NH Attorney General Opposes Slots

In June, as New Hampshire was considering predatory slot machines, the state's Attorney General Kelly Ayotte sent this strongly worded letter in opposition [emphasis mine] -

Letter from AG Ayotte to NH Senators: Say no to slots
Jun 3rd, 2009 by Jarret Bencks

The day before the New Hampshire Senate was set to vote on the state’s budget plan, which was amended in a senate committee to include installing 13,000 slot machines in the state as a source of revenue, Attorney General Kelly Ayotte sent the following letter to at least one New Hampshire Senator:

Dear Senator Gallus:

Tomorrow, you will be voting on HB 2, including an amendment that would enable the expansion of legalized gambling in New Hampshire, in the form of video gambling. I strongly urge you to preserve our quality of life and protect our status as the safest state in the nation by opposing this legislative effort.

The introduction of video gambling to New Hampshire brings with it social costs that far outweigh the potential financial benefits. While many can gamble responsibly, there is a segment of the population that cannot or do not, and the consequences affect all of us. It is well documented that when you bring video gambling to an area, the numbers of problem gamblers increases in that area. Studies show that the financial strain that results from problem or pathological gambling unfortunately leads to increased rates of bankruptcy, divorce, child abuse, and domestic violence. It also leads to an increase in crime. We have seen examples in NH and throughout the country of crimes driven by gambling debts, including crimes like stealing a parent’s social security checks, stealing an elderly couple’s checkbook and forging checks, stealing millions of dollars from investors, and even murder—all to support their gambling habits. The latest example is the Craigslist killer who investigators believe used the money he obtained from his crimes to feed a gambling habit. However, its not just about the sensational crimes, there is also the incredible strain placed on the families of problem gamblers.

We are at a critical juncture. What is at stake is not just about the short term financial difficulties we are experiencing as a state, but I hope that you will look at the long term impact on our quality of life in New Hampshire. The lure of potential revenue must be weighed against the costs to our communities and our citizens. As the State’s chief law enforcement officer, I feel strongly that this is the wrong direction for our State.
Sincerely, Kelly A. Ayotte

KAA/p Attorney General
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The senate is expected to vote on the $11.6 billion budget plan today.