The New Hampshire Lottery and DraftKings officially launched mobile and online sports betting in the state this week. Governor Chris Sununu placed the Granite State’s ceremonial first legal sports wager on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl at Shoppers Pub + Eatery at Indian Head in Manchester alongside DraftKings co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Matt Kalish, and former NFL great Rob Ninkovich.
According to the state lottery, more than 6,000 people registered to bet on sports on the first day since the launch. New Hampshire has become the second New England state and the latest in the US.A. to offer sports betting.
"Sports betting is the right bet for New Hampshire," said Governor Chris Sununu. "We moved fast to get this done by partnering with a world-class company to provide a first-rate customer service experience and the state is poised to dominate the market. The launch of sports betting will also benefit our education system – a win for our kids."
Sports betting is LIVE here in the Granite State! We moved fast to get this done to bet on the @Patriots in time for the Super Bowl. Thanks to a packed crowd at @ShoppersMHT for joining us despite the snow! pic.twitter.com/RQjTF94DG7
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) 30 de diciembre de 2019
"This is a significant milestone and an exciting moment in the New Hampshire Lottery’s evolution, as sports betting represents a major addition to our portfolio of products," said Charlie McIntyre, executive director, New Hampshire Lottery. "We are pleased to be working with DraftKings to introduce our players to a completely new way to win in New Hampshire and to continue maximizing revenue for education in the Granite State. All of New Hampshire and New England is hoping the Governor wins his wager!"
DraftKings’ contract with the New Hampshire Lottery was approved in late November by the Executive Council after being selected through a competitive bidding process. As part of the agreement, New Hampshire will receive 50-percent of sports betting revenue, which will support the New Hampshire Lottery’s mission to drive funds in support of education in the Granite State.
"As a New England-based company, DraftKings is honored to launch our American-made sportsbook product in New Hampshire for the start of the NFL playoffs," said Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer, and co-founder, DraftKings. "We want to thank Governor Sununu, Director McIntyre and the New Hampshire Lottery for their commitment to launching safe, legal sports betting as soon as possible and we look forward to working with them closely for many years to come."
DraftKings, which is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is set to open an office location in New Hampshire in order to work in closer collaboration with the New Hampshire Lottery. DraftKings will also operate as many as 10 retail sportsbook locations throughout the state.