New Hampshire Has Second Thought on Online Gambling

4/6/10 – Widespread holiday weekend reports that New Hampshire governor John Lynch may be considering online gambling licensing to close state budgetry gaps appear to have alarmed the incumbent, who seemed to be backing away from the possibility on Monday, according to reports in The Union Leader publication.
 
The governor opposes a significant expansion in land gambling that has been proposed to the House Local and Regulated Revenues Committee and suggests up to 17 000 slot machines at six locations, including three race tracks. The committee has until next week to vote on the bill, as-is or in an amended form.
 
Lynch was widely quoted in the media earlier as saying that he had other plans to meet state $140 million budgetary shortfalls and that he was considering online gambling among these . However, on Monday his press secretary Colin Manning said: "The bulk of that plan will take the form of cuts in state spending. A broad expansion of online gaming is not something the governor is considering."
 
Manning said the governor is working with the Lottery Commission on ways to "modernize its offerings" and boost revenue. The commission has been discussing a fantasy sports league idea, he said, adding: "If expanded lottery products are part of the governor's budget proposal, it would not represent a significant portion of his overall proposal."