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Key lawmaker supports video poker at racetracks

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005 | 8:41 a.m.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Senate President Tom Eaton said Monday he supports legalizing video poker at New Hampshire's four racetracks to help shore up the state's finances.

Eaton said he also would consider expanding gambling in the future to include the state's grand hotels.

State Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat, is working on a bill to legalize the machines, said Eaton.

Both Eaton and D'Allesandro estimate putting state-operated video poker machines at the four tracks will raise $200 million a year for the state.

D'Allesandro has tried unsuccessfully in the past to pass the bill, but the composition of the House and Senate has changed since his last attempt. Eaton said he doesn't know if gambling will fare better this time, but there are not many other alternatives to raising money to help pay for spending in the next state budget.

Gov.-elect John Lynch estimates the state faces a $300 million budget shortfall if spending on existing programs continues at their same levels. Lynch, Eaton and House Speaker Doug Scamman oppose income and sales taxes. Lynch says the state must resolve the shortfall within existing revenue.

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