TLDR
- New Hampshire’s Senate passed online casino bill SB 104 by a narrow 13-11 vote.
- The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for review.
- About 35% of net online casino profits would fund community college scholarships.
- Supporters estimate revenue of $5 million in year one, rising to $30 million by year three.
- Charitable gaming venues and Churchill Downs oppose the bill over lost revenue concerns.
New Hampshire has moved a step closer to legal online casinos. The state Senate passed Senate Bill 104 on a narrow 13-11 vote.
The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee. The committee will review whether the plan can set up a regulated online casino market in the state.
The proposal still faces several stages before it can become law. It needs approval from the full legislature before it can reach the governor for signing.
If it becomes law, SB 104 would let New Hampshire residents play online casino games. These would include blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, and craps.
What the Bill Would Require
The bill sets out age and identity checks for players. It would also require geolocation tools to confirm that players are inside New Hampshire when they play.
Licensed operators would have to follow wagering limits. Players would also be able to sign up for voluntary self-exclusion.
New Hampshire already allows online sports betting through an exclusive deal between DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery. The state also offers online lottery products.
Online casino games would be a wider expansion. Unlike sports betting, these games do not depend on scheduled sporting events and can be available at all hours.
This is not the state’s first attempt at an online casino market. An earlier version advanced in 2023 before stalling in the House, and a bill called SB 168 was tabled in 2025.
Revenue Plan and Opposition
Supporters point to new money for the state. About 35% of net online casino profits would fund scholarships through the Community College System of New Hampshire.
Another 10% would go to the New Hampshire Lottery to cover administrative costs. Supporters estimate the market could raise about $5 million in its first year.
Those estimates rise to around $20 million in the second year. By the third year, supporters project about $30 million.
The state’s charitable gaming industry opposes the bill. New Hampshire has about 16 charitable gaming venues, where casino-style games and poker raise money for nonprofit groups.
Opponents say online casinos could pull customers and revenue away from those venues. Sen. Bill Gannon said more online gambling could reduce the funds available to charities.
Churchill Downs, which owns Chasers Poker Room and Casino in Salem, also opposes the bill. The company has lobbied against it through former Senate president Peter Bragdon.
The state’s land-based gaming sector is also changing. Revo Casino is preparing a major expansion, and lawmakers are weighing changes to charitable gaming rules through Senate Bill 542.
The Senate Finance Committee will now review SB 104. Its decision will determine whether the online casino plan moves to the next stage of the legislative process.
