Video lottery terminals, also known as VLTs, could be replacing historical horse racing machines if a new bill is passed, which is expected to generate more money for the state.
VLTs in the Granite State
New Hampshire has a set of very different rules for its “casinos” because, according to state law, commercial casinos are prohibited, but charitable gaming is not. It is difficult to distinguish between the two; however, 14 charitable gaming facilities operate in New Hampshire, but instead of traditional slot machines, which are prohibited, historical horse racing machines (HHRs) are used.
The difference is that slot machine results are random number generated, while HHRs are based on results from past horse races; thus, it is not considered random, which allows it to skirt the laws and remain legal.
However, if a recent measure is passed, HHRs may be getting replaced by VLTs, whose results are generated on lottery, bingo, and raffle rules that also allow them to operate under New Hampshire law as they are not a slot machine, per se.
“They have a faster game time, and they’re allowed to make more revenue on a daily basis,” said state Rep. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem. “So, legalizing video lottery terminals means more money for the charities, it means more money for the state’s education trust fund, and it allows us to fund other general fund obligations.”
The switch will allow faster results, a greater number of replays, and ultimately more money spent, which is expected to generate an additional $65 million per year.
“The money goes to support charities and the police retirement, which I think is an excellent cause,” said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery. “How it gets spent is a decision for the folks elected. I work in the executive branch. We just make money, and you folks spend it.”
Casino Bill Gives Local Autonomy
A bill giving communities the ability to decide whether or not to allow a casino development in their area is on the docket in the form of House Bill 737. Unfortunately for the residents of Littleton, New Hampshire, it comes 15 months too late. However, it is because of those same Littleton residents that the bill was created in the first place.
“The origin of this bill was in Littleton,” Dr. Warner said. “We had a meeting at the high school, a surprise meeting — ‘There’s a casino coming to town!’ More than 100 residents came, and 95% of the comments were wanting to repel the casino from coming.”
HB 737 had nothing but support in a recent meeting at the Senate Ways and Means Committee and no opposition to the bipartisan bill.
“This bill is not a gambling bill, but a local option bill,” Rep. Jerry Stringham, one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “Regardless of one’s opinion on gambling, this bill seeks to allow local control on the decision whether to allow casinos to operate locally.”
“[Casinos come with] large influences or risks,” Stringham said, “and it’s reasonable for those locally to have a voice in whether they want to have this in their own area or not.”
Should HB 737 pass, it would go into effect on July 1st.
