Sports Betting in New Hampshire

Sports Betting in New Hampshire: The Complete 2026 Guide

New Hampshire holds a distinctive position in the American sports betting landscape as one of the few states operating under an exclusive single-operator model. Since legalization in 2019, DraftKings has served as the sole licensed sportsbook in the Granite State, a monopoly arrangement that was extended through 2028 in a renewed contract with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. This unique setup offers both advantages and limitations for New Hampshire bettors.

Despite its small population of roughly 1.3 million residents, New Hampshire has built a respectable sports betting market that generates meaningful tax revenue for state programs. The state is also notable for being one of only a handful of US jurisdictions that permits sports betting at age 18 rather than 21, a distinction that sets it apart from the vast majority of legal sports betting states. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of New Hampshire sports betting: the regulatory framework, how DraftKings operates as the exclusive provider, available betting options, and what the future holds for this compact but distinctive market.

New Hampshire’s approach to sports betting reflects the state’s broader political philosophy of fiscal conservatism and pragmatic governance. By selecting a single operator willing to pay a premium revenue share, the state maximized its return per wagered dollar while minimizing the regulatory overhead required to manage a multi-operator market. Understanding this philosophy is key to understanding why the market works the way it does and what bettors can expect.

Legal Status of Sports Betting in New Hampshire

Sports betting is fully legal in New Hampshire for both online and retail wagering. Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 480 into law on July 16, 2019, making New Hampshire the 14th state to legalize sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court repeal of PASPA. The first legal bet was placed on December 30, 2019, with Governor Sununu himself making a ceremonial wager on the New England Patriots during a launch event that generated significant media coverage.

The legalization process in New Hampshire was notably smooth compared to many other states. The bill passed with bipartisan support, driven by the recognition that New Hampshire residents were already betting through offshore platforms and that neighboring states were moving quickly to legalize. The state’s existing lottery infrastructure provided a natural framework for regulating sports wagering without creating entirely new bureaucratic structures.

Key Legal Details

• Legalized: July 16, 2019 (HB 480 signed by Governor Sununu)
• First bet placed: December 30, 2019
• Minimum betting age: 18 years old
• Regulatory authority: New Hampshire Lottery Commission
• Licensed operator: DraftKings (exclusive contract, renewed through 2028)
• Online betting: Available statewide via DraftKings app and website
• Retail betting: Available at select bar and restaurant locations with kiosks
• Remote registration: Permitted (no in-person signup required)
• Revenue share: 51% of online gross gaming revenue to the state

The DraftKings Monopoly: How It Works and Why It Exists

New Hampshire’s decision to operate with a single sportsbook operator is one of its most defining characteristics. Rather than licensing multiple competing operators as most states do, New Hampshire awarded an exclusive contract to DraftKings through a competitive bidding process managed by the Lottery Commission. This decision was primarily economic: a single operator willing to pay a majority share of revenue was more financially attractive to the state than multiple operators each paying a smaller percentage.

Why DraftKings Won the Exclusive Contract

When New Hampshire solicited proposals from potential operators, DraftKings submitted a revenue-sharing offer that competitors could not match. The winning bid included a commitment to pay 51% of gross sports betting revenue to the state as the sole online operator. This was a significantly more favorable deal for the state than what a multi-operator model would yield, and the mathematics made the decision clear for state officials.

For comparison, the revenue share would have declined to 21% with two or three licensed operators, and further to just 16% with four or five operators. By accepting the monopoly model with DraftKings, New Hampshire maximized per-operator revenue sharing while sacrificing the competitive dynamics that come with multiple sportsbooks. This tradeoff meant bettors would have fewer choices but the state would capture a larger slice of each dollar wagered.

DraftKings was particularly well-positioned to win this contract due to its existing presence in the New Hampshire market through daily fantasy sports operations, its proximity as a Boston-headquartered company, and its established brand recognition among New England sports fans. The company viewed the New Hampshire exclusive as both a profitable standalone market and a strategic beachhead in the New England region.

