Online Gambling in New Hampshire: Legal Status, Charitable Poker, and Offshore Gray Area
New Hampshire enforces a restrictive gambling framework under New Hampshire Revised Statutes §647:1 et seq., prohibiting unauthorized wagering unless explicitly permitted. The state allows limited charitable gaming, pari-mutuel horse racing, the state lottery with online sales, and charitable “casino nights.” No commercial casinos, regulated online casinos, poker, or sports betting operate legally. Offshore platforms accept New Hampshire residents in a legal gray area, with no recorded prosecutions of individual players for participation as of 2026. Enforcement targets operators and unlicensed domestic activities rather than personal online play, though risks include lack of regulatory protections, potential payment issues, and absence of dispute resolution on unregulated sites.
Legal Framework and Gambling Restrictions
New Hampshire law prohibits gambling unless authorized, with penalties for violations ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on severity. No statutes specifically address online gambling, creating interpretive ambiguity. While real-money play on offshore sites technically violates state prohibitions, enforcement has never targeted individual players historically. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees lottery products, while charitable gaming falls under the Racing and Charitable Gaming Division. No legislative progress toward regulated iGaming or commercial casinos has occurred, despite repeated attempts.
Charitable and Limited Gaming in New Hampshire
New Hampshire features no commercial or tribal casinos. Charitable organizations operate “casino nights” with limited table games (blackjack, roulette, craps) under strict licenses. Charitable poker rooms exist in multiple locations, including:
- Manchester Poker Room (17 tables)
- Rockingham Park (Salem, 60 tables)
- The Poker Room at Hampton Falls (30 tables)
- River Card Room (Milford, 25 tables)
- Seabrook Poker Room (25 tables)
- Lakes Region Casino (Belmont, 10 tables)
These venues offer cash games and tournaments under nonprofit rules, with no house-banked games permitted. No state-sanctioned online casino access exists for residents.
Poker in New Hampshire
Live poker operates exclusively through charitable poker rooms, with cash games and tournaments under nonprofit oversight. Stakes are limited, and no commercial poker rooms exist. No regulated real-money online poker platforms are available. Offshore poker sites accept New Hampshire players unregulated, carrying legal ambiguity. Social poker apps provide free-play alternatives compliant with restrictions on cash prizes.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting remains illegal statewide, with no regulated retail or mobile options. Pari-mutuel horse racing continues at Rockingham Park and Rochester Fair, with on-track and off-track wagering permitted. Online pari-mutuel platforms (TwinSpires, TVG, XpressBet) are not authorized in New Hampshire. Offshore sportsbooks serve residents without documented player enforcement actions. Legislative attempts to legalize sports betting have repeatedly failed, with no active bills advancing as of 2026.
Daily Fantasy Sports Availability
Daily Fantasy Sports occupies an uncertain position without explicit exemption or regulation. Major platforms DraftKings and FanDuel accept New Hampshire residents, operating under the skill-based argument. No enforcement actions have targeted operators or players, though the legal gray area persists.
New Hampshire Lottery and Other Games
The New Hampshire Lottery offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life), Keno, scratch-offs, and fast-play options. Online ticket sales and iLottery products (instant digital games) are authorized via the official website and app. Charitable bingo operates through nonprofits, but no commercial or online bingo receives state approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gambling options are available in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire provides charitable poker rooms, charitable casino nights, pari-mutuel horse racing, the state lottery with online sales, and charitable bingo. No regulated online casinos, poker, or sports betting exist.
What laws govern online gambling in New Hampshire?
§647 statutes prohibit unauthorized gambling, applying broadly without explicit online provisions. Enforcement targets operators, not individual offshore players.
Is real-money online gambling legal for players in New Hampshire?
Real-money online gambling violates state law technically, but offshore play occurs without player prosecutions reported. Participation carries unregulated risks and no state protections.
Which offshore sites accept New Hampshire residents?
Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks welcome New Hampshire players, though participation involves risks regarding security, fairness, and dispute resolution.