The Hidden Threat of Charitable Gaming in New Hampshire

Recently, I attended a board retreat for a non-profit organization. The retreat was held at a charitable gaming casino in Manchester, and I was taken aback by what I saw. Game tables, slot machines, full dining options, and cheap drinks were all present, resembling a traditional Las Vegas casino. This was a stark contrast to my understanding that we had successfully kept casino-style gambling out of New Hampshire. Clearly, I was mistaken. Rather than bypass the political system directly, casinos have found a backdoor through charitable gaming, achieving their goals under the guise of philanthropy. This firm had the honor of working to support the coalition that time and time again defeated gambling in NH. But, we didn't after all.

The Evolution of Charitable Gaming

Despite the New Hampshire House repeatedly rejecting proposals to legalize casinos, the state has seen a proliferation of so-called charitable gaming. Introduced as a way to raise funds for nonprofits, these establishments have evolved to closely resemble traditional casinos. They feature craps games, complex carpet patterns, and rows of slot machines. While there are some differences—such as a $10 limit on individual wagers and a requirement for owners to donate 35 percent of revenues to a rotating list of nonprofits—the core remains the same. In the recent fiscal year, more than $14.8 million was donated to charities through 14 NH gaming facilities. However, does this charitable facade mitigate the broader negative impacts of gambling?

An Illusion of Charity

The charitable aspect of these gaming facilities can create a false sense of good. While they do contribute to nonprofits, the promise of charitable donations obscures the real costs to individuals and society. Despite betting limits, frequent gambling can result in real financial losses for individuals. The economic burden on families and communities includes increased debt, bankruptcy, and reliance on social services, often outweighing any tax revenues generated by gambling activities.

Gambling addiction is a serious psychological disorder. The accessibility and casino-like environment of charitable gaming facilities increase the risk of addiction, leading to severe mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Then, our local governments bear the brunt of the costs associated with gambling addiction, including mental health treatment, increased crime rates, police time and the economic burden of related criminal activities.

Charitable gaming establishments can target vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and the elderly, exploiting their financial desperation. This predatory behavior raises serious ethical concerns about profiting off those least able to afford the losses, further entrenching poverty and social division.

The rise of charitable gaming facilities in New Hampshire, despite the repeated rejection of traditional casino legalization, presents a hidden threat to the state's brand and well being. While these facilities contribute to charities, the broader negative impacts of gambling cannot be ignored. Just stop by your friendly local casino and judge for yourself. Gaming is alive and well in our state, and by coupling it to non-profits it creates a false image of Monte Carlo night at the local church hall. But these are real casinos - and the funds come at a cost. With loose regulation, weak mitigation and a tie to your favorite charity - it is more dangerous.

The Need for ActionThe rise of charitable gaming facilities in New Hampshire, despite the repeated rejection of traditional casino legalization, presents a hidden threat to the state's residents. While these facilities contribute to charities, the broader negative impacts of gambling cannot be ignored. It is crucial for New Hampshire to carefully consider the implications of these gaming facilities and prioritize the well-being of its communities.