New Hampshire Sports Betting Still A Possibility After Bill Dismissal

• SB 310 has been removed from discussion, as Senators don’t agree with terms.
• HB 480 is still up in the air, awaiting discussion from the Senate Chamber.
• The New Hampshire legislature adjourns in late June.

CONCORD, N.H. – The likelihood of sports betting coming to New Hampshire may be decreasing by the day. On Wednesday, the bill that would have legalized sports betting in New Hampshire was given the title of  “inexpedient to legislate” in the House’s Ways and Means Committee.

SB 310 was almost given this title in the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee earlier in March; however, the House agreed to stop discussion by a vote of 17 to 2.

This title means the legislators agree the bill will not pass in this current session; however if the entire House Floor decides to agree, it means they believe it should not pass in general.

Authored by Senator Lou D’Allessandro (D- Manchester), the bill is yet another attempt from the former athlete and pro-gambling senator to bring legal sports betting, or an expansion of gambling, in New Hampshire.

But all hope is not lost for sports bettors of the Granite State. Besides using offshore betting sites or venturing into Rhode Island, there may be another possibility of land-based sportsbooks in NH.

HB 480 is still floating around the Senate, after previously making its way through the House.

Amendments have been made on this bill such as adding a cap to the number of licenses available in the state. Also, the House Committee amended the bill to allow multiple mobile sports betting operators, rather than solely operating through the state lottery.

The state still has plenty of time to finish discussions on the matter and bring forth a bill that is accepted by both Republicans and Democrats from both the House and Senate. With a late June adjournment date, there is no excuse for not moving forward with this bill, should legislators come to that agreement.

It has already received a favorable passage in the House, which has generally been the chamber that rejects gambling bills in New Hampshire.

Under HB 480, New Hampshire sports betting would be permitted, after a voter referendum, for those 18 and older. Overseen by the state lottery, both land-based and mobile betting would be available for residents and tourists of the state.

News tags: New Hampshire | NH HB 480 | NH SB 310 | sports betting