Rochester NH voters to decide on sportsbook gambling venue

ROCHESTER — A sportsbook betting location could come to the city, possibly as part of a new casino at the Lilac Mall, but only if the city's voters approve.

The ballot in the Tuesday, Nov. 7 city election will have a question reading: "Shall the city of Rochester allow the operation of sports book retail locations within the city?"

Rochester residents in 2019 rejected sportsbook gambling in a close vote, 1,488-1,439.

NH Lottery leader explains sportsbook gambling in state

As required, the Rochester City Council held a public hearing on the sportsbook question Tuesday night, a few weeks ahead of the vote.

Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery, gave a presentation. He noted state law has authorized 10 physical sports book betting locations. There are currently four DraftKings sportsbook venues in the state, including Seacoast locations at the Filotimo Casino & Restaurant in the Dover Bowl complex and The Brook casino in Seabrook. DraftKings is also contracted in New Hampshire as the exclusive provider of online sports gambling.

"The difference between physical locations and online betting is the locations are usually sports bars where you can go and bet on the games you are watching," McIntyre said. "Online betting usually occurs in the home, on games, or lottery tickets."

McIntyre said New Hampshire was No. 2 in per capita revenue for lottery betting income last year.

One resident, Carol Petrusewicz, asked how the money is distributed and how Rochester can use it. McIntyre said it has to be used for education, and state legislators use a formula to distribute the funds.

"The lottery commission represents an important revenue source for the state," McIntyre said. "It is dedicated to an education trust fund, and it cannot be directed anywhere else. Last year, Rochester received $6.7 million in lottery funds dedicated to education."

"Well, this failed in 2019," Petrusewicz said. "I am in favor of this being on the ballot, and I want to see if Rochester still feels the same way."

Casino project does not depend on Rochester approving sportsbook site

If Rochester voters approve sportsbook gambling, it would only be allowed in the city's highway commercial zone, which includes routes 11 and 125, or by special exception in the Granite Ridge development zone.

Entrepreneur Greg Carlin, who bought the Lilac Mall for $5 million earlier this year, has said sportsbook gambling could be offered at the casino he has proposed at the mall. However, the casino won't depend on it and will be opened, he said, if it receives all necessary permits from the city.

Plans call for a 32,000-square-foot casino at Lilac Mall with 26 gaming tables and about 225 historical horse racing machines, along with a restaurant and bar. Like all casinos in New Hampshire, it will be required to give 35% of proceeds to nonprofits.