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The push toward expanding gambling in New Hampshire by legalizing slot machines took an unexpected turn.  Police do not typically support slot machines and gambling expansion, but that is apparently not the case in New Hampshire.

In a rather unexpected development, the New Hampshire Police Association, for the first time ever, endorsed slot machines and gambling expansion in the state.

According to John Stewart, a police officer from Keene and second vice president of the New Hampshire Police Association, the vote represents a recognition that gambling will thrive in the state and the state deserves to profit from the activity.   

“People are going to go gambling whether they go to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun,” said Stewart.

“Why not have them spend their money in our state?” 

The state retirement system was apparently a part of the motivation from the Police Association to support slot machines.  The group hopes that revenue from slot machines will go toward alleviating the pressure from the New Hampshire retirement system.

Just last year veteran firefighters and police man lost a battle against legislature that required them to work an additional five years before they qualify to collect their full pension.  Unfortunately, of all the things that stand to benefit from slot machines, the retirement system does not seem to be on anyone’s list.

"What this shows is the iceberg is shifting, that the thoughtful dialogue taking place across the state is making people realize big dollars are migrating out of New Hampshire and our proposal is a way to get them back,'' said lobbyist Rich Killion.

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