The 2026 Contract Extension

In February 2026, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission confirmed that DraftKings would continue as the state’s exclusive sportsbook through 2028. The renewed agreement maintains the existing revenue-sharing terms while including updated provisions for promotional spending limits, responsible gambling requirements, and technology standards. This extension was widely expected given the financial success of the arrangement for both the state and DraftKings.

The extension process involved evaluating DraftKings’ performance against the original contract benchmarks, reviewing customer satisfaction metrics, and assessing whether the monopoly model continued to serve the state’s financial interests. The Lottery Commission concluded that the arrangement remained beneficial and that introducing additional operators would reduce per-operator revenue without proportionally increasing total market handle.

Industry analysts noted that the extension reflected a broader trend among smaller-market states that have found single-operator or limited-operator models financially preferable to the open-market approach used by larger states. For states with populations under two million, the administrative cost of regulating multiple operators and the reduced revenue share can make the multi-operator model less attractive.

Revenue Share Structure

The financial arrangement between New Hampshire and DraftKings reflects the monopoly model’s economic logic and represents one of the highest state takes in the country:

• Online operator (DraftKings): 51% of gross gaming revenue to the state
• Retail locations: 40% flat tax rate regardless of the number of licensed locations
• State tax on bettor winnings: 6.75% (applied to gambling income)

This structure generates a disproportionately high return for the state compared to multi-operator markets where operators negotiate lower rates based on competitive pressure. While bettors sacrifice choice, New Hampshire taxpayers benefit from one of the most favorable revenue-sharing agreements in the country. The 51% rate is far above the typical 10-20% rate charged in multi-operator states and even exceeds New York’s 51% rate, which applies across nine operators rather than one.

Betting at 18: New Hampshire’s Lower Age Threshold

One of New Hampshire’s most notable features is its 18-year minimum betting age, making it one of only four US states (along with Kentucky, Montana, and Rhode Island) where adults under 21 can legally place sports bets. Most states require bettors to be 21, aligning with casino gambling age requirements. New Hampshire’s lower threshold reflects the state’s libertarian-leaning political culture and the historical precedent of its lottery, which has always been available to adults 18 and older.

The Age Debate in 2026

The lower age threshold has been a subject of ongoing legislative discussion in New Hampshire. In early 2026, HB 83 proposed raising the legal sports betting age to 21. Proponents argued that younger bettors are more vulnerable to gambling addiction and that aligning with the casino gambling age requirement (21 in most states) would provide better consumer protection for young adults.

However, the bill was rejected by the House Ways and Means Committee in an 11-7 vote, preserving the 18+ age requirement. Financial analysis played a significant role in the committee’s decision. Estimates showed that raising the age to 21 would reduce state sports betting revenue by $320,000 in Fiscal Year 2026, $640,000 in FY 2027, and $640,000 annually thereafter. Given New Hampshire’s relatively small market, these revenue losses were deemed too significant to justify the policy change.

Proponents of maintaining the 18+ age cited consistency with other legal rights afforded to 18-year-olds, including voting, military service, and lottery participation. They also noted that the 18-20 age cohort is particularly tech-savvy and likely to use legal platforms, meaning that raising the age would not eliminate betting among this group but would instead push them toward unregulated offshore platforms where no consumer protections exist.

The committee also considered data from other 18+ states showing that problem gambling rates among 18-20-year-olds were not significantly higher than among 21-25-year-olds when proper responsible gambling tools were in place. DraftKings submitted testimony noting that its age verification systems work effectively at both the 18 and 21 thresholds and that the 18-20 cohort represents a meaningful but not disproportionate share of the New Hampshire customer base.

What You Can Bet On in New Hampshire

Despite operating with a single sportsbook, New Hampshire bettors have access to DraftKings’ full suite of betting markets, which is one of the most comprehensive offerings in the US industry. DraftKings does not offer a limited or stripped-down version of its product for New Hampshire; the app provides the same markets, features, and technology available to DraftKings users in multi-operator states.

