New Hampshire Gears Up for Online Casino Gambling: A Deep Dive into SB 168

New Hampshire is making waves in the iGaming landscape, with a new bill, Senate Bill 168 (SB 168), under consideration that could legalize online casino gambling within the state. This development marks a significant step towards expanding gaming options for residents and generating new revenue streams for the state. This article explores the details of SB 168, its potential impact on the state’s gaming industry, and the implications for major players like DraftKings.

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Understanding Senate Bill 168

Introduced by State Sen. Tim Lang (R-Belknap) and co-sponsored by Senators Daniel Innis (R-Grafton), Howard Pearl (R-Merrimack), and Keith Murphy (R-Hillsborough), SB 168 proposes to legalize online casino slot machines and interactive table games for individuals aged 18 and older residing within New Hampshire. The bill mandates that the New Hampshire Lottery solicit bids for at least three online gaming platform licenses, with a total cap of six licenses available.

Key Provisions of SB 168

• Brick-and-Mortar Partnerships: A crucial aspect of SB 168 is the requirement for online iGaming operators to partner with licensed brick-and-mortar charitable casinos. These partner casinos must operate slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and/or live dealer table games. This ensures a connection to existing gaming infrastructure and supports local charities.
• Tax Revenue Allocation: Online casino revenue will be subject to a 45% state tax. Of this, 50% will be allocated to the state’s general fund, providing a significant boost to state coffers. The remaining 50% will be divided between funds supporting the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf, and another dedicated to special education initiatives.
• Age Restriction: The bill maintains the existing legal gambling age of 18 for online casino participation. This is in contrast to the seven other US states with operational iGaming markets – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia – which have an age restriction of 21.

The Path to Legalization: A Legislative Landscape

SB 168 has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for further review. New Hampshire joins a growing number of states actively considering iGaming legislation in 2025, including Maryland, Indiana, Wyoming, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. However, not all states are moving forward; lawmakers in Virginia recently abandoned their iGaming bill for the year.

DraftKings in New Hampshire: A Monopoly and Potential Expansion

DraftKings currently holds a monopoly on online sports wagering in New Hampshire, a result of a 2019 sports betting bill where DraftKings agreed to share revenue with the state in exchange for exclusive rights. The company also operates retail sportsbooks at four charitable gaming facilities across the state: The Brook in Seabrook, Revo Casino Manchester, Revo Casino Dover, and Gate City Casino in Nashua.

While DraftKings has not publicly commented on SB 168, it’s plausible they might be interested in expanding their presence to include iGaming operations in New Hampshire. However, the bill’s stipulation requiring partnerships with brick-and-mortar casinos could present challenges for a company seeking to maintain a dominant market position. The potential end of its sports betting monopoly is a key consideration.

Financial Connections: In 2023, DraftKings contributed $1K to Vote Tim Lang, Lang’s political action committee. More recently, Lang received contributions from Churchill Downs ($1K) and NH Gaming Holdings, LLC, a joint venture between Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and Manchester real estate developer Dick Anagnost. Last October, NH Gaming gave $3K to Lang, $1K to Pearl, and $750 to Innis.

Impact on the State’s Gaming Industry

The legalization of online casino gambling in New Hampshire has the potential to significantly reshape the state’s gaming industry. It would create new opportunities for existing brick-and-mortar casinos, particularly those operating charitable gaming facilities, and generate substantial tax revenue that can be directed towards important public services. It also positions New Hampshire as a leader in the evolving iGaming market.

A Counter Proposal: Raising the Gambling Age

While SB 168 aims to expand access to online casino gambling, another piece of legislation is being considered that could restrict participation. New Hampshire Rep. Sally Fellows (D-Grafton) has introduced House Bill 83, which seeks to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. This bill is currently under review in the House Ways and Means Committee, creating a potential debate over the appropriate age for engaging in gambling activities.

Conclusion

SB 168 represents a pivotal moment for New Hampshire’s gaming landscape. If enacted, it promises to generate significant tax revenue while fostering partnerships between online and brick-and-mortar casinos. However, the debate surrounding the legal gambling age adds another layer of complexity to this evolving legislative process. The outcome of these discussions will have lasting consequences for the state’s economy and its approach to responsible gambling.

Conclusion

SB 168 is poised to transform New Hampshire’s gaming industry, offering new revenue streams through a 45% tax on online casino revenue. This revenue will be allocated to the state’s general fund, as well as dedicated funds for the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf, and special education. The bill’s requirement for partnerships with existing brick-and-mortar casinos ensures a structured rollout while supporting charitable gaming initiatives. While concerns remain regarding the potential impact on the gambling age, SB 168 represents a significant step towards modernizing New Hampshire’s approach to online gaming.

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