Casino Courtship: Advocates Press Case

Supporters of legalizing casino gambling in New Hampshire threw a luncheon for state lawmakers in Concord on Wednesday to further tout what they called real and long-term benefits of a high-end casino.

Larry Maggi, chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania, was one of the guest speakers. He talked about what The Meadows Racetrack & Casino has meant for his county. A former state trooper, Maggi said he was initially concerned that a casino would mean more crime. But, he said, "Those concerns that I had just didn't happen."

In New Hampshire, the Joint House Committee of Finance and Ways and Means is scheduled to convene Thursday, at which time subcommittees will begin reporting back their findings on Senate Bill 152. SB 152 proposes up to 150 table games and no more than 5,000 video slot machines.

The New Hampshire Senate passed the bill in March. The House, which has never passed a casino gambling bill, is the big hurdle. Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) supports a high-end casino, and she included $80 million for a proposed casino license fee in her budget.

Millennium Gaming, which has an option for Rockingham Park in Salem, will review its updated plan for a casino tonight at 7 at Rockingham Park. The plan, which is well in excess of $600 million, includes a hotel and entertainment center.

Two anti-casino groups–Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling and Casino Free New Hampshire–continue to fight the legislation.