Expansion of Casino Choices in New Hampshire via Legislative Action
New Hampshire's gambling scene is undergoing a significant transformation following recent updates to its gambling laws. The New Hampshire Lottery and Gaming Commission, now responsible for overseeing Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), historical horse racing, and online sportsbooks, is set to implement changes that are expected to impact the state's casinos in various ways.
One of the key changes is the removal of the cap on VLTs, allowing casinos to install an unlimited number of these machines. This change is expected to boost casino revenue and replace less profitable historical horse racing machines with more VLTs. The new tax rate for VLT revenue stands at 31%, with 35% of the revenue going to local charities and addiction prevention programs, and the remaining 65% to the state’s general fund.
The updates also expand gaming options, with high-stakes poker tournaments now permitted, and casinos allowed to offer table-game tournaments. Casinos can also apply for permission to stay open 24/7, subject to local municipality approval. Additionally, free bets and promotional credits up to 15% of revenue are now allowed, excluded from gross income calculations.
The consolidation of self-exclusion programs is another significant change. The state has unified its self-exclusion programs into one system, allowing individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all state-licensed gambling venues.
These changes are expected to boost casino revenue, enhance the gaming experience, strengthen oversight, support local charities, and promote responsible gaming practices. Operators in New Hampshire will soon be allowed to expand their VLT offerings, with the Nash Casino in Nashua potentially expanding its offerings or operating 24 hours, pending local approval.
Governor Kelly Ayotte has given the go-ahead to HB 2, a budget bill with gambling updates, marking the official approval of these changes in New Hampshire's gambling rules. The state is now providing more opportunities for casino operators to grow, making it an exciting time for the gambling industry in the state.
- The expansion of gaming options, including high-stakes poker tournaments and table-game tournaments, is now permitted in New Hampshire's casinos, potentially redefining the casino-gambling landscape.
- The casino-culture in New Hampshire is evolving, with casino personalities exploring new casino-games such as high-stakes poker, as a result of the recent gambling-trends enabling more diverse gaming options.
- With the removal of the cap on Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), casino operators might capitalize on casino-and-gambling trends by replacing less profitable historical horse racing machines with more VLTs, restoring the competition and vibrancy of the casino industry in the state.
