A proposal in New Hampshire would have allowed two Las Vegas-style casinos to open in the state, but House lawmakers on Wednesday decidedly voted against it.
The New Hampshire House disapproved of a similar plan last year. A handful of pro-casino proposals have died in recent years.
The Senate has proven to be open to gambling, while the House is against it. New Hampshire’s governor is in favor of casinos. The issue is a contentious one in the state, especially as nearby states beef up their own gambling industries.
New Hampshire currently has several poker rooms spread throughout the state in various horse and dog track parimutuel facilities, as well as charity gaming.
“Casino gambling will not be an asset to New Hampshire,” Rep. Patricia Lovejoy, a longtime casino opponent, said, according to CBS. The Democrat added: “All New Hampshire can expect are hometown convenience casinos that pull money out of the pockets of our residents, not destination resorts attracting out-of-state residents."
Some officials in New Hampshire are unhappy with gambling dollars leaving the state. Massachusetts is in the midst of overseeing several large gambling facilities work toward opening.
