BY MATT HERSH
With the prospect of video gambling at Rockingham Park on the horizon once again, town officials and residents have told the state House of Representatives that they’re in full support.
Several officials, along with Rockingham Park manager Ed Callahan, testified before a House Ways and Means subcommittee recently in hopes of convincing the state to pass a pro-gaming bill that could bring revenue to the state.
The revenue might be used to alleviate the state’s education funding issues and also bring money to other state programs.
If passed, the bill could bring about dramatic changes for the struggling 170-acre horse racing park.
Callahan has been pushing for video slot machines and other forms of gambling for 13 years.
In recent years, the park stopped hosting thoroughbred racing because it can’t afford to, Callahan said.
Making ends meet has become a challenge, he said.
But if the raceway had state approval to host gambling, Callahan said he envisions an entirely renovated facility with slot machines, restaurants and live entertainment.
“The eventuality is that racing will not sustain itself,” he said. “With the introduction of gaming, we could draw a bigger crowd and it would be very beneficial to the local community.”
The possibility of casinos being built in Massachusetts has also added pressure to the situation, according to Callahan. Middleborough, Mass., recently approved a Wampanoag casino to be built in town, but the proposal still has to be approved by state officials.
Many Salem residents have long supported allowing gambling at the park.
Two nonbinding referendums that approved gambling at Rockingham Park were passed in 1994 and again in 2003. Despite the residents’ push, the New Hampshire Legislature nixed the idea both times.
Town Manager Henry LaBranche said that though the majority of Salem residents approve of the plan, anti-gambling advocates have also spoken before state officials, citing increased crime and other negative effects of gaming.
“I think that some people are opposed because they believe gambling is an addiction, and it creates other social problems,” he said.
Still, Salem Police Chief Paul Donovan, who also testified recently, said these anti-gambling sentiments are often misconceptions.
“It’s a knee-jerk reaction and some people think (any gambling) is going to be a criminal enterprise,” he said. “But if it is controlled and regulated properly, I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Personally, I see this as beneficial. That’s why I went up there to speak.”
Selectman Arthur Barnes, who joined Donovan in testifying, said he went to represent the people of Salem, but he’s not completely for bringing gaming to Rockingham Park.
“Personally, I’m not opposed to it but I’m not a strong supporter of it either,” he said. “But since I was selected to testify, I’ve received many calls about (gaming). Eighty percent of the people I talked to were for (gaming).”
While the state may need more revenue to fund education and other programs, gambling isn’t the only possibility. The Ways and Means Committee has also formed subcommittees on sales tax and another on smaller taxes and fees.
An income tax subcommittee was quickly disbanded after it was formed.
Callahan said he intends to keep lobbying for gaming at the park. Otherwise, Rockingham Park may end up being sold to developers in the future, he said.
“The town should have the option to vote on this for real, but to be honest, most of the legislature doesn’t give a damn about Salem,” he said. “Regretfully, the timeline on this doesn’t keep extending. We just can’t afford to do what we used to do. There are a lot of people on our side, but we have the rest of the state to convince and that’s not easy.”