A governor-appointed Gaming Study Commission is expected to determine what effect various forms of gambling could have on the state's quality of life.

Members of the commission acknowledge that coming to a conclusion on that topic won't be an easy task.

"That's probably going to be the most difficult thing to deal with," said Rep. Jim Craig, D-Manchester, who serves on the commission. "It's an objective thing. What quality of life may be in Manchester might not be the same as Lebanon and Portsmouth."

The governor's orders direct the commission to review various models for expanded gambling and their potential to generate state revenue. The commission also must assess the social, economic and public safety impacts of gambling options on the state's quality of life.

Gov. John Lynch has previously stated that he wouldn't endorse gambling legislation unless he was convinced it would not hurt the state's quality of life.

The commission will meet twice a month through May. The 15-member panel, selected in August, held its first organizational meeting last week. The commission is a mix of state politicians, former politicians and business owners.

Sen. Robert Odell, R-Lempster, who is serving on the commission, said he expected the commission to review data from states that legalized forms of gambling in recent years, such as crime rates and issues with addiction.

"There's some evidence available from around the country on the impacts of various forms of gambling," Odell said. "I think we'll look at the entire gamut of social, cultural and economic factors."

The commission is charged with looking at all possible forms of gambling, but the most prominent form discussed in recent years in the Granite State has been slot machines.

The Senate passed a state budget in June that included allowing a total of 12,000 slot machines to be installed at five locations in the state, including Salem's Rockingham Park. But a joint committee of House and Senate members scrapped that budget before the House had a chance to formally vote on it.

Supporters have said they will bring slot legislation back to the table when lawmakers reconvene in January. The commission is expected submit an interim progress report to the governor by Dec. 1, and plans to hold several public forums on the subject in early 2010.

Odell said he believes the study will provide an opportunity to look at gambling options without a particular bill in mind.

"It's refreshing to have a look at the overall gambling situation," Odell said, "rather than looking at specific legislation."

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