In a move that maintains New Hampshire’s status as one of the few US jurisdictions allowing 18-year-olds to place sports bets, state lawmakers have decisively rejected a proposal to raise the legal betting age to 21. The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 on January 27, 2025, declaring House Bill 83 “inexpedient to legislate,” effectively killing the measure.
Representative Cyril Aures, speaking for the majority, framed the decision as a matter of personal freedom: “I see it as a liberty issue for young adults. If they want to bet with their money, let them bet.” This stance prevailed over concerns raised by ers of the bill, including Representative Thomas Schamberg, who argued for consistency with age restrictions on alcohol and tobacco products.
The decision to maintain the current age limit aligns with New Hampshire’s existing gambling regulations, which set 18 as the minimum age for all forms of gambling, including charitable gaming. It also preserves an estimated $320,000 in state revenue for 2026, with projections doubling to $640,000 annually thereafter.
Potential Expansion into Online Gambling 3hl1v
While sports betting remains accessible to 18-year-olds, the Granite State is now setting its sights on expanding its gambling offerings. Senate Bill 168, introduced on January 9, 2025, proposes to legalize online gambling in the state. If ed in its current form, New Hampshire would become the only state in the nation where 18-year-olds could participate in online casino games.
The online gambling bill, co-sponsored by Senator Tim Lang—architect of New Hampshire’s sports betting legislation—proposes allowing up to six digital gaming platforms with a hefty 45% tax rate on gross gaming revenue. The New Hampshire Lottery, which currently oversees sports betting, would regulate the new online gambling market.
As New Hampshire maintains its progressive stance on sports betting age limits and considers pioneering 18+ online casino gaming, the state continues to position itself at the forefront of gambling legislation in the United States.
