Over at least five decades efforts to bring casino style gambling to NH failed to win approval from the State Legislature. This despite a wide array of proposals including many from well-funded out of state groups who spent millions of dollars on lobbying efforts that fell short year after year. By 2006 it was clear that if casino gambling was ever to be approved it would need to be done in a way unique to NH. That year The Legislature approved House Bill 1744, allowing casino style table games and poker at facilities in NH provided that 35% of gaming revenue went to charity. Single wagers were limited to $2.00.
By 2021 the single wager limit had increased to $10.00 and “table stakes” poker was allowed. That year the Legislature also passed House Bill 626, allowing electronic gaming at charity gaming facilities in the form of Historic Horse Racing [HHR] machines. As the lead lobbyist for years for charity gaming I recognized that traditional slot machines were not likely to win approval in the NH House, an alternative electronic game needed to be put forward.
NH had legalized pari mutuel wagering in 1932 on horse racing at Rockingham Park in Salem. Revenue from racing at one time was the single largest source of state revenue. Recognizing that history it seemed to me that since HHR was a new form of pari mutuel wagering it was a natural fit for NH. The bill was first introduced in 2010, passed the Senate but died in the House. In 2013 it was introduced in the Senate but was defeated there.
BY 2018 several states had joined Arkansas in allowing HHR. Interest in the gaming alternative to slot machines was growing. Legislation was introduced to allow HHR again. Despite passing the Senate It was defeated in the House. As it was in 2019, and 2020. Finally in 2021 after passing the Senate by a vote of 24-0 the House passed the bill 223-152. Casino gambling had arrived in NH in a truly unique NH way.
As of October 16, 2022 three licenses for Historic Horse Racing machines have been granted thus far by the NH Lottery Commission to rooms in Seabrook, Hampton Beach, and Nashua. 11 additional locations are at varying stages of going through the licensing process. Once all 14 eligible facilities are operating HHR they are projected to produce 18 million dollars for the state education trust fund and 26 million dollars for over 1,000 NH charities annually.