New Hampshire looking to raise sports gambling age to 21
New Hampshire, a U.S. state in New England, is considering raising the sports gambling age from 18 to 21 with House Bill 83.
Currently, New Hampshire is one of only eight states where people as young as 18 can legally place sports bets, unlike other states where the minimum age for placing bets is 21.
Lawmakers, including House Members Sallie Fellows and Michael Cahill and Senators Ruth Ward and Suzanne Prentiss, argue that the age restriction is necessary to protect the state’s youth from developing gambling habits, as young adults under 21 are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems.
Raising the age is expected to have financial consequences. Sportsbook providers, such as the state’s only current licensed provider, DraftKings, may record reduced revenues as the age change makes the bettors’ circle even smaller. However, lawmakers believe that after some time, age restrictions will create a safer gambling environment.
However, proponents believe that in the long run, strict age restrictions will create a safer gambling environment. If House Bill 83 passes, the legal gambling age in New Hampshire could rise to 21 by 2026, though lawmakers have yet to make a decision.