If approved, the bill would change how often charities can partner with casinos
Lawmakers in New Hampshire are reviewing a bill that could change how charitable casinos distribute benefits to nonprofit groups. The proposal has already passed the state Senate and is now being examined in the House of Representatives. If approved, it would slightly adjust how often individual charities can partner with casinos.
New Hampshire operates under a unique gaming system where casinos must share a portion of their revenue with nonprofit organizations. The model has been in place since 1977 and requires each casino to work with two approved charities every day it offers gaming. Those organizations then receive a share of the casino’s daily revenue.
Under the current rules, a nonprofit can serve as a casino’s beneficiary for up to ten days each year. Senate Bill 542 proposes lowering that number to seven days. Supporters argue the change would allow more charitable groups to participate in the program.
Sen. Tim Lang, who introduced the bill, says the adjustment would open the door for hundreds of additional nonprofits. Many casinos currently work with the same organizations throughout the year, which can limit opportunities for smaller groups that lack strong name recognition.
The Granite State has 14 charitable casinos operating across it. While the industry continues to grow, some nonprofit leaders say the current system favors well-known organizations that already have established relationships with casino operators.
The gaming sector has generated increasing revenue in recent years. In 2025 alone, casinos directed more than $60 million toward charitable causes through table games and historical horse racing machines. That number could rise further following the introduction of video lottery terminals last year.
Regulators also made broader changes through the state’s budget process. Casinos now pay a higher gaming tax rate, which increased from 25% to 31%. Operators keep just over 31% of gaming revenue, while charities continue to receive 35%.
If the proposed bill becomes law, lawmakers believe more nonprofits will gain access to the charitable gaming system and share in the industry’s growing financial impact.
