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Gambling Referendum Goes To Salem Voters

Voters in Salem will weigh in on a non-binding referendum on whether the town should host a Casino. The measure is expected to pass. Backers like Larry Belair, a former State Representative with the local pro- gambling group NH Casino now, expect well above majority support.

“I am hoping we can get a 2 to 1 vote, something we can take up to the legislature and say look we are clearly ready and willing to be a host community for this thing. “

Salem passed similar referenda in 1994 and 2003. No other community has a gambling related question up for a vote. The state senate is slated to vote Thursday on a gambling plan backed by Governor Maggie Hassan and co-sponsored by Salem Senator Chuck Morse. The proposal would allow up to 5000 slot machines and 150 tables games at a single site along the Massachusetts border.

Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000.

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