Senate Finance Committee Approves Gambling Filled Budget

The burning question for many lawmakers around the country this legislative session has revolved around gambling and the budget. With state budgets being set and gambling laws in flux, lawmakers have been torn as to whether or not to include gambling revenue in the budget.

Some states have decided to leave gambling revenue out of the budget. The state of New Hampshire, however, may be one of the states that decides the gambling revenue is needed to keep other important projects in the budget.

On Thursday, the state Senate Finance Committee voted in favor of amending the proposed budget to include video gambling revenue. The expanded gambling would take place at state racetracks.

The next month will be crucial for the expansion of gambling in the state. The full Senate will vote next week on the revised budget, and if they approve it, the House would get their shot.

The House, however, has not been in favor of any expanded gambling. If the Senate approves the budget, there would have to be compromise and the gambling issue would be on the top of the issue that could be up for compromise.

The Senate Committee had the option to include the expanded gambling in the budget or to raise taxes. They chose to steer clear of the tax raising scenario.

May 30, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!