The New Hampshire house ways and means committee on Monday (27 January) declined to move forward HB 83, which would have raised the legal betting age to 21. The committee voted, 11-7, that the bill was “inexpedient to legislate”, which means that it is dead.
Kentucky, Wyoming and Washington DC are the other three jurisdictions that allow 18-year-olds to place bets.
During the ways and means executive session, there was some conversation about whether or not to change the legal betting age.
Representative Thomas Schamberg favoured the bill, saying, “I think it is important that we make a statement about the age limit like we have about alcohol, tobacco products and vapes. Basically, I am supporting the age of 21 in New Hampshire.”
Aures: “I see it as a liberty issue”
But Representative Cyril Aures spoke for what turned out to be the majority.
“I’d just like to say that I see it as a liberty issue for young people,” he said. “If they want to bet with their money, let them bet.”
The legal age for all gambling in New Hampshire, including charitable gaming, is 18. The bill would have raised the age for legal sports betting only. Online casino is not legal in New Hampshire. But lawmakers there could set the age for it at 18.
According to a note on the bill, raising the wagering age to 21 would cost the state $320,000 (£256,122/€304,960) in 2026 and up to $640,000 in each year beyond that.
The bill was introduced ahead of the session.
Igaming coming to Granite State?
In the senate SB 168, a legal online gambling bill, is awaiting a hearing date. Filed on 9 January, the bill was referred to the senate ways and means committee on 23 January. Senator Tim Lang, architect of the New Hampshire legal sports betting bill, is among the sponsors.
The bill would allow for up to six digital gaming platforms and set the tax rate at 45% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). The proposal sets the legal age at 18. If it passes as is, New Hampshire would be the only state in the union where 18-year-olds could play online casino.
The New Hampshire Lottery, which also oversees sports betting, would be the regulator.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/new-hampshire-legal-betting-age-18/
