Increasing the minimum age for sports betting.
The financial implications of HB83 are significant as the bill is expected to adversely affect state revenue. In the fiscal analysis, it is projected that the increase in the minimum age will lead to a decrease in lottery revenues by approximately $320,000 in FY 2026 and $640,000 annually in subsequent years. This decrease is attributed to the loss of revenue from sports wagers placed by individuals aged 18 to 20, who represented around 1.9% of gross gaming revenue in the previous fiscal year. The funds affected are crucial as they contribute to the state's Education Trust Fund, which relies on lottery revenue for various educational initiatives.
House Bill 83 (HB83) proposes to increase the minimum age for participating in sports betting from 18 to 21 years in New Hampshire. This legislative change aims to align the state's gambling regulations with a growing trend of heightened protections for minors. By raising the age limit, the bill is designed to mitigate risks associated with underage gambling, thus promoting youth protection and responsibility around legal betting activities. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a transition period for stakeholders to adjust to the new regulations.
The sentiment surrounding HB83 is generally supportive among advocates for youth protection, who view the legislation as a necessary step in safeguarding minors from the risks associated with gambling. However, there are concerns from stakeholders involved with gambling operations and revenue allocation, who argue that the bill could potentially restrict access to a significant demographic of bettors, thereby harming the financial sustainability of the state's gambling framework. This dual perspective underscores the conflict between public health priorities and economic interests within the context of gambling legislation.
A notable point of contention regarding HB83 revolves around the balance between protecting minors and maintaining state revenue from sports betting activities. Detractors from the bill may argue that the state's previous approach, allowing individuals as young as 18 to participate in sports betting, was a reasonable compromise that provided checks and balances. Critics suggest that increasing the age limit may unnecessarily limit adult engagement in a legal form of recreation, which could result in unintended economic consequences for both the state and local businesses involved in the gaming sector.