Committee Hears Bill to Replace Historic‐horse‑racing Machines with Video Lottery Terminals

The House Ways and Means Committee opened a public hearing on HB 728 on May 20, a bill that would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal licensing for historic horse‑racing (HHR) machines.

Proponents and industry observers told the committee the change would shift how gross gaming revenue is divided, reduce certain operating costs for facilities and produce a steadier revenue stream for problem‑gambling services and education. Supporters also described a multi‑year phase‑in and urged the committee to consider allocations for charities and the state pension fund.

Why it matters: HB 728 would convert the machines that now rely on a distinct HHR architecture into true video lottery terminals (sometimes called slots), which supporters say are cheaper to operate and draw from a broader market of manufacturers. Committee witnesses said the swap would change the split of gross gaming revenue and therefore the sums available to charities, the Lottery (which funnels money to the Education Trust Fund) and other beneficiaries.

What proponents told the committee Representative Jacob Ulm introduced HB 728, saying the bill would “authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repealing historic horse racing licensing.” Former state representative Pat Abrami — who chaired New Hampshire’s charitable gaming study commission — told the…