Is sports betting legal in New Hampshire? Yes, it is! Since July 12, 2019, New Hampshire has allowed residents and visitors to legally bet on various sports events. This makes it one of the growing number of states in the U.S. embracing this exciting pastime. New Hampshire residents and visitors aged 18 and over can enjoy both online and retail betting options from the comfort of their homes or while on the move.
New Hampshire offers a variety of ways to engage in sports betting. The state permits up to five mobile sports betting licenses and ten retail locations, enhancing accessibility for all interested bettors. Of note, DraftKings stands out as the main operator in the state, partnering exclusively with New Hampshire for online sports betting.
For those looking to join in, it’s simple to get started. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, you’ll find plenty of betting markets and types to explore. From major sports leagues to specialized events, New Hampshire provides a diverse range of options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Sports betting is legal in New Hampshire as of 2019.
- Residents can choose from online and retail betting options.
- The state has a selection of operators and offers various betting markets.
History of Sports Betting in New Hampshire
The journey to legalize sports betting in New Hampshire has a rich history. We will explore the early legislative efforts and the significant milestones leading to its legalization in 2019.
Early Legislation
The first notable event in New Hampshire’s gambling history was in 1933 with horse racing. Pari-mutuel betting was allowed, marking the state’s initial step into the gambling world. This development paved the way for future gambling activities.
In 1964, the New Hampshire Lottery was established. It was the first modern state lottery in the United States. This move showed New Hampshire’s pioneering spirit in gambling legislation.
Although gambling expanded with the lottery, efforts to legalize sports betting took much longer. Early attempts faced resistance due to concerns about gambling addiction and the complexity of gambling laws. Slowly but steadily, conversations about regulated sports betting gained traction among lawmakers and the public.
The Path to Legalization
After years of debate, significant progress came with the introduction of House Bill 480. Governor Chris Sununu signed this bill into law on July 12, 2019. With this legislation, New Hampshire became the 16th state to legalize sports betting.
By December 2019, the first legal sports bet was placed. The legalization allowed both retail and online sports betting, providing residents over 18 years old the opportunity to participate. The regulation provided clear guidelines for operators, ensuring a controlled environment for sports betting.
This milestone was pivotal in New Hampshire’s history, reflecting both legal and cultural shifts towards accepting and regulating sports betting responsibly. It opened up new revenue streams for the state, benefiting various public sectors.
Current Legal Landscape
Sports betting in New Hampshire is regulated and structured to ensure a secure and fair environment for bettors. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees the industry, with DraftKings playing a significant role in both online and retail options.
New Hampshire Lottery Commission
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of betting in the state, including sports betting. It ensures that all operations are conducted legally and ethically. The commission provides licenses to entities that wish to offer sports betting services, guaranteeing they meet strict standards. This regulatory oversight helps to maintain the integrity of sports betting and protects us as consumers. Both online and retail sports betting are monitored to ensure compliance with state laws.
Legal Sports Betting Entities
In New Hampshire, the only legal sports betting operator is DraftKings Sportsbook. They hold a monopoly over the market, as per agreements with the state. This means that any sports betting done legally in New Hampshire must go through DraftKings. By managing this monopoly, the state can control and regulate the activity more efficiently. This arrangement began in 2019, when sports betting was first legalized here. Our interactions and experiences with sports betting in the state are therefore predominantly influenced by DraftKings.
Online and Retail Options
Both online and retail sports betting are available to us in New Hampshire. Online sports betting can be conveniently accessed through the DraftKings app or website, which allows us to place bets from nearly anywhere within the state. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, retail sports betting is available at select locations. These retail options provide a physical space where we can place bets, watch games, and enjoy the atmosphere. The existence of both formats ensures that we have multiple ways to engage in sports betting legally and enjoyably.
Sports betting in New Hampshire, regulated by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and operated by DraftKings, offers us secure and accessible ways to bet both online and in retail settings.
How to Participate in Sports Betting
« Is Sports Betting Legal in Nevada: Everything You Need to Know
Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey? Everything You Need to Know »
Getting started with sports betting in New Hampshire is straightforward and fun. We’ll guide you on creating an account, depositing funds, and placing your first bets.
Creating an Account
First, you need to create an account with an online sportsbook. Residents of New Hampshire can use platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
Visit the sportsbook’s website or download their app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Next, click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button. You’ll need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. Some platforms may also require your Social Security number for verification purposes.
After filling out the necessary details, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to verify your account. Once verified, you’re ready to start betting.
Depositing Funds
Depositing funds into your sports betting account is easy. Most sportsbooks offer multiple deposit methods, including Credit/Debit Cards, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, PayPal, and PayNearMe.
Log into your account and navigate to the “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred deposit method.
For example, using a credit or debit card is straightforward: enter your card details and the amount you wish to deposit. If you prefer PayPal, you’ll be redirected to your PayPal login to complete the transaction securely.
Some sportsbooks offer bonus bets or deposit matches for new users. Keep an eye out for these promotions, as they can give you extra funds to start betting with.
Placing Bets
Now comes the fun part – placing your bets! Explore the different sports and events available on the sportsbook. You can bet on professional and college sports, but note that bets on in-state college teams or games played in New Hampshire are not allowed.
Once you find a match you’re interested in, click on it to view the available wagering options. These may include moneylines, point spreads, and more. Check the odds for each bet type.
For example, if you want to place an in-game bet, you can do so while the match is ongoing. This adds an extra layer of excitement as odds can change in real time.
Enter the amount you wish to wager, double-check your selections, and confirm your bet. If you win, the earnings will be added to your account balance, ready for your next bet or withdrawal.
