Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gambling Local Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bedford to vote on banning Keno and other games of chance after clarifying ballot language
Summary
Articles 12 and 13 ask whether Bedford should prohibit Keno and games of chance; the council and residents adjusted the explanatory text to read 'A yes vote is to prohibit...' and scheduled required public hearings before the vote.
Two warrant articles ask Bedford voters whether to prohibit certain gambling activities: Article 12 asks whether to prohibit Keno; Article 13 asks whether to prohibit games of chance. Moderator Veilleux and councilors explained that recent state law changes mean Keno is allowed by default unless the Town votes to prohibit it; the statutory ballot wording is prescribed by RSA.
During the session residents proposed clarifying explanatory language so voters understand the effect of a yes vote. Motion language to change the explanation to read 'A yes vote is to prohibit Keno games' (Article 12) and 'A yes vote is to prohibit Games of Chance as defined in RSA 287-D:1, III' (Article 13) passed. Town Attorney Nathan Midolo noted the statutory definition of "games of chance" and DRA-required wording; the council will hold required public hearings before the March 10 ballot.
The council recommended Article 12 (6–0) and Article 13 (5–1). Both articles will appear on the March ballot with the clarified explanations.
