The New Hampshire legislature is considering a bill that would make the Granite State the ninth state to authorize sports betting. Some businesses, like the recently purchased Seabrook Greyhound Park, can’t wait for the opportunity to take such wagers.
Sponsor Rep. Timothy Lang argues that thousands of people are already participating in this underground market. He just wants to legalize and tax it.
He told WMUR 9 “The one thing I want to bring out is this does not create a brand-new industry.” His bill would benefit consumers by regulating it and taxing it.
He proposes giving the New Hampshire Lottery Commission jurisdiction over sports book and proposes allowing vendors to keep 5 percent of the amount bet, and taxing a percentage of that.
Bets could be placed in actual casino-like settings or using mobile platforms explained Lottery Commissioner Charles McIntyre. Under this proposal the state could rake in from $1.5 million to $7 million. Individual municipalities could choose to host or not host sports betting.
