Article 34: Allow Keno in Hampton

Shall we allow the operation of keno games within the town?

What it means: State legislation has been passed allowing Keno to be played in NH towns.  The proceeds will be distributed to municipalities throughout the state to offset the costs of all-day kindergarten. Towns do not need to approve keno to be qualified for the grants. Businesses that host Keno can keep up to 8 percent of the revenue generated, in addition to the extra sales of drinks and food boosted by increased customer participation.

Those in favor say: Why not allow the game to be played in Hampton, and gain the revenue from those who  might otherwise go elsewhere to play?

Those against say: Portsmouth City Council recently voted against allowing the playing of Keno, and North Hampton did not put it on the ballot, deciding to wait and more carefully evaluate the pros and cons.  The downside might be said to be the social issues that accompany any gaming activity, as well as a distrust of whether the educational funding will be reliably and equitably distributed to municipalities going forward.

Fiscal Impact:  No tax impact.