New Hampshire Lottery launches new online games

By Daniel Johnson

As the debate concerning the status of online gaming continues throughout the USA, the state of New Hampshire is the latest to make headlines. Next week will see the controversial launch of new online games by the New Hampshire Lottery on playnownh. The aim is to generate additional revenue and is set to feature titles including 'New Hampshire Poker', 'Super Slots' and 'Speed Bingo'.

The move is not short of critics with much of the anger directed at state senator Lou D'Allesandro. Commenting on the move, D'Allesandro has spoken out in support of gaming expansion. "You applaud the lottery commission for all of their efforts", he said. "It seems to me on one had we're doing this and on the other hand, we're opposing expanded gaming at sites where people can take advantage of what they want to do".

House Deputy Republican leader Rep. David Hess, however, has spoken out in defence of the move noting the gap between online lottery games and casino gambling. "It doesn't have the glitz and the glamour and all of the chutzpah you find in a casino, so it's quite different", he the lottery commission, meanwhile, has argued that added revenue will support the state in what is a difficult and challenging financial climate. Online games will be operated responsibly with $100 limits whilst tickets can only be purchased prior to play at named retail locations. Players will be able to access playnownh from March 1 onwards. It remains to be seen how the debate will develop as D'Allesandro pushes to renew his video slots bill in the course of the next year.