New Hampshire casinos can install unlimited VLTs after governor signs gambling expansion into law

Effective immediately, New Hampshire casinos can install unlimited numbers of video lottery terminals (VLT). That is among the provisions of HB 2, signed into law June 30 by Granite State Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

Thirty-one percent of VLT revenue is designated for taxation. The proceeds will be divided between New Hampshire’s general fund, the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment & Prevention, and each casino’s charitable partners.

Licensed gambling providers can now host high-stakes poker and table-game tournaments as well, taxed at five percent. As with VLT, this will be contingent on state-level approval.

All new forms of gambling can be installed at once, according to the office of HB’s author, state Rep. Joe Sweeney. New Hampshire’s blessing will follow later, as rule-making and implementation will be conducted “in the months ahead.”

HB 2 also unifies all New Hampshire self-exclusion programs into one, whereby players can bar themselves from licensed gambling and lottery locations in the state. It authorizes the creation of a New Hampshire Lottery & Gaming Commission out of the current Lottery Commission.

According to Sweeney’s office, the erstwhile lottery board “has been renamed to reflect its expanded role regulating charitable gaming, VLT, and historical horse racing.”

“These reforms will help ensure that New Hampshire remains competitive, transparent, and responsible in its approach to charitable gaming,” Sweeney said.

“HB 2 delivers a responsible, forward-looking framework to modernize charitable gaming in New Hampshire,” Sweeney continued. “With Governor Ayotte’s signature, we are enabling growth, improving oversight and enhancing the ability of local nonprofits to benefit from this vital sector.”