New Hampshire Senator Lou D’Allesandro is gearing up for another attempt to expand gambling in the state, with a focus on introducing iGaming options to boost revenue. This move could potentially reshape the landscape of online gambling in New Hampshire.
Key Takeaways:
- Senator D’Allesandro plans to reintroduce expanded gambling legislation in 2024.
- The proposed bill aims to legalize sports betting and online casino games.
- Previous attempts faced opposition, but changing attitudes may improve chances.
Senator Lou D’Allesandro, a long-time advocate for expanded gambling in New Hampshire, is preparing to make another push for legislation that would bring iGaming to the Granite State. The veteran lawmaker has announced his intention to reintroduce a bill in 2024 that would legalize sports betting and online casino games, potentially opening up new revenue streams for the state.
D’Allesandro’s previous attempts to expand gambling options in New Hampshire have faced significant opposition. However, the senator believes that attitudes may be shifting, particularly in light of the success of sports betting in the state and the growing acceptance of online gambling across the United States.
The proposed legislation would build upon the existing sports betting framework in New Hampshire, which has been operational since 2019. Currently, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees sports betting in partnership with DraftKings. The new bill would expand this to include online casino games, potentially attracting more operators to the state’s iGaming market.
One of the primary motivations behind D’Allesandro’s push for expanded gambling is the potential for increased state revenue. With neighboring states like Connecticut and Massachusetts already offering or moving towards offering online casino games, New Hampshire risks losing out on valuable tax dollars from residents who may cross state lines to gamble.
The senator’s previous attempt to introduce similar legislation in 2023 failed to gain traction. However, D’Allesandro remains optimistic about the bill’s chances in 2024, citing changing attitudes and the need for additional revenue sources as factors that could sway lawmakers.
Critics of expanded gambling argue that it could lead to increased problem gambling and social issues. However, proponents counter that regulated online gambling can provide better protections for consumers compared to offshore sites that currently operate in a legal gray area.
If successful, D’Allesandro’s bill could position New Hampshire as a competitive player in the Northeast’s growing iGaming market. It would also provide residents with a wider range of legal online gambling options, potentially reducing the appeal of unregulated offshore sites.
The iGaming industry will be watching closely as this legislation develops, as its passage could create new opportunities for operators and technology providers in the state. Additionally, it could serve as a model for other states considering similar expansions of their gambling offerings.
As the 2024 legislative session approaches, stakeholders in the gambling industry, state officials, and residents alike will be eager to see how D’Allesandro’s latest effort unfolds and whether New Hampshire will join the growing list of states embracing online casino gaming.
