Gambling measures on the table for 2011 Legislature

Legalized gambling remains a revenue-generating option for the state with several measures before the 2011 Legislature.

SB 182 has been filed by Democratic state Sen. Lou D'Allesandro of Manchester, a long-time gambling proponent who was at the forefront of efforts in the last Legislature to legalize video gaming in various locations around the state.

His new legislation again seeks to create gaming facilities -- four established in a "competitive application process."

The measure promotes "economic recovery, revenue, property tax relief and job creation as soon as possible through the development of regulated gaming in order to preserve the quality of life for New Hampshire residents."

Revenue would be used to address public safety issues in the host communities and for gaming addiction treatment. Proceeds would also be directed to the state's general fund.

A hearing on the bill is scheduled for Monday (March 7) before the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Another gambling measure is HB 593.

It calls for the creation of two video lottery facilities that are at least 100 miles apart.

This measure calls for revenue to serve as a "direct offset to the state education property tax and to the highway fund for highway and bridge construction and repair. Proceeds from table games are also deposited in the highway fund."

HB 267 permits the adoption of slot machine gaming in a city or town.

Proceeds, it said, would go "to the general fund, the municipality where the slot machines are located, the department of health and human services for treatment of problem gamblers, the fire standards and training and emergency medical services fund, and the education trust fund."

Other bills address the issue of charitable gaming -- HB 267 -- and transferring the duties of the racing and charitable gaming commission to the lottery commission -- HB 348.