The New Hampshire House voted 289-63 last week to kill a bill, earlier narrowly approved by the Senate, that would have authorized two casinos in the Granite State.
The vote was to “indefinitely postpone,” so the bill is dead from being brought back later in this session.
A bill that would legalize sports betting, however, was approved by the House earlier this session. That bill is supported by Governor Chris Sununu.
Last week its sponsor, Rep. Timothy Lang, asked the Senate Ways and Means Committee to reverse two amendments to H that passed in the House. Those amendments, that Lang wants removed, would cap the number of brick and mortar locations at 10. They would also prohibit in-game wagers at retail operations.
Supporting Lang’s changes are several sports betting industry providers. They argue that ten retail locations are not enough to eliminate illegal sports betting.
Lang originally agreed to the amendments because, “that That was a compromise with the House Democrats, who feared there would be a betting parlor on every street corner. I would prefer it without a cap.” He supports letting the lottery commission decide how many locations are best, depending on the market.
The prohibition against in-game wagers at retail operations makes no sense, says Lang, because it doesn’t apply to mobile sports betting. He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate because they can whip their phone out and make the same bet. It doesn’t stop the action, it just makes it so retailers are hamstrung.”
Lang’s bill appears to be the one most likely to pass in both chambers this session, according to observers.
