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Momentum is building behind slot machines in New Hampshire.  Although there are a number of people that would prefer not to expand gambling in the territory for fear of increase in crime and problem gambling, there seem to be much more potential positives that will come from slot machines. 

Slot machine proponents have a sense of urgency about legalizing slot machines because they feel it important that the state establish customer loyalty before Massachusetts beats them to it.

The main push for slot machines in New Hampshire has been a fight to get them in to the Rockingham Park racing venue.  However, legislators in New Hampshire have introduced bills that propose installing slot machines in North Country and dog tracks.

Chuck Rolecek, chair of pro slot machine group “Fix It Now New Hampshire”, cited an opinion survey that showed voters in New Hampshire are much more willing to legalize slot machines as opposed to increasing property tax or paying new taxes on income or sales.

Governor John Lynch is not exactly on board with slot machines in New Hampshire, but he is certainly not opposed.  According to the Governor, he just want some certainty that slot machines will not lead to an increase in crime or in any way diminish quality of life in New Hampshire.

According to Jim Rubens, chair of the Granite State Coalition Against Expanding Gambling, the gambling industry “thinks that our Legislature is ready to trade our state's reputation, healthy quality of life, and lowest national crime rate, for a gambling tax that will make everyone in our state poorer, and a handful of casino and slot machine owners much richer.”

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