Video slots proposal defeated

Friday, April 8, 2005 | 9:35 a.m.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Senators on Thursday soundly defeated a proposal to add video slot machines at race tracks and in Coos County 18-6.

The video gambling bill was sponsored by Manchester Sen. Lou D'Allesandro who has promoted video slots as an "economic recovery package" for the state.

His plan called for the state to keep 52 percent of the revenues from the slot machines along with applications fees from those who seek licenses to operate them.

He estimates that allowing video gaming at the state's four race tracks and at three locations in Coos County would generate $200 million to $300 million in new state revenue. It also would provide an economic boost to the depressed northern county and help replace jobs recently lost in Salem, home of the Rockingham Park horse track.

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