New Hampshire begins slot debate

CONCORD, New Hampshire -- As reported by the Concord Monitor: "Economic growth was pitted against crime and social costs in testimony yesterday before Senate lawmakers who will decide whether to recommend allowing as many as 15,000 slot machines at the state's racetracks and in the North Country.

"Expanded gambling would spur job creation, rejuvenate the North Country, and revitalize ailing horse and dog racetracks, proponents testified.

"Sen. Lou D'Allesandro's bill would allow 5,000 slot machines at Salem's Rockingham Park, 2,000 each in two North Country facilities and 2,000 each at the state's dog tracks. One of the three dog tracks, Hinsdale Greyhound Park, shut down in December. Municipalities would vote on whether to allow new gambling either by referendum or at town meeting.

"D'Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat who has been leading the charge for expanded gambling for more than a decade, said lawmakers "pushed $2 billion out the window" when they shot down a gambling bill 10 years ago.

"...Opponents said slot machines would cause the state's crime rate to spike and lead to gambling addictions. For those reasons, every state attorney general for three decades has opposed expanded gambling, said Senior Assistant Attorney General Will Delker..."