Voters in Franklin, New Hampshire have made it the first city in the Granite State to welcome sports betting within city limits, approving it by a vote of 527 to 354. A recently passed state law allows up to 10 cities to permit sportsbooks—subject to a vote of the people.
Some confusion apparently arose from the wording of the yes-or-no measure that asked voters, “Shall we allow the operation of sports book retail location within the city?” The wording is mandated by the state law adopted earlier this year.
According to City Clerk Katie Gargano, who was interviewed by the Concord Monitor, some voters misunderstood the wording, particularly the phrase “sportsbook,” which is a retail location where bettors can place wagers on sporting events.
Besides the 10 retail locations, the state law also allows online sports betting, which would be serviced by online providers chosen by bid by the state. The state lottery recently put out an RFP for this service and received 13 applicants.
