Gambling Laws In New Hampshire
As there are a couple federal laws which impact gambling such as the Federal Wire Act and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), one may desire to know what they can and cannot do in regards to wagering. These laws were put in place to bring an end to organized crime and curb corruption, making the business of gambling and facilitating bets completely illegal. The laws do not, however, make the simple act of placing a bet illegal. This leaves casual and recreational bettors in the country alone as they are not the targets of the wide sweeping federal legislations.
There is much room left over from these laws for each state to take their own stances on gambling and enact their own legislation for their citizens and visitors to their state. New Hampshire is one such state which has drafted and passed its own gambling regulations. This guide to the gambling laws in New Hampshire is for all those in the Granite State to educate themselves about the acceptable types of gambling in their state, and learn whether it is ok to go to the web to wager at New Hampshire gambling sites.
Gambling in the state of New Hampshire is defined under 647:2.I(d) in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes and committing this act unlawfully is guilty of a misdemeanor. While simple gambling seems to be ignored, the business of gambling and generating a profit off of others is not. As is the case with federal laws, this will mean a felony for anyone who conducts, manages, supervises or advances an unlicensed gambling operation which could mean up to 7 years in prison and a fine up to $2000.
'Unlawful' gambling in the state of New Hampshire is to mean gambling on anything that is not specifically authorized by state law. This means that any wagers made outside of a Granite State gambling facility is technically breaking the law and could result in a steep fine through a Class B Misdemeanor. Although, there have been no investigations, enforcement or prosecution of those wagering among friends with a bet on the Patriots or a home poker game. So long as there is no cut being taken by someone conducting the gambling, these instances are typically ignored.
Gambling is somewhat legalized in the state of New Hampshire as the state offers a few different forms of regulated gambling for residents and visitors alike. Licensed horse and dog racing is monitored for legal pari-mutuel wagering and charitable organizations are allowed to operate raffles, bingo and other games of chance. There is also a state lottery which remains popular however one will not find any slot machines or gaming devices in the state. Even after these restrictions, one is able to find live poker all throughout the state for both low and high stakes but sports betting remains illegal just as with most other states due to PASPA.
Land-Based Gambling In New Hampshire
When it comes to visiting a land based gambling in facility in New Hampshire, residents will find that there are 5 locations in the state to choose from. Three of these locales are greyhound racetracks while two are horse racing tracks, all of which are pari-mutuel betting scenarios. There are no slots or electronic gaming devices in these establishments however there are poker rooms in many of them. While there are no Native American tribal casinos in New Hampshire, there are stand-alone poker rooms which exist outside of the pari-mutuel racetracks. One of the more popular destinations for card players is 'The Poker Room' located in Hampton Falls. Featuring multi-table tournaments as well as casual sit'n'go action, this poker room is a top choice for many all through New England and the Northeast corridor.
Online Gambling In New Hampshire
The New Hampshire gambling laws in regards to online gambling. In fact, it makes no mention of it at all. This is great news for those looking to wager on more than horse and greyhound racing who are also not the biggest card players. When it comes to online gambling, the only stipulation is that a site must be based outside of U.S. federal jurisdiction. As stated above on this page, the business of gambling and facilitating bets for profit is illegal on U.S. soil but the simple act of placing a bet is not. If a local in New Hampshire wishes to place a bet then, finding a venue that is legally able to do so is the quest.
There are many online gambling sites for New Hampshire residents which meet these parameters and that have been in operation for years to rave reviews. There are some that are located even as nearby as Canada and which are carefully designed just for American citizens to utilize both legally and safely. Despite a foreign location, one in New Hampshire will feel right at home with these online gambling sites as they host every classic casino game, poker and even sports betting on every major American sport. These sites also adhere to stringent gambling and banking laws from their host countries so the worry by some that the transactions may not be safe are unwarranted as many in New Hampshire receive checks delivered straight to their home address, collecting on their winnings easily.
Popular Gambling Options In New Hampshire:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
Bovada is one of our favorite New Hampshire online gambling sites. Bovada initially began as an American site decades ago which was only forced to move to neighboring Canada due to changing federal laws. They continue to provide the utmost in service to all American citizens now based just outside of Montreal, Quebec, offering all of the major forms of gambling.
Traditional casino games such as Blackjack or Roulette are available as well as poker games such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Bettors from the Granite State will also be happy to find one of the finest online sportsbooks on the entire internet which is backed up by such reputable names as ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today. With some of the most favorable odds and lines around, users are able to wager on team or player props, spreads, moneylines or even exciting future bets such as if the Patriots will win next year's Super Bowl.
With the best customer support, privacy, security and site design, New Hampshire residents are free to make a sure bet with Bovada's online sportsbook.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
The legal gambling age in the state of New Hampshire is 18 years of age or older however some establishments may have age restrictions set to 21 due to the sales of alcohol. For all of those in the Granite State who wish to wager online with one of our recommended sportsbooks, the legal gambling age remains at 18 years or older however some sites will defer to New Hampshire gambling code for their minimum age requirement.
Best For All Gaming Types
