New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Revenues Grow by 82% in May

Charitable gaming in New Hampshire saw a dramatic 82% year-on-year boost in revenue this May, according to new figures published by the New Hampshire Lottery. The state’s 14 licensed gambling venues brought in a combined $25.1 million from casino games and historical horse racing (HHR), up from $13.8 million in May 2024.

The sharp rise was driven mainly by HHR, which accounted for $19.7 million of combined revenue, up 95% from last May’s $10.1 million. Games of chance also showed significant revenue growth, generating $5.4 million, a 52% increase over the same period the previous year.

New Casinos Drive Explosive Revenue Growth

Part of the growth is due to the addition of three new venues that were not operational in May 2024. Leading the pack was The Nash, which opened in November and topped the revenue chart with $6.5 million.

Seven of the 11 venues active in both years saw revenue increases. Revo Casino in Lebanon recorded the largest jump, a staggering 305% year-on-year gain. The Brook also performed strongly, generating $5.6 million, a 23% improvement from last May. 

Yet, New Hampshire’s third-highest revenue earner, Gate City Casino, reported a year-on-year revenue decline of 8%, dropping from $2.8 million to $2.6 million. Three other venues reported revenue decreases in May, with Aces + Eights Casino having the most significant reduction at 30% year-on-year. 

New Hampshire Lawmakers Consider Lifting $50 Table Game Cap

Meanwhile, New Hampshire legislators are considering a proposal that could further boost revenue from the gambling sector by eliminating the current $50 betting cap on table games. 

The plan aims to attract high-stakes gamblers who currently use casinos in neighboring Massachusetts, where no such limits exist.

Republican Senator Tim Lang of Sanbornton introduced the proposal in May during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. He presented an amendment to the governor’s budget package calling for the removal of the restriction on games like poker and blackjack.

However, not all lawmakers are on board, with some voicing concerns about the potential impact on those at risk of gambling addiction.

“While I get that there are a lot of ways for people to ruin their lives and probably we should let them, I’m not sure that we should help them along the way,” said Senator Cindy Rosenwald.

The current $50 ceiling was raised from $10 just last year. Proponents of the change hope removing the cap could boost state revenue and charitable contributions. Under current state law, 35% of casino earnings support nonprofits, while 10% goes to the Education Trust Fund.