Sports betting signed into law sans wagers on NH college play

The sports betting legislation, which creates a Division of Sports Wagering within the New Hampshire Lottery to oversee sports betting, allows for mobile wagering. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 480, an act relative to sports betting, with New Hampshire lottery officials and lawmakers.
"Sports betting is the right bet for New Hampshire," said the governor. "With the exciting new addition of sports betting, the New Hampshire Lottery will continue to drive critical revenue, putting even more money into our educational system. Today's action will provide financial support and important resources to help our public education system, which will benefit every child in every school across the state - a win for New Hampshire."
The sports betting legislation, which creates a Division of Sports Wagering within the New Hampshire Lottery to oversee sports betting, allows for mobile wagering but prohibits any wagering on New Hampshire college teams or any college games taking place in the Granite State.

Players must be 18 or older to make wagers. This new division will oversee all aspects of sports betting in a thorough and thoughtful manner.

Lottery officials expect a smooth transition to their new duties.

"Sports betting represents an exciting new chapter for the New Hampshire Lottery and our loyal players," said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery. "The New Hampshire Lottery is well-positioned to strategically administer sports betting to maximize revenue and to protect our consumers."

The sponsor of the bill is Representative Timothy Lang, who said, "This bill brings sports betting - once treated as an illicit activity - into the light, and in doing so, increases the freedoms and protections of New Hampshire citizens. It's not often you get a win like this; this is a win for the citizens of New Hampshire who will now have increased consumer protections and increased liberties."