New Hampshire Casino Bill Extends Nonprofit Gaming Benefits

New Hampshire lawmakers are moving forward with legislation designed to broaden nonprofit access to the state’s charitable gaming revenue. Senate Bill 542, which has successfully passed the state Senate, proposes changes to how casinos select their charitable partners.

State Senator Tim Lang, a Republican representing Sanbornton, is spearheading the effort to reduce the maximum number of days a single charity can act as a casino beneficiary from 10 days per year to seven. While this represents a reduction for individual organizations, proponents believe it will create opportunities for hundreds of smaller nonprofits that currently struggle to secure partnerships.

Lang stated that this change would enable more than 400 additional nonprofits to enter the state’s gaming market. Presently, New Hampshire’s 14 charitable casinos often work repeatedly with the same established charities, making it difficult for lesser-known organizations to participate despite being registered with the state.

The economic impact is considerable. New Hampshire casinos contributed over $60 million to charitable causes during 2025 through games of chance and historical horse racing machines. The state’s regulatory framework mandates that casinos partner with two qualified nonprofits each day, with those charities receiving 35% of the daily gross gaming revenue.

The sector continues to expand following the introduction of video lottery terminals in autumn 2025. VLTs operate more quickly than historical horse racing machines, which could lead to increased charitable contributions in coming years.

After receiving Senate approval through a voice vote in January, the bill has advanced to the House of Representatives where it is under consideration by the Ways and Means Committee. Should the legislation pass, it would become effective in 2026, potentially transforming how charitable gaming revenues are distributed among New Hampshire’s nonprofit organizations.