The New Hampshire Senate voted on Thursday against the proposed casino expansion within the state’s borders and the addition of a casino at the former Rockingham Park racetrack in Salem.
A total of 13 legislators voted against Senate Bill 551 and 11 supported it. The proposed legislation called for the establishment of a casino complex at The Rock, as the former racetrack is referred to by Salem residents. The $650-million casino would have featured 3,500 video lottery terminals and 160 table games. It was believed that it would annually contribute $100 million in revenue to the state and would create hundred of new jobs for people from around the region.
Edward Callahan, President and General Manager of Rockingham Park, has recently told local media that a 120-acre portion of the venue’s 170-acre site had become available for purchase by interested parties as hopes for the addition of a casino have been fading. Mr. Callahan has also pointed out that if the venue is not redeveloped within the next two years, it will probably be shuttered and 200 people would remain unemployed.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Lou D’Allesandro. During the Thursday vote, Sen. D’Allesandro pleaded with fellow Senate members to approve the proposed casino expansion as the whole state would benefit from the opening of a gambling complex at Salem’s former racetrack.
In addition, the legislator also pointed out that if no casino is added, one of New Hampshire’s landmarks would have to close doors for good. Sen. D’Allesandro referred back to the time when the racetrack daily attracted more than 25,000 visitors and more than 20% of the state’s operating budget came from it.
A number of gambling expansion bills have been introduced over the years, but none of those survived in the state Legislature. Two years ago, there was a bill that passed in the New Hampshire Senate but was killed in the 400-member House by a single vote.
Following the negative vote on his bill, Sen. D’Allesandro said that he is disappointed with the turn of the events and that he does not know whether he would propose another casino legislation next year. The legislator pointed out that he finds it really frustrating that everyone is looking for additional revenue but no one is actually looking for ways for more money to be raised.
Both Sen. D’Allesandro and Mr. Callahan noted that expanded gambling within New Hampshire would certainly stop the flow of state residents going to casinos in neighboring states. However, the Rockingham Park General Manager pointed to an important drawback in Sen. D’Allesandro’s expansion proposal.
Generally speaking, the bill called for the construction of only one casino. However, according to Mr. Callahan, New Hampshire residents want much more than a single gambling venue.
Commenting on the negative vote, State Rep. Eric Estevez, co-sponsor of SB 551, said that he was disappointed with the news but was not surprised. He also pointed out that that was the last best chance for keeping Rockingham Park open.
