New Hampshire Bill Proposes Raising Legal Sports Betting Age to 21
Lawmakers in New Hampshire are considering a significant change to the state’s sports betting rules with House Bill 83 (HB 83). The bill, introduced by Representatives Sallie Fellows (D) and Michael Cahill (D) with bipartisan support from Senators Ruth Ward (R) and Suzanne Prentiss (D), seeks to raise the minimum legal sports betting age from 18 to 21.
The Proposed Change
Under current law, New Hampshire allows residents and visitors as young as 18 to place sports bets, both online and in retail sportsbooks. The proposed legislation would align the state with the majority of the U.S., as New Hampshire is currently one of only eight states permitting sports betting for those under 21.
If HB 83 is approved, the age restriction would go into effect in 2026. The bill is scheduled for its first review by the House Ways and Means Committee on January 8, 2025.
Financial Impact
According to a fiscal note attached to the bill, raising the betting age could cost the state up to $640,000 annually in lost tax revenue. This projected loss stems from the exclusion of bettors aged 18 to 20, who accounted for approximately 1.9% of New Hampshire’s gaming revenue in the 2024 fiscal year.
Despite the anticipated revenue loss, proponents of the bill argue that the change would promote consistency across gambling regulations. In New Hampshire, the legal age for purchasing alcohol and tobacco, as well as entering casinos, is already 21. Supporters also point to broader national trends in sports betting laws, which overwhelmingly set the minimum age at 21.
What’s Next for HB 83?
The bipartisan backing for HB 83 indicates it has a strong chance of advancing through the legislative process. However, the proposed change is not without controversy, given the potential impact on state revenue.
The bill’s journey begins with its first hearing on January 8. If passed, New Hampshire bettors under 21 will have until 2026 to place their wagers before the new age restriction takes effect.
Sports Betting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2019, becoming one of the first states in the Northeast to offer this form of gaming. The state partnered exclusively with DraftKings to manage both online and retail sports betting operations. This collaboration has made sports wagering widely accessible to residents and visitors, generating significant revenue for the state.
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