New Hampshire Passes Sports Betting Bill

The House of Representatives of New Hampshire has approved House Bill 480, which would legalise sports betting in the state. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further discussion.

The bill was passed in a 269–82 vote, with an amendment to the original proposal. The House decided that the bill needed work before allowing the arrival of sports betting in New Hampshire. Lawmakers set a limit of 10 retail sportsbooks in the state and the establishment of a council for responsible gambling. Furthermore, they clarified the prohibited events where sports betting would not be allowed. Collegiate sports events within the state, high school sports and amateur contests involving minors will be banned.

“We’re not creating a new industry here, we’re just bringing an illicit industry into a legalized industry,” Rep. Timothy Lang said. “If the bill passes, they’ll seek town approval to offer sports betting there. That’d be the kind of place you can go to sit and watch a game and place a bet,” he added.