Casino Proposal in New Hampshire Fails by a Singular Vote
In New Hampshire, it seems almost impossible for the state to take a step closer to legalizing casino gambling without actually making it legal. Last week, after a heated two-hour debate, the state's two-casino bill was shut down by just one vote in the House, barely a month after the one-casino bill was rejected by 29 votes, and one year after the previous attempt. Deputy Speaker Naida Kaen, who was presiding over the session, made the final decision with a 172-172 tie.
This bill had plans for two gaming licenses, and operators were to compete through a bidding process. The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority had created regulations with the aim of generating $25 million in revenue-sharing for towns and cities. A recent poll by the University of New Hampshire showed that the majority of residents welcomed casino gambling. It was estimated that two fully operational casinos could generate $168 million for the state, which is facing a severe budgetary shortfall after the controversial "hospital tax" was deemed unconstitutional, leaving a $185 million void.
This time around, there appeared to be more support for the bill with 17 representatives that previously voted against it changing their stance. Most likely, it was due to the fact that the bill was attached to one to decriminalize marijuana, which many in the House were in favor of. Forty-two representatives, on the other hand, were not present, potentially because of the marijuana angle. Also, some might have proposed to kill the bill in order to create room for further debate and the drafting of an amended version.
Deputy Speaker Lou D’Allesandro is the prime sponsor of the bill and is undeterred, as he has already filed a motion to reopen the debate on the bill. He remains optimistic that it will be passed the next time around.
“I'm sad that the bill was not passed today as it would allow for private investment to boost economic growth and create jobs, but I'm hopeful for a more successful outcome next time,” D’Allesandro said in a statement.
However, not everyone is as optimistic. Representative Gary Richardson, from Hopkinton, couldn't hide his frustration, stating, "This feels like déjà vu all over again. We had this debate a month ago, but the problems are still there."
In the meantime, Massachusetts is reaping the benefits. Their growing casino industry could have been adversely affected by legalization in New Hampshire. Last year, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby expressed his concerns that New Hampshire casinos would encroach upon the Boston market. He believed it was "inevitable" that a casino would open in Salem.
According to the Rev. Richard McGowan, a gaming expert at Boston College, "This is a win for the time being because it seems New Hampshire isn't quite ready to fully legalize gambling. People in New Hampshire are more likely to visit the Boston area rather than making the trip to Connecticut."
And with New Hampshire's bill now up in the air, it provides a bit of a reprieve for Wynn Resorts and the Mohegan Sun as they battle for the remaining Massachusetts casino license.
"This definitely works in favor of both of them as they have one less competitor to worry about," McGowan added. "It won't really help the facility in Western Massachusetts, but it'll definitely give a boost to Boston."
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