Locals Begin New Expanded Gaming Advocacy Group

By New Hampshire Casino NOW

With Massachusetts working to open three casinos and a slot parlor in next few years, a group of Salem citizens has formed a new organization advocating for casino gambling in New Hampshire.

NH CASINO NOW was formed by Salem residents Larry Belair, Howie Glynn, Gene Bryant, Michael Collins, and Dan Norris for Salem-area people to tell their elected leaders in Concord that time is fleeting and the time for a limited expansion of casino gambling is right now.

“We keep shaking our heads at our elected leaders permitting this significant economic development opportunity to slip by us and allow Massachusetts to get ahead of New Hampshire,” said Dan Norris, NH Casino Now’s chairman.  “The people of Salem know many of our neighbors are desperate for work.  The foreclosed and abandoned homes and vacant, dilapidated commercial properties around town are stark evidence of that.  A casino at Rockingham Park will be a reliable economic engine for development in the region, producing thousands of jobs and providing opportunities for more growth and development in the area.  Time and time again, Salem has stood and supported expanded gambling, and it stands ready again.  It’s time for jobs, opportunity, and greater economic development.  It’s time for a New Hampshire Casino NOW.”

NHCASINONOW.com has released a website for the citizens of Salem to interact and get involved.  “Home or business owners interested in having a sign can contact our website, www.nhcasinonow.com,” said Gene Bryant.  ”We are funding the activities through small, local donations from area citizens who share our feelings that the time is now and the place is Rockingham Park.  Anyone interested in donating can mail it to NH Casino NOW, P.O. Box 293, Salem, NH 03079”

“We haven’t even really started yet and I’m amazed at the response,” said Larry Belair.  “In just two weeks, seventy-five people have volunteered to be part of the group’s Steering Committee and get more involved.  Salem has always supported Rockingham Park and knows the value and impact it has had on our region.  It has supported so many charities, it can be job creator and provide much needed revenue for the state and region if our leaders in Concord would just lead and get going.”

“We believe that Salem is the best location to compete with the casinos in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut,” said Howie Glynn.  “For decades, I-93 has been the path for Massachusetts residents and out-of-state tourists to come to New Hampshire to visit our beautiful state and shop without sales tax.  A casino, particularly here in Salem, can pull in millions of people through the I‑93 corridor at a time when economic activity is badly needed.”