Sports Betting: New Hampshire Lottery Projects Record Spending as Football Season Peaks

The New Hampshire Lottery projects record-breaking sports wagering revenue for the current year. The state expects its highest spending volume since it legalized sports betting in 2019. This surge coincides with the active seasons for professional and college football and basketball. The Lottery attributes the increase to a national trend where sports leagues have integrated odds into televised broadcasts. Gambling advertisements now appear with high frequency across media channels. The legal betting age in New Hampshire is 18.

Local residents in Concord and surrounding Vermont towns described how wagering has entered their daily lives. Gunnar, a senior at Keene State College in Pittsford, Vermont, said he bets on college and professional football and basketball. He noted that he and his four roommates discuss wagers on Sundays. He described the activity as fun but criticized television networks for pushing the product at younger audiences. "I don't think it should be on television and everything because you shouldn't push it onto the kids at that point," Gunnar said.

Derek, a Concord resident, expressed concern about younger participants who are below the legal age. He stated that his 16-year-old has friends who gamble despite being minors. He described the commercial presence as overwhelming. "Every commercial you see now is about gambling, gambling, gambling," Derek said. He argued that the industry glamorizes the activity and creates addiction among college students. He compared the advertising push to the pharmaceutical industry and called for policy changes.

Other bettors viewed the activity as a way to enhance their viewing experience. Taylor from Killington, Vermont, said he only bets during major events like the Super Bowl. He follows his father's advice to avoid betting on his favorite hockey team to prevent emotional distress. Tyler from Concord described betting as a hobby that adds action to games. He said wagers allow him to watch matches that might otherwise hold little interest. He said he would be concerned if he noticed his attention to Sunday football changing.

Joe, a bartender at The Draft in Concord, said he hears more betting talk in the industry than in the past. He noted that some customers are interested in games primarily for the money rather than the sport. "You're just in it for the money," Joe said. He uses betting apps to add excitement to specific games but acknowledged difficulty in distinguishing between sports fans and bettors.

Dr. Angela Bergen, director of the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling, reported that sports betting has become increasingly popular among men between the ages of 18 and 30. She stated that online platforms allow bettors to place wagers during games, which keeps them engaged and allows them to risk more money. She noted that aspects of betting can be socially engaging. Her office provides a 24/7 peer support hotline at (603) 724-1605. DraftKings offers self-exclusion resources, and websites like BetBlocker allow users to restrict online gambling access.