New Hampshire becomes latest state to legalize sports betting

As of Friday, sports betting is legal in New Hampshire, and state officials expect it will bring an estimated $7.5 million for education in fiscal year 2021 and $13.5 million two years later. 

The measure signed by the Republican governor, House Bill 480, legalizes betting on professional sports and most Division I college sports, excluding games involving New Hampshire schools.

Mobile betting, as well as retail gambling at 10 locations, will be allowed, though it will take some time to set up, CBS Boston reports. The state Lottery Commission will regulate the new industry.

The commission will operate the new program, contracting with vendors who will offer sports wagering both through mobile wagering platforms and in retail locations.

"We can do it with a lot of confidence because it’s being done responsibly, and it’s being done with an organization here at the lottery that just knows what they’re doing," Sununu said. "They know how to get this stuff off the ground."

Since a U.S. Supreme Court last year ended Nevada’s monopoly on legal sportsbooks, they’ve opened in eight more states. In addition to New Hampshire, another six states plus the District of Columbia have legalized the practice but have not opened sportsbooks yet.

"I’m happy we’re bringing an illicit activity into the light for our citizens of New Hampshire and allowing for some consumer protections," said Rep. Timothy Lang, R-Sanbornton, the bill’s prime sponsor. He called it a win for residents, communities, the state and public education.