The path is now clear for mobile sports betting to begin in New Hampshire in January.
The New Hampshire Executive Council approved a contract on Monday between Boston-based DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery.
A deal in the future with another sports betting operator such as FanDuel is not out of the question but DraftKings emerged as the winner of a competitive bidding process in which New Hampshire preferred DraftKings’ app, implementation timeline, and the 51 percent gaming revenues it will hand over to the state.
In a statement, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed satisfaction about the development as well as considerable optimism about the Patriots.
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“We moved fast to get this done, and the deal is a win for New Hampshire,” said Sununu. “We are partnering with a world-class company to provide a first-rate customer service experience. With today’s vote, everyone will now be able to bet on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in time for this year’s Super Bowl.”
In the spring, municipalities will decide whether or not to open physical sports books in their towns. New Hampshire sports bettors will have to be 18 years or older, and they will not be permitted to bet on New Hampshire college teams or on any college games being played in New Hampshire.
DraftKings will open an office in the Granite State.
“We look forward to collaborating further with the New Hampshire Lottery to bring the DraftKings experience to sports fans in the Granite State,” said Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder at DraftKings.
Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery, expressed satisfaction with the deal in his statement.
“We are working directly with DraftKings to implement a sports betting system that both engages players, while also ensuring all appropriate safeguards are in place,” said McIntyre. “The New Hampshire Lottery and DraftKings expect to launch mobile sports betting this January.”
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Rhode Island is the only state in New England that currently allows sports betting.
Several sports betting bills, including one filed by Governor Charlie Baker, are sitting in committee in the Massachusetts State House.
Michael Silverman can be reached at michael.silverman@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter: @MikeSilvermanBB