New Hampshire Proposes Legislation Allowing Mobile Sports Betting
Get Ready for a Betting Frenzy in New England!
New Hampshire has entered the sports betting arena, joining the race with neighboring states. Representative Tim Lang (R-Belknap 4) filed HB 480 to legalize sports wagering, including statewide mobile betting, and a hearing is scheduled for February 7th in Concord.
Previously, Rhode Island led the charge in New England, and Massachusetts sports betting bills are still under consideration by lawmakers. Both Massachusetts and Connecticut, with established casino markets, are examining their strategies to legalize and regulate sports betting in a competitive regional landscape.
At a recent hearing, Lang's bill could either progress to the House floor, be amended, or remain in committee. The bill's creation of a regulatory body, regulations for city or town approvals of sportsbooks, and prohibition on college sports betting are among its key features.
According to the fiscal note, New Hampshire could potentially generate up to $7.5 million in revenue in 2021 and up to $13.5 million in 2023, paving the way for education funding via the "Education Trust Fund."
The Sports Betting Wave Hits Nearby States
As Lang's bill moves to committee, two other states in the region are exploring legal sports betting opportunities. In the same month, Vermont Representative Benjamin Jickling (I-Orange-Washington-Addison) unveiled H 46, aimed at creating a sports betting study committee. Reports also suggest that Maine lawmakers are set to introduce a sports betting bill package.
Vermont's bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on General, Housing, and Military Affairs, with no scheduled hearing date. In Maine, Senate President Troy Jackson (D-District 1) is planning to introduce bills that would legalize mobile and internet sports betting, while Representative Benjamin Collins (D-District 42) is working on legislation for sports betting on tribal lands, according to his office's spokesperson.
Here's a breakdown of New Hampshire's HB 480:
- Mobile betting: Yes.
- In-person registration: No.
- Tax rate: Not specified.
- Application/renewal fee: Not specified.
- College sports betting: Prohibited.
- Professional leagues: No fees or royalties demanded.
- Use of official league data: Not mandatory.
- Regulatory body: Division of Sports Wagering.
- Fund allocation: Education through the "Education Trust Fund."
The wave of sports betting continues to spread across New England as Vermont and Maine are considering legalizing sports betting. In Vermont, Representative Benjamin Jickling has introduced H 46, a bill aimed at creating a sports betting study committee, while Maine lawmakers are readying a sports betting bill package.