Available Sports and Leagues

• Professional US Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA, PGA Tour, ATP/WTA Tennis, UFC/MMA, Boxing, NASCAR, IndyCar
• College Sports: College football, college basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer (out-of-state teams only; New Hampshire college teams are restricted)
• International Sports: Soccer (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Champions League), rugby union and league, cricket (IPL, international), Australian rules football, F1, cycling (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia)
• Olympic and Special Events: Available during major international competitions including Summer and Winter Olympics, World Cup, European Championships
• Niche Sports: Table tennis, darts, snooker, handball, volleyball, and other sports available through DraftKings’ global sports data feeds

Bet Types Available

• Standard bets: Moneylines, point spreads, puck lines, run lines, totals (over/under)
• Parlays: Multi-leg bets combining outcomes from different games with escalating potential payouts
• Same-game parlays: Multiple selections within a single contest, DraftKings’ signature feature that allows bettors to combine game outcomes with player props
• Teasers: Modified point spread parlays with adjusted lines that reduce risk at the cost of lower payouts
• Round robins: Automated combinations of multiple parlay permutations from a selection of picks
• Futures: Long-term bets on season outcomes such as championship winners, MVP awards, win totals, and division standings
• Player props: Bets on individual player statistical performances such as passing yards, rebounds, home runs, saves, and goals
• Game props: Bets on specific game events including first scorer, first to reach a score, method of victory, exact score, and time-based markets
• Live betting: In-play wagering with real-time odds available online (not at retail locations)

Important Betting Restrictions

New Hampshire imposes specific restrictions that bettors should be aware of, and these differ in some ways from restrictions in other states:

• No betting on in-state college teams: Wagers on New Hampshire-based collegiate programs such as Dartmouth, UNH, Plymouth State, Keene State, and other in-state schools are prohibited. This restriction applies to all games involving these teams, even when they play on the road against out-of-state opponents. Betting on out-of-state college games is fully permitted.
• No esports betting: Competitive gaming events such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 tournaments are not available for wagering in New Hampshire, even though DraftKings offers esports markets in some other jurisdictions.
• In-play betting is online only: Live betting is available through the DraftKings app and website but is not offered at retail kiosk locations.
• Geolocation required: All online bets must be placed while physically within New Hampshire’s borders. Bets placed from outside the state will be rejected by the geolocation system.

DraftKings Sportsbook New Hampshire: The Complete Platform Guide

As New Hampshire’s exclusive operator, DraftKings provides its full-featured sportsbook experience to Granite State bettors. The DraftKings app is the primary platform for the vast majority of wagers in the state, and the company has invested significantly in making the New Hampshire product indistinguishable from its offerings in competitive markets.

Key App Features

New Hampshire bettors access the same DraftKings app used across the company’s nationwide footprint, which includes:

• Live betting with real-time odds: Comprehensive in-play markets across all major sports with odds that update continuously based on game action
• Same-game parlay builder: DraftKings’ signature feature for combining multiple bets within one game into a single parlay wager
• DK Rewards loyalty program: Earn Crowns for every dollar wagered, redeemable for free bets, merchandise, and DraftKings marketplace items. The rewards program tiers from Bronze through Diamond, with increasing benefits at each level.
• Cash out: Early settlement option for eligible bets before events conclude, with partial cash out also available on some markets
• Live streaming: Select sporting events streamed directly within the app, allowing bettors to watch and wager simultaneously
• Bet tracking: Comprehensive history and analytics for all wagers including performance by sport, bet type, and time period
• Quick deposit: Multiple payment methods including debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Play+ prepaid cards
• Flash Bet: DraftKings’ micro-betting feature offering rapid-fire bets on individual plays, at-bats, and possessions during live games
• Social features: Share bets with friends, create and join contests, and compare performance through DraftKings’ social betting features

DraftKings Promotions for New Hampshire

DraftKings regularly offers promotions to New Hampshire bettors, though the lack of competitor pressure means promotional offers may be less aggressive than in multi-operator states where companies fight for market share through bonus wars. This is one of the genuine tradeoffs of the monopoly model: without FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars competing for customers, DraftKings has less incentive to offer generous promotions.

