New Hampshire is taking another shot at legalizing online casino gambling, with a new bill aiming to bring regulated digital gaming to the state by 2026. If approved, the move would position New Hampshire as one of the few states embracing internet-based casino play. But with concerns over taxation, responsible gambling measures, and the minimum age requirement, the debate is heating up.
The Bill at a Glance
Senate Bill 168, backed by Senators Timothy Lang, Daniel Innis, Howard Pearl, and Keith Murphy, is now in the hands of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal lays out a framework where the state would license between three and six online casino operators, all under the watchful eye of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
To operate, companies would need to partner with an already established gaming facility in the state. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission would oversee a dedicated division managing online gaming operations, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
One of the standout features? A hefty 45% tax rate on gross gaming revenue, with funds split into key state programs:
- 50% to the state’s general fund
- 25% to a special education fund
- 25% to an elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf exemption reimbursement fund
Additionally, strict wager limits would be implemented, requiring operators to set daily, weekly, and monthly betting caps in line with responsible gambling guidelines.
A Bold Move on Gambling Age Limits
One of the most controversial parts of SB 168 is the proposed minimum gambling age: 18 years old. If passed, New Hampshire would be the first state in the country to allow individuals under 21 to participate in legal online casino gaming.
This provision directly clashes with House Bill 83, which seeks to raise the legal sports betting age from 18 to 21. Lawmakers now find themselves in a tricky balancing act—should they open the door for 18-year-olds to gamble at online casinos while simultaneously restricting their access to sports betting?
The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with opponents arguing that early exposure to online gambling could increase addiction risks, while supporters see it as an expansion of individual rights.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opposition
This isn’t New Hampshire’s first attempt at legalizing online casino gambling. A similar effort in 2023 saw a bill clear the Senate, only to stall in the House. This time around, SB 168 faces stiff resistance from various groups.
Charitable gaming operators, a significant part of New Hampshire’s gambling landscape, are worried that online casinos could cannibalize their business. These venues currently benefit from the state’s existing gambling laws, which direct portions of revenue toward local nonprofits.
Others express concerns over the broader impact of online gambling, arguing that easy access to digital casinos could lead to higher problem gambling rates. New Hampshire’s bill attempts to address this with mandatory safeguards, but whether that’s enough to sway skeptical lawmakers remains to be seen.
A Growing National Trend
New Hampshire isn’t alone in revisiting online casino legalization. Several states have recently introduced similar bills, reflecting a broader push toward digital gaming expansion.
State | Online Casino Bill Status | Expected Timeline |
---|---|---|
Maryland | Introduced, pending review | 2025 |
Indiana | Introduced, pending review | 2025 |
Wyoming | Introduced, pending review | 2025 |
New York | Under discussion | Uncertain |
Massachusetts | Early-stage discussions | 2025-2026 |
Hawaii | Proposed, faces strong opposition | Unlikely |
Virginia | Delayed further discussion | 2026 |
With neighboring states weighing similar legislation, New Hampshire’s push could position it ahead of the pack—if lawmakers can get past the hurdles that have stalled previous efforts.
Safeguards and Regulatory Framework
To ensure compliance and prevent illegal activity, SB 168 includes several key security measures:
- Strict age verification and identity checks to prevent underage gambling.
- Geographic restrictions to block out-of-state players unless reciprocity agreements are in place.
- Bans on bets from regions where online gambling is illegal or from jurisdictions under U.S. Treasury sanctions.
These provisions aim to strike a balance between expanding gambling access and ensuring strong consumer protections.
What’s Next?
The bill is now under review, with the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant yet to release a formal financial analysis. That report will likely play a significant role in shaping discussions, as lawmakers weigh potential revenue against risks.
The coming months will determine whether New Hampshire joins the growing number of states pushing online casino legislation forward or if the effort meets the same fate as last year’s attempt. With tax revenue, regulatory concerns, and gambling age debates all in the mix, this could be one of the state’s most contentious legislative battles in 2024.
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