Lawmakers are considering a new bill that would let local towns and communities decide if they want to have casinos in New Hampshire. Currently, these decisions are made at the state level, but this bill aims to give more control to local residents.
House Bill 737 is a bipartisan effort spearheaded by eight sponsors. It was introduced in January and passed quickly by the House late last month.
It could redefine the landscape of gambling in New Hampshire because, if it is passed, it would give residents of the Granite State a direct voice in the matter. This is after deciding to hold off on legalizing online casinos and raising the age for sports betting last month. House Bill 83 (the bill to raise the age) failed in committee.
HB 737 Is Not a Typical Bill
House Bill 737 emphasizes local control. It’s a "local option" bill, so it's not about expanding gambling but about giving local communities the choice.
The Senate’s Ways and Means Committee is currently reviewing the bill. At the hearing, no one spoke against it, and many people supported it, showing that there's growing interest in letting local areas manage casinos.
The bill uses broad terms like "games of chance," which means it could cover various gambling activities and offer different opportunities for communities.
If passed, this bill would go into effect on July 1.
House Bill 247 Also Being Considered
The Senate Ways and Means Committee also looked at House Bill 247, which is an opt-in bill. This bill focuses on historical horse racing (HHR) machines and says that no new licenses for these machines can be given out after January 1, 2026, unless a town or city votes to allow them. So, for HHR gaming to happen, local places need to choose to participate.
There is currently a moratorium on new HHR licenses in New Hampshire until 2031.
Casinos in New Hampshire May Also Get Legal Slot Machines
In another effort to combat that decision, New Hampshire is getting closer to legalizing actual slot machines with Senate Bill 83.
According to a report by E-Sports Insider, this bill aims to swap out Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines for video lottery terminals (VLTs). The state Senate approved it on March 27th, and lawmakers believe this change could bring in almost $64 million in tax revenue.
Until now, New Hampshire only allowed charitable gaming, with 12 casinos under strict rules. These casinos use HHR machines, which look like slot machines but operate based on horse race results, not random numbers. HHR machines run 30% slower than regular slot machines and are more expensive to operate, making them less profitable for both casinos and the state.
If SB 83 becomes law, the state is expected to see a financial boost. Annual gaming revenues could rise from $361 million with HHRs to about $471 million with the introduction of slot machines.
Gambling in New Hampshire: A Historical Perspective
Historically, the state has adopted a cautious approach, emphasizing regulated and socially beneficial gambling activities. In 1964, New Hampshire made history by establishing the first state-run lottery in the United States, reflecting its innovative yet measured stance on gambling.
Despite its progressive beginnings, commercial casinos have never been legalized in New Hampshire. Instead, the state has carved a niche in charitable gaming, where proceeds benefit non-profit organizations. Currently, 14 facilities operate akin to casinos under the state’s charitable gaming laws, using devices like historical horse racing machines, which simulate slot machines and rely on the outcomes of past horse races.
The state's recent legislative developments, like the Senate's passage of a bill legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs), indicate a willingness to explore and expand the gambling options available to its residents. These changes reflect a shift toward embracing gaming activities that could breathe economic life into communities while maintaining social responsibility. And now it looks like lawmakers may be ready to move forward even more.
The Future of Gambling in New Hampshire
Passing any or all of these bills could usher in a new era of gambling in New Hampshire. By empowering local communities to decide on the presence of casinos, residents are granted a voice in shaping their future. This shift aligns with the practical and pragmatic ethos that has historically characterized New Hampshire's approach to gambling.
The possibility of casinos, coupled with recently considered VLTs, paints a dynamic future for gaming in New Hampshire. Ultimately, the fate of the bill and the potential for local casinos now rest in the hands of the New Hampshire lawmakers and, potentially, the voters in each community.
The debate around this legislation underscores the balance between economic development and maintaining the unique character and values of New Hampshire's towns and municipalities—a balance that, if achieved, could redefine entertainment and economic opportunity in the Granite State.
