New Hampshire’s gaming scene took another significant step forward this week with the opening of the Revo Casino and Social House in Lebanon. This new addition is the latest in a wave of growth in the state’s gambling industry, which now boasts a dozen charitable casinos.
Since the beginning of the year, these casinos have generated an impressive $139 million in revenue. This growth is a clear sign of the expanding popularity of gaming in New Hampshire, particularly given that all the state’s gaming rooms are owned by out-of-state entities, including several Las Vegas-based companies.
The new Revo Casino, operated by a California-based entertainment company, becomes the fourth casino for its parent operator in New Hampshire. This expansion is part of a broader trend of increasing gaming options for both residents and visitors to the state.
New Hampshire’s gaming law stipulates that a portion of the revenue must go to local charities, benefiting the community. In fact, last year alone, games of chance and historic horse race machines—slots that are legal in the state—raised more than $22 million for various charitable causes.
A Look at the Growing Gaming Scene in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s gaming industry is thriving, and it’s no surprise that the Revo Casino marks just the latest step in its rapid expansion. The state now has 12 charitable casinos, each one contributing both entertainment and significant financial support to charitable organisations.
In 2023, gaming operations generated over $21 million in state taxes, bolstering New Hampshire’s economy and proving the value of the expanding industry. Yet, despite the success of these casinos, the state remains committed to using its gaming revenue for good causes, with a cut going to local nonprofits.
Among the most anticipated projects on the horizon is The Nash, a multi-level casino currently under construction at the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua. The Nash is expected to offer a complete entertainment experience with a wide variety of games, restaurants, and bars—bringing the feel of Vegas or Atlantic City to the heart of New Hampshire.
The facility is already preparing for its opening, with hiring events being held to fill hundreds of positions in anticipation of its launch later this winter. According to The Nash’s general manager, Eric Althaus, the new casino will offer “the whole package,” providing not only a gaming experience but also loyalty programs, dining, and entertainment.
The Expansion of Gambling in New Hampshire: A Double-Edged Sword
As New Hampshire’s gambling industry continues to expand, concerns about problem gambling and its social impact are also growing. Marlene Warner, the head of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, spoke about the need for coordinated efforts between operators, regulators, and advocacy groups to ensure responsible gambling practices as access to casinos increases.
“The expansion of casinos is part of a broader trend of growing access to gambling across the country over the past decade,” said Warner. “While operators have resources and programs in place to help players, a more coordinated approach is something we’ll need moving forward.”
Addressing these concerns, Althaus pointed out that The Nash has a robust employee training program to identify and address problem gambling. The program focuses on spotting the signs of individuals who may not be in the right mindset while playing, whether due to a losing streak or other reasons. Training staff to recognise these signs is an essential step to ensure a positive gaming experience for all.
A Bright Future for Gaming in the Granite State
New Hampshire’s expanding gaming industry has made waves not only in the state’s economy but also in the national spotlight. As more casinos open their doors and attract both locals and tourists alike, the state’s gambling scene shows no signs of slowing down.
The Revo Casino and Social House is just the latest example of this growth, contributing to the broader trend of expanding access to entertainment that has traditionally been associated with cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. While the financial impact is undeniable, it’s clear that New Hampshire’s gaming industry must continue to balance the benefits with the responsibility of addressing problem gambling.
With The Nash and other casinos set to open in the coming months, New Hampshire is on track to become a true hotspot for gaming, entertainment, and charitable giving in the Northeast. But as the industry grows, so too must the effort to protect players and ensure a sustainable, responsible future for gambling in the state.
