This bill introduces a local option for municipalities in New Hampshire to vote on whether to prohibit games of chance, including keno, within their boundaries. It establishes that keno will be automatically permitted unless a municipality votes against it, and outlines the necessary voting process, which includes public hearings and specific ballot wording. If a municipality decides to prohibit games of chance, it can still allow a limited number of charitable gaming events each year. Furthermore, the bill requires the lottery commission to maintain a list of municipalities that have opted to prohibit these games.

In addition to the local option for keno, the bill amends existing laws regarding charitable gaming licensing fees and reporting requirements. It removes the previous requirement that only municipalities that voted to allow gaming could have keno, thus allowing keno to operate unless explicitly prohibited. The bill also increases licensing fees for various gaming facility licenses, with significant adjustments to the fees for facility licenses, game operator employer licenses, and primary and secondary game operator licenses. Additionally, it mandates that licensees notify the commission of any changes to their information and report any criminal offenses. The effective dates for the bill are staggered, with certain sections taking effect on June 1, 2027, and the remainder on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 284:42, 284:45, 287-D:7, 287-D:8, 287-D:9, 287-D:10, 287-D:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 284:42, 284:45, 287-D:7, 287-D:8, 287-D:9, 287-D:10, 287-D:13
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 284:42, 284:45, 287-D:7, 287-D:8, 287-D:9, 287-D:13