New Hampshire has now paved the way for a big growth in its gambling industry. On June 30, Governor Kelly Ayotte put her signature on a bill that allows casinos in the state to set up as many video lottery terminals (VLTs) as they want. This move shows a big change in how the state looks at charitable and commercial gaming.
New Hampshire Expands Gambling with Unlimited VLTs, New Casino Rules, and Unified Player Safeguards
This update is part of a bigger law package called House Bill 2 (HB 2). It removes caps on VLT installations and adds new rules for high-stakes poker and table game tournaments. The state must approve these new gaming options and will tax them at 5%. VLT revenue will face a 31% tax rate. The money raised will go to the state’s general fund, programs to prevent addiction, and nonprofit groups working with the casinos.
Joe Sweeney, the lawmaker who wrote the bill, said this change aims to update charitable gaming in a careful and responsible way. His office said that while the law starts now, it will take months to roll out as they set up new rules.
Along with the expansion, the state has combined its gambling self-exclusion programs into one unified system. This aims to make responsible gaming tools easier for residents to use. In addition, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission has changed its name to the New Hampshire Lottery & Gaming Commission. This new name shows its expanded role in overseeing more gaming formats, including VLTs and historical horse racing.
Backers of VLT Bill Eye Major Tax Windfall for State and First Responder Funds
Those who support the bill have stressed its potential to create a lot of new tax revenue. Video lottery terminals, which many compare to slot machines because they are fast-paced and popular with players, are seen as a steady source of income. Experts think the new system could add up to $65 million each year to the state’s budget.
Governor Ayotte has shown support for using gambling money to bring back funding for first responder retirement plans and to meet wider budget needs. Lottery Executive Director Charlie McIntyre pointed out that while the executive branch aims to generate these funds, lawmakers decide how to allocate them.
As New Hampshire moves into this new stage of gambling rules, talks about balancing money growth and charity donations go on. Lawmakers like Rep. Daniel Popvici-Muller have hinted that if gaming profits rise a lot, they might look again at how much money charities get.