Online Gambling in New Hampshire: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online poker is not legal in New Hampshire (NH). The state has chosen to restrict online gambling to sports betting and lottery games, leaving poker off-limits for licensed digital platforms. Residents and visitors cannot legally play real-money poker online within the state, although land-based charitable poker events are permitted under specific regulations. This limitation reflects New Hampshire’s cautious approach to gambling expansion, focusing on controlled and state-regulated forms rather than full-scale online casino offerings.

Lottery games in New Hampshire (NH) are fully legal and operated under the oversight of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The state offers a range of options, including traditional draw games, scratch-off tickets, and multi-state lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions. Players can purchase tickets at licensed retail locations or participate through the official online lottery platform for certain games. Revenue from lottery sales is directed primarily toward public education and state programs, making it both a popular form of gambling and a key source of funding for community initiatives.

Bingo is legal in New Hampshire (NH) as a form of charitable gaming. Licensed organizations can host bingo events to raise funds for approved charitable, nonprofit, or community purposes. These games are closely regulated to ensure fairness and compliance with state laws, including age restrictions—players must be 18 or older. While bingo cannot be played online for real money, in-person events provide a legal and community-focused way for residents to participate in gambling activities within the state.

Charitable gambling in New Hampshire (NH) is a legal and regulated way for nonprofit organizations to raise funds. This includes activities such as bingo, raffles, and poker events, all of which must be conducted under state-issued licenses and follow strict rules regarding prize limits, reporting, and age restrictions. Participants must be 18 or older, and all proceeds are required to benefit approved charitable or community causes. By allowing this controlled form of gambling, New Hampshire provides nonprofits with a revenue stream while maintaining oversight and promoting responsible play.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal in New Hampshire (NH) and are regulated as a form of skill-based gaming. Players can participate in contests offered by licensed operators, competing to assemble the best-performing fantasy teams in professional sports for cash prizes. DFS platforms must comply with state regulations, including age restrictions—participants must be 18 or older—and rules on prize distribution and contest fairness. This legal framework allows residents to engage in fantasy sports competitions safely while ensuring operator accountability and consumer protection.

Social gambling in New Hampshire (NH) is generally permitted as long as it occurs among private individuals without profit to the host or organizer. This includes casual games like poker or card games played for small stakes among friends or family. Social gambling cannot involve public venues, commercial operators, or online platforms offering real-money payouts. The state’s approach ensures that private entertainment remains legal while distinguishing it clearly from regulated, state-sanctioned gambling activities.

Land-based casinos are not legal in New Hampshire (NH). The state does not operate commercial or tribal casino facilities, focusing instead on charitable gaming, lottery sales, and retail sportsbooks as its primary forms of land-based gambling. Residents seeking casino-style games such as slots, blackjack, or roulette must travel to neighboring states where casinos are licensed. This restriction reflects New Hampshire’s cautious and controlled approach to gambling expansion, prioritizing oversight and limited revenue-generating options over full-scale casino development.