Lawmakers in New Hampshire are currently considering a proposal, championed by Governor Kelly Ayotte, to replace existing Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines with traditional slot machines in the state’s charitable gaming casinos. This move is aimed at significantly increasing funding for non-profits and boosting state revenue, though the decision involves navigating complex discussions and differing perspectives within the State House.

The proposal being considered in the Concord State House involves a significant change to the types of gaming machines permitted in New Hampshire’s 14 charitable gaming casinos: switching from HHR machines to traditional slot machines. This initiative is a key part of Governor Kelly Ayotte’s plan to expand gaming as a mechanism for increasing financial support for the state’s non-profits and other beneficiaries of casino revenue. The Governor has urged the General Court to pass legislation authorising the slot machines, emphasizing the potential financial benefits for both the state and its charitable organisations. The proposal also seeks to address concerns from charities that reportedly struggle to secure specific dates for fundraising activities at casinos and aims to ensure that the gaming expansion includes video lottery terminals (VLTs). Lawmakers have been actively debating the introduction of slot machines for several months, highlighting the ongoing nature of the discussion around gaming expansion in the state.

Current Charitable Gaming Framework

The existing system for charitable gaming in New Hampshire operates under a specific legal framework. Under current law, casinos are permitted to support up to two charitable causes daily. In return, they allocate 35 percent of the gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated from their table games and Historical Horse Racing (HHR) terminals directly to the non-profits. The state receives 25 percent of this GGR, while the casino operators retain the remaining 40 percent. Each non-profit is limited to partnering with a casino for a maximum of 10 days per year. This framework reportedly supports around 800 charities annually, although smaller groups are said to often face challenges in securing available dates.

Examples of the system’s performance include the fact that in 2024, the five Revo Casino locations collectively distributed over $15 million to approximately 400 non-profits. Presenting March 2025 revenue data from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission (as reported by iGaming Times), table games and HHR machines generated substantial revenue for the month, with the state collecting $5.3 million, charities receiving $5.7 million, and casino operators earning $25.6 million. Charities included in the casino rotation reportedly report significant benefits from these funds, as highlighted by the view from Jane Goodman, executive director of the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter (as reported by iGaming Times), who pointed to the positive impact of charitable gaming funds. Briefly mentioning recent legislative history, in June 2023, then-Governor Chris Sununu signed legislation that increased the maximum table game bet from $10 to $50 and raised the maximum amount a player could lose during a single game from $150 to $2,500.

Lawmakers Weigh Potential Benefits and Concerns

Reports indicate that legislators in New Hampshire are divided on the proposal to replace HHR machines with slot machines. Presenting the view of Rep. Mary Murphy (as reported by iGaming Times), she supports the idea but stresses the need for a cautious approach and increased funding for social safeguards. Murphy reportedly noted that if HHR machines posed issues, slot machines might have a similar effect. While viewing the proposal as beneficial for both the state and charities, she reportedly prefers boosting state income by fostering the growth of local businesses. Her perspective, as reported by iGaming Times, is that she is “not in support of revenue at the expense of creating a bunch of social problems for the state.” Presenting the view of Rep. Thomas Schamberg (as reported by iGaming Times), he expressed cautious optimism after touring The Nash Casino, which he felt seemed to have the right approach. However, he reportedly stressed the importance of ensuring that smaller non-profits that haven’t yet benefited from casino donations are treated fairly, stating the legislative aim to support less fortunate individuals and non-profits in the state.

Potential Revenue Boost and Outlook

Governor Ayotte’s budget plan outlines the potential revenue increase anticipated should slot machines be introduced and the state’s revenue share be increased. The plan seeks legislative approval to introduce slot machines and also proposes increasing the state’s share of revenue from 25 percent to 30 percent. This is projected to potentially generate an additional $70 million annually specifically for non-profits and contribute a total of $128 million in state revenue by the second budget cycle. The March 2025 revenue data, showing the distribution to the state, charities, and operators, is cited again in this context (from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, as reported by iGaming Times). It is noted that while slot machines and HHR terminals may appear similar to casual players, their internal mechanisms differ, and the broader social implications of expanded gambling remain a key concern for lawmakers.

In conclusion, New Hampshire lawmakers are actively deliberating Governor Kelly Ayotte’s proposal to replace HHR machines with traditional slot machines in charitable gaming locations. This move is driven by the goal of significantly boosting funding for non-profits and increasing state revenue, although the decision involves carefully weighing the potential economic gains against concerns about the social implications of expanded gambling. The legislative discussion reflects differing opinions within the State House, despite strong support for the proposal from the Governor. The outcome of this debate will determine the future landscape of charitable gaming and its role in funding non-profit activities in New Hampshire.