The short answer is yes—Underdog Fantasy is legal for New Hampshire residents in 2026, provided they play the daily‑draft‑sports (DDS) contests that the state treats as a “skill‑based” game rather than a traditional lottery. The New Hampshire Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) re‑approved the state’s “Skill Gaming” exemption in 2024, and Underdog’s platform complies with the required age, licensing, and anti‑fraud safeguards. What this means is that New Hampshire players can join contests for football, baseball, basketball, and other sports without fear of violating state gambling law, as long as they stay within the contest formats approved by the DGE.
The Legal Framework in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s gambling statutes distinguish between “games of chance” and “games of skill.” Since 2019, the DGE has allowed certain fantasy‑sports contests that meet a three‑part test: (1) the outcome must be predominantly determined by the player’s skill, (2) the contest must not involve a “prize pool” funded by participants, and (3) the game must be offered by a licensed entity. In 2024, the DGE updated its guidance to explicitly cover daily‑draft‑sports contests, which are the core product offered by Underdog Fantasy. Underdog holds a “Skill Gaming License” issued by the DGE, renews it annually, and implements robust KYC (know‑your‑customer) procedures to verify age and residency.
How Underdog Fantasy Meets the Requirements
Underdog’s DDS contests are structured so that players draft a roster each day, and the scoring is based on real‑world statistics. Because the roster selection, player research, and strategic swaps directly influence the final score, the contests satisfy the “predominantly skill‑based” criterion. The platform does not charge an entry fee that is pooled for a jackpot; instead, each entry is a separate wager against the house, aligning with the DGE’s anti‑pool rule. Moreover, Underdog’s compliance team runs daily audits, employs geolocation technology to confirm players are physically in New Hampshire, and maintains a transparent audit trail for regulators.
What Players Should Know
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to play DDS contests in New Hampshire.
- Geolocation: Underdog uses GPS and IP verification; playing from outside the state will block access.
- Tax Reporting: Winnings above $600 are reported to the IRS; New Hampshire does not levy a state gambling tax, but you must still report earnings on your federal return.
- Responsible Gaming: The platform offers self‑exclusion tools and limit‑setting features in compliance with DGE guidelines.
Key Takeaways
Underdog Fantasy operates legally in New Hampshire in 2026 because its daily‑draft‑sports contests fit the state’s skill‑gaming exemption. Players enjoy a regulated, safe environment for fantasy competition, provided they adhere to age, residency, and responsible‑gaming rules.
FAQ
Is Underdog Fantasy considered a lottery in New Hampshire?
No. The DGE categorizes Underdog’s DDS contests as skill‑based games, not lotteries, because the outcome depends chiefly on the player’s decisions.
Do I need a special license to play?
You do not need a personal license; however, Underdog itself must hold a Skill Gaming License issued by the DGE, which it currently possesses.
Can I play Underdog Fantasy from my mobile device while traveling?
Only if you are physically inside New Hampshire. The platform’s geolocation checks will block access outside state borders.
Are there any limits on how much I can wager?
Underdog enforces daily and monthly betting limits as part of its responsible‑gaming policy, and the DGE requires operators to offer such limits.
What happens if I win a large prize?
Winnings over $600 are reported to the IRS, and you must include them on your federal tax return. New Hampshire does not impose a separate state tax on fantasy‑sports earnings.