Niclucky

For many years the only poker games you could find in New
Hampshire were limit hybrids due to the fact the state had
legislation prohibiting a bet of more than $4 in any casino or
luck based game.

Unfortunately, this included poker. However, on June 30
2015 the governor of New Hampshire signed into legislation a
bill that allowed for unlimited betting in poker. Thus, you can
now find no limit Texas holdem games in pretty much every poker
room in the state. Poker rooms must adhere to one condition
though, and that is 35% of revenue from the games must be
donated to charity, and another 10% to the state. On top of this
the max buy in is $150 per round of play.

In southern New Hampshire alone there are seven decent to very good poker rooms within a 20 mile radius. With 13 rooms less than a 2 hour drive from Boston, New England offers one of the most vibrant and diverse poker environments in the country. New Hampshire casinos and gambling information including poker tournaments, slots info, pari-mutuel (dogs & horses), texas hold'em, and more. Find contact information and view pictures of.

This is great for the game in this state as it brings a new
level of excitement, and variance, to the game. It’s also good
for limit players as you can now realistically make a living by
playing limit holdem professionally at higher stakes. Of course,
you’ll come across one other major beneficiary to this change
and that’s the dealers. They now have more job opportunities and
the ability to earn more in tips. In a time when poker is going
south in many states, this was a great change for the game, so
well done New Hampshire!

Because of this change you can find some pretty soft no limit
holdem games in a lot of the poker rooms in New Hampshire. This
will change over time though so if you want to take advantage of
it and feel that you have a sufficient edge, visit one of these
rooms soon.

List of New Hampshire Poker Rooms

Here is our compiled list of all the poker rooms you can find
in the state of New Hampshire:

The Poker Room Hampton Falls

4jacks Poker Room at Governors Inn

• Location: Rochester, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday from 5pm until 12am
• Tables: 5
• Games: You’ll find a daily no limit holdem tournament here
  with a buy in of $40 or $50. On top of this they also spread $1
  / $2 and $2 / $4 no limit holdem cash tables.
• Ambience: The poker area features 5 well maintained tables
  and comfortable chairs and is located within the Governors Inn.
  TV’s are strategically placed through the room so you can stay
  on track with sports scores and the average stack in
  tournaments.
• Hospitality: This room offers cocktail service at the table
  and they also feature high hand and bad beat jackpots. You can
  also get food from the Governors Inn, where this poker room is
  located.
• Players: It’s all about fun and good times in this poker room
  with a very warm and friendly atmosphere. No one takes their
  poker too seriously here, but the poker is of good standard
  which will make it challenging enough.

Aces and Eights Casino

• Location: Hampton, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open Monday to Sunday from 12pm until 1am – only from
  June 27 to September 11
• Tables: 4
• Games: You will only find no limit holdem $1 / $2 and $2 / $4
  cash games here.
• Ambience: This new casino features a small poker area with
  new and clean tables and chairs. They have placed TV’s around
  the tables to keep you entertained between hands.
• Hospitality: You can get cocktails at the table while you
  play in the Aces and Eights Casino, on top of this food is
  available but only from the restaurant inside.
• Players: The play is quite weak in this casino with most
  players being visitors or tourists. If you are in the area and
  have a solid game then definitely stop in. The dealers and staff
  go out of their way to ensure everyone is having fun and feels
  welcome.

Boston Billiard Club & Casino

• Location: Nashua, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open Sunday to Wednesday from 12pm until 12am
• Tables: 16
• Games: This poker room only offers cash games. You will find
  $1 / $2 and $2 / $4 no limit holdem; $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha, $1
  / $2 pot limit Omaha high low and $2 / $4 limit holdem.
• Ambience: This billiard club features a large poker room
  within the casino area, it’s quite close to the billiards also
  so can get quite loud at times. The wood panelled walls and mood
  lighting fit in well with the well maintained tables and chairs.
  No smoking is permitted in the poker area and you’ll find TV’s
  on the walls to keep you across the latest sports scores.
• Hospitality: Cocktails and food are available at the table
  while you play here. On top of this they offer a range of
  promotions and jackpots.
• Players: The play is quite solid in this poker room and most
  the visitors and tourists who visit here will opt to play
  roulette or blackjack instead. You can still find some value in
  the game though, especially on weekend evenings. It’s a fun and
  welcoming environment and it feels like you are playing poker
  amongst a big party.