That said, common promotions available to New Hampshire users include welcome bonuses for new registrants (typically first-bet insurance or deposit match offers), daily odds boosts on popular events, parlay insurance that refunds bets if one leg of a parlay loses, profit boost tokens that increase potential payouts on qualifying bets, and referral bonuses for bringing friends to the platform.

New Hampshire bettors should check the promotions tab in the DraftKings app regularly, as offers change frequently and some promotions are time-limited or available only to users who opt in before the event begins.

Retail Sports Betting Locations

While online betting through the DraftKings app accounts for the vast majority of New Hampshire sports wagering, the state also permits retail betting at physical locations. Unlike states with casino-based retail sportsbooks featuring lounges, big screens, and dedicated betting windows, New Hampshire’s retail model operates through self-service kiosks placed in bars, restaurants, and lounges that apply for a retail sports betting license.

New Hampshire has no casinos or racetracks, making it unique among legal sports betting states. The lottery-based model means retail locations are integrated into existing hospitality businesses rather than standalone gambling venues. The Lottery Commission can license up to 10 retail locations under the enabling legislation, and these locations are distributed across the state to provide geographic accessibility.

Retail betting locations offer self-service kiosks where bettors can browse available markets, build bet slips, and place wagers using cash or debit cards. While the retail experience is more limited than the full mobile app (no live betting, fewer market options, no streaming), it provides an accessible alternative for bettors who prefer a physical location, do not use smartphones, or want the social atmosphere of watching and betting in a bar setting.

New Hampshire Sports Betting Revenue and Market Performance

Despite its small population, New Hampshire’s sports betting market has shown steady growth since launch and consistently outperforms expectations on a per-capita basis. The DraftKings monopoly model generates efficient returns for the state without the administrative overhead of managing multiple operator relationships.

Market Performance Highlights

• 2025 total handle: $845.1 million in total wagers placed, a record for the state
• Revenue growth: Consistent year-over-year increases since the 2019 launch, with the market maturing beyond the initial growth phase into sustained performance
• Tax revenue: Surpassed $10 million in annual tax collections from sports betting in 2022 and has continued growing
• Population-adjusted performance: Among the highest per-capita handle figures of any US state, reflecting the passionate New England sports fan base

The revenue generated supports various state programs through the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The Commission’s oversight of sports betting is an extension of its long-standing role managing the state lottery, which has operated since 1964 and is one of the oldest in the nation. Lottery and sports betting revenue flows to the state’s Education Trust Fund, directly supporting public education in New Hampshire.

Market Dynamics and Regional Competition

New Hampshire’s market dynamics are shaped by several factors unique to the state and its regional context. The relatively small population limits total handle potential, but several factors help the market punch above its weight.

The absence of in-state professional sports teams means New Hampshire bettors distribute their action across New England teams, particularly the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox, plus national events. College football Saturdays and NFL Sundays drive the heaviest betting activity, with March Madness and the Super Bowl creating annual handle peaks.

The proximity to Massachusetts, which launched its own legal sports betting in 2023 with multiple operators, creates cross-border dynamics. Some New Hampshire residents may use Massachusetts-based operators when visiting neighboring cities, while conversely, some Massachusetts visitors to New Hampshire (particularly those under 21 who can bet legally in NH but not MA) may wager through the New Hampshire DraftKings platform. The 18+ age requirement gives New Hampshire a unique edge for the 18-20 demographic across the region.

New Hampshire also benefits from tourism and seasonal population increases, particularly in the White Mountains region during ski season and the Lakes Region during summer. Visitors from states without legal sports betting can wager through DraftKings while vacationing in New Hampshire, adding incremental handle to the market.

