NH Senate Panel Passes Casino Bill [VIDEO]

Supporters of expanded gambling in New Hampshire achieved a milestone March 5 when the Senate Ways and Means Committee endorsed 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, said 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 after the vote. He said the state Lottery Commission, which would be the regulatory agency with primary oversight, has already received inquiries from four companies interested in the gambling license.

The proposal would legalize a casino with up to 5,000 slot machines and 150 table games.

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 funds 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."

Rich Killion, spokesman for Millennium Gaming, which holds an option on Rockingham Park, also issued a statement on the committee vote:

Today's vote in the Senate Finance Committee is a big step forward thanks to a strong, bi-partisan vote coming out of committee.  The growing consensus that now is the time to expand gambling is felt not just in the Senate but illustrated in well over 60 percent of New Hampshire residents supporting a casino in New Hampshire.  The people do not want to see our elected leaders simply hand to Massachusetts the tens of millions in non-taxpayer revenue, the thousands of jobs and significant economic development opportunities that should occur here in New Hampshire.

Both D'Allesandro and Morse noted the bill has a long way to go, especially in the 400-member House of Representatives.

"Don't underestimate," Morse said in an interview with Patch. "It's a long process."

The pros and cons of casino gambling continue to be debated in the state. The New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies recently issued a report that advocates and opponents used to emphasize their arguments. Critics underscore the social ills and what they call questionable revenue projections. Supporters touted the jobs created and the revenues to support not just the state, but towns and cities, including the North Country.

Salem-NH Patch Editor Michael Ryan contributed to this report.