New Hampshire is straightforward thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state. If you’re in New Hampshire, are 18+, and have a valid social security number, you can download DraftKings, the state’s only sports betting app. From there you can deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.
download Draftkings
First, download the DraftKings mobile app. DraftKings is the state’s only legal and regulated online sportsbook for use inside New Hampshire state lines.
Create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
Deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose you bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
With no pro sports teams located in New Hampshire, sports fans across the state mostly gravitate towards the professional sports teams located in nearby Massachusetts. The New England Patriots have a strong following in New Hampshire, and the popularity of hockey and basketball across the state leads to plenty of support for the Boston Bruins and Celtics as well.
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USA Betting News
Responsible gaming message from new hampshire
Confidential help with gambling addiction is available in New Hampshire by calling a hotline facilitated by the New Hampshire Council for Responsible Gambling (NHCRG) at 603-724-1605 or the national helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The NHCRG’s website features several useful links for those seeking help including educational Youtube videos, a gambling screening questionnaire, and a link to Gambler’s Anonymous for those interested in attending meetings with others who are on a similar path.
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