New Hampshire Approves Unlimited Video Lottery Terminals
Affiliate Disclosure : We earn a commission from partners links on BetterGambling. Commissions do not affect our editors' reviews, recommendations, or ratings.
In New Hampshire, the maximum number of VLTs each casino could have was between 230 and 300 machines per location. That’s not a story of the past, as Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 2 (HB 2) on June 30, 2025.
This bill allows casinos to have an unlimited number of video lottery terminals (VLTs), putting New Hampshire in a stronger position to compete with other states in the region for gambling revenue
Details of the New Gambling Legislation
The table that follows summarises the main changes that House Bill 2 brings to New Hampshire’s gambling laws.
| Aspect | What’s Changing |
|---|---|
| Limit on Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) | The limit on the number of VLTs per location has been removed (it used to be 230–300 machines). |
| VLT Tax Rate | Operators will now pay a 31% tax on their VLT gross revenue. |
| Where the Tax Money Goes | Proceeds from this tax will support the state’s general fund, addiction treatment programs, and local charities. |
| High-Stakes Poker & Table Games | These are now allowed, with a 5% tax on the revenue they generate. |
| When It Starts | Operators get immediate permission, with full regulations to be rolled out in the coming months. |
| Who is in Charge | Oversight will be handled by the newly renamed New Hampshire Lottery & Gaming Commission. |
| Self-Exclusion Program | A statewide program will help individuals exclude themselves from all gambling locations in New Hampshire. |
While legally the casinos are now entitled to install an unlimited number of VLTs at once, the entire implementation will take several months. The state requires time to develop detailed rules and regulations, the bill’s sponsor Rep. Joe Sweeney, explains.
In an effort to further entrench this new policy in law, the bill has re-designated and reorganized the New Hampshire Lottery Commission to the New Hampshire Lottery & Gaming Commission. The new commission has a bigger role in regulating VLTs and other games of chance in the state.
Joe Sweeney said the update will keep charitable gaming current in a responsible way. That’s why the state brought all the self-exclusion programs into one system so it’s easier for people to exclude themselves from gambling in all venues.
Yes, casinos are finally legally permitted to have an unlimited number of VLTs, but they still have to adhere to all the new regulations when they’re finalized.
How Much Revenue Does The State Expect to Raise From This?
Allowing unlimited VLTs will most likely significantly increase the revenue of the state in gambling. The new law can generate up to $65 million every year, as estimated by experts. The funds will be used for the general fund of the state, addiction treatment programs, and local charities that are under agreement with casinos.
Removing the VLT limit means casinos can attract more players and generate more income. Both of these are good for the charities and the state. Charities that cooperate with casinos will receive a portion of tax funds, which can serve useful community programs.
Governor Ayotte has shown strong support to use gambling revenue to restore first responder retirement plan funding and other important state services.
VLTs in Other US States
Here’s a look at the situation in a few other states:
| State | VLT Policy | Tax Rate | Notable Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Unlimited | 31% | Charitable gaming model |
| Massachusetts | Limited | 25% | Commercial casino model |
| Maine | Limited | 39% | Higher tax rate |
| Vermont | None | N/A | No casino gambling |
| Rhode Island | State-run only | 72.7% | Highest tax rate in the region |
New Hampshire’s unlimited VLT policy puts the state in a unique position compared to neighboring states. For example, Vermont has no casino gambling. Rhode Island, on the other hand, runs only state-operated VLTs with very high tax rates. NH is positioning itself as a better alternative for both casino operators and gamblers.
New gambling laws in New Hampshire mean more games, more chances to win, and more support for people who need help. The state hopes these changes will make gambling safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
The Nash Casino, which opened in Nashua in March 2025, could really benefit from the new rules. It’s close to the Massachusetts border, so it can now add as many VLTs as it wants. This might bring in visitors from the Boston area, who would usually go to casinos in Massachusetts.
Because of this strategic positioning, New Hampshire could collect more gambling revenue from tourists and residents of neighboring states. So, the unlimited VLT policy is a smart economic move for the state.
References
Recommended from BetterGambling
oddsHow Historical Premier League Results Influence Betting Odds
Bookmakers don’t guess when setting odds, they look at past match results, team form, and even how well clubs perform at certain stadiums. All of this helps them create odds that protect their risk while reacting to what the betting public expects. For football punters, knowing how these factors shape the odds can give you […]
1 week, 4 days ago4 min
market-intelligenceBetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Consolidation
BetterGambling, the UK-based independent gambling industry analysis website, today published its most comprehensive Market Intelligence Report to date, which reveals over 800 casino operators will be forced out of business by 2027, the largest industry cull in British gambling history. The detailed report, prepared by BetterGambling’s team of ex-casino management and regulation experts in six […]
1 week, 6 days ago47 min
Why Cashless Gaming Is Taking Longer Than Expected to Catch On
In an age where contactless payments dominate daily life, it seemed inevitable that casinos would follow. Cashless gaming was pitched as the future: faster, safer, trackable. But in 2025, adoption has stalled in key markets. And the reasons aren’t just technical, but behavioural, regulatory, and political. Operators Built the Tech – Players Didn’t Show Up […]
3 weeks, 16 hours ago2 min
oddsWhat Are the Odds of Manchester City Winning the Premier League Title Two Times by 2028?
Let’s be honest, the 2025/26 season doesn’t feel like Manchester City’s at all. Liverpool, who are the current defending Champions and arguably City’s greatest rivals over the past decade, came flying out the blocks, winning their first three games of the season, including a statement win over Arsenal, who are no pushovers themselves. Arsenal and […]
1 month, 1 week ago4 min
LegalSwedish Gambling Authority Issues SEK 19M in AML Fines to Major Operators
The Swedish Gambling Authority has fined 3 major betting companies SEK 19 million for anti-money laundering failures. While these penalties were issued in Sweden, the operators involved also run UK-facing brands. That means if you play with Kindred or ATG, these changes could soon affect how your withdrawals are processed in 2025. Swedish Gambling Authority […]
1 month, 2 weeks ago4 min