Yes, Bovada works in New Hampshire. Manchester, Nashua, Concord - sign up from anywhere. New Hampshire has legal mobile sports betting, but there’s a catch that makes Bovada relevant: DraftKings has monopoly control.
The Single-Operator Problem
New Hampshire awarded its mobile sports betting contract exclusively to DraftKings. No FanDuel. No BetMGM. No competition.
In competitive markets, operators fight for customers with better odds, more promos, superior service. New Hampshire has none of that pressure.
DraftKings New Hampshire can post whatever odds they want. If you don’t like it, your only legal option is… still DraftKings.
Bovada provides actual competition. When DraftKings NH posts unfavorable lines, Bovada exists as an alternative with market-driven pricing.
The Massachusetts Border Migration
New Hampshire borders Massachusetts, which has multiple legal operators. Many NH residents work in Boston, commute through Massachusetts, live near the border.
They see what Massachusetts bettors have - DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, others competing. Then they come home to New Hampshire’s monopoly.
Some southern NH residents just use Massachusetts apps when they’re across the border. Others use Bovada to avoid the geographic dance entirely.
No State Income Tax, But…
New Hampshire famously has no state income tax. It’s a selling point for residents.
But the DraftKings monopoly extracts value in a different way. Without competition, odds are worse. Over a betting season, NH bettors pay more in juice than they’d pay in a competitive market.
No income tax, but you pay through worse betting odds. Bovada’s competitive pricing recaptures some of that value.
The Patriots From New Hampshire
New Hampshire roots for Boston teams. Patriots especially - the fanbase extends well into southern New Hampshire.
DraftKings NH sees concentrated Patriots action every week. With no competition, they can shade Patriots lines without losing customers to rivals.
Bovada takes Patriots bets from everywhere. The line reflects national opinion, not DraftKings NH’s monopoly pricing on the dominant local team.
Manchester and the State’s Population Center
Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city, southern NH near the Massachusetts border. Most of the state’s population concentrates here.
Manchester residents have the strongest awareness of what they’re missing. Massachusetts is right there with multiple operators. They can see the difference.
Bovada usage correlates with proximity to better markets. Southern NH near Massachusetts has more offshore betting because residents know alternatives exist.
The Lottery Commission Partnership
DraftKings operates in New Hampshire through a partnership with the NH Lottery Commission. The state lottery oversees sports betting.
This structure prioritizes revenue to the state over bettor experience. The monopoly generates predictable tax revenue without competitive pressure reducing margins.
Bovada prioritizes bettor experience because they compete for customers. Different incentives produce different products.
The Seacoast Poker Players
Portsmouth and the seacoast area have poker communities. Home games, small tournaments, players who take the game seriously.
New Hampshire has no legal online poker. The DraftKings deal covers sports only.
Bovada’s poker room serves New Hampshire players who want online poker. The anonymous tables, the tournament schedule - it’s what NH poker players use because no legal option exists.
UNH and the Student Market
University of New Hampshire in Durham has 15,000 students. College students want to bet on sports - it’s the demographic that watches the most games.
Students under 21 can’t use DraftKings NH. The age requirement is 21.
Bovada’s verification process differs from state-regulated apps. UNH students who want to bet find their way to offshore options.
The Lack of Competition Effects
Here’s what monopoly means practically:
Worse odds - DraftKings NH consistently posts wider spreads and higher juice than DraftKings in competitive markets.
Fewer promos - Why offer promos when customers have nowhere else to go?
Limited accountability - Customer service issues have no competitive consequence.
Bovada operates in a competitive offshore market. The product reflects that competition.
The Live Free or Die Irony
New Hampshire’s motto is “Live Free or Die.” The state values independence and limited government.
A single-operator betting monopoly controlled through lottery commission partnership doesn’t exactly embody that spirit.
Some NH bettors use offshore books on principle. The monopoly structure conflicts with New Hampshire values.
Vermont Border and the Waiting
Vermont has no legal sports betting. It’s one of the last holdouts.
New Hampshire residents near the Vermont border see neighbors with no legal options at all. The DraftKings monopoly looks better than Vermont’s nothing.
But compared to competitive markets, both states underserve bettors. Bovada works in both without the geographic limitations.
When Competition Might Come
New Hampshire’s DraftKings contract runs for years. The state has no immediate plans to introduce competition.
Eventual contract expiration might open the market. Until then, Bovada is the competitive alternative.
FAQ
Does Bovada work in New Hampshire?
Yes. Bovada accepts NH players for sports betting, casino games, and poker. New Hampshire’s DraftKings-only legal market doesn’t prevent Bovada from operating.
Why is DraftKings the only legal option in New Hampshire?
The state awarded an exclusive contract to DraftKings through the NH Lottery Commission. No other operators are permitted.
Are New Hampshire’s betting odds worse because of the monopoly?
Generally yes. Without competition, DraftKings NH has no pressure to offer competitive lines. Bovada’s odds often beat DraftKings NH because Bovada competes nationally.
How do New Hampshire players deposit to Bovada?
Crypto works best - Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum. NH banks may block offshore gambling transactions. Crypto bypasses restrictions and provides fastest withdrawals.