Title: New Hampshire’s Charitable Gaming Restructuring: A Step Towards Fairness and Modernization
In the Green Mountain State, lawmakers are taking significant strides to address disparities in charitable gaming. New Hampshire is weighing a plan that could transform how funds are distributed from casinos to nonprofits, ensuring a more equitable system. Spearheaded by State Representative Dick Ames, D-Jaffrey, the proposal aims to impose limits on the amount of annual revenue that any single nonprofit can receive from casino donations.
Addressing Inequities Among Nonprofits
At the heart of this initiative lies the growing concern that funding across charitable organizations is uneven. In recent gaming commission meetings, it was highlighted that while some nonprofits are raking in contributions exceeding $100,000 per year, others are barely making ends meet with donations as low as $10,000. Ames characterized his proposed legislation as “an interim step towards developing a better system” that seeks to rectify these disparities. Although the specific revenue limits have not yet been finalized, the intention is clear: creating a level playing field for all types of charities, from veterans’ organizations to local sports booster clubs, without favoring one over the other.
The Case for Video Lottery Terminals
In an exciting parallel move, State Representative Fred Doucette, R-Salem, is advocating for the modernization of the state’s gaming offerings. His proposal focuses on replacing outdated historic horse racing machines with modern video lottery terminals (VLTs). These machines operate similarly to traditional slot machines and are expected to generate substantially more revenue for charities and the state than the current system allows.
Currently, charities benefit from a modest 8.75% of revenues generated by historic horse racing machines, starkly lower than the 35% from table games. Doucette asserts that VLTs can match this higher donation rate, leading to more substantial financial support for charitable organizations. He remarked, “The inevitability of going forward with these types of machines is beneficial to all involved, most importantly, the charities.” Doucette also addressed concerns regarding the faster pace of play, suggesting that the revenue increase could outweigh potential risks.
Local Control and Community Empowerment
Another notable proposal introduced by State Representative Bill Ohm, R-Nashua, seeks to put decision-making power into the hands of local communities regarding the operation of historic horse racing machines. Aligning with the existing Keno framework, this bill allows municipalities to opt in or out of hosting these machines. Ohm expressed the importance of empowering voters, stating, “I thought it’d be appropriate to put this decision in the hands of the voters.”
This local control measure also comes with transparency in mind, as Ohm’s legislation allows communities to assess and approve the presence of gaming facilities. Moreover, he has proposed evaluating large gaming halls based on the enterprise value of their properties, targeting those in bustling towns like Salem and Nashua.
Gathering Momentum: Transparency and Regulation
As New Hampshire’s gaming industry thrives — escalating from small venues to expansive entertainment complexes — legislative efforts are increasingly focused on oversight and regulation. A proposed charitable gaming oversight commission aims to enhance transparency in how casinos select charity partners and distribute funds. Several lawmakers are also advocating for historic horse racing facilities to share a percentage of their earnings with the communities they serve.
Reports from gaming consultancies predict that the New Hampshire gaming market could skyrocket to $1.1 billion within three years, propelled by emerging trends and significant investment from out-of-state operators, adding yet another layer of complexity to the evolving gaming landscape.
Conclusion: A Transformative Shift for Charities
State Representative Dick Ames voiced his acknowledgment of the rapidly changing environment, stating, “It’s evolving rapidly, much more rapidly than anticipated.” As New Hampshire grapples with the complexities and lucrative potential of charitable gaming, these legislative proposals reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency, and community involvement. If these measures take root, they could fundamentally reshape the relationship between gaming and charity in the state, ensuring that all nonprofits have equal opportunities to thrive.
The exploration of caps on casino donations and the introduction of modern gaming solutions symbolize a transformative shift toward a more balanced and beneficial gaming ecosystem for the people of New Hampshire. As discussions progress, the anticipation builds for how these new frameworks will ultimately impact both charities and the communities they serve.
