New Hampshire the Latest State To Consider Online Casino Bill

New Hampshire is once again considering the legalization of online casinos with a new bill introduced in the state Senate. However, the proposal faces familiar challenges, particularly concerns about how it could affect charitable gaming revenue.

A similar effort in 2023 failed to gain traction due to worries that online gambling could take business away from land-based charitable casinos, which help fund various nonprofit organizations in the state.

The latest bill, SB 168 is led by Sen. Tim Lang, who also championed the previous legislation. While this version includes some key differences from the 2023 proposal, opposition remains strong.

• A recent study commissioned by the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Study Commission highlights fears of market cannibalization.

• The report suggests iGaming expansion could hurt existing gaming operations rather than complement them.

SB 168 is currently being reviewed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. If passed, the bill would authorize the New Hampshire Lottery Commission to license between three and six online casino operators.

Key provisions include:

• Each approved platform must partner with a licensed gaming facility within the state.

• Online casino gaming would be legal for players 18 and older, aligning with the state’s age limit for online sports betting.

• Operators would face a 45% tax on gross gaming revenue.

Tax revenue allocation:

• 50% to the state’s general fund

• 25% to programs benefiting the elderly and disabled

• 25% to the education trust fund

Major differences from the 2023 proposal:

• Inclusion of online slots (the previous bill limited gaming to table games).

• Requirement for online operators to partner with existing gaming facilities, aimed at offsetting potential losses for land-based casinos.

Despite these adjustments, the debate over whether online gambling will weaken charitable gaming remains unresolved.

The Spectrum Gaming Group study (August 2024):

• Examined the potential impact of online gambling on New Hampshire’s gaming landscape.

• Recommended a cautious approach, advising lawmakers to wait until 2031 before reassessing expansion.

• Pointed to competition from neighboring states that may introduce new gambling options.

Opposition to the bill is expected to center on:

• Findings of the Spectrum report.

• Concerns about protecting charitable gaming revenue.

The 2023 proposal failed in the House’s Ways and Means Committee, where lawmakers questioned whether online gambling would divert funds from nonprofit-supported casinos. SB 168 includes provisions meant to address these concerns, but whether they will be enough to gain broader support remains uncertain.