'Destination Casino'

A high-end, highly regulated destination casino in southern New Hampshire will help the state fund some critical programs and services that may otherwise go under-funded, Gov. Maggie Hassan said Wednesday.

Hassan proposed legalizing casino gambling in her budget recommendation, with $80 million in licensing fees to help fund state health, education and safety services. The House budget does not include that $80 million, but gambling remains alive as a prospect. The Senate passed Senate Bill 152, which would establish one casino with up to 150 table games and no more than 5,000 slot machines. The House will soon be considering that bill.

In an availability, Patch asked Governor Hassan her thoughts of a proposed amendment to SB 152 that proposes a provision designed to protect larger entertainment venues from a proposed casino facility. Hassan speaks briefly to the Rep. Patrick Long amendment.