House Committee Passes Gaming Bill

The Granite State moved one step closer Thursday to expanded gaming legislation reaching the floor of the House of Representative next session.

The House Ways and Means Committee passed House Bill 593, legislation aimed at expanding video lottery and table gambling, by a 14-7 vote on Thursday.

Salem's Rockingham Park has long been discussed as a possible target for expanded gaming however every attempt for casinos in New Hampshire has failed in the past.

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) was pleased with the vote and expressed support for the "responsible expanded gaming legislation" in a statement.

"It will not only create jobs, cut business taxes and increase the revenue stream into our state, but it is also in complete compliance with the N.H. Republican Party platform," Bettencourt said. "While I have yet to get a concrete temperature of our caucus on this issue, the recent actions in our neighboring states of Massachusetts and Maine should certainly give cause to those who have opposed gaming in the past to perhaps reevaluate their position."

, the Bay State appears close to passing expanded gaming legislation itself and groups like Fix It Now New Hampshire have been advocating for the Granite State to pass similar legislation.

"To my knowledge this is the first time that a gaming bill has received a favorable recommendation from a House policy committee, which demonstrates that the reevaluation process for some has already commenced," Bettencourt said.

He warned that without action lottery incomes could be lost with "no alternative" to make up for the revenues lost. He said the position of Gov. John Lynch on the bill will determine "the chances for the success of this legislation."

The earliest a bill could reach the floor of the House for a vote is January.

Earlier today WMUR reported that under this proposal, the Lottery Commission would grant two $50 million licenses two years apart for casinos, with sponsors wanting to use the profits to offset business taxes.

found readers overwhelmingly support expanded gaming at Rockingham Park.

According to tweets from Fix It Now New Hampshire's Twitter page, the voting on the bill broke down as follows:

YEA: Stephen Stepanek (R-Milford), Bill Ohm (R-Nashua), Christine Hamm (D-Hopkinton), Mary Griffin (R-Windham), Frank Sapareto (R-Derry), Jordan Ulery (R-Hudson), Russell Ober (R-Hudson), Robert Elliott (R-Salem), Gary Azarian (R-Salem), John McDonnell (R-Chichester), Keith Murphy (R-Bedford), Wyman Shuler (R-East Kington), William Butynski (D-Hinsdale), Duffy Daugherty (R-Colebrook).

NAY: David Hess (R-Hooksett), Laurie Sanborn (R-Henniker), Norman Major (R-Plaistow), Susan Almy (D-Lebanon), Joe Osgood (R-Claremont), Mary Cooney (D-Plymouth), Laurie Harding (D-Lebanon).