-
Apr 14, 2008 4:57 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Proposal Would Bring Slot Machines To N.H.
MANCHESTER, N.H. (WBZ) ―
For now, anyway, casino gambling is a dead issue in Massachusetts, but that could be a boost for people who want to see slot machines in New Hampshire.
There's now a proposal that would bring slots to the state's four racetracks.
At Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, you can make a sure bet on one thing -- they'd like to see slots.
"I think it's a very good idea… I want to see something up here," said Robert Lombardi of Londonderry.
"This facility alone could generate $150 million and up for the state of New Hampshire," said Rockingham Park Pres. Ed Callahan.
That's one of the main reasons State Senator Lou D'Allesandro is pushing the bill to bring slot machines to all four race tracks in New Hampshire. "We need jobs... What better time to bring these together in a piece of legislation?"
But opponents like Representative David Hess argue it's a gamble that won't pay off. "Everything about New Hampshire makes people want to come here and live. Casino gambling would cast a pall over that whole quality of life, and I think that would be a horrible detrimental downslide to that quality of life."
This bill has failed every year for the past several years, but supporters say they have new hope. They believe Massachusetts killing its casino bill will create an opportunity for a win in New Hampshire.
"The timing seems to be right, the stars have lined up, we need to take advantage of this opportunity," said Callahan.
The Senate plans to take up the slots proposal on Thursday.
Governor John Lynch has said he would not support expanded gambling unless he could see clear evidence that it would not harm quality of life in New Hampshire.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)