Residents in the Granite State who are longing for online casino games to become available within their territory are one step closer to seeing it materialize. SB 168, which was previously endorsed by Senators Timothy Lang, Daniel Innis, Howard Pearl, and Keith Murphy, underwent its first state committee hearing on February 12, 2025.
One Crucial Amendment to SB 168
During its hearing with the Ways and Means committee, legislators pointed out that in SB 168’s original form, the bill was scrutinized and questioned due to the perception that it was cutting out the charities that receive revenue from the state’s retail casinos. Senator Tim Lang responded that was never his intent.
Sen. Lang stated that it was a necessary change to correct an oversight in his draft which emphasizes the inclusion of charitable organizations in the state. The new language of the bill explicitly states that charities that contract with gaming licensees in New Hampshire will get a cut of online casino revenue.
That provision could do as much to facilitate the bill’s passage as benefit charities in New Hampshire.
Specifically, SB 168 still imposes a 45% tax rate on iGaming revenue but now splits those funds 65%-35%, with charities that contract with gaming licensees in New Hampshire receiving the lesser split. Moreover, the other 65% goes to the state, with the distribution of those funds resembling Lang’s original framework.
The breakdown gives 50% to the general fund, 25% to the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf exemption reimbursement fund, and 25% to a special fund.
This amendment was approved by the Ways and Means committee, thanks to a 3-2 vote.
Other Issues SB 168 Needs to Address
Conventional gaming facilities such as casinos must share revenue with charity organizations in New Hampshire. Currently, SB 168’s amendment has already addressed this concern by requiring iGaming operators to contract with those facilities.
This measure ensures charities receive a cut from online slot games and other iGaming revenue operators will rake in. With the amendment, the revenue that could be acquired by the charity organizations will hit the 35% threshold.
SB 168 has cleared one hurdle so far. That said, Sen. Lang and SB 168’s other sponsors will need to tackle the issue about cannibalization concerns of casino licensees within the state.
Last Updated on by jonathan r
