New Hampshire is considering a new legislative proposal that could change how nonprofits benefit from charitable gaming.
Senate Bill 542 (SB 542) seeks to adjust the number of days charities can partner with licensed gaming facilities in the state, commonly known as charity casinos or "Lucky 7" venues.
These facilities host games like poker and blackjack, and the proceeds help fund the charitable work of nonprofits.
The Proposal: Fewer Days to Benefit More Charities
Currently, under New Hampshire law, a charitable organization can be designated as the beneficiary for up to 10 days per year at a gaming facility.
This allows them to receive a share of the gaming revenue from those dates. However, SB 542, introduced by State Senator Timothy Lang (R-Sanbornton), aims to reduce that maximum to 7 days per year per charity. The bill has already passed the Senate with an amendment and is now under consideration by the House.
The primary intention behind SB 542 is to distribute gaming opportunities among a greater number of nonprofits.
According to Sen. Lang, this adjustment could allow an additional 430 nonprofits to gain access to these revenue-generating opportunities without decreasing the overall charitable proceeds. The state has seen significant growth in gambling revenue, so the hope is that more nonprofits participating will not diminish the total funds available for charitable purposes.
A Brief History of Charitable Gaming in New Hampshire
Charitable gaming in New Hampshire has a long and evolving history. Initially, gambling was heavily restricted until the 20th century, primarily due to moral opposition. Significant changes began in 1933 with the legalization of pari-mutuel betting on horse races. Over the years, additional forms of gaming have been legalized:
- 1949: Bingo and Lucky 7 ticket sales were allowed for charitable purposes.
- 1964: New Hampshire launched the first state lottery in the U.S.
- 1977: Games of chance, such as card games and raffles, were explicitly legalized for charities.
By the mid-2000s, the landscape shifted significantly. In 2006, the legislature allowed for-profit companies to run gaming operations on behalf of nonprofits, paving the way for larger venues and professional operations, referred to as "charity casinos."
The Modern Era and Recent Developments
In recent years, the gaming industry in New Hampshire has seen unprecedented growth. Legal changes have introduced sports betting and historical horse racing machines, essentially slot machines, into charitable facilities. This expansion led to substantial increases in both nonprofit donations and state revenue. By 2025, charitable donations surged to $64 million, with the industry inching toward a half-billion in gross revenue.
Despite this growth, debates continue over how to best distribute these opportunities across the nonprofit sector. SB 542 has received bipartisan support but is being watched closely by established charities concerned about the impact of losing a few gaming days.
SB 542 represents a significant step in reshaping the landscape of charitable gaming in New Hampshire. While the goal is to broaden access for more nonprofits, the potential impact on existing charities is a matter of concern. As the bill progresses through the House, stakeholders from all sides will be keeping a close watch on how these changes might transform the industry and the charitable organizations it supports.
