Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

New Hampshire State Lotteries Laws

The majority of U.S. states operate an official state lottery that allows both residents and visitors to play games of chance for cash prizes. Lotteries are intended to raise state revenue without tax hikes and often have a stated cause in mind -- usually education or some public benefit. In reality, lottery revenue typically gets lumped together with the general fund.

A state lottery usually consists of games where the contestant chooses numbers for a jackpot drawing along with scratch-off tickets that offer the chance to instantly win cash or other prizes. While all contestants have an equal shot at winning, the odds of winning large jackpots are extremely thin. Prizes can range from free tickets to tens of millions of dollars.

New Hampshire State Lottery Law at a Glance

New Hampshire has the nation's oldest legal lottery, founded in 1964 after a large majority of the state's towns and cities voted in favor of its creation. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission claims on its Website that the lottery has contributed more than $1.6 billion to state public education initiatives since its founding.

The state requires a lottery winner's name, town of residence, and amount won to be made available to the public (although street address and phone number are not considered public information). Nearly two-thirds of lottery revenue goes toward prizes, with 26 percent going to New Hampshire schools.

The following chart provides additional details about state lottery laws in New Hampshire.

Code Section 287-F:1, et seq.: "Tri-State Lotto" with Maine and Vermont
Distribution of Lottery Revenue
  • 62% Prize payouts
  • 26% To New Hampshire schools
  • 6% Retailer commissions
  • 3% Other cost of sales
  • 3% Administrative expenses
Additional Purpose of Lottery To raise revenue for New Hampshire public schools
Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment Yes
Time Limit to Claim Prize/Disposition 1 year/credited to prize pool
Prohibited Related Activities Sale at greater price; sale to minor; unauthorized sale

Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of new legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives, or through other means. You should contact a New Hampshire gaming attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Research the Law

New Hampshire State Lottery Laws: Related Resources

Was this helpful?

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney

Contact a qualified attorney.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options