After multiple delays and heated debates, New Hampshire authorities have finally made a decision concerning the expansion of the state casino industry. During yesterday’s vote, New Hampshire House members rejected the proposal aimed at giving the green light to the establishment of two casinos. They were said to boost local economy and provide the financial aid the state desperately needs.
Patricia Lovejoy, one of the fierce opponents of the casino expansion, commented on the final decision and said that New Hampshire House members have made the right decision as the availability of two casinos was not likely to bring the expected benefits and most of all, generate the projected revenue. She also added that the state should have hometown convenience casinos where locals can go and roll the dice but the availability of mega resorts attracting residents from the other states was not a good idea at all.
In point of fact, several similar bills have been proposed over the last couple of years but none of them was approved. Although this time communities expected the authorities to give their consent to the latest bill, they were once again disappointed. Senator Lou D’Allesandro, the sponsor of the aforementioned bill, said that he was shocked by the vote as he was hoping the bill to be approved.
As reported earlier, the idea for casino expansion was proposed with the aim of boosting the state economy and improving the financial condition of New Hampshire.
If the bill had been approved, it would have allowed the establishment of one large and one smaller casino in New Hampshire. The investors willing to complete the projects were to invest at least $80 million in the larger and $40 million in the smaller venue. According to the estimates, both casinos were expected to contribute approximately $130 million to the state coffers annually.
However, opponents of the casino bill said that these numbers were unrealistic given the fact that the neighboring states are to have their gambling segments diversified as well. In addition, they were concerned about the negative social issues the availability of casinos would lead to – namely gambling addiction and increased crime rates.
People with knowledge on the matter said that the main reason for the rejection of the bill was that the state authorities were reluctant to determine who can and who cannot build these casinos.
JR Hoell, the Republican who proposed an amendment, aimed at abolishing the restrictions on gambling and allowing the state to have more than two casinos, was quoted saying that the eventual gambling activities in the state have to be “managed under the free market”.
Governor Maggie Hassan was also among the proponents of the casino bill but said she would sign it provided that stricter measures towards regulation and licensing are taken.