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission serves as the regulatory authority overseeing all sports betting in the state. This represents a natural extension of the Commission’s existing role, as New Hampshire’s lottery was the first state lottery established in the modern era when it launched in 1964, giving the Commission over six decades of gambling management experience.

Regulatory Responsibilities

The Lottery Commission handles all aspects of sports betting regulation, including:

• Licensing and oversight of DraftKings as the exclusive operator, including regular compliance audits and financial reviews
• Approval and monitoring of retail betting locations, including site inspections and ongoing compliance checks
• Enforcement of age verification and geolocation requirements across all betting channels
• Review and approval of betting market offerings to ensure they comply with state law
• Investigation of suspicious betting activity and potential sports integrity issues, in coordination with national integrity monitoring organizations
• Management of the revenue-sharing agreement with DraftKings, including accounting for promotional deductions and revenue calculations
• Coordination of responsible gambling programs, self-exclusion lists, and problem gambling resources
• Publication of regular transparency reports on market performance, handle, revenue, and regulatory actions

Responsible Gambling in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s sports betting framework includes mandatory responsible gambling protections that DraftKings is contractually obligated to implement and maintain. The state takes responsible gambling seriously, recognizing that the 18+ age threshold makes robust protections particularly important for younger adults entering the legal betting market for the first time.

• Deposit limits: Users can set daily, weekly, and monthly maximum deposits that take effect immediately for decreases and require a cooling-off period for increases
• Wager limits: Maximum bet amounts can be self-imposed across all bet types
• Loss limits: Users can cap their total losses over specified periods, preventing continued betting after reaching the limit
• Time-out periods: Temporary account suspension from 24 hours to 90 days, during which the account cannot be reactivated
• Self-exclusion: Voluntary long-term or permanent ban from all sports betting through DraftKings in New Hampshire
• Activity statements: Detailed transaction history and spending summaries accessible at any time through the app
• Reality checks: Time-based notifications during active betting sessions showing elapsed time and amounts wagered
• Educational resources: In-app information about problem gambling warning signs and available support services

The New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling provides free, confidential support for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues. The national problem gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 is also available 24/7 and offers chat and text support in addition to phone counseling.

How to Start Betting in New Hampshire

Getting started with legal sports betting in New Hampshire requires only a smartphone or computer and a few minutes to complete registration. Since DraftKings is the only operator, the process is straightforward with no need to compare platforms or choose between competing offers:

1. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or visit the DraftKings website on your desktop browser
2. Create a new account with your full legal name, date of birth (must be 18+), email address, and last four digits of your Social Security number
3. Verify your identity through automated document verification, which typically completes instantly through database matching
4. Enable location services on your device to confirm you are within New Hampshire when placing bets
5. Make your first deposit using a debit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Play+ prepaid card
6. Claim any available welcome bonus by following the promotional instructions
7. Place your first wager on any available market

Remote registration is fully permitted in New Hampshire, meaning there is no requirement to visit a physical location to create your account. The entire process can be completed from home, from a hotel room, or from any location within New Hampshire’s borders.

New Hampshire vs. Other New England Betting Markets

New Hampshire bettors exist within a competitive New England sports betting landscape where every state has now legalized in some form. Understanding how the Granite State’s market compares to its neighbors helps contextualize the local experience and informs decisions for bettors who travel regularly in the region.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts launched legal mobile sports betting in March 2023 with multiple licensed operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and several others. The multi-operator model provides Massachusetts bettors with more choices, better promotional competition, and the ability to line-shop for the best odds. However, Massachusetts has a 21+ age requirement and a lower revenue share rate per operator. For New Hampshire residents aged 18-20, the Granite State remains the only legal option in the region.

Connecticut

Connecticut operates under a dual tribal-commercial model with DraftKings (through the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation) and FanDuel (through the Mohegan Tribe). The state also allows the Connecticut Lottery to operate a retail sportsbook through PlaySugarHouse. Connecticut offers more choice than New Hampshire but fewer options than Massachusetts.

