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 pari-mutuel 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 conditions for game operator employers and new applicants. Additionally, it modifies existing licensing provisions, payment timelines, and investigation fees, while removing sections related to dog racing simulcasting.

The bill significantly broadens the eligibility for simulcast wagering by allowing licensed game operator employers, who have been licensed since May 1, 2020, and those who applied for a license between January 1, 2023, and October 15, 2023, to participate. This change replaces the previous limitation of simulcast wagering to only two licensed racetracks, potentially increasing the number of eligible locations to 15 game rooms. The fiscal impact is expected to generate up to $50,000 in revenue for FY 2026 and up to $100,000 in FY 2027 and beyond, although the Lottery Commission believes that while the expansion may slow revenue decline, it is unlikely to significantly boost player numbers or overall wagering amounts. The bill is structured to operate within existing budgetary constraints, with no new appropriations or expenditures included.

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