It’s official, DraftKings Sportsbook is coming to New Hampshire.
Earlier this week, the New Hampshire Lottery Executive Council voted to grant DraftKings Sportsbook an exclusive sports betting contract.
This news comes after the daily fantasy sports provider turned sportsbook operator scored the highest in the state lottery’s competitive bidding process. DraftKings was selected by the New Hampshire Lottery after offering the best financial package and the fastest time to launch its online sportsbook.
Governor Chris Sununu said: “We moved fast to get this done, and the deal is a win for New Hampshire. We are partnering with a world-class company to provide a first-rate customer service experience. With today’s vote, everyone will now be able to bet on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in time for this year’s Super Bowl.”
According to a press release, DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery plan to launch mobile sports betting in January.
The sports betting contract
Under the approved contract, the New Hampshire Lottery will receive 50% of gaming revenue from sports betting sales which will be put towards funding education within the state.
DraftKings plans to work closely with the state lottery and will open a new office in the Granite State.
Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery said: “The introduction of sports betting will broaden the appeal of the New Hampshire Lottery and engage new and existing customers while generating millions of dollars in additional revenue to support education. We are working directly with DraftKings to implement a sports betting system that both engages players, while also ensuring all appropriate safeguards are in place.”
Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings said: “We look forward to collaborating further with the New Hampshire Lottery to bring the DraftKings experience to sports fans in the Granite State. Our best-in-class mobile sportsbook and several retail locations throughout the state are sure to be a hit with all types of customers as legalized sports betting continues to expand across the country.”
What about land-based betting?
The state’s sports betting law allows the lottery to award up to 10 land-based venues a license for sports betting. The legislation allows voters in different cities to vote whether or not they want a land-based sportsbook within their community.
Several cities voted to approve land-based sports betting during the city elections earlier this month. Claremont, Manchester, Laconia, Somersworth and Berlin were the five cities that voted to approve land-based sports betting.
In spring 2020, New Hampshire town halls will be able to place the question of having land-based sportsbooks on their town meeting warrants.
Sports betting in New Hampshire
In July, New Hampshire became the second New England state to legalize sports betting. Land-based, online and mobile sports betting is now legal under the state’s new law. The law allows the New Hampshire Lottery to award licenses to 10 land-based venues and five online and mobile sportsbooks.
Bettors in the Granite State must be 18 years old and can create online accounts remotely from anywhere within state lines. The bill also permits in-play sports betting via online platforms only.
However, New Hampshire’s betting law prohibits wagering on collegiate events that take place within state lines.
