The proposed bill, SB 168-FN-LOCAL, establishes a regulatory framework for online gambling in New Hampshire and creates the Elderly, Disabled, Blind, and Deaf Exemption Reimbursement Fund (EDBDER Fund) to compensate municipalities for tax exemptions granted to vulnerable populations. This fund will be financed through fees collected from online gambling activities. The bill amends RSA 647:2 to explicitly include online gambling as a recognized form of gambling conducted over the Internet. Additionally, it introduces a new chapter, RSA 287-J, which outlines the licensing and operational requirements for online gaming operators, including age verification, geographic restrictions, and responsible gambling measures. The Lottery Commission will oversee the licensing of three to six online gaming platforms, ensuring that all operators partner with licensed gaming facilities in the state.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that online gaming operators submit comprehensive reports and plans for approval, including security measures and responsible gaming strategies. It prohibits operators from accepting wagers from individuals outside the state or from jurisdictions sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The bill also amends RSA 6:12 to include funds from the EDBDER Fund, ensuring that a portion of the gross online gaming revenue—set at 45%—is allocated to various state funds, including the Lottery Fund and the new EDBDER Fund. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to generate approximately $36.2 million annually by FY 2027, although it may impact current iLottery revenues and local property tax rates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 647:2, 6:12