Vermont

Vermont legalized online sports betting in 2024, becoming one of the newest markets in the region. The Green Mountain State offers multiple operators but with a small population comparable to New Hampshire, the market is still in its growth phase.

Maine

Maine launched legal sports betting in late 2023 with multiple operators. The state’s tribal gaming interests played a significant role in shaping legislation, and the market includes both tribal and commercial operators. Maine’s 21+ age requirement and multi-operator structure contrast with New Hampshire’s model.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island was one of the earliest states to legalize post-PASPA, and it operates with a limited number of operators. Like New Hampshire, Rhode Island permits betting at age 18, making the two states outliers in the New England region.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Sports Betting

Can I use FanDuel or BetMGM in New Hampshire?

No. DraftKings is the exclusive licensed sportsbook in New Hampshire for both online and retail betting. No other operators are available. You can use DraftKings for daily fantasy sports contests, which operate as a separate product.

Can I bet on the Dartmouth Big Green or UNH Wildcats?

No. New Hampshire law prohibits betting on in-state collegiate teams in any sport. You can bet on college sports involving out-of-state teams, including games in major conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.

Is online casino gambling legal in New Hampshire?

Online casino gambling is not currently legal in New Hampshire. The state has no land-based casinos and there are no active legislative efforts to introduce online casino gaming. Online poker is available through DraftKings in certain formats.

Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?

Yes. Sports betting winnings are considered taxable income. New Hampshire imposes a 6.75% tax rate on gambling income, and federal income tax also applies. DraftKings will issue a W-2G form for winnings that meet federal reporting thresholds (generally $600 or more at odds of 300:1 or greater).

Can 18-year-olds really bet on sports in New Hampshire?

Yes. New Hampshire is one of only four US states that sets the minimum sports betting age at 18. You must be at least 18 to create a DraftKings account and place bets. A recent legislative attempt to raise the age to 21 (HB 83) was defeated in committee in 2026.

What happens if I cross into Massachusetts while I have active bets?

Bets placed while physically in New Hampshire remain active regardless of your subsequent location. However, you cannot place new bets on the New Hampshire DraftKings platform once geolocation detects you have left the state. If you also have a DraftKings account registered in Massachusetts, you can switch to the MA platform for new bets while in Massachusetts.

Is there any chance New Hampshire will add more sportsbooks?

The DraftKings exclusive contract was just renewed through 2028, so no additional operators will be added before then. Whether the state pursues a multi-operator model after 2028 will depend on a political and economic assessment of whether the benefits of competition outweigh the revenue share premium the state currently receives from the monopoly arrangement. Given the financial success of the current model, a change is not guaranteed.

The Bottom Line on New Hampshire Sports Betting

New Hampshire offers a streamlined, if limited, sports betting experience. The DraftKings monopoly means bettors cannot shop for the best lines across multiple operators, a meaningful disadvantage for serious bettors who value competitive odds and optimal pricing. In a multi-operator market, comparing odds across three or four books can yield significantly better long-term returns for disciplined bettors.

However, the arrangement generates exceptionally high revenue for the state on a per-operator basis, funding education programs through the Education Trust Fund. DraftKings’ platform is consistently rated among the top sportsbook apps in the industry, offering deep market coverage, innovative features like same-game parlays and Flash Bet micro-betting, and a mature rewards program that benefits regular users.

The 18+ age requirement gives New Hampshire a unique appeal for younger adults who cannot legally bet in most other states, creating a genuine competitive advantage for the market within the New England region. Combined with the convenience of statewide mobile access, no in-person registration requirement, and a well-established regulatory framework, New Hampshire provides a reliable legal betting option for its residents and visitors alike.

The 2028 contract extension with DraftKings means this structure will remain in place for the foreseeable future, making it the market reality that New Hampshire bettors should understand and plan around. For casual bettors who primarily want a legal, convenient way to wager on their favorite sports, the single-operator model works well. For serious bettors who rely on line shopping and promotional arbitrage, New Hampshire’s market has inherent limitations that cannot be overcome within the current framework.