New Hampshire doesn't want to imitate Massachusetts

NH lawmakers kill gambling bill
Salem officials disappointed in casino measure's defeat
By Doug Ireland
The Eagle Tribune Mar 29, 2012

SALEM — Local officials are frustrated that legislation to allow a casino at Rockingham Park was defeated by lawmakers yesterday.

The House of Representatives voted 236-108 to kill House Bill 593, disappointing those who hoped expanded gambling could help boost economic growth.

Millennium Gaming of Las Vegas has an option to buy Rockingham Park to establish a casino [Slot Barn]. But gambling legislation has been defeated repeatedly, and Gov. John Lynch has vowed to veto any such bills that reach his desk.

The legislation was killed yesterday after the House debated the bill and various amendments for an hour. A key amendment that would increased the number of casinos allowed in New Hampshire from two to four was killed 195-154.

The bill was then voted down, 226-118, followed by another vote to kill it.

"I'm not giving up hope," he said. "I still think it's a good thing and, obviously, the town supports it. We'll fight on."

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, R-Salem, said Lynch's vow to veto gambling legislation played a big role yesterday.

Weyler said he believes many lawmakers changed their minds at the last minute, persuaded by anti-casino lobbyists who downplayed the potential economic benefits.

While supporters of the bill have said expanded gambling would pour at least $50 million into the state's economy each year, opponents have said it would lead to crime and corruption.

Proponents have also said Massachusetts' recent approval of casinos means New Hampshire would lose millions in annual revenue if the Legislature rejected the bill.

Rep. Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, disagrees.

"That's all speculation," he said.

Packard said he voted against HB 593 for several reasons.

"It's bad legislation — it wasn't crafted properly," he said.

The proposal called for too many video slot machines — 14,000 in New Hampshire — and allowed for the gaming industry to reap too much of the economic benefit, he said

The state would have received 40 percent of video slot machine proceeds and 8 percent from table games.

Jim Rubens, spokesman for the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, was pleased with the outcome. He said casino opponents put up the toughest fight yet.

"It was amazing, and remarkable with what we were up against this year," Rubens said. "We're hoping the gambling industry will finally get the message that New Hampshire doesn't want to imitate Massachusetts."