Legal Online Gambling in New Hampshire Not Likely in 2024

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 28, 2023

• 
• 

Despite being initially considered one of the frontrunners for online casino legalization in 2024, New Hampshire has taken an unexpected turn, as there won’t be any bill on the table. Senator Tim Lang of New Hampshire revealed to PlayUSA that he has opted not to submit an online casino bill for the upcoming year.

Lang had previously shared the news that confirmed the state’s advocacy in favor of internet gaming legislation from the charitable casinos operating in the state during the summer. Lang was ready to introduce a bill that he believed would secure approval in 2024.

However, leadership conveyed that the language of his proposed bill wouldn’t meet the criteria for consideration in the New Hampshire House in the coming year. Lang expressed his disappointment, explaining that due to a procedural motion known as ‘indefinite postponement,’ he is precluded from reintroducing the topic in 2024. Undeterred by this setback, Lang is committed to revisiting the bill in 2025.

In 2023, Lang made the inaugural attempt to introduce online casino legislation in New Hampshire. The bill, set to generate revenue for community college scholarships, navigated the challenges of the state Senate. Overcoming an initial setback where it failed by a single vote, Lang secured passage after Senate President Jeb Bradley supported a revote.

Despite this Senate success, aspirations for the bill’s approval in both 2023 and 2024 were dashed by the House Ways and Means Committee. The committee’s indefinite postponement presented an obstacle. To revive the proposal, Lang needed to present a bill deemed “substantially different” from its predecessor, a determination left to House leadership.

Despite the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association’s opposition in the House committee, Lang, optimistic about potential revisions, engaged in efforts to reshape the bill.

However, as it ultimately remained an online casino bill, the prospects for overcoming the substantial difference requirement remained uncertain.

Senator Lang has revealed his participation in a Gaming Study Commission, which has the overarching goal of conducting a thorough assessment of all current laws and regulations in New Hampshire to guide the state’s future trajectory.

Preparations are underway within the commission to apply for a revision proposal, seeking the expertise of an industry professional for a comprehensive consultative study.

Lang expresses confidence that the study’s findings will prominently highlight the potential of iGaming in New Hampshire.