Gambling bill comes before New Hampshire Senate again

Lawmakers have debated whether to allow a casino in New Hampshire for several years. The issue hasn't received as much attention this year as it has in previous sessions, but if the measure passes the Senate on Thursday, there could be new life for casino gambling.

"The governor continues to support one high-end, highly regulated, destination-style casino as a way to bring revenue back home to invest in New Hampshire priorities instead of Massachusetts," said William Hinkle, spokesman for Gov. Maggie Hassan.

But this bill would allow two casino licenses. Some lawmakers said the pressure is on to do something as Massachusetts inches closer to establishing its own casinos.

"We're going to lose jobs to Massachusetts and lose revenue to Massachusetts, and I think New Hampshire needs to get going on this," Senate President Chuck Morse said.

"The big complaint about job creation is, 'Yeah, but they're low-paying jobs,'" said Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester. "These would be good-paying jobs with good benefits. I think that's an important ingredient in the pie, and we need it."

For supporters of casino gambling, the Senate hasn't been a problem. Despite extensive lobbying and poll numbers showing that the majority of New Hampshire residents are open to the idea or support it, House lawmakers have consistently killed bills that would expand gambling.

This year, even gambling opponent Rep. Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, said he's not sure where it could be headed.

"Obviously, we've got a whole new House this year, so it'll be very interesting, and I don't know," he said. "I haven't seen any indication yet which way things will go."

Last year, the casino bill came as close as it ever had to passing the House, failing by a handful of votes.