New Hampshire has joined the growing ranks of US states that are set to consider legalized online gambling in 2025. Four Republican state senators have signed on to sponsor Senate Bill 168, which would legalize iGaming services to be offered to people aged 18 and up who are physically present in the state.
The age-18 minimum is New Hampshire's distinct wrinkle among state-level regulatory efforts... at least so far. All other US states that have already legalized iGaming or are considering it this year have opted for an age-21 floor, which has in general provided for better optics in the battle against gambling foes. The initial age-18 minimum could even be used as a trading point in negotiations over the bill.
It's not the first time New Hampshire has considered casino-style gaming legislation. One of this year's SB 168's primary sponsors, Timothy Lang, offered similar legislation two years ago, and that effort received Senate approval before faltering in the state's House. Lang is joined this time around with State Senators Daniel Innis, Howard Pearl, and Keith Murphy as primary sponsors.
Bill already assigned to first committee
New Hampshire's latest iGaming measure has already been sent to its first Senate committee stop, the Ways and Means Committee, which Lang chairs and where Murphy is the vice chairman. This likely means a quick passing vote by the committee and perhaps approval by the state's Senate at large in relatively short order.