Keene Casino

• Location: Keene, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open daily from 12pm until 1am
• Tables: 9
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held Wednesday to
  Saturday with a buy in ranging from $10 to $150. On top of this
  they spread $1 / $2 no limit holdem and $2 / $4 limit Omaha 8 or
  better cash games.
• Ambience: The poker room is located inside Colony Mills and
  features bright purple felt tables against brick work walls and
  green chairs on lightly colored carpets. The room features TV’s
  on the walls and is no smoking for your comfort.
• Hospitality: Food and cocktail service is available for
  players at the table and they also offer a range of promotions
  and jackpots in this poker room.
• Players: You’ll come across some decent players in this room
  with the play being quite tough at most times. The vibe is
  friendly and welcoming because the regulars and staff understand
  how important new and amateur players are for the poker economy.
  If you bring a solid game and can ride out the variance you
  should do well here.

Lakes Region Casino

• Location: Belmont, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open daily from 12pm
• Tables: 10
• Games: You’ll find no limit holdem tournaments from Wednesday
  to Sunday with the buy in fluctuating between $10 and $50. If
  you are looking for a cash game you will find $1 / $1 and $1 /
  $2 no limit holdem, $2 / $4 and $4 / $4 limit holdem and $2 / $4
  dealer’s choice games running.
• Ambience: Red felt tables contrast well against the red and
  gold carpet and half wood panel walls in this no smoking poker
  room. The chairs are a bit random, however they are comfortable
  for long sessions. You’ll also find TV’s on the walls here to
  keep you entertained while the guy on the button shuffles his
  chips.
• Hospitality: This poker room offers players a range of
  promotions and progressive jackpots as well as providing
  cocktail and food service at the table.
• Players: You can come across some great action in this room
  with amateur and loose players making for some very juicy spots.
  If you bring a solid game you should do well in this fun and
  friendly poker room.

Manchester Poker Room

• Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
• Hours: Open daily from 12pm until 1am
• Tables: 30
• Games: Cash players will find $1 / $2 and $2 / $4 no limit
  holdem; $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha and $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha
  high. If you are looking for tournaments you will find no limit
  holdem events on varied days of the week and a stud even usually
  once a week. The buy in will range by tournament from $10 up to
  $220.
• Ambience: The room is no-smoking and features TV’s on the
  walls. The room is always clean and tables and chairs are well
  maintained and comfortable for long sessions.
• Hospitality: Cocktails and food can be ordered at the table
  and you’ll also be in the running for a bad beat jackpot in this
  poker room.
• Players: You will find some great action in this poker room,
  particularly on weekends. Dealers and management are friendly
  and welcoming which is reflected by the players in the room. If
  you bring a good range and some patience you should do well
  here.

Seabrook Poker Room

• Location: Seabrook, New Hampshire
• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 3pm until 12am, Friday 12pm
  until 1am, Saturday 11am until 1am, Sunday 12pm until 1am
• Tables: 25
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held daily, with up to
  three on some days, and you’ll also find a pot limit Omaha
  tournament on Sunday. The buy in ranges from $40 to $100 meaning
  tournament play is very affordable. For cash players this room
  spreads $1 / $2 no limit holdem, $1 / $4 stud, $2 / $4 limit
  Omaha 8 or better, and $2 / $4 limit holdem.
• Ambience: This no smoking room has TV’s on the walls and
  features green felt tables and comfortable black chairs in a
  well-lit and open room that used to be part of a dog track.
  The room has a bit of a temporary feel to it, but is nice to
  play poker in nonetheless.
• Hospitality: You will automatically take part in this room’s
  progressive bad beat jackpot which pushes your dropped dollars
  even further. On top of this they offer a range of promotions
  and also provide players with cocktail and food service at the
  table.
• Players: The environment and vibe in this room is extremely
  friendly and welcoming. Everyone knows everyone else and if they
  don’t they will go out of their way to welcome you and get to
  know you; this comes from players and staff alike. The play is
  solid in this room meaning you will need to bring your own A
  game to be able to do well. It’s a great place to play poker and
  has really adapted well to offering no limit play.

