New Hampshire Lawmakers Push to Expand Charitable Gaming

New Hampshire lawmakers are currently evaluating a new proposal that would permit more state nonprofits to access the state’s unique charitable gaming system. The proposed legislation, SB 542, has already passed the New Hampshire Senate and is now being examined by the New Hampshire House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. With broad bipartisan support, it has a real chance of success.

More Nonprofits Will Receive Funding Opportunities

If adopted, SB 542 would reduce the number of days an individual charity can partner with a casino while allowing many additional organizations to participate. Under New Hampshire’s gambling model, the state’s 14 charitable gaming venues must share a portion of their proceeds with nonprofit organizations. Charities become official beneficiaries on specific gaming dates, receiving a share of revenue generated during that period.

The bill’s supporters argue that the existing system favors established organizations that return to the same casinos each year. Under the current rules, a charity can receive up to 10 beneficiary dates annually, limiting the number of groups casinos can work with. This framework often leaves many smaller nonprofits without partnership options. The proposed adjustment could improve accessibility without significantly reducing the income of existing participants.

State Senator Tim Lang, who introduced the bill, proposes to reduce the annual limit from 10 beneficiary days to 7. The change may appear minor, but it would dramatically increase the number of organizations that can participate. According to Lang, the current framework allows each casino to support about 73 charities per year. Reducing the limit could push that number past 100 per venue.

New Hampshire’s Gambling Sector Remains on the Rise

The rapid increase in gaming revenue underpins Lang’s claims that charities already benefiting from the existing system should remain unaffected by the changes. In 2025 alone, charitable gaming venues generated over $60 million for nonprofit groups through table games and historical horse racing machines. The introduction of video lottery terminals in 2026 would further bolster these revenues as the machines produce a larger volume of wagers and, ultimately, more revenue.

Some legacy charities might see a slight decline going from 10 to seven days, but that will come right back to where they were in a year or two, given the revenue growth.

Tim Lang, New Hampshire Senator

Despite recent increases to New Hampshire’s gambling tax, nonprofits still receive a substantial share of proceeds. Charities receive 35% of table game gross revenue and a smaller share from historical horse racing machine earnings. The new video lottery system will also contribute 35% of revenue after taxes are deducted.

However, the bill has raised some questions about fairness and geography. Critics argue that casinos often prioritize charities near their facilities, making it harder for smaller organizations in remote areas of the state to participate. Supporters counter that such regional ties reinforce the connection between gaming venues and nearby nonprofits, fostering a sense of community.