State rep pushes for ‘largest gambling bill’ in New Hampshire’s history

Rep. Dan McGuire is a man on a mission.

The Epsom representative will attempt to reverse a committee recommendation that is set to kill what he says could be the “largest gambling bill” in New Hampshire, at least in terms of potential revenue.

In an interview with the Concord Monitor, McGuire said House Bill 630 would allow not just one or two casinos, but hundreds of bars and restaurants in the state to host up to six video lottery machines each.

Under the proposed bill, businesses holding a liquor license can host the machines, which will let customers play slots, poker or blackjack in their premises—as long as the machines are off limits to children and separated from family spaces. The host will get one-third of the machines’ revenue, while the rest goes to the state’s property taxes for an estimated reduction of 5 percent.