In a surprising turn, New Hampshire's state legislature has decided to put a hold on the discussions around legalizing online casino gambling.
SB60, a bill to bring regulated online casinos to New Hampshire, will not proceed.
This decision came as Sen. Tim Lang tabled his proposal in the Senate Ways and Means Committee against the committee's recommendation to move forward.
What Did the New Hampshire Online Casino Bill Call For?
Sen. Lang's bill had initially aimed to bring a new wave of gaming regulations to the state by involving the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. Under his plan, the commission would oversee the online casino industry, planning to issue between three and six licenses linked to current gaming facilities. The legislation also proposed a hefty tax rate of 45% on online casino revenues.
One of the most notable aspects of Lang's bill was its stipulation to allow individuals aged 18 to 20 to participate in online casino gaming. If passed, New Hampshire would have become the first state to permit this age group to access such platforms.
Different Approach Leads to the Same Result
This approach marked a significant departure from New Hampshire's existing model for sports betting. In sports betting, the state has issued a single license to the New Hampshire Lottery, which partners exclusively with DraftKings, establishing a monopoly in the market.
Unlike casino gambling, the minimum age for sports betting in New Hampshire is already set at 18. Efforts to raise this age limit to 21 were also tabled recently. Problem gambling worries appear to have fueled the decision.
While Lang's proposal had clear potential economic benefits, including increased state revenue and expanded gaming opportunities, the legislative backing was not strong enough to carry it forward this time. With online gambling legislation facing hurdles, the future of online casinos in New Hampshire remains uncertain.
Other Online Casino Bills Also Hitting a Wall
Online gambling legislation is not making much progress in the United States for various reasons. In states like Texas, legislators aren't pushing bills because Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick openly opposes expanding gambling.
In Virginia, Hawaii, Wyoming, and Indiana, lawmakers have also postponed efforts until future years.
However, in other places, the discussion is still ongoing. Ohio lawmakers appear to be doing all they can to get online casino gambling up and running in the Buckeye State. Maryland legislators are working on a framework for online casinos, while New York legislators are hopeful a proposal could advance this year.
States Where Online Casinos Are Legal
So, New Hampshire won't be added to the list of states that have already legalized online casino gambling, which includes:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
They allow not only casino games but also sports betting. Delaware and Pennsylvania permit Bingo as well.
The good news for New Hampshire gamblers is that two new traditional casinos are on the way. Sweepstakes casinos are also legal in The Granite State.
But the wait for online casinos will continue. It remains to be seen when, or even if, they will ever be legalized.
