NH Senate Passes Bill for 2 Casinos

The New Hampshire Senate has passed a bill legalizing up to two casinos, again putting itself at odds with the state House's policy position against expanded gambling.

The Senate casino bill now heads to the 400-member House, which earlier this year defeated casino legislation. The Senate voted 15 to 9 to pass the latest casino bill March 27.

It remains to be seen if the votes are there in the House, but Gov. Maggie Hassan has expressed support for a highly regulated casino at a single location in the state.

Legalized casino gambling can be an economic boon for New Hampshire, and be done in a closely regulated fashion, according to state Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, the prime sponsor of the bill. Other sponsors are Sen. Jim Rausch, R-Derry, Senate President Chuck Morse, R-Salem, and Sen. Andrew  Hosmer, D-Laconia.

There would be financial incentive for host communities -- such as Salem with Rockingham Park, as a potential location -- and a gaming commission would be established for state administration and enforcement. A gaming enforcement unit would be created within the Division of State Police, according to the bill.

The bill would authorize two categories of casino license. Category 1 would allow between 80 and 160 table games and between 2,000 to 3,500 slot machines. Category 2 would allow 25 to 80 table games, and between 750 to 1,500 slots.