New Hampshire will remain one of the few places in the U.S. where 18-year-olds can legally place sports bets after lawmakers struck down a proposal to raise the minimum gambling age to 21. The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 to block the bill, citing concerns over personal freedom and economic impact.
The decision keeps the state aligned with just three other U.S. jurisdictions—Kentucky, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.—where legal sports betting is available to adults under 21. But not everyone is on board. Some advocates worry about the risks of young bettors developing gambling addictions, while others argue that consistency with age limits for alcohol and tobacco would be a more responsible approach.
A Hotly Debated Proposal
The rejected proposal, House Bill 83, sought to bring New Hampshire in line with most states that require bettors to be 21 or older. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and other gambling addiction experts backed the measure, warning that younger gamblers are more susceptible to problem gambling.
Yet, lawmakers on the opposing side had a different perspective. Rep. Cyril Aures, R-Argyle, dismissed the need for restrictions, saying, “If (young people) want to bet with their money, let them bet.”
The financial impact also played a role in the debate. If the bill had passed, state officials estimated a loss of $320,000 in gambling tax revenue by 2026, with that amount projected to double each year.
Sports Betting Is Big Business in New Hampshire
New Hampshire entered the sports betting market in December 2019 and has since seen steady growth. The state operates under an exclusive partnership with DraftKings, which serves as its only online sportsbook. Additionally, four retail sportsbooks operate across the state:
- Filotimo Casino and Restaurant (Dover and Manchester)
- The Brook (Seabrook)
- Gate City Casino (Nashua)
Despite allowing sports betting, New Hampshire has some restrictions. Bets on in-state college teams are banned, and player-specific prop bets follow similar rules as neighboring states like Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.
Online Casino Gaming Could Be Next
While the debate over sports betting rages on, another gambling-related proposal is making its way through the legislature. Senate Bill 168 seeks to legalize online casino gaming by January 1, 2026.
The bill, introduced by Sens. Timothy Lang, Daniel Innis, Howard Pearl, and Keith Murphy, would allow up to six online casino operators to be licensed under the oversight of the New Hampshire Lottery. A key detail? The proposed law would maintain the state’s 18+ gambling age, making New Hampshire the only state to allow online casino play for individuals under 21.
Betting Revenue Is on the Rise
Despite occasional debates over regulations, sports betting is proving lucrative for New Hampshire. The state saw $80 million in sports betting revenue in 2023, a notable increase from $66.7 million in 2022.
One key factor behind the growth? The hold percentage—the amount sportsbooks keep after payouts—rose from 7.5% to 9.7%.
Lawmakers attempted to pass online casino legislation in 2023 but fell short of securing enough votes. With new efforts underway, the conversation about gaming expansion in New Hampshire isn’t over yet.
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