The proposed bill, SB 147-FN, aims 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 insertion of "LOTTERY AND" into the title of chapter 284, and the addition of a new paragraph in RSA 284:15 that mandates entities wishing to sell these pools to obtain a license from the lottery commission. The bill also repeals and reenacts RSA 284:22-a, which defines eligibility criteria for licensees, including specific conditions for game operator employers and new applicants. Additionally, it streamlines the licensing process by removing outdated references to dog racing and certain licensing requirements.

The bill further modifies existing provisions related to license issuance, payment timelines, and investigation fees, expanding the number of eligible locations for selling pari-mutuel pools from two to potentially fifteen. This includes game operator employers licensed as of May 1, 2020, and those who applied for a license between January 1, 2023, and October 15, 2023. The fiscal impact is projected to generate up to $50,000 in revenue for FY 2026 and up to $100,000 for FY 2027 and beyond, with funds directed to the Lottery Fund and the Education Trust Fund. However, the Lottery Commission anticipates that while the expansion may offer more betting options, it is unlikely to significantly increase overall wagering amounts, which have been declining in recent years.

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