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N.H. residents voice support for gambling

SALEM, New Hampshire -- As reported by the Union-Leader: "Descriptions of the impact that expanded gambling had in western Pennsylvania didn't do much to change Howie Zindel's mind about attempts to bring video slots to the Rockingham Park racetrack.

"Have you gentlemen gone up to Concord? I think you're preaching to the converted here" Zindel, president of the local Kiwanis Club, told government and business leaders brought from Washington County, Pa., for a forum last night.

"Millennium Gaming, which holds the option to purchase Rockingham Park if New Hampshire allows for expanded gambling, hosted the discussion in an attempt to quell concerns that a facility with video slot machines would bring with it addiction, crime, home foreclosures and be bad for local restaurants.

"Lawrence Maggie, commissioner of southwestern Pennsylvania county -- home to a combination casino and racetrack owned by Millennium Gaming -- and Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, told Salem residents that expanded gambling had lowered taxes and brought in roughly $1 billion in development, without negatively affecting the quality of life.

"...Two new hotels have gone up near the site of the casino, a third has been renovated and two more are on the way, according to Kotula. New shopping outlets have opened and businesses that were once concerned a permanent casino would steal their customers have seen a spike in clientele, Kotula said..."

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