The Poker Room at Hampton Falls

The Poker Room New Hampshire

• Location: Hampton Falls, New Hampshire
• Hours: Monday and Thursday from 2pm until 1am, Tuesday and
  Wednesday 12pm until 1am, Friday to Sunday from 12pm until 1am
• Tables: 30
• Games: You’ll find daily no limit holdem tournaments here
  with sometimes up to three running each day. The buy in will
  range from $50 to $150 depending on the day and time of the
  tournament, so call ahead to check. For the cash players they
  spread $1 / $1, $1 / $2 and $2 / $4 no limit holdem, $2 / $4
  limit holdem and $2 / $4 mixed games.
• Ambience: High wooden beams and wooden decor make this a very
  nice and attractive poker room. Throw in the maroon and light
  brown table felt and maroon chairs and you find yourself just
  chomping at the bit to play some poker. The room is open and
  well-lit with TV’s along the walls. No smoking is permitted in
  the poker room at all.
• Hospitality: This poker room offers a bad beat jackpot and
  also a high hand bonus. On top of this they offer food vouchers
  for players during certain times. While playing, you’ll get
  cocktail and food service at the table which is always nice.
• Players: You’ll come across some quite weak and loose play in
  this particular poker room, especially in the evenings. Most
  tables will feature one or two regulars so if you steer clear of
  them then you should be able to cash in very nicely. The vibe in
  the room is welcoming and friendly, which is matched by the
  staff and dealers.

The River Casino

• Location: Milford, New Hampshire
• Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm until 1am, Friday 3pm
  until 1am, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm until 1am
• Tables: 25
• Games: No limit holdem tournaments are held from Thursday to
  Sunday with the buy in fluctuating from $5 up to $20. If you are
  looking for a cash game you’ll find $1 / $1, $1 / $2 and $2 / $4
  no limit holdem, $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha high, and $2 / $4
  dealer’s choice.
• Ambience: This no smoking poker room features automatic
  shufflers and TV’s on the walls to keep you up to date with the
  latest sports scores. The blue felt tables are well maintained
  and match well with the half wood panel and half white walls.
• Hospitality: The poker room at the River Casino offers bad
  beat jackpots for both cash and tournament play. They also offer
  cocktail and drink service to players at the table.
• Players: You’ll find a good mix of regulars and amateur
  players in this poker room. This means if you pick your spots
  well, are patient, and play a decent range you should be able to
  chip up quite easily.

Conclusion

Enjoy the new rules in place in New Hampshire the next time
you want to play Texas holdem. Choose from the poker rooms
reviewed above if you live in the state or are planning a trip.

As New Hampshire lacks the sort of full-service poker options a state like California provides, poker fans from the state are left with two choices: Make the long drive across the border to a casino with a poker room in a neighboring state, or fire up the home computer and take their pick from the tens of thousands of games running around the clock online.

While some people do choose the former, it’s the latter option – online poker – that has truly been embraced by players from New Hampshire.

We’re going to take a closer look at the state’s relationship with poker (and gambling) from a few perspectives, including legal, cultural and historical, in our Guide to Online Poker in New Hampshire.

Hampton Poker Room Schedule

The Basics of Online Poker in New Hampshire

It can be a challenge to separate one online poker room from the next. Many appear quite generic, or even share confusingly similar names. That’s where a site like ours comes into play. We’re intimately familiar with just about every poker room online, so it’s a simple task for us to list the top poker sites in New Hampshire. We don’t just pull these names from a hat; all of the sites on here hold valid, legal operating licenses, have a history of handling player funds responsibly and have earned reputations for running fair, safe games:

Can Poker Players From New Hampshire Play Poker Online?

Not all online poker sites are open to players from the United States. But at the poker rooms online that do accept American customers, NH online poker players are welcome across the board. That takes the only real hurdle between you and the virtual tables out of the way, as signing up and making a real-money deposit at an online poker room in New Hampshire is a dead-simple affair that will only take a few minutes of your time. That sure beats trekking it out to Foxwoods, right?

Is it legal to operate an online poker room in New Hampshire? What about playing for real money at an online poker site from New Hampshire? As is the unfortunate case with nearly all US states, New Hampshire gambling laws are less than totally clear on the issue of online gambling.

Players with any concern about the legality of their activity should immediately consult an attorney, and should not rely on this website (or others) for legal advice. However, if you’re researching state gambling laws and looking for a bit of help navigating the NH poker & gambling statutes, we can provide that.

