The state may not advance iGaming legislation amid resistance from some legislators
New Hampshire lawmakers showed little enthusiasm for a proposed online gambling bill during a recent committee meeting, opting not to vote on whether it should advance, according to iGaming Business. The state’s Senate Ways and Means Committee met to discuss multiple gambling-related bills but spent minimal time on SB 168, which seeks to legalize online casino gaming.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Tim Lang, would allow existing brick-and-mortar gaming venues to operate online platforms, with each physical location entitled to one digital skin. Lang estimated that the state could generate $39 million in annual tax revenue from online gambling, and he introduced an amendment to include charitable gaming after it was initially overlooked.
Despite these potential benefits, the proposal faced opposition. During the public hearing, only two witnesses testified, both against the bill. Alicia Preston of the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Association argued that legalizing online casinos would reduce foot traffic at physical gaming establishments. She warned that the move could negatively impact the hospitality industry, as fewer visitors to casinos would mean decreased spending at restaurants and bars tied to these locations.
Another witness, responsible gambling advocate Brianne Doura-Schawohl, raised concerns about the state’s limited funding for problem gambling programs. Representing the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, she pointed out that New Hampshire ranks near the bottom among states with legalized gambling in terms of resources allocated for addiction prevention. She noted that while Massachusetts dedicates $22 million annually to such programs, New Hampshire contributes only $100,000—less than ten cents per resident.
While the committee did not act on the online gambling bill, it did advance SB 60, which would allow for pari-mutuel wagering regulated by the lottery. Lang indicated that discussions on SB 168 would continue in the coming weeks.
