Just one month after rejecting a single casino in New Hampshire, the House was back at it considering a new proposal to legalize two casinos that would have shared a total of no more than 5,000 slot machines and 240 table games. The bill failed by a single vote, 173-172! Deputy Speaker Naida Kaen was presiding over the session and cast the deciding vote.
There is much debate in NH about how to raise new revenue and what the impact of Massachusetts gaming will be and trying to capture some of those dollars heading south of the border. Opponents believe casinos would harm the state’s image and increase social costs with gambling addicts needing services. Pro casino supporters believe they are close to breaking through with their promise of $168 million a year with two casinos fully operating. They can reconsider the bill as early as their May 7th session. Perhaps the 3rd time will be a charm!