The expanded gambling bill was dealt a blow this week with the New Hampshire House defeating the two-casino option and in addition the potential of any more gambling proposals for the remainder of the session – for the next two years.
The bill, which had already been cleared by the Senate, had supporters claiming that state revenues would be boosted. However, it failed by a 275-82 vote on Thursday, with critics arguing that casinos would exacerbate gambling addiction and would take money away from local businesses, thus crushing any hopes of casino supporters.
Interestingly, largely due to the recent sale of Rockingham Park, some past casino supporters detracted this year. Rockingham Park was for a long time considered to be a prime spot for potential development of a casino.
Sponsor and proposer of the casino bills Lou D’Allesandro has not commented on the defeat.