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New Hampshire Shows Interest in Gambling

NEW HAMPSHIRE – As reported by the Concord Monitor: "Two years ago, the possibility of getting a video gambling bill through the State House seemed so remote that gaming companies dropped their New Hampshire lobbyists. Then-governor Craig Benson had promised to veto any proposal to expand gambling, and House Speaker Gene Chandler's leadership team had helped kill a gaming bill in the previous session.

"…But now, as a new legislative session begins with an estimated $300 million state budget deficit looming, gambling may not be the political outcast it was last term. A bill to legalize video gambling at the state's four racetracks could bring in $200 million over the two-year budget cycle, according to its proponents.

"Last week, Senate President Tom Eaton, a longtime supporter of the concept, told reporters that he thought video slots could help the state address its fiscal woes.

"Democratic Gov. John Lynch seems reluctant to embrace gambling, but unlike his predecessor, he hasn't ruled it out.

"…The Senate appears split on the question. Despite months of lobbying by the bipartisan Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, only nine of the state's 24 senators have promised to oppose all expanded gambling bills. The House has dozens of new members who haven't weighed in on the subject…"

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