Casino Gambling Vote Imminent

The time has finally come for the N.H. House of Representatives to lay their cards on the table on the issue of casino gambling in the state.

The House will go into session this morning and by the end of business Thursday they must pass House Bill 593 for it to be considered by the state Senate. 

The bill has major implications for Salem as its passage would pave the way for casino gambling at .

However, Gov. John Lynch has and it's unclear if the House will get the necessary two-thirds majority to override his veto.

The current bill, which includes licenses for four casinos of varying sizes, was passed out of the Ways and Means Committee by a 14-7 vote.

Rep. Gary Azarian (R-Salem) recently wrote for the majority that residents spend around $80 million annually out of state on gambling and that number could grow to $120 million without action.

"Expanded gaming will keep those dollars here and expand our economy by attracting residents from our neighboring states," Azarian wrote.

The minority opinion was provided by Rep. David W. Hess (R-Hooksett), who questioned if casinos are really what the residents of the Granite State want.

"This bill will almost certainly put a casino within 50 miles of every man, woman and child in New Hampshire," Hess wrote. "Is that what you want for our state?"

Earlier this week, saying it will reduce business taxes while creating jobs. 

“This is the most significant jobs and tax cut bill our Legislature has seen in years,” said House Ways & Means Chairman Stephen Stepanek.

“Casinos are economic and social black holes," said Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling President Jim Rubens in response. "You don’t solve the problem by making it four times worse by allowing four casinos within easy drive time of almost every town in our state."

Stay tuned to Salem Patch for coverage of the debate over expanded gambling.