Casino Foes Argue State Payout Distant

CONCORD – The way New Hampshire's casino gambling bill is structured it's unlikely the state can count on any revenue for the next state budget, according to testimony delivered to a House committee on May 1.

The revenue in question is the $80 million casino licensing fee, which Gov. Maggie Hassan included in her recommended state budget.

Supporters of Senate Bill 152 maintain that the licensing fee would be paid immediately – it's just that any casino revenues would not be realized until after the next budget cycle that begins July 1.

The testimony by legal and regulatory experts on licensing and background checks, local planning and zoning requirements and the chance for litigation underscores that it's not very feasible to rush a proposed casino to market, according to the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling. Those testifying on the issues Wednesday included Rep. Carol McGuire, on the rule-making process, Cordell Johnston, attorney for the NH Municipal Association, and Deputy Attorney General Ann Rice.

The three subcommittees of the Joint Committee of Finance and Ways and Means continues review today, working toward a goal of concluding their duties by May 8. In other testimony Wednesday:

• Mark MacKenzie, president of the NH AFL-CIO, told lawmakers that the casino project would boost the local and state economy, both in the short- and long- term. "The state has an interest in labor harmony in that facility," he said.

• State Sen. Jeff Woodburn (D-Dalton) spoke of the bill's benefits for the North Country, which would receive a major public investment. 

• Jim Demers, discussing ideas for a high-end facility at Rockingham Park in Salem, also noted the estimated 3,165 direct employment jobs in a proposed casino. Citing recent studies, he said New Hampshire residents now gamble an estimated $80 million a year. Once Massachusetts casinos are up and running, that estimate could climb to $100 million, he said. So, "doing nothing cedes $50 million per biennium to Massachusetts, rather than keeping it here," Demers said.

• Paul M. Kelley, director of NH Racing and Charitable Gaming, testified about how legalizing casino gambling would affect his commission and the existing charitable gaming operators. [WATCH one attached video of Kelley testifying]

SB 152, which was passed by the Senate in March, would legalize one casino gambling facility with up to 150 table games and no more than 5,000 slot machines.