Initially known as the New Hampshire Sweepstakes, the state's lottery began operation in 1964 and is the oldest lottery conducted by a U.S. state.[3][a] New Hampshire offers
scratch tickets and participates in multi-state lotteries such as
Mega Millions and
Powerball. Online sales began in September 2018.[4]
Sports betting was legalized by the state in 2019.[8][9] DraftKings was granted its exclusive contract later that year for a six-year period, based on its offer to give 51% of online revenue and 50% of retail revenue to the state.[10] The first bet was placed on December 30, 2019, by Governor
Chris Sununu.[11]
Former racetrack sites can offer
off-track betting; as of 2023[update], only the former Seabrook Greyhound Park, now operating as The Brook, does so.[18][19]
Charitable gaming
Charitable gaming allowed in the state includes
poker,
bingo, Lucky 7
pull-tab tickets, and
raffles.[20] Groups wishing to run charitable gaming events must be registered with the state.[20]
In 2021, New Hampshire legalized
Instant Racing (also known as historical horse racing) at charitable gaming facilities.[21]
Casinos
New Hampshire has no commercial casinos. Several facilities that brand themselves as casinos operate under the state's charitable gaming laws, donating a portion of daily proceeds to local nonprofit organizations.[22] One such facility operates
table games including
Spanish 21 and
roulette, poker tables, and
historical horse racing machines.[22][23] A similar facility donated over $4 million in 10 years to a local
American Legion post.[24]