Gubernatorial Candidates Weigh in on Gaming

The two Democrats and two Republicans running for New Hampshire governor expressed their views on the possibility of expanded gambling in an Associated Press report printed in the Boston Globe Sunday.

Republicans Ovide Lamontagne and Kevin Smith were opposed to the idea with Lamontagne concerned about gambling's impact on the New Hampshire advantage while Smith said it would only provide "unreliable revenue at best."

Meanwhile, Democrats Jackie Cilley and Maggie Hassan showed support for expanded gambling but with restrictions. Hassan would support "highly-regulated" casinos but feels four casinos in is too many, while Cilley was open to expanded gambling as long as there was "a good deal of local control."

The report indicated 2012 will likely not be a year where expanded gambling is passed in the Granite State as and there may not be enough House of Representatives votes to override that veto.

Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee voted 14-7 to approve casino bill House Bill 593 with new amendments. The bill would allow licenses for four casino locations in the state with two operating with 5,000 slots and 150 game tables and two that would operate with 2,000 slots and 60 game tables.

When HB 593 appeared before the House for , it only allowed for two casino licenses. The bill was recommitted to Ways and Means for on the amendments that day.

Salem's is widely expected to be considered for a license should expanded gambling legislation pass.