Sports betting in New Hampshire may never be the same.
Today marks a significant moment for the Granite State as it considers changing the legal age for sports betting. This move would not only impact young bettors across the state, but also dramatically impact the state’s bottom line.
House Bill 83, introduced in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, proposes legislation raising the minimum age for sports betting from 18 to 21.
As of now, New Hampshire is one of only four states (or districts) that allow 18-year-olds to legally place sports bets. Kentucky, Washington D.C. and Wyoming are the others.
The Reason Behind the Proposed Change
The motivation for this bill stems from a concerning increase in problem gambling among younger bettors.
High school and college students in New Hampshire have found themselves entangled in gambling addictions, which jeopardize their prospects before they even begin their adult lives.
Anticipated Opposition Revolves Around Money
While protecting the state's youth is a widely supported initiative, House Bill 83 is expected to face opposition.
The primary concern revolves around the financial impact as banning 18- to 20-year-olds from betting could reduce the state’s sports betting revenue. Many young bettors currently place their wagers via online sportsbooks and would have to quit if the new age restriction takes effect.
It is projected to cut revenue by about $320,000 in 2026 and $640,000 yearly starting in 2027. The drop in revenue is because people aged 18 to 20 will no longer contribute, as they made up about 1.9% of the total gaming revenue in 2024.
The Lottery Commission expects this trend to continue, meaning less money available for the state education trust fund due to raising the minimum age for sports betting.
Others Worry About Transition to Offshore Betting Sites
If this new New Hampshire sports betting bill passes, others worry that bettors under 21 will turn to illegal or offshore betting sites.
The United States has been working to eliminate unregulated sports betting, something difficult to accomplish without legal alternatives.
As a result, HB 83 could cause more harm than good, giving opponents reasons to challenge it in the New Hampshire legislature. Others argue that if the government believes that 18-year-olds are mature enough to go to war, they should be allowed to bet.
The Sports Betting Operators’ Dilemma
DraftKings is the only mobile sportsbook available in New Hampshire. There’s been no comment yet from the sports betting operator, but DraftKings Inc. is one of the leading gambling and sports betting companies in the world, along with FanDuel.
Although raising the legal age to bet would also affect the company’s bottom line, aligning against a measure designed to safeguard young bettors might not reflect well on their brands.
What’s Next For House Bill 83?
The legislative session and discussion of this bill have just begun. Several members of the New Hampshire House and Senate sponsor the bill, including Rep. Sallie Fellows, Rep. Michael Cahill, Sen. Ruth Ward, and Sen. Suzanne Prentiss.
The House’s Ways and Means Committee will review the bill during the 2025 session.
As the debate around House Bill 83 unfolds, it will be interesting to see whether the state decides to join the majority by increasing the minimum betting age to 21.
The decision could reshape the landscape of sports betting in New Hampshire, prioritizing the welfare of its young residents over immediate financial gain.
