The proposed bill, SB 147-FN, seeks to expand the scope of simulcast horse race betting in New Hampshire by allowing all charitable gaming facilities to sell pari-mutuel pools on simulcast races. Key amendments include the addition of "LOTTERY AND" to the title of chapter 284, and the introduction of a new requirement in RSA 284:15 that mandates entities wishing to sell these pools to apply for a license from the lottery commission. The bill also repeals and reenacts RSA 284:22-a, which defines eligibility criteria for licensees, including specific requirements for game operator employers and those who applied for a game operator license within a designated timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing licensing provisions, payment timelines, and investigation fees, while removing sections related to dog racing simulcasting. It updates the payment schedule for licensees to align with the lottery commission's timeline and expands the number of eligible locations for simulcast wagering from two to potentially fifteen. The effective dates for most provisions are set for January 1, 2026, with the title amendment taking effect on January 2, 2027. The fiscal impact is expected to be minimal, with projected state revenue increases of up to $50,000 in FY 2026 and up to $100,000 in FY 2027 and beyond, although the Lottery Commission anticipates that this expansion may not significantly reverse the declining trend in simulcast racing revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 284:15, 284:16, 284:24, 284:12-a