Senate Advances Digital Casino Legislation
The New Hampshire Senate advanced Senate Bill 104 on a 13-11 vote, moving the proposal to legalize online casino gaming one step closer to potential enactment. The bill, which would permit residents to play digital versions of blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, and craps, is now set for review by the Senate Finance Committee.
Under the terms of SB 104, a significant portion of the financial gains from online casino operations would be allocated to public education and state operations. The legislation mandates that 35% of net online casino profits be directed to scholarships administered through the Community College System of New Hampshire. An additional 10% of net profits would be designated for the New Hampshire Lottery to cover administrative costs.
Revenue Projections and Regulatory Framework
Proponents of the bill point to revenue projections that estimate the industry will generate $5 million in its first year of operation. The figures climb to an estimated $20 million in the second year and $30 million by the third year. To manage the expansion of digital gambling, the proposal includes specific regulatory requirements. Operators would be required to implement age and identity verification, geolocation tracking, wagering limits, and voluntary self-exclusion options for players.
New Hampshire currently permits online sports betting through an exclusive arrangement between DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery. The state also offers online lottery products. However, online casino gaming presents a different operational model, as casino games can be played continuously rather than being tied to the schedules of sporting events.
Concerns from Charitable Gaming Sector
The advancement of the bill has drawn opposition from the state’s charitable gaming industry, which operates approximately 16 facilities that generate funding for nonprofit organizations. Critics argue that the introduction of digital casino games could divert customers and revenue away from these physical venues. Sen. Bill Gannon, a supporter of the legislative effort, acknowledged the potential impact on existing charitable funds in a statement to the Union Leader. He described the possibility of online gambling “eating away” at the resources currently generated by charitable gaming operations.
Churchill Downs, the owner of Chasers Poker Room and Casino in Salem, has explicitly opposed the proposal. The company lobbied against the bill through Peter Bragdon, a lobbyist and former Senate president. While Revo Casino is preparing a major expansion, the broader industry remains divided on the impact of state-sanctioned online casino gaming.
Legislative History and Next Steps
The current legislative push follows previous attempts to legalize iGaming in New Hampshire. An earlier version of the bill advanced in 2023 but ultimately stalled in the House. Another proposal, Senate Bill 168, was tabled in 2025. Lawmakers are also considering changes to charitable gaming rules under Senate Bill 542, which may interact with the provisions of SB 104.
If SB 104 successfully advances from the Senate Finance Committee, it will still require approval from the full Legislature before it can be sent to the governor for signature. The next phase of the process will focus on financial scrutiny by the finance committee, where the projected revenues and the distribution of profits will be examined in detail.
Why It Matters
This development determines whether New Hampshire becomes a new market for digital casino operators and affects the revenue streams of the state's 16 charitable gaming facilities. For the New Hampshire Lottery and the Community College System, the bill represents a potential new funding source of up to $30 million annually. The outcome will also clarify the regulatory landscape for iGaming in a state that already hosts an exclusive DraftKings sportsbook.
Sarah Thompson is an editorial byline used by Casino No Deposits for industry news coverage. Articles published under this byline are summarised from reporting by licensed gambling industry news sources and produced with AI assistance, then published against our editorial rules on accuracy, sourcing and tone. They are not first-hand reporting and do not contain personal player accounts. Our full process, including how bonus listings and ratings are maintained separately by our team, is documented in how we review casinos: https://casinonodeposits.com/how-we-review-casinos/
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