Legal New Hampshire sports betting could be a mere few weeks away. DraftKings might be launching in the Granite State in time for the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LIV.
That’s if everything goes according to plan, however. Everything has fallen into place in New Hampshire so far, so there’s no reason for pessimism.
The path for legal New Hampshire sports betting
New Hampshire’s legal sports betting landscape has come together quickly. The state granted its first — and currently only — sports betting operator license to DraftKings at the end of last month.
For the indefinite future, DraftKings will have an effective monopoly in the state. That’s because DraftKings outbid its competition, offering the state 51% of aggregated revenue.
DraftKings also won the bidding process because it laid out a quick plan for launching the product. It expects to offer its mobile sports betting product next month.
Because the product is regulated by the New Hampshire Lottery, it’s unique among other states’ offerings. Granite State bettors only have to be at least 18 years of age, whereas most other states have a minimum age requirement of 21.
That’s not the only way in which the Granite State will be unique, however. Unlike in other states, the mobile product could launch well before retail betting operations.
Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks coming eventually
DraftKings’ contract contains provisions for up to six brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state as well. Plans for the location of five of them seem certain:
- Berlin
- Claremont
- Laconia
- Manchester
- Somersworth
The state’s voters, not DraftKings or the lottery, chose those five locations. New Hampshire plans to offer its citizens the option to approve a sixth location in Franklin or Towns next year.
While DraftKings will be the only sportsbook operator in the state for the foreseeable future, its monopoly isn’t ironclad forever. State law allows for competition.
DraftKings doesn’t own the New Hampshire market
State law allows the lottery to grant up to five contracts similar to the one DraftKings has. There’s always the possibility the government could amend the law to allow for more later as well.
It’s anyone’s guess as to when New Hampshire might grant another contract. For now, the state is likely content to launch its first operator.
Limiting the activity to one operator allows everyone in the state to learn and adjust in a somewhat controlled environment. Like for many other states, legal sports betting is a brand new territory for New Hampshire.
When the lottery feels comfortable with its ability to regulate the market, that will signal its readiness to add an additional player. Until then, DraftKings is likely to enjoy its sole ability to market its product to New Hampshire residents and visitors.
How to legally bet in New Hampshire with DraftKings
When the product launches, New Hampshire residents and visitors will be a mere few steps away from placing their first bets. DraftKings makes the process quite painless.
The two most important things are age and location. You must be at least 18 years of age and physically located within the borders of New Hampshire. You do not have to be a New Hampshire resident.
If those parameters are met, all you then need is an account with DraftKings. DFS players or sports bettors from other states with access to DraftKings Sportsbook can use their existing accounts for sports betting in the Granite State.
Once logged in, make your deposit and then place your bet. You can use the same payment method to collect winnings.
All that information will be most relevant next month after DraftKings Sportsbook goes live in New Hampshire. Until then, Granite Staters will likely be waiting with bated breath.
