NH Senate Panel Passes Casino Bill [VIDEO]

Supporters of expanded gambling in New Hampshire achieved a milestone March 5 with the Senate Ways and Means Committee endorsing a casino gambling bill. 

The committee voted 4-1 to recommend the full Senate pass the bill, SB152. The Senate is scheduled to take it up March 14, according to Sen. Chuck Morse (R-Salem), who gave a nod to the milestone in connection with the backing of Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter).

"This bill itself, I think, has strong support because we have the governor working with us," Morse said in an interview of the vote.

Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester), a co-sponsor of the bill, said the proposal would ensure economic development and non-tax revenues for the state. "I am confident we have the necessary votes for SB 152 to pass the Senate," he said. "From there, I hope the House will give this legislation consideration, and the merits of the bill will prevail."

Sens. Jim Rausch (R-Derry) and Andrew Hosmer (R-Laconia) also voted for the bill. Ways and Means Chairman Bob Odell (R-Lempster) was the dissent.

Hassan campaigned on the value of a highly regulated casino in southern New Hampshire. In her proposed budget, she projected $80 million from a casino licensing fee. She dismissed concerns that Massachusetts, as it moves forward with three proposed casino sites, would corner the market.

Hassan hailed the committee vote. In a statement, she said it would help New Hampshire restore cuts to higher education, mental health, public safety and other priorities. She said,

"With Massachusetts moving forward with casino gambling, New Hampshire stands to lose $75 million per year if we fail to act. The true risk we all face is the risk of letting our economy fall behind and allowing the good jobs and growing businesses of the innovation economy to develop elsewhere."