Gambling Bill Would Create 6 Casinos, Allow Black Jack

Some Lawmakers Say They Will Look At Idea

Video:  http://www.wmur.com/money/22744578/detail.html

POSTED: 4:40 pm EST March 4, 2010

CONCORD, N.H. -- A new expanded gambling proposal that goes well beyond earlier ideas of video slots at Rockingham Park may be gaining some traction at the State House.

Supporters of expanded gaming unveiled their latest plan Thursday that would bring casinos to the state. The proposal calls for casino-style facilities located at Rockingham Park and the tracks in Seabrook and Belmont. Another would be built in Hudson, along with two more in the North Country.
Unlike earlier proposals, the bill would allow for table games, such as black jack and poker. Some lawmakers who have voted against expanded gambling in the past said they are hearing from constituents that they should consider the idea.

"People don't want an income tax or sales tax, and this is what they want me to support," said Rep. Beverly Rodeschin, R-Newport.

 "I think it's something which we do need to consider, and, as I say, when 60 percent of New Hampshire thinks it's fine, there comes a point when you say we are in tough straits," said Sen. Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord.

Sweetening the deal would be that $50 million of the upfront licensing money would go to the Health and Human Services Department to restore cuts to social services.
 But opponents said the public is buying into a clever marketing scheme.

"But in the end, the facts will come out," said Jim Rubens of the Coalition Against Expanded Gambling. "It's important for people to understand that what is the crown jewel of New Hampshire is our quality of life, our low crime rate."

"Let's get out of the budget crisis first," said Kevin Smith of conservative group Cornerstone Policy Research. "If gambling is such a great thing, it should stand on its own merit and not be a magic silver bullet to solve the budget problems."

 This bill comes as Massachusetts House Speaker Bob DeLeo is pushing a similar proposal for gaming venues in the Bay State.