State Budget Moves to Senate with Major Charitable Gaming Changes

The New Hampshire House has passed HB 1 and HB 2, advancing the state budget to the Senate and its Finance Committee for further deliberation. Nonprofit advocates should take particular note of changes to charitable gaming laws embedded within HB 2, spearheaded by Rep. Sweeney.

Key provisions include:

• New framework for Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), including a 30% tax rate which will be distributed as follows: 35% to charities, 65% to the state.
• Authorization of High-Stakes Tournaments, defined by a $2,500+ buy-in.
• 24-hour gaming facility operations, if approved by local municipalities.
• Elimination of wager limits for games of chance, VLTs, and historic horse racing.
• Marketing incentives, allowing free bets and promotions (up to 15% of revenue) to be excluded from gross revenue calculations.

Nonprofit organizations relying on charitable gaming revenue should keep a close eye on how these provisions evolve in the Senate.