New Hampshire Approves Unlimited Video Lottery Terminals

In New Hampshire, the maximum number of VLTs each casino could have was between 230 and 300 machines per location. That’s not a story of the past, as Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 2 (HB 2) on June 30, 2025.

This bill allows casinos to have an unlimited number of video lottery terminals (VLTs), putting New Hampshire in a stronger position to compete with other states in the region for gambling revenue

Details of the New Gambling Legislation

The table that follows summarises the main changes that House Bill 2 brings to New Hampshire’s gambling laws.

While legally the casinos are now entitled to install an unlimited number of VLTs at once, the entire implementation will take several months. The state requires time to develop detailed rules and regulations, the bill’s sponsor Rep. Joe Sweeney, explains.

In an effort to further entrench this new policy in law, the bill has re-designated and reorganized the New Hampshire Lottery Commission to the New Hampshire Lottery & Gaming Commission. The new commission has a bigger role in regulating VLTs and other games of chance in the state.

Joe Sweeney said the update will keep charitable gaming current in a responsible way. That’s why the state brought all the self-exclusion programs into one system so it’s easier for people to exclude themselves from gambling in all venues.

Yes, casinos are finally legally permitted to have an unlimited number of VLTs, but they still have to adhere to all the new regulations when they’re finalized.

How Much Revenue Does The State Expect to Raise From This?

Allowing unlimited VLTs will most likely significantly increase the revenue of the state in gambling. The new law can generate up to $65 million every year, as estimated by experts. The funds will be used for the general fund of the state, addiction treatment programs, and local charities that are under agreement with casinos.

Removing the VLT limit means casinos can attract more players and generate more income. Both of these are good for the charities and the state. Charities that cooperate with casinos will receive a portion of tax funds, which can serve useful community programs.

Governor Ayotte has shown strong support to use gambling revenue to restore first responder retirement plan funding and other important state services.

VLTs in Other US States

Here’s a look at the situation in a few other states:

New Hampshire’s unlimited VLT policy puts the state in a unique position compared to neighboring states. For example, Vermont has no casino gambling. Rhode Island, on the other hand, runs only state-operated VLTs with very high tax rates. NH is positioning itself as a better alternative for both casino operators and gamblers.

New gambling laws in New Hampshire mean more games, more chances to win, and more support for people who need help. The state hopes these changes will make gambling safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

The Nash Casino, which opened in Nashua in March 2025, could really benefit from the new rules. It’s close to the Massachusetts border, so it can now add as many VLTs as it wants. This might bring in visitors from the Boston area, who would usually go to casinos in Massachusetts.

Because of this strategic positioning, New Hampshire could collect more gambling revenue from tourists and residents of neighboring states. So, the unlimited VLT policy is a smart economic move for the state.

References

• NH HB2 | 2025 | Regular Session | LegiScan
• Nash Casino to open with 1,000-plus HHR games, five restaurants
• New Hampshire’s charitable casinos to get unlimited Video Lottery Terminals – G3 Newswire