The article discusses the growing charitable gaming industry in New Hampshire amid rising casino revenues. While the gaming sector is booming, some lawmakers and watchdogs express concern over insufficient oversight regarding how casinos distribute their earnings to charities.
Key quotes from several stakeholders highlight the potential lack of accountability and transparency in charity partnerships with casinos. Amy Manzelli from Granite Staters for Responsible Gaming is particularly concerned about the absence of vetting processes for charities selected by casinos. An investigation spotlighted the Concord Coach Society, which received substantial funds without any apparent charitable work.
New Hampshire’s casinos have rapidly increased their contributions to charities, with significant growth in revenue reported. For instance, the Nash casino distributed over $2.7 million in July alone. However, the oversight commission is grappling with how to regulate this system effectively without imposing overly restrictive rules.
There are discussions about lowering the number of gaming days per charity from ten to seven to enable broader participation among nonprofits. While there’s general agreement on the need for reform, opinions vary on the best approach, with some lawmakers hesitant to create arbitrary selection criteria for charities.
In summary, as charitable gaming expands, there’s a growing call for increased oversight to ensure that funds are used effectively and for their intended charitable purposes.
