New Hampshire is set to become the next state in the US to launch sports betting in 2019, as the year comes to a close. Next week, New Hampshire in partnership with DraftKings will launch a mobile app, offering players betting options on the go. The details of the launch were provided by Matt Kalish, the co-founder of DraftKings, who spoke with the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Accelerated Timeline
Unlike other states, New Hampshire has acted quickly to get sports betting services in operation. DraftKings just signed a contract with the state at the end of November. The company already operates in other states and continues to cut new deals in states that approved sports betting legislation. Working quickly is the name of the game and one reason why DraftKings is easily approved in the US for operations.
During the proposal period in New Hampshire, DraftKings pulled out all the stops. They earned the best scores by the Lottery Commission when it came to several areas of criteria. They were able to show the state the most revenue, as they are willing to split their gross gambling profits 50/50 with the lottery to have commercial exclusivity.
The operations of DraftKings will include as many as 10 retail outlets and the mobile app. With a 50/50 split, that is a lot of cash for the state. The deal was essentially too good to pass up for the state. The mobile app seems to be launching first, while the retail sportsbooks will begin in the spring.
The lottery will also be offering sports betting, via a partnership with Intralot.
Details of Sports Betting
As a state legalizes sports betting, certain regulations are stipulated for operators as well as those who can participate. In New Hampshire, players only have to be 18 to take part. This is because the lottery is the regulator of the sports betting industry. Bettors only have to be 18 years of age to play. The lower age limit will open up the industry a bit more in the state when compared to places where the age to play is 21.
When it comes to in-play betting, New Hampshire will only offer this option with online sports betting. There are also bans in place regarding in-state college athletics. Players cannot place bets on any college teams that are located in the state.
One plus to the online sports betting industry of New Hampshire, is that the state does not require players to register in person before placing bets online. In some states, players must visit a casino location or other vendor and prove their identification before being able to open an account. In New Hampshire, players will simply download the app and sign up to get started.
For now, we will have to wait and see if the industry gets started next week. All signs point to the launch of the mobile application and players are most certainly ready to be able to place bets online on their favorite sports teams!
