A bill has been filed in the New Hampshire legislature to expand the number of venues allowed to offer sports betting in the Granite State.
Rep. Tim Lang’s HB 330 would expand the number of venues that can offer sportsbook to ten and allow live in-game wagering at retail locations. Currently there are two such venues: in Manchester and Seabrook.
The bill would also create a market-driven process to raise that number in the future. Lang said, “The state shouldn’t be setting an artificial limit. We need to let the market drive the need.”
Lang noted that sports betting has been very successful in the state. “We’re just looking to make it better, and help open up the market some more,” he said.
Two years ago his bill legalizing sports betting was approved and it went live December 30, with more than 6,000 in the small state signing up on the first day. Under its provisions live-wagering on games while the game is happening is only allowed at retail locations.
Lang stated, “It makes zero sense. I could literally be sitting in the casino, where I could place a bet before the game started, but once the game started I would have to take out my phone to place another bet.”
Recently New Hampshire Lottery signed a six-year contract with DraftKings to operate its online and mobile sports wagering. The state will get 50 percent of the revenue, most of which will be directed to schools.
