Sports betting is now live in New Hampshire with patrons able to bet both online and at retail locations.
The New Hampshire Lottery and partner DraftKings officially launched mobile and online sports betting in the state on 30 December.
Governor Chris Sununu placed the state’s ceremonial first legal sports wager on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl at a licensed restaurant alongside DraftKings co-founder and chief revenue officer, Matt Kalish, and former NFL star Rob Ninkovich.
DraftKings’ contract with the New Hampshire Lottery was approved in late November 2019 by the state’s Executive Council after being selected through a bidding process. As part of the agreement, New Hampshire will receive 50% of sports betting revenue, which will support the New Hampshire Lottery’s mission to drive funds in support of education in the state.
“Sports betting is the right bet for New Hampshire,” said Governor Sununu. “We moved fast to get this done by partnering with a world-class company to provide a first-rate customer service experience and the state is poised to dominate the market. The launch of sports betting will also benefit our education system – a win for our kids.”
Betting was legalised in New Hampshire last July after Governor Sununu signed House Bill 480 into law. The bill was introduced in January 2019 and went on to secure approval in the House and Senate.
While the legislation allows for up to 10 retail sportsbook locations and five mobile offerings, it appears that DraftKings will serve as the state’s sole betting operator.
Currently six of the 10 retail wagering slots have been filled, after the cities of Berlin, Claremont, Franklin, Laconia, Manchester and Somersworth voted in favour of allowing sports betting in city elections during fall 2019. New Hampshire towns will then be able to put the matter to voters on Town Meeting warrants in spring 2020.
Sports betting will be overseen by the Division of Sports Wagering, a new unit within the New Hampshire Lottery, with betting restricted to players aged 18 and above.
DraftKings, which is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is set to open an office location in New Hampshire in order to work in closer collaboration with the New Hampshire Lottery.
New Hampshire is one of the wealthiest US states per capita, but is also the 10th least populous.
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