Available Betting Markets and Types
In New Hampshire, sports betting covers a wide range of markets. From professional teams to college sports, bettors can engage in various forms of wagering activities.
Professional Sports Teams Bets
We can bet on some of the most popular professional sports teams in New Hampshire. This includes placing bets on teams like the Boston Celtics in the NBA, the New England Patriots in the NFL, and the Boston Red Sox in MLB. Additionally, the Boston Bruins in the NHL attract plenty of betting action.
These bets can include moneyline, spread, and point spread options. Bets on these teams are especially popular during major games and can offer various prop bets.
College and Amateur Sports Bets
Besides professional sports, New Hampshire also offers betting on college and amateur sports. We can place bets on college football, basketball, and other athletic events. The types of bets available for these events might be less varied than those for professional sports, but options like moneyline and point spreads still apply.
Betting on college sports adds another layer of excitement, especially during major tournaments and championships. Amateur sports, while not as widely covered, also provide specific betting opportunities.
Types of Wagers
Bettors in New Hampshire can choose from a variety of wager types. Common types include:
- Moneyline: Betting on which team will win the game.
- Spread: Betting on the point difference by which a team will win or lose.
- Parlays: Combining multiple bets into one, increasing the payout but also the risk.
- Prop Bets: These are bets on specific outcomes within a game, such as which player will score first.
This variety allows us to engage our betting strategies and preferences, whether we prefer straightforward bets or more complex wagers.
Promotions and Bonuses
Promotions and bonuses are a big part of the sports betting experience in New Hampshire. They can help us get the most out of our bets, whether we’re new to betting or have been doing it for years.
Understanding Promos
Promotions, often shortened to “promos,” are special offers that sportsbooks use to attract and keep customers. They can come in many forms, such as free bets, cash-back offers, or deposit matches. Promos are crucial because they give us more chances to win or reduce our losses. For example, many sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel offer promos to keep their users engaged and bring in new customers.
Types of Bonuses
Bonuses are often the main attraction when we start using a new sportsbook. They can be a welcome bonus when we first sign up or a reload bonus for existing customers. A common type of bonus is the “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets,” which is frequently seen at places like DraftKings. Other types include deposit bonuses, where the sportsbook matches a percentage of our deposit, and risk-free bets, which refund our bet if we lose.
Odds Boosts and Special Offers
Odds boosts are another exciting type of promotion. They temporarily increase the payout odds on certain bets, giving us a better return if our bet wins. These boosts can be found often during big sports events or playoffs. For example, both DraftKings and FanDuel frequently offer odds boosts on popular games. Special offers also include parlay boosts, which increase the potential payout of a multi-leg bet, and no sweat bets, where we might get our bet amount returned as a free bet if we lose.
By keeping an eye out for these promotions and bonuses, we can make our sports betting experience in New Hampshire more rewarding and enjoyable.
Responsible Gambling
In New Hampshire, responsible gambling practices ensure that sports betting remains fun and safe. Let’s explore safe betting practices and how to set limits and find support.
Safe Betting Practices
We always need to make sure we’re gambling responsibly. First, always bet what we are willing to lose. It’s important to stick to a budget. Another helpful tip is avoiding chasing losses. If we lose, we should accept it and move on.
Using reputable websites and apps is crucial. We should check for licensing and regulation. Be cautious about giving out personal information to unknown sites. Legal gambling resources in New Hampshire provide guidance and tools for responsible gambling. People under the age of 18 should not gamble, as the legal gambling age in New Hampshire is 18.
Limits and Support
Setting limits is vital for keeping our betting habits healthy. We can use tools available on betting sites to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Taking breaks and scheduling “time out” periods can also help us keep control.
Support services are available if we feel our gambling is getting out of hand. Contacts such as 1-800-GAMBLER can provide confidential help. Online resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling offer information and support. It’s essential for us to know when to seek help and take action.
By following these guidelines, we can enjoy sports betting while protecting our well-being.
Regulations and Restrictions
There are several key regulations that govern sports betting in New Hampshire. Some crucial aspects include limitations imposed by the state, age and location requirements, and prohibitions on betting on high school sports.
State-Imposed Limitations
The state of New Hampshire has specific rules that govern sports betting. For instance, only residents and visitors physically located within state borders can participate in sports betting activities. Additionally, New Hampshire has an agreement with DraftKings, granting them exclusive rights to operate online sports betting in the state.
To ensure fair play and compliance, the state imposes a 51% tax rate on all sports betting revenue collected by DraftKings. This helps the state generate significant income from sports betting activities while ensuring they are conducted in a regulated environment.
Age and Location Requirements
One of the most critical regulations is the legal age requirement for sports betting. In New Hampshire, individuals must be at least 18 years old to place a bet. This is lower than the age requirement in many other states, where the legal gambling age is typically 21.
Additionally, bettors must be physically located within New Hampshire to place an online bet. The state uses geolocation technology to ensure compliance, preventing those outside its borders from participating. These requirements help maintain the integrity of sports betting in New Hampshire and ensure that only eligible individuals can engage in these activities.
Betting on High School Sports Prohibition
New Hampshire strongly prohibits betting on any high school sports events. This regulation is in place to protect young athletes and ensure the integrity of youth sports. Even if the event involves out-of-state high school teams, bets cannot be placed through New Hampshire sportsbooks.
This prohibition extends to all forms of betting, both online and at physical locations within the state. By enforcing such rules, we ensure a safe and fair environment for everyone involved in sports betting while protecting underage athletes from any possible exploitation.
