New Hampshire Sports Betting

New Hampshire Legal Sports Betting Overview

New Hampshire Sports Betting Summary

New Hampshire sports betting became legal in July 2019 when Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 480. Sponsored by Representative Timothy Lang and others, the bill was initially planned to welcome five online sportsbook operators to the Granite State. However, following an agreement with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, DraftKings became the state’s official partner in November 2019. DraftKings has been the only betting site in New Hampshire since the launch of online sports betting in December 2019. The company also operates all retail sportsbooks, with the first of these launching in August 2020.

Our complete guide to New Hampshire betting covers the latest legislative status updates, retail and online sports betting regulations, where to find sportsbooks, and advice on where and how to bet.

DraftKings New Hampshire Review

The original rules set out by HB 480 said New Hampshire could welcome up to five online sportsbook operators. However, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission signed an exclusivity deal with DraftKings for 51% of the sportsbook’s gross gaming revenue from mobile betting and 50% from retail outlets for six years. That means DraftKings is your only choice in NH, but don’t worry – you’re in good hands. We’ve taken a thorough look at DraftKings to find out what the bookmaker offers bettors in New Hampshire:

• Mobile App

The DraftKings mobile app is one of the best in the US, and it’s famed for its easy navigation. You can switch between betting markets with just a few taps while the mobile app also has exclusive features, including live streaming of tennis, soccer, and other popular sports. You can also activate mobile notifications to see the latest promotions first.

• Welcome Bonus

DraftKings has a very competitive welcome bonus that sees the sportsbook match 20% of your deposit up to $5,000 with bonus funds you can use for sports betting. The maximum reward for this welcome bonus is $1,000 in bonus funds, but you can deposit as little as $5.

This welcome bonus comes with wagering requirements of 25x. For the maximum reward of $1,000, you have to wager $25,000 worth of bonus funds before withdrawing. While these terms may not be as generous as FanDuel’s 1x wagering requirements, they still give you a great reward for trying out sports betting in NH.

• Competitive Odds

DraftKings is available across 17 states, and the sportsbook supplies the same generous betting lines in every jurisdiction. The sportsbook’s odds can compete with the biggest sportsbook brands in the US like BetMGM and Caesars. DraftKings’ odds for in-play events are particularly generous. The sportsbook also partners with several professional sports competitions like the NHL, with whom they have been partners since October 2021,. Generous odds are offered on every NHL game right up to the Stanley Cup.

• Market Coverage

New Hampshire bettors can wager on 18 sports with DraftKings, including major league sports like the NBA and NFL. DraftKings is an official betting partner with both leagues and provides a wide range of bet types, such as teaser bets where you can create an alternative spread. However, several niche sports are also covered, like MMA and NASCAR. Despite these sports being smaller, DraftKings often offers odds boosts and other promotions for these events.

• Suitability for Beginner Bettors

Even in states with more betting options, DraftKings is the sportsbook of choice for experienced and novice bettors alike. This sportsbook is a perfect site for beginner bettors, with its easy-to-understand website layout and intuitive app. You can find the ‘How To Bet’ tab along the top of the screen at DraftKings, which will take you to DraftKings’ list of beginner tutorials. You can find guides, including videos, on different bet types and wagering on different sports. The sportsbook brand is also familiar to many people who have not placed bets, thanks to the popularity of its Daily Fantasy Sports offering.

• Payout Speed

DraftKings provides fast withdrawals overall. You may not be able to cash out instantly, unlike on some US sportsbooks, but it is still very quick compared to industry standard. Play+ withdrawals are processed in 2-4 days, whereas wire transfers take 24-48 hours. Online banking withdrawals take 3-5 days, the same as a PayPal transaction and you can also request withdrawals by checks in the mail, but the speed of the mail service will determine your withdrawal time.

How to Place a Bet in New Hampshire

If you’re new to sports betting, DraftKings makes it very easy to get started. Follow our step-by-step guide below to start wagering on your favorite sports in NH:

1. DraftKings is the only sportsbook licensed by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, so visit DraftKings’ site using the links on this page.

2. Visiting the sportsbook site on your mobile should open a prompt to download the app while you can also head to the betting site’s app page directly. Alternatively, you can download the app from the Apple or Android app stores.

3. Register your account by entering your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to create a username and password.

4. Visit the cashier section and choose a payment method for your first deposit. You can choose how much money to add to your account, but ensure you’re depositing enough to meet the minimum deposit requirements of any bonuses you’re claiming.

5. Choose a sport to place a wager on and then select a betting line. Add it to your bet slip, choose how much to stake, and place the wager.

6. If your bet is successful, return to the cashier section and follow the sportsbook’s instructions for withdrawing.

7. Before withdrawing, DraftKings will need you to verify your account to protect against underage gambling and fraud. You can do this by emailing or uploading copies of documents like your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.

Who is Eligible to Bet in NH?

