A bill that would have authorized a casino in Rockingham Park in Salem New Hampshire was killed in the New Hampshire Senate last week by a vote of 13-11.
A victim of the vote was Rockingham Park itself, which will almost certainly close now. However, the park may have brought that fate upon itself since shortly before the vote the owner announced that the century-old racetrack was for sale.
The bill would have allowed a $650 million casino with up to 3,500 video lottery terminals and 160 gaming tables.
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Lou D’Allesandro had said its purpose was to give a shot in the arm to the state’s economy and try to keep skilled workers from crossing state lines to work in Massachusetts.
Before the vote the senator declared, “Everyone in the state of New Hampshire will share in the profits of this legislation. We are a destination location.” The senator had claimed that such a casino would generate $100 million annually in revenue.
He greeted the news of the park’s possible closure with sadness. “We have had gambling at that site for over 100 years,” he said. “I can remember when 25,000 people a day would come to Rockingham Park.”
Ed Callahan, general manager of Rockingham Park, fondly called “The Rock” by its habitués, said the park has been trying for two decades to get gaming at the park to keep racing alive. About 200 jobs will be lost as a result.
He told the Eagle Tribune: “I would expect in the next 18 months to two years, the entire property would be redeveloped.”
D’Allesandro has introduced innumerable casino bills over the years. Many have been adopted by the Senate only to be killed by the 400-member House. Two years ago such a bill failed to pass in the House by two votes.
The senator is not planning on giving up anytime soon. He says he will introduce another bill next year. “It was frustrating because everyone is looking for money,” he said. “We all want to spend money but no one wants to raise it.”
Co-sponsor Eric Estevez added, “I’m disappointed in the news but not surprised,” he said. “I really believe this was the last best chance to keep Rockingham Park open.” Estevez grew up at the racetrack. His two parents were jockeys.
He told the Eagle Tribune, “Its history is a precious thing. Once it closes, it’s gone. It’s really a shame — it’s a piece of New Hampshire history.”
“The Rock” had a long and storied history since it opened in 1906. Besides horseracing there was airplane, motorcycle and car racing, including the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit.
Its decline began after its grandstand was destroyed by fire in 1980. Although it reopened four years later, it never fully recovered.
Rockingham’s owner contacted Millennium Gaming Inc. in 2005 with the goal of bringing slot machines to the site and transforming it into a racino. Live racing ended in 2009 although simulcast racing, charitable gaming and special events continue at the site.
On the other hand, many business people consider the racetrack property to be one of the most prime real estate properties on the East Coast.
