Governor Chris Sununu has signed into law a measure to legalise sports betting on both professional and college sports, although games involving New Hampshire schools will remain prohibited.
Both retail and online gambling will be legalised in no less than 10 locations, which will be regulated by the state's Lottery Commission.
Supporters have said they believe legalisation will bring black-market activity to the surface and will also help provide support and education to those who may be problem gamblers.
Sununu said: "We can do it with a lot of confidence because it’s being done responsibly, and it’s being done with organisation here at the lottery that just knows what they’re doing. They know how to get this stuff off the ground.
"The only rule is I want to place the first bet."