You must be at least 18 years old and within the borders of New Hampshire to legally place sports bets. You also need to verify your age and identity to withdraw from your account. Particular positions, jobs, and restrictions may prohibit you from betting, including the following:

• Players, coaches, employees, or members of any professional sports team.

• Officials, referees, or umpires of professional and/or college sports leagues.

• Any individual who has professional or regulatory authority to influence players.

• Any individual employed by a sports league who can create or influence rules for that sport (e.g., NFL, NCAA).

• Any individual employed by an organization with licensing from the New Hampshire Gaming Commission.

• Any individual who has an ownership stake in a sports team.

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Any individual with access to non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Any individual prohibited from betting at a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest New Hampshire Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in New Hampshire

• October 19, 2021: The third retail sportsbook in New Hampshire opens at Dover Bowl.

• September 3, 2020: DraftKings opens a retail sportsbook at the South Side Tavern, a casino operated by Filotimo Casinos.

• August 12, 2020: The first retail sportsbook in New Hampshire opens at The Brook Casino. DraftKings operates the sportsbook in line with the partnership signed with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

• December 30, 2019: Gov. Sununu places the first legal online sports bet in New Hampshire. He wagers on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

• November 26, 2019: The New Hampshire Executive Council approves the New Hampshire Lottery Commission’s decision to sign a contract providing exclusive access to the state with DraftKings.

• July 12, 2019: Gov. Sununu signs HB 480 to legalize sports betting in New Hampshire.

• January 10, 2019: Rep. Lang leads a group of representatives sponsoring HB 480, a bill to legalize retail and online sports betting in New Hampshire.

• May 14, 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is struck down by the US Supreme Court. This gives every state in the US the power to legalize sports betting.

New Hampshire Sports Betting Background

The history of New Hampshire sports betting dates back to 1933, when the state legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. Pari-mutuel greyhound racing was introduced in 1971. However, this bill was the last significant change to the sports betting landscape until 2017. In July 2017 Gov. Sununu signed HB 580 to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DraftKings, one of the biggest DFS operators in the US, started operating in the state legally for the first time. PASPA was struck down in 2018 and Gov. Sununu signed HB 480 to legalize sports betting just over a year later.

Future of New Hampshire Sports Betting

The deal that DraftKings signed with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission lasts until 2025. At this point, the state may welcome more operators to try and create a competitive market. There have been no official comments about the state’s decision. Currently, there is no legislative effort to make any changes to the existing law for sports betting.

New Hampshire Sports Betting Locations

There are three locations which the New Hampshire Lottery Commission has licensed to provide retail sports betting. Two of these are land-based casinos, and the other – Dover Bowl – is a bowling and entertainment venue operated by Filotimo Casino. Each location operates a DraftKings sportsbook under the state’s agreement with the operator. Under this agreement, DraftKings can operate in up to 10 retail locations.

The Brook Casino

• Address: 319 New Zealand Road, Seabrook, NH 03874

• Website: https://www.livefreeandplay.com/

• Phone Number: (603) 474-3065

• Operator: DraftKings

The Brook Casino opened the first New Hampshire sportsbook in August 2020. While watching sports on hundreds of TVs, you can take advantage of stadium seating with couches and recliners or enjoy the action on the cinema-sized screens. You can also book a private skybox and watch games with food and drink in private. If you book in advance, you can secure the tailgate experience with food and drinks.

South Side Tavern

• Address: 1279 S. Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103

• Website: https://filotimocasino.com/manchester-nh/

• Phone Number: (603) 668-6591

• Operator: DraftKings

The DraftKings sportsbook in Manchester was opened in September 2020 and is operated by Filotimo Casinos. The sportsbook is covered with wall-to-wall TVs and numerous betting kiosks. The sportsbook covers 40,000 square feet and is located close to the Filotimo Casino’s South Side Tavern, where you can buy food and drinks while you’re betting. Aside from the sportsbook, you can also visit the Filotimo Greek Restaurant and enjoy its complete casino.

Dover Bowl

• Address: 887 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820

• Website: https://filotimocasino.com/dover-nh/

• Phone Number: (603) 742-9632

• Operator: DraftKings

Operated by Filotimo Casino, Dover Bowl is an entertainment venue featuring a DraftKings sportsbook, bowling, bingo, and poker. The retail betting location opened in 2021 and now features six DraftKings betting kiosks. You can enjoy sports on 11 TVs at its sports bar, where you can buy food and drinks.

New Hampshire Lottery Locations

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees all the sports betting in the state and is also the longest continuous running lottery in the US. The Commission started in 1964 and signed a partnership for DraftKings to supply all the sports betting in the Granite State. Despite the New Hampshire Lottery regulating sports betting, you cannot place sports wagers at lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Retail sports betting is only allowed at the three locations chosen by the New Hampshire Lottery, so there is no sports betting in stadiums. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission also oversees all horse racing and greyhound racing in the state, including simulcast horse racing betting. Pari-mutuel horse racing betting became legal in 1933, but New Hampshire’s last horse racing track (Rockingham Park) closed in 2012. There is only one OTB in the state, located at The Brook Casino.

