New Hampshire Sports Betting Laws
New Hampshire was the 16th US state to legalize sports betting, signed into law in July 2019 and launched in December 2019. The legal framework is unusually concentrated: one operator under a long-term exclusive contract, regulated by the NH Lottery Commission, with the highest tax rate in the country.
How the Law Works
51% Revenue Share
DraftKings pays 51% of gross gaming revenue to the state. Tied with Rhode Island and New York for the highest rate in the US. Most revenue flows to the Education Trust Fund.
Single Operator Mandate
NH Lottery Commission selected one mobile and retail operator through competitive bidding. DraftKings won in November 2019 by offering the most aggressive revenue share. Contract extended through June 30, 2028.
18+ Minimum Age
One of the lowest legal betting ages in the US. An August 2025 attempt to raise the age to 21 failed in the legislature.
Remote Registration
Unlike Nevada, NH allows full remote account signup. Identity verification is electronic; no in-person visit required.
College Prop Restriction
No player prop bets on in-state college teams (UNH Wildcats). Spreads, totals, and moneylines on UNH games remain legal.
Education Trust Funding
Most NH sports betting tax revenue funds K-12 public education through the New Hampshire Education Trust Fund. DraftKings has contributed over $172M since 2019.
Key Laws & Bills
2019 HB 480
Signed July 12, 2019 by Gov. Chris SununuThe foundational law. Authorized sports wagering in NH, created the Division of Sports Wagering within the NH Lottery Commission, and established the competitive bidding process that resulted in the DraftKings exclusive contract.
Full breakdown →2021 HB 330
Signed July 23, 2021 by Gov. Chris SununuTechnical amendments to HB 480. Refined definitions, clarified retail licensure procedures, and adjusted certain operator reporting requirements.
2021 HB 354
Signed July 23, 2021 by Gov. Chris SununuCompanion bill to HB 330. Adjusted regulatory authority of the Lottery Commission over sports wagering enforcement and disciplinary actions.
2017 HB 580
Signed July 18, 2017 by Gov. Chris SununuLegalized paid-entry daily fantasy sports contests in New Hampshire. Classified DFS as a game of skill rather than gambling, opening a multi-operator DFS market separate from the sportsbook monopoly.
Timeline of NH Sports Betting
Common Questions
What law made sports betting legal in New Hampshire?
HB 480, signed by Governor Chris Sununu on July 12, 2019. The bill created the Division of Sports Wagering within the NH Lottery Commission and authorized a competitive bidding process to select one or more operators.
Why is daily fantasy regulated separately?
HB 580, signed in July 2017, classified daily fantasy contests as games of skill rather than gambling. It predates the sports betting law (HB 480) by two years and operates under a different licensing framework — that’s why multiple DFS operators compete in NH while sportsbook is monopolized.
Can the NH Legislature add more sportsbooks?
Yes — but doing so would slash the state’s revenue share. The DraftKings contract specifies that adding competitors would drop the rate from 51% to 21% or lower. The state has strong financial incentive to maintain the monopoly.
Who regulates sports betting in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission, through its Division of Sports Wagering. The Division is responsible for operator licensing, compliance audits, problem gambling oversight, and monthly handle / revenue reporting.
Why did HB 480 pass when other states were still debating?
NH moved quickly post-PASPA (May 2018). The state already had legal pari-mutuel horse betting infrastructure, an established lottery commission, and bipartisan legislative support driven by interest in funding the Education Trust Fund.