Charitable donations from New Hampshire casinos have been a lifeline for local nonprofits. Last year alone, Cross Roads House, a Portsmouth homeless shelter, received over $65,000, while the NH Coalition to End Homelessness saw $39,000 in contributions. But a new legislative push might cap how much a single charity can collect annually, sparking debates about fairness and sustainability.
A Push for More Equal Distribution
State Representative Dick Ames, a Democrat from Jaffrey, is leading the charge to cap annual donations from charitable gaming. Ames argues this move would create a more balanced system, addressing disparities highlighted during state gaming commission meetings. While some nonprofits rake in over $100,000, others barely make $10,000.
“This could be a step towards a more equitable system,” Ames stated. However, specifics like annual revenue limits and whether various types of charities—such as veterans’ groups or school booster clubs—should face different caps remain undecided.
The potential caps aim to address concerns that larger charities might overshadow smaller ones, ensuring fair access to casino-generated funds. But not everyone is on board with this vision of “fairness.”
Revamping Gaming Machines for More Revenue
In a separate proposal, Republican State Representative Fred Doucette from Salem is advocating for a switch from historic horse racing machines to video lottery terminals, which function similarly to slot machines. Doucette claims this change could boost contributions to charities and state revenues alike.
Currently, only 8.75% of revenue from historic horse racing machines goes to charities. Doucette argues video lottery terminals could redirect 35% of casino revenue to nonprofits, aligning with the percentages table games already contribute.
“The faster pace of these machines might raise concerns, but the financial benefits are undeniable,” said Doucette. Under his proposal, additional revenue would also support problem gambling programmes and retirement funds for police and firefighters.
Still, critics worry about the ethical implications of encouraging faster gambling. As always, the line between opportunity and exploitation feels razor-thin in the gambling industry.
Giving Communities a Voice in Casino Operations
Another proposal could allow municipalities to decide whether they want historic horse racing machines in their towns. State Representative Bill Ohm, a Republican from Nashua, argues this approach mirrors how towns currently vote on Keno.
Right now, casinos apply for state licenses to operate these machines, but local communities have no say. Ohm wants to change that, putting the decision directly in voters’ hands.
“If we’re introducing new forms of entertainment, voters should have the final word,” Ohm explained. His proposal also includes re-evaluating the property taxes for larger gaming venues, such as those in Salem and Nashua, to better reflect their enterprise value.
This approach could significantly shift power dynamics between the state, municipalities, and casino operators, giving local voices more sway over gaming expansion.
Balancing Growth with Oversight
New Hampshire’s gaming industry has grown rapidly. Once a collection of small, locally focused gaming rooms, it’s now home to expansive entertainment complexes, many owned by out-of-state operators. Lawmakers are scrambling to catch up with the industry’s evolution.
Projections suggest the state’s gaming market could grow to $1.1 billion within three years. This growth has lawmakers considering new regulations, such as requiring historic horse racing facilities to share revenue with their host communities. Additionally, there’s talk of forming an oversight commission to monitor how charities are selected and how funds are spent.
Rep. Ames emphasised, “What started as a way to support small, local charities has transformed into a major industry with significant out-of-state interests. The amount of money flowing through these casinos was unanticipated, and it’s time to reconsider how we regulate it.”
The Bigger Picture for Charities and Gaming
For nonprofits, these legislative changes could redefine their relationship with casinos. While caps may promise a more even playing field, smaller organizations fear losing much-needed funding. Meanwhile, the push for video lottery terminals could create new opportunities but might also bring ethical dilemmas to the forefront.
Amid these debates, one thing is clear: New Hampshire’s gaming industry is changing fast. Legislators are scrambling to address issues of fairness, community control, and sustainability in a sector poised for explosive growth. Whether these proposals will lead to a fairer system—or merely shuffle existing inequities—remains to be seen.