New Hampshire Responsible Gambling Resources

• New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling – Offers education, prevention, and treatment relating to problem gambling disorders. (603) 724-1605

• National Council of Problem Gambling – Provides help through self-screening tools, self-help resources, and a live chat. (800) 522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous – Operates meetings across the state where problem gamblers can come and share their experience. You can also join these meetings through Zoom. (855) 222-5542

As a part of measures introduced by HB 480, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission operates a self-exclusion program. You can choose to prohibit yourself from any gambling locations in the state for a year or more. DraftKings operates the self-exclusion program for the state, and if you want to reinstate your account, you’ll need to contact its customer support.

In addition, DraftKings is required to offer links to local and national problem gambling assistance organizations. The sportsbook is also encouraged to offer other tools to control gambling, like deposit limits and time-outs.

Teams to Bet on in New Hampshire

• Pro Sports

New Hampshire has no sports teams competing in the major leagues. This is not a surprise given that it is the tenth-least populous state and the fifth-smallest state. Many sports fans in New Hampshire choose to follow major league franchises that play in Massachusetts, such as the New England Patriots, or teams in the New York area like the New York Knicks. Check out some of the most popular out-of-state teams below:

• Minor League Sports

As there are no major league teams in New Hampshire, residents of the Granite State often choose to support some of the bigger minor league teams in the area. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a baseball Double-A affiliate of the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays playing in the Eastern League Northeast Division. The team has won four minor league titles, with the last coming in 2018.

In the past, ice hockey fans supported the Manchester Monarchs, an ice hockey team that played in the AHL. The team played in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and won the Calder Cup in its final season in 2015.

New Hampshire also hosts the only NASCAR event in the New England area at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

• College Sports

Dartmouth Big Green: Dartmouth College has founded numerous accomplished sports programs, with skiing its most successful sport. The Big Green won two men’s NCAA National Championships in 1958 and 1976. The school also won the NCAA Championship for co-ed skiing in 2007.

New Hampshire Wildcats: Students who play ice hockey for the University of New Hampshire are locked in a rivalry with the Maine Black Bears known as the Border War. While Maine had a period of domination during the early 1990s, the Wildcats have won three of the last four meetings.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s teams in New Hampshire. However, there have been numerous successful women’s sports teams playing at New Hampshire colleges. For example, the New Hampshire Wildcats women’s lacrosse team won the 1985 NCAA National Championship.

How Does New Hampshire Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

DraftKings can legally offer 18 different sports to bettors in New Hampshire, including major league sports and several more niche options. New Hampshire laws allow for college sports betting, but there is no in-state betting. This is a little restrictive compared to states like Pennsylvania that have no restrictions, but such regulations match up with New Jersey – one of the biggest betting markets in the US.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

DraftKings is the only sportsbook available in New Hampshire, but the sportsbook uses the same competitive odds as in the 16 other states where it is available – including New York and New Jersey. DraftKings frequently offers odds boosts to Granite State players, providing even more generous betting lines, while DraftKings has excellent odds for the NHL and in-play betting.

• Gambling Revenue

As of May 2022, New Hampshire’s total betting handle stood at $1,395,381,722, making it one of 17 states to pass the $1b mark. DraftKings had brought in revenue of $91,005,154 from this betting handle.

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission signed a deal with DraftKings to take 51% of the sportsbook’s online gross revenue and 50% of its gross retail revenue. This is much higher than states like Pennsylvania’s 36% and can only be matched by New York’s 51% tax rate.

This rate has brought in state taxes of $42,006,460, which is much higher than taxes brought in by states with a similar betting handle. For example, Mississippi has a betting handle slightly higher than NH at $1,696,196,417. However, its state taxes are almost half the Granite State’s at $22,788,494.

• Betting Taxes

In 2009, New Hampshire introduced a 10% state tax on gambling winnings. However, New Hampshire struck down this legislation in 2011. The only tax bettors need to consider is the federal tax paid to the IRS. You need to declare all gambling with the IRS and will need to fill in a W-2G form if you earn more than $5,000. The federal tax on gambling winnings is currently 25%, and sportsbooks have the right to hold this amount in your account for tax purposes.

The US Federal Revenue Code states that every sportsbook needs to pay $50 for every employee involved in taking wagers. In addition, a 0.25% excise tax is applied to each sportsbook’s monthly betting handle.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees all forms of gambling in the state, including online sports betting, retail sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports, lottery draws, and pari-mutuel horse racing. The Commission is responsible for upholding the regulations set out by HB 480 and ensuring that DraftKings follows these rules for player safety. In addition, the Commission is responsible for collecting the taxes from the sportsbook’s revenue.

There are three members on the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, who are each appointed for three-year terms. Every member is nominated by the Governor and approved by the Governor’s Council.