CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate has rejected allowing video lottery machines at the state's four race tracks, but voted to tax Texas Hold 'Em poker games.
The Senate voted 13-11 yesterday against allowing video lottery at tracks in Salem, Seabrook, Belmont and Hinsdale.
Manchester Democrat Lou D'Allesandro — the sponsor — argued the state needs the millions of dollars gambling would provide for state programs and services. But Portsmouth Democrat Martha Fuller Clark countered that expanded gaming would hurt New Hampshire's quality of life.
The Senate voted 16-8 to tax Texas Hold 'Em and other poker games now being run by charities. Hudson Republican Bob Clegg said lawmakers should allow video lottery instead of taxing games run for charities.
Supporters of the bill pointed out that the state already gets a share of wagers on Bingo and Lucky Seven.
