History repeated itself last week when the New Hampshire House voted to defeat a bill that would have allowed casino gaming in the state by a vote of 208-156.
The House, as it has done every other time, voted to kill the bill. The large margin of defeat was surprising to some. “I don’t think anyone who was opposed to this bill ever suspected that it was going to be that large of margin,” Rep. David Hess commented.
Rep. Eric Estevez, a supporter, predicted that the no voters would have to explain to their constituents why they opposed a bill that would have created jobs.
Governor Maggie Hassan, who supports at least one casino in the state, declared, “Well, I certainly am disappointed.” She predicted that neighboring states would be the beneficiaries.
A big loser in the vote was Millennium Gaming, which has promoted a casino at Rockingham Park racetrack for many years.
