New Hampshire
Your Quick Guide to Gambling in New Hampshire
New Hampshire was one of the first states to legalize mobile sports betting (2019) with DraftKings as the exclusive operator. The state maintains a unique model where the NH Lottery itself runs sports betting rather than licensing independent operators. Limited live gaming exists via charitable venues and horse racing.
Every Way to Gamble in New Hampshire
The full picture; from the casino floor to your smartphone.
Online Sports Betting
DraftKings exclusive operator via NH Lottery contract since 2019. Mobile statewide plus 4 retail sportsbook locations. Age 18+.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Online casino-style games with virtual coins and cash redemption. No purchase required. Your only online casino option in NH.
Charitable Gaming
11 licensed venues with electronic gaming devices and bingo. Moratorium caps new licenses at 18 until 2028.
Horse Racing
Rockingham Park in Salem hosts simulcast and historical horse racing betting. Wager on races from across the country.
Prediction Markets
Trade on real-world outcomes on platforms like Kalshi. Unique angle: NH hosts the first presidential primary — trade on primary outcomes.
Social Casinos
Free-to-play games for entertainment. No real money in, no cash prizes out. Good way to try games.
Is Gambling Legal in New Hampshire?
Yes, gambling is legal in New Hampshire in multiple forms. You can bet on sports mobile with DraftKings, play at 11 charitable gaming venues, bet on horse racing, and use sweepstakes casinos online. New Hampshire does not allow commercial casinos or full iGaming, maintaining its lottery-centered gambling model since 1964.
New Hampshire pioneered the modern state lottery in 1964, breaking a decades-long national trend away from lotteries. This founding principle shapes the state's gambling policy today; a focus on state-managed games rather than private casino licensing.
The DraftKings Exclusive Model
New Hampshire's sports betting model is unique. Rather than licensing multiple operators, the NH Lottery Commission runs sports betting as a state-managed product with DraftKings as the technology partner. The state sets odds and controls the product, while DraftKings handles payments and platform operations. This gives New Hampshire direct oversight its sports betting market unlike most states.
Competitive pressure from neighboring states (Maine launched sports betting in Nov 2023, Vermont in Jan 2024) has eroded NH's early advantage. Sports betting revenue declined 1.5% in 2024 despite strong mobile growth. The state remains profitable, but regional competition is reshaping the market.
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Read Full BioFAQs
There are no commercial casinos. Despite legislative proposals, NH has maintained its position against casino licensing.
The NH Lottery Commission runs sports betting as a state-managed product. DraftKings is the exclusive operator, processing payments and managing the platform. The state retains control over odds and strategy.
Yes. DraftKings is available statewide on mobile. You must be 18+, physically in NH, and use the official DraftKings NH app or website.
Non-profit organizations run licensed gaming venues with electronic bingo, electronic gaming devices based on historical horse races, and poker nights. 11 locations operate in New Hampshire today.
NH launched the first modern state lottery in 1964. Before that, only illegal lotteries existed. New Hampshire's decision paved the way for every other state lottery.
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