Bill > HB728

This bill authorizes video lottery terminals (VLTs) at certain charitable gaming facilities while simultaneously repealing the state's historic horse racing licensing. Specifically, the bill creates a new legal framework for VLTs, defining them as electronic gaming machines where players can wager money and potentially win cash or prizes. Only eligible game operators who were previously licensed for historic horse racing can obtain a VLT license, and these terminals can only be placed within the licensed facility during charitable gaming hours. The bill establishes a 30 percent tax on VLT revenues, with 35 percent of that tax allocated to charitable organizations, a small portion going to problem gaming services and retirement systems, and the remainder going to the lottery commission. Licensees must undergo testing by an independent laboratory, submit responsible gaming plans, and follow strict regulatory guidelines. The bill also removes all previous legal provisions related to historic horse racing, effectively ending that form of gambling in the state. Operators must contract with local charitable organizations and are limited in how many revenue dates they can receive. Penalties for unauthorized operation of VLTs include potential misdemeanor or felony charges and potential seizure of equipment. The new VLT provisions will take effect immediately, while the repeal of historic horse racing provisions will occur on January 1, 2028.

Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0720&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB728