New Hampshire Senate Approves Gambling Expansion

Legislators in New Hampshire are proactively keeping up with the veritable arms race for casino gambling expansion throughout the nation. This previous Wednesday marked the Senate's approval of a freshly drawn up budget. In this new budget, the Senate drew funds from a pool that included millions of dollars. The pool was made up of revenue from video poker games that are not even legal (yet) in the state.

The senate had voted yes on gambling expansion at their racetracks. This could lead, assuming the house also approves, to video slot machines right there in the racetracks. The plan is, as paraphrased from Senator Lou D'Allesandro, "the real problem facing New Hampshire..., we need an economic recovery... job recovery... and we need private investment."

It is not guaranteed, however, that the House will vote like the Senate. Most states have seen the Senate or the House vote for online gambling - always one or another, not both. Different interest groups have placed the idea under heavy criticism, including the Granite State Coalition against Expanded Gambling. They fear that "the House may become a wholly owned subsidiary of the gambling industry." Both sides have their points, but the state could most definitely used an additional source of income - as can we all.