Multiple Applications to Become NH Sports Betting Operator Laws & Regulations

13 Companies in New Hampshire Submit Bids for Sports Betting Contract

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 26 September 2019

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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Officials in New Hampshire have announced that 13 different gambling operators have submitted bids to run the state’s new sports betting platform. On Monday, the officials released a short statement that revealed the number of companies that had submitted bids – but not their names.

The bids have been made by operators who are hoping to secure a lucrative contract to run all the sports betting activities within the state – and now, it’s up to officials and legislators to decide who they want to run the platform.

According to Charlie McIntyre – the executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission (the organization responsible for setting up and regulating sports betting in the state) – the Commission started asking operators to submit proposals back in August of this year. Companies were able to submit their proposals from that date until last week. Applications are now closed.

Talking about the proposals, McIntyre said:

“As the critical next step in the process, we look forward to reviewing each response carefully and thoroughly to ensure we can ultimately make the right decisions in launching a sports betting system that engages and protects players.”

It is hoped that those in charge of reviewing the applications will select successful contracts by the end of November.

When Was Sports Betting Legalized in New Hampshire?

Earlier this year in July, the governor of New Hampshire – Chris Sununu (R-NH) – signed HB 480 into law. This bill crafted new legislation that allows 10 physical sports betting locations to open their doors in the state, along with five online sports betting websites. Naturally, the competition for these spots is expected to be fierce.

The bill also created the Division of Sports Wagering – a new department within the state-run lottery. The law also went on to detail some specifics. For example, anyone who wants to place a real money wager must be aged 18 or above. Bookies will not be allowed to take bets on college teams. Rather strangely, bettors will also be unable to place bets on events that take place within New Hampshire. This is – we assume – an effort to reduce the chances of match-fixing or any other forms of corruption within the sports industry.

Little Information Given

Unfortunately, the Commission has refused to give out details about the 13 companies who submitted proposals. According to them, access to the RFPs is exempt by state law. What this means in practical terms, is that the general public won’t be able to get an insight into the vetting process of these companies. However, a spokesperson did make it clear that the information will be made available to the public once the vendor(s) has been chosen.

The Commission is aiming to choose which contracts to move forward by the end of November. They will then look at having finalized a betting strategy at the start of next year, and the hope is that by next summer, sports betting shops and websites will be up, running, and accepting real money wagers.