House panel supports lower slot tax proposal in New Hampshire

A House budget working group in New Hampshire has decided not to raise the tax on charity casinos that operate slot machines. Governor Kelly Ayotte and State Lottery Director Charles McIntyre had proposed increasing the tax from 30% to 45%. This increase was intended to boost state revenue by an estimated $110 million. However, the panel voted 4-3 to keep the existing tax rate. The decision is part of a larger budget plan that includes significant cuts to Ayotte’s spending proposal. Besides keeping the slots tax low, the budget recommendations include eliminating the Division of the Arts and cutting nearly $15 million from the Attorney General's budget. Additionally, motor vehicle fees would rise to address a $45 million shortfall in the Highway Fund. Some lawmakers believe that maintaining a lower tax rate will help charity casinos expand their operations more quickly. Representative Daniel Popovici-Muller suggested the lower rate would attract more business to the state. In contrast, Representative Kate Murray raised concerns about letting operators keep 70% of gambling funds. The panel also rejected a request from charity casino operators to allow them to allocate up to 90% of their space to slot machines, currently limited to 70%. McIntyre noted that a variety of gaming options and amenities would draw in more customers. In further budget discussions, proposals to eliminate the state library are being considered, although some lawmakers express strong opposition. The subcommittee also supported the idea of selling or leasing welcome centers along state highways by 2026.