© 2025 New Hampshire Public Radio

Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at publicfile@nhpr.org.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Win big during NHPR's Summer Raffle! Purchase your tickets today!

Keno Bill Clears House, Moves On To Senate

Sara Plourde
/
NHPR

New Hampshire's House has voted to allow electronic keno games to be played in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.  

The Keno bill cleared the house by a 202-141 margin. That vote came after the house tacked on an amendment to require local approval to the electronic bingo game. Republican Patrick Abrami of Stratham told colleagues he opposes expanded gambling but Keno is a different animal. 

What’s wagered in New Hampshire will stay in New Hampshire. Unlike in NH , where a lot of what would be wagered in NH would wind up in Las Vegas.

Under the bill, 92 percent of the proceeds would go to the state for education, with one percent of that earmarked for problem gambling programs. The other 8 percent would go to businesses offering the game. Lottery officials say if 250 locations adopt Keno, the state could net $9 million. The bill now moves to the Senate where it’s expected to meet resistance from Senators focused on passing a casino bill. If Keno does become law, New Hampshire  would join 15 other states and Washington, D.C. in allowing it.

I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.