Are You in Favor of Expanded Gambling in New Hampshire?

Later this month - on May 22 - the New Hampshire House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Senate Bill (SB) 152, the so-called "Expanded Gambling" Bill.  This bill:  

1. Allows video lottery machines and table games at one gaming location in the state pursuant to a competitive application process.
2. Distributes proceeds of video lottery machines and table games to the municipalities where the facility is located and abutting communities, to support programs to treat problem gambling, and to the education trust fund. Proceeds will also be distributed for highway and bridge projects, higher education, and north country economic development.
3. Establishes a gaming enforcement unit in the division of state police.
4. Requires the lottery commission to regulate, license, and enforce the provisions for video lottery and table games operated at a gaming location.
5. Creates a commission to study the operation of the licensed gaming location and its effects on the community, and to make recommendations that may include whether to issue additional licenses.

(For the complete text of the bill, Click Here for Complete Text of SB 152)  

The State Senate has already passed this bill and a joint committee of the NH House Finance and Ways and Means Committee has been evaluating the bill and will soon be making a recommendation to the full house.  

I have still not decided how I will vote and I am interested in getting your input.  

Proponents of expanded gambling argue that it will bring jobs, revenue and tax relief to people and businesses in the Granite State. It will keep our hard-earned New Hampshire dollars here in New Hampshire. For additional information go to: www.fixitnownh.org 

Opponents argue that it will damage our quality of life and the unique "brand identity" that New Hampshire has, destroy families and rather than solve our budget problems, make New Hampshire overly dependent on one business segment and aggravate our budget problems.  For additional information go to: www.noslots.com 

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this important issue by emailing me at chrismuns@chrismuns.net .