Conflict of Interest Alleged for Some Casino Supporters

The Union Leader reported this week that a key opponent of expanded gambling in New Hampshire is alleging a conflict of interest for a lobbyist who represents two recently announced proponents of expanded gambling.

The report said that Jim Rubens of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Expanded Gambling is accusing Jim Demers of the Concord-based Demers and Blaisdell of representing both the New Hampshire Police Association and the New Hampshire Troopers Association as well as Cannery Resorts Casinos and International Game Technology.

The report adds that the Cannery Resorts Casinos is a subsidiary of Millennium Gaming, which owns the option of purchasing Rockingham Park in Salem.

Earlier this week, Salem Patch released video from the press conference showing the two law enforcement agencies endorsing expanded gambling in the state.

Meanwhile, the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police is against expanded gambling, although Salem Town Manager Keith Hickey said during a state Senate hearing last month that Salem Chief Paul Donovan individually supports the legislation.

Senate Bill 152 calls for up to 150 table games and no more than 5,000 video lottery/slot machines at one casino location in N.H.