In February 2025, New Hampshire’s sports betting market experienced a downturn, with both handle and revenue showing significant declines, compared to the previous month. The state’s betting trends, driven primarily by mobile platforms, reflect the broader seasonal fluctuations and evolving consumer behavior.

Sports Betting Handle Increases Annually, But Falls From January

According to data released by the New Hampshire Lottery, the total sports betting handle for February reached $63.3 million, reflecting a 1.6% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This continued year-over-year growth highlights a gradually expanding market and ongoing public interest in legal sports betting across the state.

However, when compared to January 2025’s $78.9 million, the February total represented a substantial 19.8% decline. This figure also marked the lowest monthly handle since August 2024, when the state recorded $49.3 million. Analysts suggest the drop was largely due to seasonal factors, particularly the post-Super Bowl cooldown, which traditionally sees reduced betting activity across the country.

The market remains firmly dominated by mobile platforms. In February, mobile wagering accounted for $58.8 million, or 92.8% of all bets placed. This was an 18% drop from January. In contrast, retail sportsbooks took in only $4.3 million, marking a 39% drop from January, further emphasizing the industry’s shift towards mobile wagering.

Despite a constant level of player activity, the state’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) experienced a noticeable slump. GGR dropped to $8 million in February, down 28% from January’s $11.1 million. The revenue decrease also had a direct impact on tax income generated from sports betting, which plays a key role in funding various state initiatives.

Casino Gaming Revenue Stays Steady Despite Sports Betting Fluctuations

While sports betting experienced seasonal declines, New Hampshire’s charitable casino gaming sector remained stable. Licensed gaming venues, which include table games, poker, and historic horse racing (HHR) machines, generated approximately $13 million in February, matching January’s figures. Many of these gaming options are also accessible on mobile, allowing users to participate conveniently from their devices. For example with a mobile app for poker, you can enjoy user-friendly interfaces and seamless navigation, and high-stakes players can choose apps that allow large banking limits, simple withdrawals, and of course, action at high stakes tables.

Unlike sports betting, casino gaming revenue tends to be more stable, as it is less influenced by major sporting events or seasonal interests. New Hampshire operates under a charitable gaming model, which means that a portion of casino profits are legally required to be donated to local nonprofit organizations. In February 2025 alone, this amounted to $1.4 million in contributions to New Hampshire-based charities.

This unique approach sets the state apart from traditional commercial casino markets. It allows New Hampshire residents and visitors to engage in gaming activities while supporting community-focused efforts in education, veteran’s services, healthcare, and other causes. The consistency of this sector reinforces public trust in regulated gaming.

Betting Trends, Policy Decisions, and Future Outlook

One of the biggest betting events of the year, Super Bowl LIX generated $7.5 millions in wagers in New Hampshire. A striking 89% of bettors backed the Philadelphia Eagles, who defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. The game contributed to the early February handle, but wasn’t enough to offset the overall monthly downturn.

From July 2024 to February 2025, the state’s total sports betting handle reached $560.1 million, highlighting its long term stability, despite month-to-month fluctuations.

On the legislative side, the New Hampshire House Ways and Means Committee rejected House bill 83 in January, which would have raised the minimum sports betting age from 18 to 21. The committee voted 11-7 against the bill, meaning 18-year-olds can continue placing legal bets in the state.

Looking ahead, state officials expect betting activity to increase in March and April due to the NCAA March Madness tournament, and the start of the MLB season. These events could help reverse February’s revenue declines, reinforcing New Hampshire’s strong position in the regulated U.S. betting market.