New Hampshire Governor Calls For Gambling Commission

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch does not know whether or not legislators in his state are going to approve expanded gambling. If they do, however, Lynch will be prepared.

Lynch announced the formation of a fifteen member Commission on Friday to examine exactly how gambling expansion would take place if lawmakers ever approved the measure. The Commission will have studies done, and report back to Lynch.

“These are important questions that must be addressed in a careful and thoughtful way to help inform the public debate about expanded gaming in New Hampshire,” said Lynch after signing the executive order.

The executive order is the second one regarding gambling in the past week. Earlier in the week, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio signed an order to allow slot machine gambling at state racetracks/ Legislators in Ohio are planning to battle the executive order.

The state Senate is in favor of expanded gambling. They have already passed a Bill that would have brought slot machines to New Hampshire racetracks, but the House killed the proposal.

The House has been unwilling to include the expanded gambling in the new state budget, and Lynch believes that if properly informed, they may have a change of heart. The Commission will consist of members from within the community and also lawmakers.