In what is predicted to be a close vote, the New Hampshire Senate votes this afternoon on allowing up to 17,000 video slot machines at six locations in the state, including
Rockingham Park.
The Senate did not plan to wait on a 'quality of life' study, commissioned by Governor John Lynch but not due until May, or for a House vote, still to come.
The governor has indicated he will veto any slots bill unless convinced “by overwhelming evidence” that the state’s quality of life will not be adversely affected.
Rockingham already has lost its 2010 live racing season, with no funds for a state racing commission to regulate the sport.
As the bill reads heading for the Senate vote, the first $50 million of revenue from slots license fees, likely to be from Rockingham, would have to be used to restore health and welfare cuts already in place.
Any House vote, like today’s Senate vote, is expected to be close.
(Harness Tracks of America)