If the New Hampshire House votes to agree with a Senate bill to allow video slots at six sites in the state, Gov. John Lynch says he will veto the measure

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Lynch said he would kill the legislature whether it offered six sites or five, as the House suggests. There still is hope for Rockingham Park, however, for Lynch says he wants to review a report, due next month, of a gambling commission he appointed last year. Beyond that, negotiations lie ahead on how to close a $220 million budget gap, an issue that needs action by July, and the issue of video gambling could be revived.

In nearby Rhode Island, meanwhile, the Providence Journal has reported that House Speaker Gordon Fox has put an upcoming Senate vote on track slots and two casinos in neighboring Massachusetts “high on his priority list.” The Massachusetts House gave quick approval there to both.

A Rhode Island House bill already has been introduced that would allow voters to decide on allowing casino gambling at Rhode Island’s two slots parlours.

(Harness Tracks of America)