Bill > HB737

This bill creates a local option for municipalities in New Hampshire to vote on prohibiting games of chance and Keno within their boundaries. Specifically, the bill allows towns and cities to hold a ballot vote to prohibit games of chance or Keno, with detailed procedures for how such votes can be conducted, including requirements for public hearings and petition processes. By default, Keno will be automatically permitted unless a municipality votes to prohibit it. The bill also modifies licensing requirements for games of chance, changing license fees from annual to a three-year period and removing the annual reporting requirement. For facilities, game operator employer, primary game operator, and secondary game operator licenses, the fees are adjusted to reflect a three-year period: facility licenses will now cost $750, game operator employer licenses $2,250, primary game operator licenses $300, and secondary game operator licenses $90. Additionally, the bill requires licensees to immediately notify the lottery commission of any criminal arrests or convictions. Most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with some Keno-related sections taking effect on January 1, 2027, giving municipalities and businesses time to prepare for the new regulations.

Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0742&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB737