Sports Betting Becomes Legal in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has become the latest U.S. state to legalise sports gambling. Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law a measure that legalises betting on professional sports and most Division I college sports, excluding games involving New Hampshire schools. The state Lottery Commission will regulate the new industry.

“We can do it with a lot of confidence because it’s being done responsibly, and it’s being done with an organization here at the lottery that just knows what they’re doing. They know how to get this stuff off the ground,” Sununu said.

Opponents had argued sports betting would continue the state’s reliance on problematic revenue sources, including alcohol and cigarettes, the so-called “sin taxes.” But supporters argued legalising of sports betting will bring black-market activity to the surface and provide support for problem gamblers through a new organisation focused on education, prevention and treatment.

“I’m happy we’re bringing an illicit activity into the light for our citizens of New Hampshire and allowing for some consumer protections,” Rep. Timothy Lang said. He called it a win for residents, communities, the state and public education.