Summary of New Hampshire Gambling Codes

To start, here’s where you can find the complete state code below . For a bit of help with what can be some admittedly dense reading, here is a brief list of some core components of New Hampshire gambling laws:

New Hampshire has one of the most limited definitions of gambling that you’ll find on the books in any US state. Gambling is:

“to risk something of value upon a future contingent event not under one’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that something of value will be received in the event of a certain outcome” (Section 647:2(II(d))).

While the definition may be a bit vague, the law is quite clear when it comes to engaging in gambling: Doing so is illegal (a misdemeanor) unless the activity is specifically exempted from the law. Section 647:1(I(a)) makes it a crime if someone:

“Gambles, or loans money or any thing of value for the purpose of aiding another to gamble.”

When it comes to illegal gambling operations in NH, size matters. It’s a misdemeanor if someone

“conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs, or owns all or part of a business and such person knowingly and unlawfully permits gambling on the premises of the business” (Section 647:2(I-a)).

However, if that gambling generates more than $2,000 in a day, operates for more than 10 days or takes in over $5,000 in wagers over a 30 day period, the charge is bumped up to a felony.

Poker is not referenced as being illegal in New Hampshire’s gambling law. Online gambling and online poker are not specifically mentioned in the New Hampshire state code.

When Will New Hampshire Regulate Online Poker?

It’s possible that you could see regulated online poker backed by the state of New Hampshire within the next two to three years. There has been talk that the state is looking into the prospects of online gambling for much of the last term, and 2019 could be the year when that talk manifests in action. Of course, the whole process would be accelerated if a state like Massachusetts got into the online poker game and starting looking aggressively for partner state to form an interstate network, or if federal regulation made opting-in to a national network a simple process legislatively-speaking. Otherwise, New Hampshire must continue to be viewed as a state that is still quite early in the process of regulating online poker.

New Hampshire Gambling Facts

Two aspects of New Hampshire’s history with gambling merit particular mention. The first is the state’s historic race tracks, one of which – Rockingham Park – has been in operation for over a century. While live racing is no longer a part of New Hampshire gambling, the state nonetheless played a critical role in the nationwide spread of pari-mutuel wagering on racing events.

Gamblers also have New Hampshire to thank for what is arguably the most prevalent form of regulated betting in the United States – the lottery. While New Hampshire certainly didn’t invent the lottery, they were the first to bring legal, state-administered lottery games back within the law back in 1964.

Regulated Gambling Options in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not host any commercial casinos, although there are efforts currently underway to reverse that state of affairs. There are also no tribal facilities or live races conducted in the state, although pari-mutuel wagering is allowed on simulcasts at state racetracks. Those racetracks, such as the historic Rockingham Park , also offer limited forms of other games like poker and blackjack, much of it under the regulations permitting charitable gambling activity in New Hampshire.

As of the last update to this article, New Hampshire does not offer any state-regulated online gambling activity. The state that sparked the lottery revival seems to be content to sit on the sidelines as the new wave of Internet-based gambling gathers speed in other parts of the country – at least for now.

New Hampshire Gambling: Additional Reading

New Hampshire Center for Public Policy . This comprehensive study from the NHCPP covers all aspects of gambling in the state in a concise, clear format that makes it quite easy to instantly get up to speed on the major points of regulated New Hampshire gambling.

New Hampshire Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission . As the name suggests, this agency regulates all gambling except the lottery in New Hampshire. A great central resource for everything and anything having to do with the racing and charitable gambling industry in new Hampshire.

New Hampshire Gaming Study Commission . The final 2010 report from the commission is an exhaustive study of the likely impacts – in a variety of richly detailed scenarios – that expanded gaming would have on the state. An excellent, well-balanced survey of the real-world pros and cons of casino gambling.

New Hampshire’s Famous Poker Players

Some might even consider them more infamous than famous at this point, but no matter what opinion you have on the pair, there’s no denying that siblings Annie Duke and Howard Lederer were born in New Hampshire.

Easily the two most recognizable poker players the state has produced, each is also unfortunately associated with a dark chapter of online poker’s history. Duke was a part of the now-defunct Ultimate Bet and Lederer was a part of the management team that drove Full Tilt Poker to the brink of collapse.

Sources & Citations for this Article