Senate Rolls Dice on Expanded Gambling

By Dan Gorenstein on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

The Senate has passed a provision that allows video slots at the state’s horse and dog tracks.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports.

Few Senate Democrats really like the idea of expanded gambling in the state.

But with the state being hundreds of millions of dollars in the red, made video slots a much more attractive option.

Senator Lou D’Allesandro, the prime mover behind the plan, says he’s confident if state government needs more money, residents would much prefer slots to new taxes.

TAPE: we needed a creative, innovation solution to the problem that was going to bring jobs, some economic stimulus...and was going to say there is some private money people were willing to invest.

Chances of the proposal gaining traction in the House are slim.

The House has never supported video slots.

Negotiators are scheduled to meet Monday to try to find some common ground.

For NHPR News, I’m DG.