The anticipation surrounding the potential establishment of a casino in New Hampshire’s second-largest city has been building for quite some time. Nashua City Planning Board, however, decided to postpone EC NH Real Estate Holdings Inc.’s request for a permit, thus delaying the development.
The economic benefits of a casino in Nashua City are hard to ignore, those in favor of the casino argue. The influx of tourists and visitors would result in increased spending on accommodations, dining, and entertainment, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses.
Additionally, the creation of jobs would provide employment opportunities for Nashua City residents, reducing unemployment rates and boosting the overall economy. The revenue generated from the casino would also contribute to the city’s tax base, allowing for improved infrastructure and public services.
Opponents have expressed concerns about the social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates and problem gambling.
While the economic benefits of a casino in Nashua City are apparent, there are also valid concerns surrounding the delay in the permit decision. One of the main concerns is the uncertainty it creates for businesses and investors. Many businesses may be hesitant to make long-term investments or expansions until the casino permit decision is finalized. This delay also prolongs the potential economic benefits that a casino could bring, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by Nashua City.
Casinos in the Granite State operate differently than they do in other states. The facilities are allowed but must be operated by a charitable organization. They also are not allowed to have slot machines.
In 2021, however, a law was passed that allowed casinos to have historic horse racing (HHR). The machines allow customers to bet on horse raciness that have already happened.
EC NH has plans to renovate an old Sears building. They have proposed 1,200 historic horse racing (HHR) machines and 62 table games and are planning on calling the casino The Mint.
Meanwhile, Rochester could also become one of the next locations, but city residents would have to approve.Rochester’s City Council would like to see the question on the ballot come November.
Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan told the Daily Democrat that “there is a strong possibility we will decide to put this to our voters.” He pointed out the City Council on June 6 passed a gaming ordinance that defines where in the city a charitable gaming facility could be located and sets parameters.
It would not be the first time the question of allowing a sportsbook casino was put to Rochester voters. In November 2019, it was narrowly rejected with a vote of 1,488-1,439 against it, per the Democrat.
If the question makes it to the November ballot in 2023 and city voters approve, it’s still not guaranteed a casino would open in Rochester. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission would have to select Rochester, according to officials.
A state law authorized the creation of no more than 10 retail sports wagering locations inside charitable venues. Current locations include The Brook casino in Seabrook and the Filotomo Casino and Restaurants at the Dover Bowl complex and in Manchester.
Rochester’s ordinance says the location would only be acceptable in the city’s highway commercial zone, such as Routes 11 and 125, or the Granite Ridge zone, and perhaps the Ridge shopping plaza.
Other details in the Rochester gaming ordinance: a gaming floor of at least 20,000 square feet, not counting ancillary office space. The parking design must contain space for bus parking and bus loading, and a minimum of 0.75 parking spaces per gaming position in the casino. At least 2 percent of parking spaces must have electric vehicle charging stations. There are also standards for outdoor entertainment noise, architecture and landscaping.
City leaders have met with Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, Callaghan said.
“We could be looking at casino-type tables, games of chance,” he told the Democrat. “They all need to be associated with a charitable gaming facility, so we will look at that. The entire process is strictly regulated by the lottery commission so there is very good guidance.”
DraftKings has been contracted by the state Lottery Commission to manage both the online and retail sports wagering operations in New Hampshire.
If on the ballot, a public hearing would take place ahead of the election.
