New Hampshire Keeps Sports Betting Age at 18, Considers Online Casino Bill
New Hampshire has decided to maintain the minimum age for sports betting at 18, rejecting a proposed increase to 21. Meanwhile, the state is considering an online casino bill that could allow 18-year-olds to legally gamble online, making it the first state in the U.S. to do so.
Sports Betting Age Stays at 18
The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 to reject House Bill 83 (HB 83). This bill aimed to raise the sports betting age to 21. Representatives Sally Fellows and Michael Cahill sponsored the proposal to align the betting age with the legal drinking and smoking age in New Hampshire.
Supporters believed the change would match most U.S. states, where the minimum betting age is 21. However, opponents argued that keeping the age at 18 protects personal freedom. Representative Cyril Aures emphasized that young adults should have the right to bet if they wish.
Another factor was the potential financial impact. Analysts estimated that raising the age would cost the state $320,000 in 2026 and $640,000 annually in following years. Currently, New Hampshire is one of just four states where 18-year-olds can legally place sports bets.
Online Casino Bill Could Set a Precedent
While the sports betting age remains the same, Senate Bill 168 (SB 168) could bring major changes. This legislation proposes legalizing online casino games for players as young as 18. If passed, New Hampshire would set a nationwide precedent.
Senator Tim Lang, one of the bill’s sponsors, outlined key elements of the proposal:
- Age Requirement: Players must be at least 18 years old to access online casinos.
- Licensing: Between three and six operators would receive licenses, partnering with existing gambling venues in the state.
- Taxation: Operators would pay a 45% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), contributing to state funds.
- Regulation: The New Hampshire Lottery Commission would oversee the online casino market, as it currently does with sports betting.
If approved, SB 168 would take effect on January 1, 2026.
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