New Hampshire Gambling Bill Amendment Would Legalize Gambling

A New Hampshire bill that began as a measure to add two licensed slot parlors has since been amended to include a provision for four full-sized casinos.

Gambling proponents are urging members of the House to support the bill in order to keep up with neighboring Massachusetts, which approved three Las Vegas-style casinos and one slot parlor last November.

Gov. John Lynch has promised to reject any gambling measure, so the House will require a two-third majority in order to override the veto and push the bill through. Lynch has told legislative leaders that the state does not have an adequate regulatory structure in place and feels that gambling will negatively affect New Hampshire residents and their quality of life.

He was also concerned that gambling lobbyists would be given too much influence on state issues. “If New Hampshire was to allow expanded gambling, this one industry could come to represent a significant portion of the state’s revenue, potentially wielding outsized control over policy debates.”

The state currently offers harness and greyhound racing, as well as games of chance including bingo and lucky 7.

The proposed casinos would house 14,000 slot machines and 420 table games as well as bring jobs through the construction and operation of the properties.

The House has since delayed a vote on the bill, saying that the new amendments needed public hearing by the Ways and Means Committee.

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