Lawmakers in New Hampshire are exploring ways to restructure charitable gaming, including placing limits on the annual revenue that a single nonprofit can receive from casino donations. This potential cap is part of a bill introduced by State Representative Dick Ames, D-Jaffrey, who aims to create a more equitable system for distributing funds among charities.
During state gaming commission meetings earlier this year, concerns were raised that while some nonprofits receive over $100,000 annually, others struggle to secure even $10,000. Ames described his bill as “an interim step towards developing a better system” that would address these disparities. However, the specific revenue limits for charities have not yet been determined.
Ames also stated that he does not plan to distinguish between types of charities, such as veterans’ organizations or booster clubs, in terms of setting different caps.
Modernizing Gaming with Video Lottery Terminals
In a separate proposal, State Representative Fred Doucette, R-Salem, is advocating for the replacement of historic horse racing machines with video lottery terminals (VLTs). These machines, which operate similarly to slot machines, could generate greater revenue for both charities and the state.
Currently, only 8.75% of revenue from historic horse racing machines is directed to charities, compared to the 35% they receive from table games. Doucette argues that VLTs would match this higher donation rate, providing significant benefits for charitable organizations.
“The inevitability of going forward with these types of machines is beneficial to all involved, most importantly, the charities,” Doucette stated, according to New Hampshire Business Review. He acknowledged concerns about the faster pace of play but emphasized the opportunity for increased revenue.
Under the proposed legislation, 0.25% of VLT revenue would be allocated to problem gambling programs, while 4.75% would support police and fire department retirement funds.
Local Control Over Historic Horse Racing Machines
Another initiative, led by State Representative Bill Ohm, R-Nashua, seeks to give municipalities the authority to decide whether to allow historic horse racing machines in their communities. This proposal mirrors the current system for Keno, where towns can choose to opt in or out.
Ohm explained, “My bill is to try to correct that situation. I thought it’d be appropriate to put this decision in the hands of the voters.” Under current regulations, casinos apply for licenses to operate historic horse racing machines, but towns have no say in the matter.
Ohm has also introduced a separate bill to assess large gaming halls based on the enterprise value of their properties, targeting facilities like those in Salem and Nashua.
Addressing Industry Growth and Transparency
As New Hampshire’s gaming industry continues to expand, legislators are focusing on increased oversight and regulation. One proposal calls for a charitable gaming oversight commission to ensure transparency in how casinos select charity partners and how funds are distributed. Additionally, some lawmakers are advocating for historic horse racing facilities to share a portion of their revenue with the communities where they operate.
The rapid growth of gaming venues, transitioning from small-scale operations to larger entertainment complexes, has sparked these regulatory efforts. A recent report from a gaming consultancy predicted that New Hampshire’s gaming market could reach $1.1 billion within three years, driven by emerging trends and the involvement of out-of-state operators.
State Representative Ames remarked, “It’s evolving rapidly, much more rapidly than anticipated. There’s a lot to think about and a lot that was not anticipated in terms of the amount of money involved. The casinos that are participating in charitable gaming are becoming large and owned in most cases by out-of-state interests.”