New Hampshire tackles gambling addiction amidst casino growth
New Hampshire has launched the Council for Responsible Gaming, a new body tasked with addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible betting practices.
When the state first allowed private companies to operate full-scale casinos a decade ago, officials did not anticipate such rapid industry growth. Today, New Hampshire hosts 13 casinos, generating significant revenue for both the state and nonprofit organisations. Yet alongside these financial gains, gambling addiction has also risen.
Former state senator and council board member Lou D’Allesandro underscored the urgency of the initiative, telling reporters: “One should do something to deal with the increase of gambling addiction, and the newly created council will deal with it.”
The council’s responsibilities include raising awareness about addiction risks and connecting residents with support services through education, advocacy, and community partnerships. Oversight remains shared with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, which regulates sports betting, lottery, and charitable gaming, and the Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority (GROA), which handles compliance and investigations.
From bingo nights to sports betting
The state’s gambling landscape has undergone dramatic change. Bingo nights were once popular but have shifted into a robust industry that includes slot machines, table games, and a rise in sports betting. Additionally, wager limits on table games were removed in 2025, resulting in more opportunities for high-stakes play.
New Hampshire’s gambling laws have shifted from strict bans to a patchwork of statutes governing lottery, charitable gaming, and sports betting. In 2019, House Bill 480 legalised retail and online sports betting, with DraftKings becoming the exclusive operator under the Lottery Commission.
Casinos remain technically “charitable gaming venues” rather than commercial casinos, and online casinos remain prohibited.
Financial impact
Despite concerns, the financial returns are notable. Since the launch of sports betting in 2019, New Hampshire has generated more than $153 million for education, according to the Lottery Commission. In the most recent fiscal year alone, sports wagering contributed about $39 million, with peak activity during the Super Bowl and March Madness.
Operating under charitable gaming statutes, New Hampshire’s casinos follow a unique hybrid model compared to states with fully commercial casinos.
Responsible gambling
Other U.S. states have taken varied approaches to responsible gaming. Some integrate programmes into their lotteries, while others mandate industry-led initiatives. The common challenge is balancing revenue growth with addiction prevention.
In Massachusetts and Oregon, for instance, they have set aside lottery and casino revenues for addiction programmes. Meanwhile, Alabama relies on a nonprofit model supported by donations and grants, similar to that of New Hampshire.
In New Jersey, responsible gaming has been integrated into their regulatory frameworks, whereas in Nevada, it highlights the industry self-regulation with nonprofit collaboration. Still, by contrast, New Hampshire’s council focuses on education and advisory work rather than direct regulation.
Future projections
The state’s gambling industry is forecast to grow exponentially, with casino revenues projected to surpass half a billion dollars annually and sports betting continuing to deliver tens of millions in tax revenue. Growth will likely come from expanded sports betting, more slot machines, historic horse racing machines, and larger venues.
The elimination of wager limits in 2025 signals a trend toward higher-stakes play, resulting in boosting revenues but also heightening addiction risks, according to the Business Research Company.
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