Proponents push for N.H. slot measure

CONCORD, New Hampshire -- As reported by the New Hampshire Union Leader: "A team of gambling interests, business owners and labor called for video slot machines at Rockingham Park race track yesterday, saying they will bring the state treasury $200 million a year.

"The 'Fix It Now New Hampshire' group said that if the Legislature acts before June to allow what it called "limited gaming," machines would be up and running within seven months at a temporary facility on track property in Salem.

"Millennium Gaming, which holds the option to buy the track on the Massachusetts border, plans to begin a two-year $450 million upgrade if slots are approved. The company operates three casinos in Las Vegas and one racino, a combination of slots and race track, in western Pennsylvania.

"Anti-gambling forces labeled the Rockingham plan as 'the same tired and discredited arguments.' They say expanded gambling will hurt the economy and small business, and lead to higher crime and gambling addiction.

"Gambling measures have been offered as the solution to state budget problems repeatedly over the past decade. The Senate has passed a few versions, but the bills have never gotten through the House."

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