New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan will reportedly talk about gaming at her annual “State of the State” address at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.
The governor argues that there should be one casino, preferably located near the state’s border with Massachusetts, to keep Granite State residents from leaving home to gamble.
The push to expand gaming in the state is considered by most political observers to be over for 2014. So Hassan’s address is likely to address future efforts.
Last week the House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-9 to kill a Senate bill that would have authorized two casinos in the state. The bill included a $25 million sweetener for local communities.
Under the bill two casinos would divide 5,000 slots and 240 gaming tables. The House in March defeated a bill that would have authorized one casino with 5,000 slots. Different parties control the Senate and the House. The Senate continues to pass pro-casino bills that the House defeats.
