New Hampshire online sports betting laws

New Hampshire was one of many states that legalized sports betting in 2019. This was the year after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was ruled unconstitutional, which opened the door for widespread sports betting.

The New Hampshire bill, HB480, paved the way for people to place bets in person at retail locations and with online sportsbooks. It also maintained that the New Hampshire Lottery would regulate sports betting in the Granite State.

In November 2019 New Hampshire entered into a contract with DraftKings, under which DraftKings will be the sole operator to provide legal New Hampshire sports betting for a period of six years (with the option for two additional two-year contract extensions). DraftKings sealed those exclusive rights by offering to pay 51% of gross gaming revenue from mobile and 50% from retail during the six-year period.

The state legislation allows for physical sportsbook locations across New Hampshire, dependent upon the approval of residents in each community. Residents in five locations – Berlin, Claremont, Laconia, Manchester and Somersworth – voted in favor of retail sportsbooks facilities being set up there in 2019. Several additional towns, including Derry, Salem, and Hudson, have since also voted to allow physical sportsbooks. DraftKings has opened two retail sportsbook locations in New Hampshire as of writing.

You can enjoy sports betting in New Hampshire either in person at their physical sportsbook locations or online. To enjoy New Hampshire sports betting online, you must be physically located within the state when placing wagers.

Therefore, please ensure, when you sign up for the DraftKings sportsbook online, that you have any geolocation tools on your desktop or mobile device switched on.

DraftKings is the only sportsbook currently licensed to operate in New Hampshire. The good news for Granite State bettors is that DraftKings is a well-respected brand with a solid reputation for a quality and trustworthy service. You can be sure you are betting with an operator who delivers a legal, safe experience.

The good news is that New Hampshire does not have a state tax on betting winnings. The bad news is that federal taxes still apply.

It’s advisable to keep a record of your winnings, no matter how small. Because when you are betting online, the sportsbook will be making a note – and filing a copy to the IRS. Retail sportsbooks also report wins once you reach a certain threshold.

If you win more than $5,000, you’ll be issued with form WG-2, with a copy also sent to the IRS.

It is possible to offset losses, but for this you’ll need to keep accurate records.

The minimum age for New Hampshire sports betting is 18.

You must be physically located within the state to enjoy New Hampshire online sports betting. Modern geolocation technology means your position will be tracked by the sportsbook – but make sure it's not turned off on your home screen or your mobile device.

You may not bet on collegiate sports events that take place in New Hampshire or on events involving in-state collegiate teams. This includes, for example, teams from Dartmouth College or the University of New Hampshire, no matter where they are played.

Betting on politics in any form is forbidden anywhere in the US. No licensed sportsbook will put up markets on foreign or domestic elections, for instance.